Effect of Simvastatin on Spatial Memory of Rats Receiving a High-Fat Diet

Several studies have demonstrated the role of high cholesterol in different diseases. A diet high in cholesterol or saturated fats can impair the cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of simvastatin on spatial memory of rats receiving a high-fat diet.
In this study, 35 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (N=7). The subjects were trained for five days four times a day in Morris water maze to find a hidden platform. Time elapsed and distance travelled for finding the hidden platform were considered as criteria for learning. Probe trial was used for evaluation of memory retrieval.
Consumption of high fat diet for four weeks reduced learning ability in the high-fat group, which spent longer time and travelled a longer distance compared to the control group. However, oral administration of simvastatin at doses of 5 and 10 mg improved memory function. Memory function in rats treated with the drug had a significant difference with that of in the high-fat group. However, no significant difference was found between the groups treated with different doses of simvastatin.
simvastatin improves spatial memory performance in adult male rats receiving high-fat diet.