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[Improving effect of NGF by intrahippocampal injection on aging-related memory impairment]
1Biology Department of Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China. Xuxiaohong@email.com.cn
Aim:
To study the improving effect of NGF (nerve growth factor) on aging-related memory impairment and its possible mechanism of action.
Methods:
After direct intrahippocampal injection of NGF, the spontaneous behavior and the memory retention of aging mice were observed using open field and one-trial passive avoidance test. At the same time, the free [Ca2+] and protein synthesis in hippocampal synaptosomes were measured in vitro by using fluorescence indicator Fura-2/AM and 3H-Leu respectively.
Results:
Compared with the control, NGF was shown to increase significantly the spontaneous behavior and explorative response in the open field, and improve remarkably the memory consolidation of old mice (P < 0.05). NGF decreased notably the intrasynaptosomal free [Ca2+] in hippocampus. Meanwhile, the incorporation of 3H-Leu into the synaptosomal proteins of hippocampus increased significantly.
Conclusion:
NGF showed an improvement effect against the aging-related memory impairment. A decrease of intrasynaptosomal free [Ca2+] and an increase in protein synthesis may be involved in this effect.