Abstract
The gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) is considered a useful primate model for translational research. In the framework of IMI PharmaCog project (Grant Agreement n°115009, www.pharmacog.org), we tested the hypothesis that spectral electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of motor and locomotor activity in gray mouse lemurs reflect typical movement-related desynchronization of alpha rhythms (about 8–12 Hz) in humans. To this aim, EEG (bipolar electrodes in frontal cortex) and electromyographic (EMG; bipolar electrodes sutured in neck muscles) data were recorded in 13 male adult (about 3 years) lemurs. Artifact-free EEG segments during active state (gross movements, exploratory movements or locomotor activity) and awake passive state (no sleep) were selected on the basis of instrumental measures of animal behavior, and were used as an input for EEG power density analysis. Results showed a clear peak of EEG power density at alpha range (7–9 Hz) during passive state. During active state, there was a reduction in alpha power density (8–12 Hz) and an increase of power density at slow frequencies (1–4 Hz). Relative EMG activity was related to EEG power density at 2–4 Hz (positive correlation) and at 8–12 Hz (negative correlation). These results suggest for the first time that the primate gray mouse lemurs and humans may share basic neurophysiologic mechanisms of synchronization of frontal alpha rhythms in awake passive state and their desynchronization during motor and locomotor activity. These EEG markers may be an ideal experimental model for translational basic (motor science) and applied (pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions) research in Neurophysiology.
Highlights
Gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) is a nocturnal prosimian primate originating from Madagascar, which shares some genetic, physiological, and neuroanatomical similarities with humans
Duncan planned post hoc tests showed that the only statistical EEG differences between daytime and nighttime were limited to 1–2 Hz
The results showed that rectified EMG activity was greater in the active compared to the passive state in both the daytime (t = 5.28, p
Summary
Gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) is a nocturnal prosimian primate originating from Madagascar, which shares some genetic, physiological, and neuroanatomical similarities with humans. Its longevity (life expectancy of about 8 years) is ideal to carry out longitudinal studies on the effects of aging [4, 5]. Been proposed as one of the most interesting animal models for the translational study of AD in nonhuman primates [4]. It is expected that this animal model will provide effective biomarkers to monitor brain functions and neurodegenerative processes with aging. These biomarkers may be useful for preclinical investigations on the efficacy of new drugs for patients with neurodegenerative diseases [4, 5, 8]
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