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Changes in the expression of the NR2B subunit during aging in macaque monkeys
Ling Bai1, Patrick R Hof, David G Standaert
1Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Neurobiology of Aging
|January 30, 2004
Summary
Aging causes declines in spatial memory in primates and rodents. This study found decreased NR2B subunit mRNA in aged Rhesus monkey brains, suggesting mice may model primate aging for NMDA receptor research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Age-related spatial memory decline is observed across species, including humans, non-human primates, and rodents.
- Changes in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) NR2B subunit expression are linked to cognitive deficits in aging mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in the mRNA expression of the NR2B subunit in primate brains.
- To determine if primate aging mirrors molecular changes observed in rodent models.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was employed to analyze NR2B subunit mRNA expression.
- Tissue samples were obtained from Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) across three age groups: young (6-8 years), middle-aged (10-12 years), and old (24-26 years).
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in NR2B mRNA expression was observed in the prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus of aged Rhesus monkeys compared to younger ones.
- No significant changes in NR2B mRNA expression were detected in the hippocampus or parahippocampal gyrus.
Conclusions:
- Aging in Rhesus monkeys leads to reduced NR2B mRNA expression in specific brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus.
- The findings suggest that mice may serve as a relevant model for studying age-related changes in NR2B subunit expression in primates, aiding further research into NMDA receptor function during aging.