Experimental brain research. Experimentelle Hirnforschung. Expérimentation cérébrale
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Cognitive functions especially learning and memory are severely affected by high altitude (HA) exposure. Hypobaric hypoxia (HBH) encountered at HA is known to cause oxidative stress, alterations of neurotransmitters and cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that alteration in cholinergic system may be involved in HBH-induced learning impairment. ⋯ Administration of AChEIs like physostigmine (PHY) and galantamine (GAL) resulted in amelioration of the deleterious effects induced by HBH. The AChEIs were also able to restore the neuronal morphology. Our data suggest that cholinergic system is affected by HBH, and AChEIs were able to improve HBH-induced learning impairment in rats.