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Hippocampal cell genesis does not correlate with spatial learning ability in aged rats.
David A Merrill1, Rajiv Karim, Michael Darraq
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0626, USA.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Aging reduces hippocampal cell proliferation, but impaired spatial learning in aged rats was not linked to further decreases in cell birth. These findings suggest adult hippocampal neurogenesis may not directly regulate learning and memory in aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Cognitive Decline
Background:
- Aging is associated with spatial learning and memory deficits in rodents.
- Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a potential regulator of learning and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hippocampal cell proliferation and spatial learning in aged rats.
- To determine if impaired learning in aging is associated with reduced neurogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Fischer 344 rats (aged and young) were tested on the Morris water maze.
- Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered to label proliferating cells.
- BrdU-labeled cells were quantified in the hippocampus (dentate gyrus and hilus).
Main Results:
- Aged rats showed significantly reduced hippocampal BrdU labeling compared to young rats.
- Aged rats with impaired water maze performance did not exhibit further reductions in BrdU labeling.
- Aging was associated with reduced cell proliferation, but not necessarily with learning impairment.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support a direct link between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and learning/memory capability in the context of aging.
- Reduced neurogenesis in aging may not be the sole or direct cause of spatial memory deficits.