Electroencephalographic effects induced by choline pivaloyl esters in scopolamine treated or nucleus basalis magnocellularis lesioned rats

The electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of two choline pivaloyl esters, [2-(2,2-dimethylpropionyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium iodide (1) and [2-(2,2-dimethylpropionyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium 2,2-dimethylpropionate (2), were evaluated in scopolamine-treated or nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) lesioned rats. In scopolamine-treated animals, Compounds 1 and 2 prevented or reduced EEG effects, such as increased amplitude of total spectra and high-voltage spindle (HVS) activity as well. Furthermore, choline esters showed a noticeable effectiveness in reversing the EEG changes produced in rats by AMPA-induced lesion of NBM. Indeed, Compounds 1 and 2 were able to induce EEG desynchronisation, a significant decrease in the total EEG power (0.25–16 Hz) and in the lower frequency delta and theta bands (0.25–3 and 3–6 Hz, respectively). The EEG effects produced by Compounds 1 and 2 were well comparable with that evoked by Tacrine, used as a reference compound. The results of the present work allow us to put forward the hypothesis that the EEG effects observed are most likely mediated through the stimulation of the cholinergic neurotransmission ensuing from enhanced cerebral levels of acetylcholine (ACh) consequent upon acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition by choline pivaloyl esters.