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2013196 
Journal Article 
Protective effect of L-theanine on chronic restraint stress-induced cognitive impairments in mice 
Tian, Xia; Sun, L; Gou, L; Ling, Xin; Feng, Yan; Wang, L; Yin, X; Liu, Yi 
2013 
Yes 
Brain Research
ISSN: 0006-8993
EISSN: 1872-6240 
1503 
24-32 
23395732 
WOS:000317641100004 
The present work was aimed to study the protective effect of L-theanine on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced cognitive impairments in mice. The stress was produced by restraining the animals in well-ventilated polypropylene tubes (3.2 cm in diameter x 10.5 cm in length) for 8 h once daily for 21 consecutive days. L-theanine (2 and 4 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before the animals subjected to acute immobilized stress. At week 4, mice were subjected to Morris water maze and step-through tests to measure the cognitive function followed by oxidative parameters and corticosterone as well as catecholamines (norepineplarine and dopamine) subsequently. Our results showed that the cognitive performances in CRS group were markedly deteriorated, accompanied by noticeable alterations in oxidative parameters and catecholamine levels in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex as well as corticosterone and catecholamine levels in the serum. However, not only did L-theanine treatment exhibit a reversal of the cognitive impairments and oxidative damage induced by CRS, but also reversed the abnormal level of corticosterone in the serum as well as the abnormal levels of catecholamines in the brain and the serum. This study indicated the protective effect of L-theanine against CRS-induced cognitive impairments in mice. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 
Chronic restraint stress; L-theanine; Cognitive impairments; Brain oxidative alterations; Neuroendocrine changes