Bergapten is a furanocoumarin naturally occurring in the Apiaceae family and it is a well-known photosensitizing agent used in photochemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the influence of bergapten on cognitive function and mechanism underlying these effects in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in male Swiss mice. The passive avoidance test was used to evaluate the efficiency of memory acquisition and consolidation. The results demonstrated that both single and repeated administration of bergapten improved not only the acquisition but also consolidation of memory. The behavioral tests showed that bergapten prevented memory impairment induced by administration of scopolamine. Observed effects may result from the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Also, bergapten caused significant anti-oxidative effects. These new findings provide pharmacological and biochemical support for the development of the coumarin’s potential in cognitive deficits.

中文翻译：

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佛手柑通过胆碱能和抗氧化机制改善东莨菪碱诱导的小鼠记忆障碍

Bergapten 是伞形科中天然存在的呋喃香豆素，它是众所周知的用于光化学疗法的光敏剂。在这项研究中，我们调查了佛手柑对东莨菪碱诱导的瑞士雄性小鼠记忆障碍的认知功能和机制的影响。被动回避测试用于评估记忆获取和巩固的效率。结果表明，单次和重复施用佛手柑不仅能改善记忆的获得，还能改善记忆的巩固。行为测试表明，佛手柑可以防止东莨菪碱给药引起的记忆障碍。观察到的影响可能是由于抑制海马和前额叶皮层中的乙酰胆碱酯酶活性。还，bergapten 引起显着的抗氧化作用。这些新发现为香豆素在认知缺陷方面的潜力的发展提供了药理学和生化支持。