Irbesartan protects against aluminium chloride induced amyloidogenesis and cognitive impairment

Background: Activation of brain renin angiotensin system is associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common type of dementia. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) like Telmisartan, Azilsartan, Valsartan and Losartan have shown efficacy against animal models of AD. The efficacy of Irbesartan in AD has not been thoroughly investigated. Aluminium chloride (AlCl ) induces AD like pathology in rats. Aim and Objectives: The present work evaluates the efficacy of Irbesartan against AlCl induced amyloidogenesis and cognitive impairment. Material and Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups containing six each. Group I (saline 10 ml/kg p.o.) and Group II (AlCl 100 mg/kg p.o.) served as normal control and toxic control respectively. Both the groups were dosed daily for 42 days. Group III and Group IV received Irbesartan (10 mg/kg) and Telmisartan (10 mg/kg) respectively with AlCl daily for 42 days. The drugs were given 1 hour before the administration of AlCl . Y-maze, elevated plus maze and radial arm maze were used to evaluate memory functions on day 0 and 42. Amyloid β (Aβ) content and enzymatic anti-oxidant status in both plasma and brain homogenate were measured and histological studies of brain tissues were done on day 43. Results: AlCl (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p