Dual Effects of Aspirin on Spatial Learning and Memory of Male Rats Following Induction of Permanent Cerebral Ischemia

Background: Ischemic stroke can lead to cognitive impairment, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer›s disease (AD). This study focused on rodent models to investigate the impact of ischemic stroke and the potential benefits of aspirin in reducing cognitive impairment. Methods: The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate memory and learning in seven groups (N=63) of Wistar rats. Brain ischemia was induced in rat models through temporary blocking of both common carotid arteries and permanent blocking of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Aspirin 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg IP was administered 30 minutes and 2 hours after stroke induction in both ischemic and non-ischemic rats. Injections were continued for seven consecutive days in these groups, and learning and memory were evaluated after the last injection. Results: Data analysis of the MWM test showed a significant increase in escape latency and swim path length to find the platform in the ischemic groups compared to control rats (P<0.005). Despite improvement in all experimental groups after intervention (P<0.001), the scores for spatial learning were significantly decreased by aspirin in no-ischemia+ASA groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the ischemia+ASA groups, aspirin at the dose of 20 mg/kg but not at the high dose (80 mg/kg) improved spatial learning compared to the control group. Conclusion: Repeated treatments with aspirin may impair spatial learning and memory in normal rats, however, aspirin at a low dose of 20 mg/kg may improve learning impairment after ischemic stroke.