Effect of Nanoemulsions Containing Astaxanthin or Its Esters on the Spatial Behavior of 5XFAD Mice

Abstract

The effect of nanoemulsions (NE) of phospholipids containing astaxanthin (AST) or its esters on the spatial behavior of transgenic mice with Alzheimer’s disease 5XFAD at the age of 4–6 months is studied in an elevated plus maze and via an “open field” test. The nanoemulsions obtained by injection have a diameter of 70–100 nm and a polydispersity index of <0.3. The animals receive the preparations with food 5 times a week for two months. The dose of AST and esters is 2 mg/kg of body weight. Once a week, the animals receive a double dose of drugs. The control animals receive NE that do not contain carotenoids. Behavioral tests show that AST-treated mice spend significantly less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze compared to the control mice. In the case of esters, no reliable significance is found. In the “open field” test, AST esters have a positive effect on the animals, slowing down thigmotaxis disorders in 5XFAD mice. At the same time, the introduction of any NE does not affect a decrease in motor activity. Hence, in Alzheimer’s mice treated with both AST and esters, the behavioral parameters in the elevated plus maze and the “open field” test tend to improve.