Behavioral and molecular investigation of the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on learning and memory in experimental schizophrenia-like model mice

Assessment of the therapeutic role of DEX at the behavioral and molecular level in schizophrenia in our study. Six groups were formed for this purpose. Intraperitoneal injections were made for the drugs to be used in each group (MK-801, DEX1, DEX2, SF, MK801 + DEX1, MK801 + DEX2). The Morris water mase test for cognitive functions in adult Balb / c mice was evaluated. Then, mRNA expression levels of COMT, RELN, DISC-1, DTNBP-1, NRG-1 and BDNF genes were evaluated at the molecular level by removing the hippocampus in the limbic system with cervical dislocation. In the Morris water mase test (MWM) applied to the cognitive functions in the MK-801 group, there was a prolongation of the time to find the platform. Similar results were obtained with the DEX group and control group. This time was shortened in the MK801-DEX group and had a restorative effect on cognitive function impairment. It is thought that the restorative effect of DEX on evaluation of cognitive function and molecular level may be helpful in the treatment of schizophrenia in the future. In the MK-801 group, mRNA expression levels of the COMT, RELN, BDNF, NRG-1 and DISC-1 genes decreased, while no change in the DTNBP-1 gene mRNA expression level was observed. The mRNA expression levels of these genes in the DEX1 and DEX2 groups gave similar results to the control group. When the MK-801 + DEX1 and MK-801 + DEX2 groups were compared with the MK-801 group, the mRNA expression levels of these genes increased. It is thought that the restorative effect of DEX on evaluation of cognitive function and molecular level may be helpful in the treatment of schizophrenia in the future.