加兰他敏对APP/PS1转基因小鼠海马区星形胶质细活化及C/EBPβ表达的影响

目的研究加兰他敏对APP/PS1转基因小鼠海马区星形胶质细胞活化、C/EBPβ表达及行为学的影响。方法选取10月龄雄性APP/PS1转基因小鼠20只,随机分为模型对照组(10只)和治疗组(10只),同月龄、同背景的C57BL/6野生型雄性小鼠10只作为正常对照组。治疗组皮下注射加兰他敏溶液5mg/kg,2次/d,连续治疗8周,正常对照组和模型对照组给予皮下注射等量生理盐水。应用Morris水迷宫实验于干预治疗8周后开始测定各组小鼠空间学习记忆能力,连续7d,采用免疫组织化学、免疫荧光及Western-blot方法观察各组小鼠海马区星形胶质细胞活化及C/EBPβ表达水平。结果与正常对照组相比,模型对照组和治疗组小鼠Morris检测第5、6天平均逃避潜伏期延长,穿越平台次数减少(P0.05,P0.05),而治疗组其逃避潜伏期较模型对照组缩短(P0.05),穿越平台次数增多(P0.05);同时治疗组小鼠星形胶质细胞活化被明显抑制,胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的阳性表达面积〔(5.003±0.823)%〕及C/EBPβ的表达量(87.711±14.622)较模型对照组〔(7.116±1.040)%,119.920±16.901〕明显减少(P0.05,P0.05)。结论加兰他敏改善APP/PS1转基因AD小鼠的学习记忆能力可能与其抑制星形胶质细胞的活化及C/EBPβ的表达有关。     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对阿尔茨海默病脑内可溶性Aβ清除作用的研究

目的通过对APP/PS1双转基因小鼠侧脑室持续注射基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1),以观察SDF-1对脑内可溶性β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)的影响及其可能的机制。方法将28周龄的野生型(wild type,WT)小鼠和APP/PS1转基因小鼠分为对照组和SDF-1α干预组,分别予以侧脑室注射SDF-1α和PBS,1周1次,连续注射4周和8周。采用ELISA法检测小鼠脑内可溶性Aβ的水平,采用Wsetern blot方法检测小鼠脑内小胶质细胞标志物Iba-1的水平。结果 SDF-1α侧脑室注射后APP/PS1小鼠脑内可溶性Aβ-40和Aβ-42水平与对照组相比明显减少,APP/PS1小鼠及WT小鼠脑内Iba-1水平较对照组增加。结论 SDF-1α侧脑室注射可能减少APP/PS1小鼠脑内可溶性Aβ的水平,其作用的机制可能是SDF-1α增加了脑内小胶质细胞由外周向中枢的募集,从而促进Aβ的吞噬清除。动员与趋化骨髓来源的小胶质细胞可能成为治疗AD的新靶点。     

右美托咪定对术后认知功能障碍大鼠脑中Aβ蛋白沉积和突触间Ach传递的影响

目的探讨右美托咪定对七氟醚麻醉大鼠认知功能的影响。方法 64只老龄大鼠随机分为对照组,七氟醚组,右美托咪定低剂量组,右美托咪定高剂量组。除对照组外,七氟醚麻醉各组大鼠6h,Morris水迷宫评价大鼠行为学,分光光度法检测脑组织中乙酰胆碱(Ach)含量,乙酰胆碱脂酶(AchE)与乙酰胆碱转移酶(ChAT)活性,Western blot检测(Aβ)、p-Tau蛋白表达。结果与对照组相比,七氟醚麻醉造成大鼠认知功能显著降低,Ach含量与ChAT活性显著减少,AchE活性显著增加,且显著了升高β-淀粉样(Aβ)蛋白与p-Tau蛋白表达水平(P0.05)。与七氟醚组相比,右美托咪定能显著改善大鼠记忆能力,同时脑中Ach含量与ChAT活性显著增加,AchE活性显著减少,且A β与p-Tau蛋白表达水平显著降低(P0.05)。结论右美托咪定通过增加脑中Ach含量,减少Aβ沉积与p-Tau表达水平,改善七氟醚麻醉造成的大鼠认知功能损伤。     

阿尔茨海默病APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因型与野生型小鼠学习记忆能力的比较

目的：比较不同年龄段阿尔茨海默病（AD）APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因型与野生型小鼠的学习记忆能力。方法：C57BL/6J雌鼠与C3H/HeJ雄鼠交配产下F1代,再将F1代与3月龄的APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因型小鼠交配产下F2代。提取F2代小鼠鼠尾DNA,PCR扩增目的基因并鉴定。依据是否含APP和PS1基因分为转基因型组和野生型对照组,小鼠分别于6、8月龄行Morris水迷宫实验,11月龄行Y迷宫实验检测学习记忆能力。结果：繁育F2代小鼠33只,其中转基因型组18只,野生型对照组15只。6月龄转基因型与野生型小鼠定位航行实验潜伏期的差异无统计学意义,空间探索实验目标象限时间和路程百分比的差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。与8月龄野生型小鼠比较,转基因型小鼠定位航行实验第1天潜伏期延长（P〈0.05）。与11月龄野生型小鼠比较,转基因型小鼠达到学会标准的训练次数增加（P〈0.05）。结论：ADAPPswe/PS1dE9双转基因型与野生型小鼠比较,于11月龄时出现学习记忆能力障碍。     

补体C3d-p28对阿尔茨海默病DNA疫苗的免疫增强作用

目的探讨补体C3d-p28作为分子佐剂,在阿尔茨海默病DNA疫苗基因免疫中的作用。方法在第1、8、22、43、64、85、106、127天,将重组质粒p(Aβ3-10)10、p(Aβ3-10)10-C3d-p28.3和pcDNA3.1(+)肌肉注射于APP/PS1双转基因鼠后腿股四头肌内。疫苗接种前、自第2次注射开始每次接种后7天取鼠眶静脉血共8次,以ELISA法检测抗Aβ抗体的滴度和分型;第8次(最后1次)眶静脉取血后进行6d的Morris水迷宫实验,通过定位航行和空间探索实验评估小鼠空间学习记忆能力。水迷宫实验结束后处死小鼠,以ELISA法检测小鼠脾细胞培养上清液中白细胞介素4(IL-4)和干扰素γ(IFN-γ)水平,免疫组化染色法检测小鼠脑内Aβ斑的表达。结果 p(Aβ3-10)10-C3d-p28.3组抗Aβ抗体水平高于p(Aβ3-10)10组[(55.03±8.93)μg/mLvs.(27.32±7.69)μg/mL,t=-4.455,P0.05],p(Aβ3-10)10-C3d-p28.3组抗体类型主要是IgG1型[(50.64±6.96)μg/mL],明显高于p(Aβ3-10)10组[(14.15±3.16)μg/mL,P0.05]。与p(Aβ3-10)10组比较,p(Aβ3-10)10-C3dp28.3组Morris水迷宫实验平均逃避潜伏期变短、穿越平台次数和穿越平台所在象限停留的时间比例明显增多(均P0.05);脾细胞培养上清液中IL-4水平增高[(110.22±18.12)pg/mL vs.(170.12±22.16)pg/mL,P0.05]、IFN-γ水平减低[(800.12±80.11)pg/mL vs.(640.12±70.53)pg/mL,F=6.152,P0.05];脑内沉积的Aβ斑块明显减少(P0.05)。结论补体C3d-p28分子佐剂使p(Aβ3-10)10-C3d-p28.3抗Aβ抗体的产生增加、Th2型免疫反应增强,转基因鼠空间学习记忆能力提高。     

氯硝西泮改善APP/PS1痴呆模型小鼠大脑超兴奋性和认知障碍

目的探讨APP/PS1痴呆模型小鼠大脑中间神经元的数量变化和大脑超兴奋性以及认知功能3者之间的关系。方法利用7个月龄雄性小鼠WT小鼠和APP/PS1小鼠,通过免疫荧光染色,观察海马齿状回区神经肽Y(NPY)和皮质NPY、小清蛋白(PV)、钙网膜蛋白(CR)阳性中间神经元数量变化。将7个月龄雄性APP/PS1分为2组,注射生理盐水组和注射氯硝西泮(CLZ)组,CLZ按0.025mg·kg-1的剂量在每次实验前30min进行腹腔注射,通过新物体识别实验记录和分析小鼠探索新物体的时间和速度之后进行脑电图(EEG)监测,记录和分析每小时癫痫样高尖波的数量变化。结果 APP/PS1小鼠和野生型相比,海马NPY阳性中间神经元和皮质的NPY、PV、CR阳性中间神经元的数量都大量减少,注射CLZ组APP/PS1小鼠较APP/PS1小鼠海马和皮质癫痫样高尖波的数量都显著减少,注射CLZ的APP/PS1小鼠较APP/PS1小鼠探索新物体时间有增加趋势。结论 APP/PS1小鼠的中间神经元数量减少导致大脑超兴奋性和认知障碍,CLZ能改善APP/PS1小鼠大脑超兴奋性和认知障碍。     

胰岛素抵抗大鼠认知功能的变化及其脑组织Alzheimer样病变

目的研究胰岛素抵抗大鼠(IR)认知功能的变化及其脑组织胆碱乙酰转移酶(ChAT)的活性、β-淀粉样(Aβ42)、P-Tau(ser396)、淀粉样前体蛋白(APP),β-分泌酶(BACE1)及早老素(PS1)的表达,探讨胰岛素抵抗在阿尔茨海默病(AD)中可能的作用机制。方法从25只Wistar雄性大鼠中随机选取10只作为正常对照组(NC),以普通标准饲料+自来水喂养;余15只为模型组以普通标准饲料+10%果糖水连续喂养12周后筛选出IR大鼠13只;12周末用Morris水迷宫试验测定各组大鼠认知功能行为学改变,放免法检测血浆胰岛素水平,葡萄糖氧化酶法检测血浆葡萄糖水平,化学比色法测定ChAT的活性,免疫组化法检测APP、Aβ42,蛋白印迹法检测BACE1,PS1及P-Tau(ser396)蛋白表达水平。结果 IR组大鼠逃避潜伏期较NC组明显延长(P0.01);IR组血浆血糖、胰岛素水平及运用HOMA-IR计算的胰岛素抵抗指数均显著高于NC组(P0.01);IR组ChAT的活性较NC组明显降低(P0.01);与NC组相比,IR组APP、Aβ42平均光密度值明显升高,组间差异有统计学意义(P0.01);IR组大鼠脑组织中BACE1,PS1及P-tau(ser396)蛋白表达水平较NC组显著增高(P0.01)。结论胰岛素抵抗大鼠认知功能受损,其程度与ChAT的活性相关;胰岛素抵抗通过上调BACE1,PS1的活性,使Aβ生成增加,同时P-Tau蛋白表达增加,从而可能参与类AD病变的发生。     

常压高氧对淀粉样蛋白前体/早老素1双重转基因小鼠脑内老年斑及β-淀粉样蛋白的影响

目的 探讨常压高氧(40%O_2,60%空气)处理淀粉样蛋白前体/早老素1(APP/PS1)双重转基因小鼠是否发挥神经保护作用.方法 对APP/PS1双重转基因阿尔茨海默病(AD)模型种鼠交配后产下的子代小鼠进行基因分型,待子代达10周龄时,取双重转基因小鼠40只,随机分成A、B、C、D 4组,每组10只,A、B 2组小鼠喂养于常压高氧中8 h/d,A组持续4周,B组持续8周;C、D组喂养于空气中4或8周,分别作为A、B组的对照.高氧处理后采用免疫组织化学、Thioflavin S染色检测小鼠脑组织形态学的变化,Western blot检测APP代谢过程中相关蛋白的表达变化,ELISA定量检测小鼠脑内β-淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)水平的变化.结果 免疫组织化学和Thioflavin S染色均显示,与对照组相比,高氧处理组小鼠皮质和海马内老年斑数量明显减少,B组比A组减少更显著.高氧处理组小鼠脑内C_(99)、C_(83)水平显著高于对照组,Aβ水平明显低于对照组,但各组小鼠脑内全长APP及β位淀粉样前体蛋白裂解酶1(BACE1)蛋白水平无明显改变.ELISA结果提示,B组小鼠海马和皮质内Aβ_(40)[(783.6±97.2)pg/ml]和Aβ_(42)[(175.3±17.1)ps/ml]含量明显低于对照组Aβ_(40)[(1251.6±42.3)pg/ml,t=9.36,P<0.01]和Aβ_(42)[(286.8±13.0)pg/ml,t=13.7,P<0.01]的含量.结论 常压高氧处理能显著减少AD模型小鼠脑内Aβ的产生、沉积及老年斑的形成;这种改变可能通过减少Aβ产生或加速Aβ清除实现.     

GSK3抑制剂氯化锂对脆性X综合征模型小鼠避暗行为的干预作用

目的探讨糖原合成酶激酶3(glycogen synthase kinase3,GSK3)抑制剂氯化锂对脆性X综合症小鼠模型的避暗行为的干预作用及机制。方法通过对30日龄脆性X综合症小鼠连续腹腔注射不同剂量氯化锂5 d,用药第4天和第5天进行避暗实验;同时用免疫印迹技术检测Fmr1 knockout(KO)及wild type(WT)小鼠的海马和皮层总GSK 3β和磷酸化GSK 3β(P-GSK3β)的变化。结果在避暗实验中,KO鼠与WT鼠,两者潜伏期及错误次数分别为(56±32)s,(83±24)s;(7±3)次,(3±2)次;免疫印迹实验结果:KO鼠皮层及海马P-GSK3β表达平均灰度值分别为69,63;WT鼠皮层和海马均为100。注射氯化锂后,KO鼠和WT鼠总GSK3β无明显改变,而KO鼠60 mg/kg,120 mg/kg,200 mg/kg组皮层P-GSK3β表达平均灰度值分别为:147,151,234;海马P-GSK3β分别为108,111,146,较空白组增多;P<0.05。WT鼠用氯化锂后,潜伏期和错误次数以及P-GSK3β表达变化无统计学意义。结论氯化锂能改善KO鼠的学习记忆能力,可能与氯化锂导致的P-GSK3β的表达增加有关,对脆性X综合征基因敲除小鼠有治疗作用。     

藏药七十味珍珠丸对阿尔茨海默病小鼠模型脑组织Aβ表达的影响

目的 观察藏药七十味珍珠丸(ratanasampil,RNSP)对阿尔茨海默病(AD)转基因鼠脑组织β-淀粉样蛋白(Aβ1-40和Aβ1-42)生成和改善认知功能的作用.方法 利用Y-迷宫明暗分辨学习和旷场实验来观察23只13～14月龄雌性阿尔茨海默病转基因鼠(Tg2576)和同龄雌性BL6×SJL非转基因鼠(NTg)的学习记忆功能和焦虑水平.治疗组选取6只Tg2576鼠和5只NTg鼠给予七十味珍珠丸用针管灌胃1 μl(0.14 mg/d),每天1次,连续用药8周;对照组选取7只Tg2576鼠和5只NTg鼠用蒸馏水和芝麻油各0.5 μl混匀后用针管灌胃1 μl,每天1次,连续用药8周.用蛋白印迹法和酶标免疫吸附测试法联合测定鼠脑组织β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ1-40和Aβ1-42)以及人鼠嵌合型跨膜蛋白淀粉样前体蛋白(β-amyloid precursor protein,APP)的蛋白含量,采用免疫组织化学法观察Aβ在鼠脑海马和大脑皮质的表达.结果 通过Y-迷宫明暗分辨学习测试,Tg2576鼠治疗组达标所需要的训练时间(34.23±9.65)s,比Tg2576鼠对照组(52.35±12.50)s显著降低;t=5.871,P＜0.01.与Tg2576鼠对照组比较,旷场实验测定结果显示Tg2576鼠治疗组在中央格停留时间明显减低[(4.70±3.56)s和(12.91±9.02)s;t=3.465,P＜0.01],跨格次数和站立次数增加[(85.33±17.64)次和(56.25±13.86)次;(57.67±17.08)次和(20.63±17.39)次;t=8.200,3.093,P＜0.01,P＜0.05],粪便排泄次数也明显减少[(1.17±0.56)次和(3.38±0.86)次;t=2.231,P＜0.05].两对照组比较,Tg2576鼠达标所需要的训练时间延长[(52.35±12.25)s和(37.03±8.98)s;t=3.131,P＜0.05],在中央格停留时间NTg较长,跨格次数和站立次数减少[(12.91±9.02)s和(5.24±5.88)s;(56.25±13.86)次和(82.75±22.54)次;(20.63±17.39)次和(53.50±13.94)次;P均＜0.05].上述训练项目NTg鼠在治疗组和对照组之间差异均无统计学意义.蛋白印迹法和酶标免疫吸附测试法联合结果显示Tg2576治疗组的脑组织内Aβ1-40和Aβ1-42含量均较对照组显著减低;通过RNSP治疗8周后Aβ42/Aβ40比率低于对照组(P＜0.05);但对Tg2576脑APP的表达未能减低.RNSP能够明显减少大脑皮质和海马周围老年淀粉样斑块的数目和面积.结论 藏药七十味珍珠丸可能通过减少Tg2576转基因鼠脑内Aβ1-40和Aβ1-42水平抑制老年斑的形成来改善转基因鼠学习空间记忆和探索运动能力,减少焦虑行为的发生.     

Survival and plasticity of basal forebrain cholinergic systems in mice transgenic for presenilin-1 and amyloid precursor protein mutant genes

The basalo-cortical cholinergic system was characterized in mice expressing mutant human genes for presenilin-1 (PS1), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and combined PS/APP. Dual immunocytochemistry for ChAT and A beta revealed swollen cholinergic processes within cortical plaques in both APP and PS/APP brains by 12 months, suggesting aberrant sprouting or redistribution of cholinergic processes in response to amyloid deposition. At 8 months, cortical and subcortical ChAT activity was normal (PS/APP) or elevated (PS, APP frontal cortex), while cholinergic cell counts (nBM/SI) and receptor binding were unchanged. ChAT mRNA was up-regulated in the nBM/SI of all three transgenic lines at 8 months. The data indicate that the basal forebrain cholinergic system does not degenerate in mice expressing AD-related transgenes, even in mice with extreme amyloid load. The     

规律性运动对APP／PS1小鼠学习记忆能力的影响

目的探讨有规律的适宜运动对AD模型小鼠的学习记忆能力的影响。方法雌性C57BL／c野生型小鼠及APP／PSl转基因小鼠，经过6个月规律性运动后，测定小鼠α-分泌酶／ADAMl0活性，A8及学习记忆行为学变化。结果规律性运动6个月不仅大大提高了在野生型小鼠的学习记忆行为，而且还改善AD转基因小鼠在学习和记忆障碍，提高了在野生型小鼠及AD转基因小鼠的α-分泌酶活性，抑制Aβ40和Aβ42的产生。结论提示规律性运动可能通过增加α-分泌酶活性，抑制脑内Aβ的生成量，参与了运动对学习记忆的作用。     

Impaired Performance of Female APP/PS1 Mice in the Morris Water Maze Is Coupled with Increased Aβ Accumulation and Microglial Activation

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Epidemiological studies suggest that the risk of AD is higher in women even when data are adjusted for age. Objective: We set out to compare changes in 9-month-old male and female mice which overexpress amyloid precursor protein (APP) with presenilin (PS1; APP/PS1 mice) and to evaluate whether any changes were coupled with deficits in spatial learning. Methods: APP/PS1 mice were assessed for their ability to learn in the Morris water maze and Aβ burden assessed by Congo Red and Aβ triple ultrasensitive assay. Neuroinflammatory changes were examined in brain tissue along with expression of Aβ-generating and Aβ-degrading enzymes. Results: A deficit in reversal phase learning in the Morris water maze was observed in female mice and was paralleled by evidence of increased accumulation of Aβ, microglial activation and expression of IL-1β. Accumulation of Aβ was coupled with an increase in expression of BACE-1 and a decrease in insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE). Conclusion: The results indicate that the observed impairment in spatial memory in female APP/PS1 mice correlated with increased Aβ burden and the changes in Aβ may have occurred as a result of enhanced BACE-1 and decreased IDE expression.     

Transauricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation at 40 Hz Inhibits Hippocampal P2X7R/NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling and Improves Spatial Learning and Memory in 6-Month-Old APP/PS1 Mice

ObjectivesTransauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) at 40 Hz attenuates hippocampal amyloid load in 6-month-old amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice, but it is unclear whether 40-Hz taVNS can improve cognition in these mice. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Materials and Methods6-month-old C57BL/6 (wild type [WT]) and APP/PS1 mice were subjected to 40-Hz taVNS. Novel Object Recognition and the Morris Water Maze were used to evaluate cognition. Hippocampal amyloid-β (Aβ)1-40, Aβ1-42, pro–interleukin (IL)-1β, and pro–IL-18 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Hippocampal Aβ42, purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression were evaluated by western blotting. Histologic assessments including immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Nissl staining, and Congo red staining were used to assess microglial phagocytosis, neuroprotective effects, and Aβ plaque load.Results40-Hz taVNS improved spatial memory and learning in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice but did not affect recognition memory. There were no effects on the cognitive behaviors of 6-month-old WT mice. taVNS at 40 Hz modulated microglia; significantly decreased levels of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, pro–IL-1β, and pro–IL-18; inhibited Aβ42, P2X7R, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression; reduced Aβ deposits; and had neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus of 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice. These changes were not observed in 6-month-old WT mice.ConclusionOur results show that 40-Hz taVNS inhibits the hippocampal P2X7R/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling and improves spatial learning and memory in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice.     

Reactive oxidative species enhance amyloid toxicity in APP/PS1 mouse neurons

Objective To investigate whether intracellular amyloid β (iAβ) induces toxicity in wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 mice, a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods Different forms of Aβ aggregates were microinjected into cultured WT or APP/PS1 mouse hippocampal neurons. TUNEL staining was performed to examine neuronal cell death. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) were measured by MitoSOXTM Red mitochondrial superoxide indicator. Results Crude, monomer and protofibrilAβ induced more toxicity inAPP/PS1 neurons than in WT neurons. ROS are involved in mediating the vulnerability of APP/PS1 neurons to iAβ toxicity. Conclusion Oxidative stress may mediate cell death induced by iAβ in neurons.     

Apicidin attenuates memory deficits by reducing the Aβ load in APP/PS1 mice

Aims

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is an important pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) can reduce the production of toxic Aβ by activating the nonamyloidogenic pathway of amyloid precursor protein (APP). We previously found that apicidin, which is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, can promote the expression of ADAM10 and reduce the production of Aβ in vitro. This study was designed to determine the potential of apicidin treatment to reverse learning and memory impairments in an AD mouse model and the possible correlation of these effects with ADAM10.

Methods

Nine-month-old APP/PS1 mice and C57 mice received intraperitoneal injections of apicidin or vehicle for 2 months. At 11 months of age, we evaluated the memory performance of mice with Morris water maze (MWM) and context fear conditioning tests. The Aβ levels were assessed in mouse brain using the immunohistochemical method and ELISA. The expression of corresponding protein involved in proteolytic processing of APP and the phosphorylation of tau were assessed by Western blotting.

Results

Apicidin reversed the deficits of spatial reference memory and contextual fear memory, attenuated the formation of Aβ-enriched plaques, and decreased the levels of soluble and insoluble Aβ40/42 in APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, apicidin significantly increased the expression of ADAM10, improved the level of sAPPα, and reduced the production of sAPPβ, but did not affect the levels of phosphorylated tau in APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusion

Apicidin significantly improves the AD symptoms of APP/PS1 mice by regulating the expression of ADAM10, which may contribute to decreasing the levels of Aβ rather than decreasing the phosphorylation of tau.     

AVP(4-8) Improves Cognitive Behaviors and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Memory deficits with aging are related to the neurodegeneration in the brain, including a reduction in arginine vasopressin(AVP) in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD). AVP(4-8), different from its precursor AVP, plays memory enhancement roles in the CNS without peripheral side-effects. However, it is not clear whether AVP(4-8) can improve cognitive behaviors and synaptic plasticity in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. Here, we investigated for the first time the neuroprotective effects of AVP(4-8) on memory behaviors and in vivo long-term potentiation(LTP) in APP/PS1-AD mice.The results showed that:(1) APP/PS1-AD mice had lower spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze than wild-type(WT) mice, and this was significantly reversed by AVP(4-8);(2) the prolonged escape latency of APP/PS1-AD mice in the Morris water maze was significantly decreased by AVP(4-8), and the decreased swimming time in target quadrant recovered significantly after AVP(4-8) treatment;(3) in vivo hippocampal LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation had a significant deficit in the AD mice, and this was partly rescued by AVP(4-8);(4) AVP(4-8)significantly up-regulated the expression levels of postsynaptic density 95(PSD95) and nerve growth factor(NGF)in the hippocampus of AD mice. These results reveal the beneficial effects of AVP(4-8) in APP/PS1-AD mice,showing that the intranasal administration of AVP(4-8)effectively improved the working memory and long-term spatial memory of APP/PS1-AD mice, which may be associated with the elevation of PSD95 and NGF levels in the brain and the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic plasticity.     

A New Chiral Pyrrolyl α-Nitronyl Nitroxide Radical Attenuates β-Amyloid Deposition and Rescues Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease

The generation of reactive oxygen species causes cellular oxidative damage, and has been implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). L-NNNBP, a new chiral pyrrolyl α-nitronyl nitroxide radical synthesized in our department, shows potential antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of L-NNNBP on β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and memory deficits in an AD model of APP/PS1 mice. In cultured cortical neurons, L-NNNBP acted as an antioxidant by quenching reactive oxygen species, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, nitrosative stress, and stimulating cellular antioxidant defenses. L-NNNBP inhibited cell apoptosis induced by Aβ exposure. In vivo treatment with L-NNNBP for 1 month induced a marked decrease in brain Aβ deposition and tau phosphorylation in the blinded study on APP/PS1 transgenic mice (1 mM in drinking water, initiated when the mice were 6 months old). The L-NNNBP-treated APP/PS1 mice showed decreased astrocyte activation and improved spatial learning and memory compared with the vehicle-treated APP/PS1 mice. These actions were more potent compared with that of curcumin, a natural product, and TEMPO, a nitroxide radical, which are used as free radical scavengers in clinics. These results proved that the newly synthesized L-NNNBP was an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of AD.     

Nerve Growth Factor Attenuates Cholinergic Deficits Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in chronic derangements in central cholinergic neurotransmission that may contribute to posttraumatic memory deficits. Intraventricular cannula (IVC) nerve growth factor (NGF) infusion can reduce axotomy-induced spatial memory deficits and morphologic changes observed in medial septal cholinergic neurons immunostained for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). We examined the efficacy of NGF to (1) ameliorate reduced posttraumatic spatial memory performance, (2) release of hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh), and (3) ChAT immunoreactivity in the rat medial septum. Rats (n = 36) were trained prior to TBI on the functional tasks and retested on Days 1–5 (motor) and on Day 7 (memory retention). Immediately following injury, an IVC and osmotic pump were implanted, and NGF or vehicle was infused for 7 days. While there were no differences in motor performance, the NGF-treated group had significantly better spatial memory retention (P < 0.05) than the vehicle-treated group. The IVC cannula was then removed on Day 7, and a microdialysis probe was placed into the dorsal hippocampus. After a 22-h equilibration period, samples were collected prior to and after administration of scopolamine (1 mg/kg), which evoked ACh release by blocking autoreceptors. The posttraumatic reduction in scopolamine-evoked ACh release was completely reversed with NGF. Injury produced a bilateral reduction in the number and cross-sectional area of ChAT immunopositive medial septal neurons that was reversed by NGF treatment. These data suggest that cognitive but not motor deficits following TBI are, in part, mediated by chronic deficits in cholinergic systems that can be modulated by neurotrophic factors such as NGF.