Objective: To observe the effect of Fuzhi capsule on learning and memory ability of rats with vascular dementia

the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CHAT)

the expression of synaptophysin (P38) and hippocampal synaptic microstructure

and to explore the mechanism of Fuzhi capsule on improving the ability of learning and memory. Method: The SPF male SD rats were divided into model group

Donepezil group

Fuzhi capsule high and low dosage groups

and sham operation control group randomly.The vascular dementia model was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO). Drugs were administered to rats by gastric perfusion once a day for 4 weeks. Then all the rats were detected the behavior by Morris water maze

the expression of CHAT and P38 in hippocampus by immunohistochemistry

the synapse microstructure of hippocampal neurons and the number of dendritic spines by Golgi staining. Result: Compared with the sham operation group

the learning and memory ability of rats in model group were decreased

the escape latency and swimming distance were significantly prolonged

the number of across the platform after remove platform was decreased

the activity of CHAT and the expression of P38 in hippocampus were decreased

the number of dendritic spines in the hippocampus neurons was reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group

the learning and memory ability of rats in Fuzhi capsule high and low dosage group and donepezil group were improved

the escape latency and swimming distance were shortened

the number of across the platform after remove platform was increased obviously

the activity of CHAT and the expression of P38 in hippocampus was increased

the number of dendritic spines was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fuzhi capsule can improve the learning and memory ability of rats with vascular dementia by increasing the activity of CHAT and the expression of P38 in hippocampus

and promote hippocampal synaptic microstructure reconstruction.