Citicoline reduces neuronal apoptosis in rats with brain hypoperfusion andhippocampal beta-amyloid implants

The effects of Citicoline (62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg/day; 7 days) on neuronal apoptosis, neurodegeneration and learning were investigated in male Spragu e-Dawley rats subjected to implants of beta-amyloid 1-40 (A beta 4) into th e hippocampus and to permanent unilateral occlussion of the corotid artery 5 days before sacrifice. Extension of the degeneration and the number of ap optotic figures were evaluated in the dentate gyrus and the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Citicoline (125 and 250 mg/kg) reduced the number of apoptoti c neurons and the extent of neuronal degeneration in the CA1 area. Citicoti ne also improved retention of a passive avoidance learning task in a dose-r elated manner. It seems that Citicoline exerts antiapoptotic, neuroprotecti ve and antiamnestic effects in conditions of neurodegeneration induced by A beta 4 plus hypoperfusion.