Effects of MCI-186 on intracellular calcium ion concentration and membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

The present study observed the effects of MCI-186 on the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+](i)) and membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats to validate the neuroprotective effects of MCI-186. Compared with normal and sham-operated rats, the escape latency was obviously prolonged, spanning platform times were obviously reduced, [Ca2+](i) was increased, and microviscosity eta value was increased in AD rats. MCI-186 at 0.5 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL obviously shortened escape latency, increased spanning platform times and decreased [Ca2+](i) and microviscosity eta values in AD rats at 7 and 17 days after induction of the model. The differences in the above-mentioned indices between normal and MCI-186-treated rats were statistically significant. MCI-186 at 0.2 mg/mL yielded better curative effects than 0.5 mg/mL MCI-186. These findings suggest that MCI-186 improves learning and memory abilities in AD rats by decreasing [Ca2+](i) and increasing membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons.