Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of Huperzine A on memory in rats with repeated electroconvulsive stimulation. Methods 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into true electroconvulsive stimulation group (E group) and sham electroconvulsive stimulation group (C group). Then both groups were randomized to receive Huperzine A (EH group and CH group) or normal saline (ES group and CS group). There were 12 rats in each subgroup. Huperzine A or normal saline was administered during 1~17 d. During 8~17 d,true or sham electroconvulsive stimulation were administered. On the 18th d, the rats were tested in Morris water maze. Then 6 rats of each group were randomized to be taken for probe tests after 48 h. Memory test indexes include swimming speed, latency, and search time. Results There was no significant difference in the latency between CS group and CH group (P>0.05). The latency was significantly longer in ES group than in CS group (P<0.01), and shorter in EH group than in ES group (P<0.05). There were significant difference in the search time between around the hidden platform and in the opposite area in CS group, CH group and EH group (P<0.05). But there was no difference in ES group (P>0.05). Conclusion Chronic repetitive electroconvulsive stimulation can lead to spatial memory impairment in rats. Huperzine A may attenuate electroconvulsive stimulation induced amnesia.

Key words: electroconvulsive stimulation, Huperzine A, memory, rats