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Adrenocorticotropic hormone protects learning and memory function in epileptic Kcna1-null mice.
Morris H Scantlebury1, Kyoung-Chul Chun2, Shun-Chieh Ma3
1Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Neuroscience Letters
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may improve memory in epileptic mice independently of seizure control. This peptide demonstrated nootropic effects, enhancing learning and memory functions in a mouse model of epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is utilized for treating developmental epileptic encephalopathies.
- Its efficacy in controlling seizures is established, but potential benefits beyond seizure control remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if ACTH can improve hippocampal-dependent learning and memory impairments in epileptic Kcna1-null mice.
- To determine if these cognitive effects are independent of ACTH's impact on seizure frequency.
Main Methods:
- Administration of ACTH (Acthar Gel) to epileptic Kcna1-null mice for seven days.
- Assessment of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus.
- Evaluation of spatial learning and memory using the Barnes maze test.
Main Results:
- ACTH treatment prevented impairment of hippocampal LTP.
- Spatial learning and memory were restored in ACTH-treated mice.
- ACTH did not significantly alter the frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures.
Conclusions:
- ACTH can ameliorate memory deficits in epileptic mice irrespective of seizure control.
- These findings suggest that ACTH may possess direct nootropic properties in the epileptic brain.
- Further research into ACTH's cognitive-enhancing potential in epilepsy is warranted.
