Research Article

Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Volume: 18 Number: 2 June 26, 2026

Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine whether vortioxetine can improve cognitive performance in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease induced through intrahippocampal administration of Amyloid-β1–42.

Material and Methods: An experimental Alzheimer’s disease model was generated via stereotaxic bilateral injections of Amyloid-β1–42 into the hippocampus. Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7 each): Group 1 (control) received only saline; Group 2 was administered beta-amyloid to establish the Alzheimer model; Group 3 received beta-amyloid plus donepezil (reference treatment); and Group 4 received beta-amyloid in combination with vortioxetine for 14 days. Cognitive function was assessed using the passive avoidance paradigm. Upon completion of behavioral evaluations, animals were euthanized, and their brains were collected for histopathological examination.

Results: Median latency times in the passive avoidance task were: Group 1, 300 seconds (19.5–300); Group 2, 10.3 seconds (1–300); Group 3, 300 seconds (33.1–300); and Group 4, 300 seconds (8.9–300). Statistical testing revealed a significant difference among groups (p < 0.05). Group 4 exhibited the longest median latency. Groups 1, 3, and 4 showed significantly higher latency scores compared with Group 2. Histopathological findings demonstrated that vortioxetine reduced degenerative changes in hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Conclusion: This work represents the first experimental study to evaluate vortioxetine’s effects on cognition in an Amyloid-β1–42-induced Alzheimer model. The results suggest that vortioxetine may improve cognitive outcomes and may attenuate neuronal injury

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This study funded by Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Scientific Research Projects Board/2018.08.02.1393.

Project Number

2018.08.02.1393

Ethical Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the approval of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Animal Research Local Ethics Committee (HAYEK), dated February 20, 2020, and numbered 14.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Services and Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 26, 2026

Submission Date

January 20, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 18 Number: 2

APA
Çetinkaya, A., Demirkol, M. E., & Avcı, A. O. (2026). Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Konuralp Medical Journal, 18(2), 110-115. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1866798
AMA
1.Çetinkaya A, Demirkol ME, Avcı AO. Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026;18(2):110-115. doi:10.18521/ktd.1866798
Chicago
Çetinkaya, Ayhan, Muhammed Emin Demirkol, and Ali Osman Avcı. 2026. “Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease”. Konuralp Medical Journal 18 (2): 110-15. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1866798.
EndNote
Çetinkaya A, Demirkol ME, Avcı AO (June 1, 2026) Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Konuralp Medical Journal 18 2 110–115.
IEEE
[1]A. Çetinkaya, M. E. Demirkol, and A. O. Avcı, “Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease”, Konuralp Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 110–115, June 2026, doi: 10.18521/ktd.1866798.
ISNAD
Çetinkaya, Ayhan - Demirkol, Muhammed Emin - Avcı, Ali Osman. “Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease”. Konuralp Medical Journal 18/2 (June 1, 2026): 110-115. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1866798.
JAMA
1.Çetinkaya A, Demirkol ME, Avcı AO. Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026;18:110–115.
MLA
Çetinkaya, Ayhan, et al. “Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease”. Konuralp Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 110-5, doi:10.18521/ktd.1866798.
Vancouver
1.Ayhan Çetinkaya, Muhammed Emin Demirkol, Ali Osman Avcı. Effect of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in an Amyloid β1–42 induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026 Jun. 1;18(2):110-5. doi:10.18521/ktd.1866798

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