Effect of epigallocatechin gallate on improving choroid plexus barrier and learning and memory abilities in mice exposed to hypoxia

ZHANG Haowei; GUAN Ruili; YU Kailun; YANG Xunbo; LU Jiaqiao; LUO Wenjing; ZHANG Jianbin

doi:10.13276/j.issn.2097-1656.2025.05.003

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effect of using epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)to intervene in the choroid plexus(ChP)barrier structure of C57BL/6 mice after hypoxic exposure on their learning and memory abilities.Methods A hypoxic exposure model was constructed:40 C57BL/6 male mice were selected and randomly divided into control group(Con group),hypoxic exposure group(Hyp group),control group feeding EGCG(Con+EGCG group),and hypoxic exposure group feeding EGCG(Hyp+EGCG group).A large composite environmental simulation experimental chamber was used,Hyp group and Hyp+EGCG group were fed in the composite environmental simulation experimental chamber,and hypoxic exposure was simulated for 14 d at an altitude of 6 000 m.The treatment group was given EGCG dissolved in PBS by gavage at a concentration of 100 mg/kg every other day,while the non-treatment group was given PBS solution by gavage.Behavioral experiments were used to detect changes in the learning and spatial memory abilities of mice.Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression level of tight junction protein in mouse ChP,and HE staining was used to observe the structural changes of mouse ChP.Results Compared with Con group,the learning and memory abilities of Hyp group were significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and the expression level of tight junction protein in the ChP barrier was decreased(P＜0.01).After intervention with EGCG,there were no significant differences in learning and memory abilities,as well as the expression level of tight junction protein in the ChP barrier in Con+EGCG group compared with Con group.Compared with Hyp group,the learning and memory abilities of mice in Hyp+EGCG group were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the expression level of tight junction protein in the ChP barrier increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion EGCG has a certain protective effect on the decreased learning and memory abilities and damaged ChP barrier structure in mice exposed to hypoxia.