Effect of anthocyanins from rabbit-eye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) on cognitive function in mice under trimethyltin-induced neurotoxicity

Extracts of rabbit-eye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) were investigated for in vitro neuroprotective and in vivo learning and memory effects in mice under trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity. Blueberry anthocyanins showed high in vitro antioxidant activities in ABTS and 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assays. In a cell viability assay using MTT, anthocyanins showed protective effects, and lactate dehydrogenase release into the medium was effectively inhibited. Drug-induced cognitive deficits, examined in vivo using Y-maze and passive avoidance testing, were ameliorated by the anthocyanin fraction. HPLC analysis showed that delphinidin was the predominant anthocyanin. After behavioral testing, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and lipid peroxidation in the mouse brain were investigated for biochemical changes. Administration of blueberry anthocyanins reduced the level of TMT-induced memory injury via inhibition of the AChE activity and lipid peroxidation.