Essential fatty acid preparation (SR-3) rehabilitates learning deficits induced by AF64A and 5,7-DHT

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible effects of a novel mixture of fatty acids, SR-3 (a specific ratio between alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids) on learning deficits induced by cholinergic (AF64A) and serotonergic (5,7-DHT) neurotoxins in rats. I.c.v. AF64A and 4th ventricle administration of 5,7-DHT induce severe learning deficit using the Morris Water Tank. Three weeks of treatment with SR-3 rehabilitated the learning capacity of rats. However, learning deficits induced by a lesion in area postrema was not rehabilitated by SR-3. The mode of action of SR-3 is unknown. We propose that this combination of free fatty acids modulates the composition of neuronal membrane lipids and allows better neuronal communication.