Objective: To explore the effects of zinc (Zn) on neuronal nitric oxide synathase (nNOS) and somatostatin(SS) in cerebral
cortex of rats after
sleep deprivation (SD), and discuss the protective mechanism of Zn on learning and memory. Method: SD was induced in male Wistar rats by employing “flower pot” technique. The rats in SD+Zn groups were supplemented with Zn in feed (containing 200 mg Zn/kg)for 3 d before SD. The number of nNOS and SS positive neurons in cortex of rats after different time of SD and Zn supplementation were observed. Results: nNOS and SS positive neurons in cortex significantly decreased in SD1 d+Zn group than in SD1d group(P<0.05), but markedly increased in SD 2 d +Zn and SD 3 d +Zn groups than in corresponding SD groups (P<0.05). There were no differences among CC (control), SD 1 d+Zn and SD2d+Zn groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Zinc can improve the ability of learning and memory of rats after sleep
Deprivation by protecting nNOS and SS positive neurons in cerebral cortex.