Aged‐Constitutively Active Mutant α1A Adrenergic Receptor Mice have Enhanced LTP in the Hippocampal CA1 Region

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Neurogenesis is the production of new neurons and continues throughout adult mammalian lifespan in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). The DG is a major target of noradrenergic input and is critical for learning and memory. Previously, we showed that activation of α1A-ARs increases neurogenesis, learning, and memory in transgenic mice overexpressing the α1A-AR, compared to wild type (WT). Enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) has been shown to be necessary for learning and memory. This project used electrophysiological field recordings to study LTP in 22–24 month old constitutively active mutant (CAM) α1A-AR mice and aged matched WT. Simultaneous stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals and recording from the CA1 region of the hippocampus was performed in aged CAM α1A-AR and WT mice, and the evoked field excitatory post synaptic potential (fEPSP) slopes were compared. Results showed enhanced LTP in CAM α1A-AR mice when compared to age matched WT mice. These findings are potentially important because they link the behavioral improvements of CAM α1A-AR mice to the underlying cellular mechanisms. Investigation of this mechanism may lead to new treatment strategies for learning disabilities and other neurodegenerative diseases. Supported by NSF GRFP grant, NSF EPS-0447679, NSF CAREER 0347259, and NIH 5P20RR017699 from the NCRR.