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Constitutive differences in glucocorticoid responsiveness are related to divergent spatial information processing
Damien Huzard1, Avgoustinos Vouros2, Silvia Monari1
1Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|June 13, 2019
Summary
High corticosterone (CORT) responders show better long-term spatial memory, while low CORT responders struggle with memory retention and reversal learning in aging rats. Individual differences in stress hormone response impact cognitive aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Endocrinology
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- The stress response is vital for adaptation and linked to cognition.
- Glucocorticoids, like corticosterone (CORT) in rats, may enhance memory formation.
- Early aging in rats (16-18 months) is vulnerable to stress-induced cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individual differences in endogenous glucocorticoid responses affect spatial learning, memory, and reversal learning in early aging rats.
- To analyze swimming strategies in relation to CORT responsiveness.
- To understand the impact of juvenile stress responsiveness on cognitive aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three rat lines selectively bred for differential corticosterone (CORT) responsiveness to stress.
- Assessed spatial learning, long-term memory, and reversal learning using the Morris water maze task in early aging rats.
- Employed modeling analysis to evaluate rat swimming strategies.
Main Results:
- Rats with differential CORT responsiveness showed similar spatial learning but varied long-term memory and reversal learning.
- High CORT responding rats exhibited superior long-term spatial memory.
- Low CORT responding rats were impaired in long-term memory retention and reversal learning.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in corticosterone (CORT) responsiveness significantly influence cognitive aging.
- High CORT responders may form stronger long-term memories, aiding navigation in stressful conditions.
- Low CORT responders demonstrate deficits in spatial learning and memory phases during aging.
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