Objective:to explore the effect of interleukin-4(IL-4)on the cognitive function in C57BL/6 mice. Methods:Ten C57BL/6mice were randomly divided into two groups:IL-4 intervention group(the mice intraperitoneally injected with IL-4 at the concentration of 100 ng/kg)and the control group. Morris water maze including five days of place navigation and one day of spatial probe was performed on the next day after intraperitoneal injection of IL-4. Microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3(MAP1LC3

LC3)was detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results:Compared with those of control group

the level of learning and memory of the mice in IL-4 intervention group was significantly decreased(times of crossing platform:4.750±0.500 vs. 6.500±0.577;t=4.583

P=0.004). Western blot showed that the expression of LC3 was increased in the mice in IL-4 intervention group than in control group(cortex:0.760±0.091 vs. 0.482±0.085;t=-6.702

P=0.000;hippocampus:0.772±0.068 vs.0.486±0.047;t=-10.267

P=0.000). RT-PCR also verified this trend(cortex:1.422±0.002 vs. 1.000±0.000;t=-311.903

P=0.000;hippocampus:1.434 ± 0.005 vs. 1.000±0.000;t=-162.197

P=0.000). Conclusion:IL-4 affects the function of autophagy

and the excessive autophagy may cause the damage to cognitive function in the mice.