Fig. 1

PAS-Na enhanced the learning ability of Mn-exposed rats. Experimental period of 8 weeks: the rats were treated with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg MnCl₂ for 8 weeks (a–c). Experimental period of 14 weeks: the rats were treated with 20 mg/kg MnCl₂ for 8 weeks and then treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg PAS-Na for an additional 6 weeks (d–f). Escape latency (a, d), swimming distance (b, e), and number of platform crosses (Probe times) (c, f) of rats were tested by Morris water maze. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 per group). *p < 0.05: significant as compared to the control group; ^#p < 0.05 and ^##p < 0.01: significant as compared to Mn-treated group