Effect of valeric acid on the neurotransmitter levels of hippocampus on Alzheimer’s induced rats

Introduction and Aim: Though there are many drugs approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), there is scope for exploring newer molecules for AD management, especially considering the side effects and drug interaction profile of the existing drugs. The present study was conducted to assess the neuroprotective properties of valeric acid by estimating the five neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of Wistar albino rats in an aluminium induced AD model.   Materials and Methods: In this experimental study design effects of valeric acid, piracetam and rivastigmine were evaluated for changes in neurotransmitter levels. Seven groups were made out of 42 Wistar albino rats (male). Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) (100 mg/kg body weight) was given orally for 42 days to cause AD. As a treatment, valeric acid (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered to rats in group 3, piracetam was given to group 4, rivastigmine to group 5, and a combination of piracetam and valeric acid to group 6 and valeric acid and rivastigmine to group 7 rats. After this, rat hippocampus is used to estimate acetylcholine (ACH), GABA, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin levels.   Results: ACH levels of the hippocampus in all treated groups (groups 3 to 7) showed more increase in comparison to positive control (group 2) group. And remaining all groups demonstrated a considerable rise in GABA, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin levels, demonstrating the reversed AlCl3-induced impairment.   Conclusion: The neurotransmitter levels in aluminum chloride-induced neurological impairment appear to be significantly improved by valeric acid and its use in combination with piracetam and rivastigmine.