Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a Potential Self-Sourced Cognition Booster in Elderly Mice

Background: A complex set of neurotrophic growth factors participates in neuroplasticity in the aging brain. Platelets are a copious source of growth factors, most of which display also the neurotropic activity. On this basis, we investigated behavioral and cognitive consequences of the administration of intravenous allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in senescent mice.Methods: The animals (16-18 months old) were injected with either physiological saline or PRP which was acquired from age-matched counterparts and subjected to a battery of tests comprised of open-field, elevated-plus maze, tail suspension, and Morris water maze test.Results: We found that PRP treatment increases locomotion and improves learning and memory in elderly mice. Importantly, the PRP-treated animals did not exhibit any anxiety- or depression-like behaviors.Conclusion: The present study is the first to demonstrate that allogeneic PRP possesses beneficial effects against cognitive aging and it signifies that PRP may be used as a novel self-sourced treatment in age-related cognitive decline.