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Ischemic stroke remains the leading cause of illness and second leading cause of death
worldwide. Previous research has shown that galantamine has neuroprotective properties,
reducing neuronal death and damage in neurodegenerative conditions and improving cognitive
function in Alzheimer's disease patients. The investigation looked into the possible
mechanisms by which this medication could reduce cell death. Wistar rats were subjected to a
temporary 30-minute occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and given an oral
dose of 5mg/kg for three weeks. After 18 days of surgery, behavioral assessments were carried
out. Galantamine enhanced grip strength, motor function, and muscle strength in rats. Spatial
memory and object recognition examinations revealed cognitive improvements, thus indicating
enhanced cognitive abilities and memory retention. Moreover, rats subjected to galantamine
treatment displayed increased sociability and heightened locomotor activity during social
interaction and open-field assessments. Molecular analysis of galantamine treatment in rats
showed an upregulation of SOD2 expression, suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense, and a
downregulation of TLR4 expression, suggesting a reduction in neuroinflammation, supporting
the anti-inflammatory properties of galantamine. The histological analysis done with H&E
staining of brain tissue revealed enhanced tissue morphology in the galantamine-treated group,
signifying the neuroprotective effects of galantamine. The reduction in neuronal damage,
edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration further supported this observation. The results
demonstrate that galantamine, potentially through the preservation of a functional cholinergic
system, mitigated the impairments caused by stroke in a basic learning and memory test by
decreasing cellular death.