Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Assaying Locomotor, Learning, and Memory Deficits in Drosophila Models of Neurodegeneration
Published on: March 11, 2011
Deficit in Memory Is Associated with Paradoxical Regulation of Magnesium and Manganese in Isolated Male Rats
Hamidreza Famitafreshi1, Morteza Karimian2
1Department of Physiology, Tehran University of Medical Science-International Campus, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) play an important role in brain development and glutathione, the master antioxidant in the brain, is necessary for the cognitive function. This study is aimed at determining the effect of magnesium and manganese concentrations in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex on the glutathione function. The reduction in glutathione leads to memory impairment in -Y-maze in the isolation period.
Methods:
In this study, 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: social and isolation. Based on previous studies, the isolation period was considered as 14 days, plus 1 week for acclimatization. On day 15, after assessing the memory with Y-maze, rats were examined for glutathione in serum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Also, serum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex were obtained for assessing Mn and Mg.
Results:
The memory in Y-maze was impaired in isolated rats. Also, glutathione in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was reduced in isolated rats versus socialized rats. In serum assay, glutathione reduced in socialized rats versus isolated rats. Mg was reduced in isolated rats versus socialized rats in serum assay. Paradoxically, Mn was increased in isolated rats versus socialized rats in serum assay. In tissue assay, Mg in hippocampus increased in socialized rats versus isolated rats. Paradoxically, in prefrontal cortex Mg increased in isolated rats versus socialized rats. Mn in hippocampus showed increased concentration in socialized rats versus isolated rats. Paradoxically, Mn showed reduced concentration in prefrontal cortex in socialized rats versus isolated rats.
Conclusion:
Manganese and magnesium are necessary elements for maintaining enough level of cognition in the isolation period. Also, glutathione plays an important role.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
System of Memory
Working Memory
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

