Abstract:

Objective: To explore the improvement of pine pollen on learning and memory disorder caused by lead poisoning
in mice. Methods: Mouse model of lead poisoning was established and the model mice were experimentally treated with
pine pollen by gavage. After six weeks, the learning and memory ability were evaluated. Meanwhile, MDA content and
monoamine oxidase (MAO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in cerebral tissue
were assayed. Results: Compared with the control group, the learning and memory ability of the mice from the model group
were decreased (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01), and the activities of brain GSH-Px and SOD were significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.05),
while MDA content and MAO activity exhibited a significant increase (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01). Compared with the model
group, the learning and memory ability of the mice from the pine pollen group were improved (P ＜ 0.05) and the activities
of GSH-Px and SOD were significantly enhanced (P ＜ 0.05), while MDA content and MAO activity were decreased
(P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: Lead poisoning can impair learning and memory ability of mice; however, pine pollen can rescue
the impairment of learning and memory.

Key words: pine pollen, lead poisoning, memory disorder, improvement