Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist‐mediated cognitive improvement in a mouse model of Alzheimer's type: possible involvement of BDNF‐H2S‐Nrf2 signaling

Abstract The present study explored the role and mechanisms of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced cognitive impairment. A single intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ 1‐42 was given to mice, and after 14 days of injection, memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Spironolactone (25 and 50 mg/kg) and eplerenone (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered for two days before and for 14 days after Aβ injection. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers attenuated Aβ‐induced cognitive impairment assessed in terms of decrease in day 4 escape latency time (ELT) in comparison to day 1 ELT (suggesting an increase in learning) along with an increase in time spent in target quadrant on day 5 (suggesting the retrieval of learned things). These drugs also increased the expression of BDNF, H 2 S, Nrf2, reduced glutathione, and decreased β‐amyloid and TNF‐α in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Co‐administration of ANA‐12, BDNF receptor antagonist (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) abolished cognitive improving functions of mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, attenuated H 2 S, Nrf2, reduced glutathione, and decreased β‐amyloid and TNF‐α. It is concluded that spironolactone and eplerenone attenuate cognitive decline of Alzheimer's type, possibly through upregulation of BDNF levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, which may increase H 2 S, decrease Aβ, activate Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant system, and decrease neuroinflammation.