Abstract
This study aimed at studying the potential neuroprotective effect of Rutin hydrate (RH) alone or in conjugation with α-tocopherol against cadmium chloride (CdCl
2
)-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment in rats and to investigate the mechanisms of action. Rats intoxicated with CdCl
2
were treated with the vehicle, RH, α-tocopherol or combined treatment were examined, and compared to control rats received vehicle or individual doses of either drug. Data confirmed that RH improves spatial memory function by increasing acetylcholine availability, boosting endogenous antioxidant potential, activating cell survival and inhibiting apoptotic pathways, an effect that is more effective when RH was conjugated with α-tocopherol. Mechanism of RH action includes activation of PP2A mediated inhibiting of ERK1/2 and JNK apoptotic pathways and inhibition of PTEN mediated activation of mTOR survival pathway. In conclusion, RH affords a potent neuroprotection against CdCl
2
-induced brain damage and memory dysfunction and co-administration of α-tocopherol enhances its activity.