Spicatoside A enhances memory consolidation through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mice

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in memory consolidation. Previously, we found that the increased mature BDNF (mBDNF) levels in the hippocampal region at a specific time window after the acquisition trial are required for memory consolidation. In the present study, we investigated whether spicatoside A enhances memory consolidation, and whether its effects on memory consolidation are related to hippocampal mBDNF levels. Spicatoside A (2.5, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) enhanced memory consolidation in a dose-dependent manner, and enhanced memory consolidation was also observed when spicatoside A was administered 1 h after the acquisition trial. Concurrently, when spicatoside A was administered immediately or 1 h after the acquisition trial, hippocampal mBDNF levels were similar or significantly increased at 9 h after the acquisition trial compared to levels at 6 h. These results suggest that increased mBDNF levels in the hippocampal region at 9 h after the acquisition trial might play a pivotal role in memory consolidation and that spicatoside A might enhance memory consolidation by increasing hippocampal mBDNF levels.