Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

11.8K

Prenatal hypoxia produces memory deficits associated with impairment of long-term synaptic plasticity in young rats

Igor A Zhuravin1, Nadezhda M Dubrovskaya1, Dmitry S Vasilev1

  • 1Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|August 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal hypoxia impairs synaptic function and reduces NMDA receptor subunits in young rats. This leads to significant learning and memory deficits, highlighting critical developmental impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Prenatal hypoxia can cause lasting changes in behavior and cognitive function.
  • The precise mechanisms linking prenatal hypoxia to developmental deficits remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of prenatal hypoxia on hippocampal synaptic properties.
  • To examine the impact of prenatal hypoxia on hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions in young rats.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of rats to hypoxia on embryonic day 14 (E14).
  • Electrophysiological assessment of basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA3-CA1 synapses.
  • Measurement of NMDA receptor subunit (GluN2A, GluN2B) protein levels.
  • Quantification of synaptopodin-positive dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 area.
  • Behavioral testing using a novel object recognition test.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal hypoxia significantly disrupted basal synaptic transmission and reduced hippocampal LTP by 50% in young rats.
  • A significant decrease in GluN2B NMDA receptor subunit levels, but not GluN2A, was observed.
  • Reduced numbers of synaptopodin-positive dendritic spines were found in the CA1 hippocampus.
  • Hypoxia-exposed rats exhibited significant learning and memory deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal hypoxia alters synaptic plasticity and receptor expression in the developing hippocampus.
  • These synaptic changes correlate with impaired learning and memory functions.
  • The study elucidates potential mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits following prenatal hypoxic insults.

Keywords:
LTPLearningNMDA receptorNovel object recognitionPrenatal hypoxiaSynaptopodin

More Related Videos

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording14:27

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Published on: August 11, 2019

13.4K
Preparation of Oligomeric β-amyloid1-42 and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity Impairment on Hippocampal Slices04:41

Preparation of Oligomeric β-amyloid1-42 and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity Impairment on Hippocampal Slices

Published on: July 14, 2010

23.9K

Related Concept Videos

Long-Term Memory01:18

Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory is a relatively permanent type of memory, capable of storing vast amounts of information over extended periods. Its storage capacity is generally considered unlimited.
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
659
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

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.
79.2K
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
33.2K
Hypoxia01:23

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
2.0K
Plasticizers01:31

Plasticizers

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...
352
Plasticity00:58

Plasticity

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...
3.0K