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Impaired learning and memory in mature spontaneously hypertensive rats
J M Wyss1, G Fisk, T van Groen
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Brain Research
|October 2, 1992
Summary
Hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) impairs learning and memory by 12 months of age. Long-term antihypertensive therapy with captopril partially prevented this cognitive decline in SHR.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit retrosplenial cortex disorganization early in life.
- This brain region is crucial for learning and memory neural circuits.
- Cognitive function may be compromised in mature SHR due to hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if learning and memory are impaired in mature SHR.
- To determine if long-term antihypertensive therapy can prevent or reduce cognitive deficits in SHR.
Main Methods:
- Radial 8-arm maze task used for training Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and SHR at 3 and 12 months of age.
- A group of SHR treated with captopril (CAP-SHR) to maintain normotension were also tested.
- Performance was measured by days to reach criterion and total errors.
Main Results:
- 12-month-old SHR showed significantly impaired learning and memory compared to age-matched SD rats.
- CAP-SHR performance was intermediate, indicating partial prevention of deficits by captopril.
- 3-month-old SHR performed better than all other groups, suggesting early hypertension may initially enhance certain learning aspects.
Conclusions:
- Learning and memory functions are compromised in spontaneously hypertensive rats by 12 months of age.
- Long-term antihypertensive treatment with captopril offers partial neuroprotection, mitigating cognitive decline.
- The study highlights the detrimental impact of hypertension on cognitive function and the potential benefits of early intervention.