Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
14:57
Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
Published on: March 23, 2011
95.3K
Astaxanthin supplementation modulates cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in young and aged mice.
Bethany Grimmig1,2, Charles Hudson3, Lauren Moss2
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, USF Health, 12901 Bruce B Downs, Blvd, Tampa, FL, USA.
Geroscience
|February 11, 2019
Summary
Astaxanthin supplementation improved cognitive function and neural plasticity in aged mice. This natural compound shows promise for managing age-associated cognitive decline and supporting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment are rising globally.
- Age-related conditions pose significant economic and public health challenges.
- Nutritional interventions are being explored for managing age-associated cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive function and neural plasticity.
- To assess astaxanthin's potential in both young and aged mouse models.
- To explore astaxanthin's role in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Administration of astaxanthin to young and aged mice for one month.
- Evaluation of cognitive performance using hippocampal-dependent tasks.
- Measurement of long-term potentiation and neurogenesis markers.
Main Results:
- Aged mice supplemented with astaxanthin showed improved performance in cognitive tasks.
- Long-term potentiation was enhanced in aged mice fed astaxanthin.
- No significant changes were observed in neurogenesis or microglial markers (IBA1).
Conclusions:
- Astaxanthin demonstrates potential in modulating neural plasticity and cognitive function in aging.
- The findings suggest astaxanthin may be a beneficial dietary strategy for cognitive health in older adults.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of astaxanthin's neuroprotective effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Synaptic Signaling
79.4K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
79.4K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
6.6K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
6.6K
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
37.5K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
37.5K
00:58Plasticity
3.1K
Plasticity is the property where an object loses its elasticity and undergoes irreversible deformation, even after the deformation forces are eliminated. If a material deforms irreversibly without increasing stress or load, then this is called ideal plasticity. For example, when a force is applied to an aluminum rod, it changes its shape, but it does not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Plastic deformation or ductility is thus a permanent deformation or change in the...
3.1K
01:31Plasticizers
366
Water-reducers, or plasticizers, are chemical admixtures used in concrete to improve strength and workability. These additives reduce the water-cement ratio without compromising workability, lower the cement content while maintaining the same workability, or increase workability to assist concrete placement in inaccessible areas.
Plasticizers function by using surface-active agents to create repulsive electrostatic forces between cement particles. This dispersion enhances the concrete's...
Plasticizers function by using surface-active agents to create repulsive electrostatic forces between cement particles. This dispersion enhances the concrete's...
366
01:21Plastic Behavior
569
A material's elastic behavior is characterized by the disappearance of stress once the load is removed, allowing the material to return to its original state. However, when stress surpasses the yield point, yielding commences, marking the onset of plastic deformation or permanent set. This change from elastic to plastic behavior is influenced by the peak stress value and the duration before the load is removed. An intriguing observation occurs when a specimen is loaded, unloaded, and...
569