Formaldehyde decreases learning and memory ability through BDNF pathways in ICR mice

  Objective  To investigate the influence of formaldehyde on learning and memory ability in ICR mice.

  Methods  The ICR mice were assigned into a control group and high, moderate, and low (200, 150, 100 mg/kg) formaldehyde groups with consecutive administration of formaldehyde for 8 weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated with novel object recognition test and Morris water maze. The expression of neurotrophic factor was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

  Results  Compared with those of the control group, the priority index (0.49 ± 0.11, 0.48 ± 0.08) was significantly decreased in high and moderate formaldehyde groups; the avoidance latency of the third-day Morris water maze test (56.51 ± 8.01, 53.46 ± 10.64 seconds) was significantly prolonged (both P < 0.01). The levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (121.19 ± 3.07, 101.87 ± 2.95 pg/mL) and nerve growth factor (NGF) (54.44 ± 2.64, 33.93 ± 4.06 pg/mL) in hippocampus of high and moderate formaldehyde groups were significantly lower than those in the control group.

  Conclusion  The administration of formaldehyde could result in learning and memory impairments in ICR mice and the effect may be related to the decrease of neurotrophic factors in the brain of the mice.