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Impaired Cognitive Performance in Mice Exposed to Prolonged Hyperoxia
Geisa Ortet1, Lei Ma2, J Sebastian Garcia-Medina1
1Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 17, 2022
Summary
Prolonged exposure to high oxygen levels (hyperoxia) impaired cognitive function in mice, as shown by a reduced Y-maze alteration rate. Motor skills remained unaffected, suggesting specific impacts on brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Prolonged exposure to oxygen concentrations above environmental levels can cause hyperoxia and tissue toxicity.
- The mammalian brain adapts to both hypoxia and hyperoxia through structural and functional changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prolonged hyperoxic exposure on cognitive and motor performance in adult mice.
- To determine if hyperoxia impacts memory, learning, coordination, and grip strength.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice were exposed to either hyperoxic (50% O2) or normoxic conditions for three weeks.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze test, measuring the alteration rate.
- Motor function was evaluated with grip strength and rotarod tests.
Main Results:
- Hyperoxic mice showed significantly decreased hematocrit levels compared to normoxic controls.
- Cognitive performance, measured by the Y-maze alteration rate, was significantly reduced in the hyperoxia group.
- No significant differences in grip strength or rotarod performance were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hyperoxia exposure in mice leads to impaired cognitive performance.
- The observed cognitive deficits may be a consequence of hyperoxia-induced structural and functional alterations in the brain.
