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Published on: March 23, 2011
Electrophysiological analysis of NMDA receptor subunit changes in the aging mouse cortex
M C Kuehl-Kovarik1, K R Magnusson, L S Premkumar
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA. mckkovar@cvmbs.colostate.edu
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|June 16, 2000
Summary
Aging reduces N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor epsilon2 subunits in mouse brains, potentially impacting memory and brain plasticity. This age-related decrease in receptor composition affects brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are crucial for memory and brain plasticity.
- Previous studies showed decreased NMDARepsilon2 subunit mRNA and protein with age in mouse frontal cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate age-related changes in NMDA receptor composition.
- Determine how receptor subunit changes affect function in aging brains.
Main Methods:
- Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes.
- Analysis of native NMDA receptors from young and old C57Bl mice frontal cortex RNA.
- Electrophysiological characterization including ifenprodil and magnesium sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Aging decreased the high-affinity ifenprodil binding component of NMDA receptors.
- Maximal current decreased in aged animals, correlating with reduced epsilon2 levels.
- Increased magnesium sensitivity observed in NMDA receptors from older mice.
- Single channel conductances remained unchanged between age groups.
Conclusions:
- Results support a reduction in the NMDARepsilon2 subunit in the aging mouse frontal cortex.
- Altered NMDA receptor subunit composition is a potential factor in age-related memory decline.
