Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on learning and memory ability after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats and its mechanism. Methods 72 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham group (n=18), model group (n=18) and GSPE groups (20 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, n=18 for each group). The GSPE groups were administered GSPE orally for 4 weeks, while the sham group and model group were given water 10 ml/kg. Then their middle cerebral arteries were obstructed for 2 h and reperfused, excepted the sham group. 6 rats from each group were selected to test with Morris water maze 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after reperfusion respectively. And then, their brain tissues were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining to observe under optical microscope. The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissues were measured. Results Compared with the sham group, the latency significantly prolonged, and the incidence of crossing the area the platform located reduced in the model group in the Morris water maze test, with the SOD decreasing and MDA increasing (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the latency reduced and the incidence of crossing the area increased in the GSPE 200 mg/kg group, with the SOD increasing and MDA decreasing (P<0.05). Conclusion GSPE may suppress peroxidation after the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion to protect brain and learning and memory ability from injury.

Key words: cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract, Morris water maze, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, rats