Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Shenlongjiannao capsule on the learning and memory of the cerebral ischaemia model rat as well as reactive nitrogen intermediates in the cerebral cortex.MethodsThe cerebral ischaemia animal model was established by two-vessel occlusion. 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group with sham operation, model group, positive control group with pisacetam, Shenlongjiannao capsule groups (low and high dosage). After four weeks, the learning and memory function was tested with Morris water maze, and the contents of nitric oxide(NO) and inducible nitric-oxide synthsae(iNOS) in cerebral cortex were measured.ResultsAfter treatment, the learning and memory ability improved significently and the contents of NO and iNOS in cerebral cortex decreased in Shenlongjiannao capsule groups.ConclusionShenlonjiannao capsule can improve the learning and memory of rats with cerebral ischaemia by lowering the activity of NO and iNOS in the cerebral cortex.

Key words: Shenlongjiannao capsule, cerebral ischaemia, vascular dementia, learning and memory, Morris water maze, nitric oxide, inducible nitric-oxide synthsae