Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Neuroprotective effect of ghrelin in methamphetamine-treated male rats
Solmaz Fallahi1, Shirin Babri1, Fereshteh Farajdokht2
1Neuroscience research center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of ghrelin, as a neuroprotective agent, on cognitive impairment and apoptosis pathway in methamphetamine-treated male rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): Saline/Saline (SS), Saline/Ghrelin (SG), Methamphetamine/Simultaneous Saline (MSS), Methamphetamine/Simultaneous Ghrelin (MSG), Methamphetamine/Delayed Saline (MDS), and Methamphetamine/Delayed ghrelin (MDG). Methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) and ghrelin (5 nM/kg) were injected intraperitoneally. Spatial and passive avoidance memories were evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) and Shuttle box, respectively. Hippocampal expression levels of Cytochrome-C, Caspase 3, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were evaluated by Western blotting. TUNEL assay was performed to detect hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Our results showed that time spent in the target quadrant in MSS group was less than the control group. However, simultaneous ghrelin treatment could increase it. Ghrelin treatment reversed methamphetamine effects on hippocampal protein expression of Caspase 3 and Cytochrome-C, and BAX/Bcl-2 ratio. TUNEL assay showed an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in methamphetamine-treated animals, while ghrelin treatment decreased apoptosis. These results indicate that ghrelin treatment could improve spatial memory and reduce neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of methamphetamine-treated animals.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
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....
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle....
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...

