6-hydroxy-L-nicotine from Arthrobacter nicotinovorans facilitate spatial memory formation in rats

Effects of 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine derived from nicotine catabolism in Arthrobacter nicotinovorans on learning and memory processes were examined in adult male Wistar rats. 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p., 7 consecutive days chronic administration) significantly increased spontaneous alternation in Y-maze task and working memory in radial arm-maze task, suggesting effects on short-term memory, without affecting long-term memory, explored by reference memory in radial arm-maze task. Taken together, our results suggest that 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine sustain memory formation and may provide the opportunity to manage neurological abnormalities in neurodegenerative diseases.