Study of Cognitive Associated with Diabetes Induced by Alloxane Monohydrate in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Untreated diabetes can accelerate brain ageing and increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Objective: To assess the cognitive decline associated with alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Material and methods: This study involved 24 Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 300 g. They were divided into three groups: (1) normal rats, (2) untreated diabetic rats and (3) diabetic rats treated with D-erythrodihydrosphingosine (inhibitors of SPK1 and SPK2). The rats were given glucose and food overnight to prevent hypoglycaemia. Behavioural experiments were carried out using object recognition and radial arm maze tests. Results: Behavioural analysis revealed significant differences in the time spent exploring familiar and novel objects in the rats. The study also assessed the cognitive impact of diabetes by evaluating spatial learning in an eight-branch radial maze. The results showed that diabetes affects working memory and that SPK1 and 2 inhibitors do not improve it in diabetic rats. Conclusion Our results show that diabetes induces an alteration in working memory and spatial learning difficulties.