Correlation study of 5-HT in brain with cognitive function and anxious-like behavior in APP/PS1 transgene mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline in cognitive function and emotional disturbances. The amygdala is an important connectivity structure in the brain and is responsible for emotional responses. 5-HT is involved in various neurodevelopmental processes in the brain. In this study, correlation study of 5-HT in brain with cognitive function and anxious-like behavior was investigated in APP/PS1 transgene mice. Multiple behavioral tests were performed to examine the cognitive function and anxiety behavior of AD mice. In vivo hippocampus long-term potentiation (LTP) was recorded to reflect synaptic plasticity. 5-HT levels in hippocampus and amygdala were determined. Further, we explored the correlation between 5-HT levels in hippocampus and amygdala and long-term cognitive behaviors and anxiety behaviors in the AD mice using linear regression analysis. Our results demonstrated that there was close linear correlation between 5-HT level in brain and spatial cognition and anxiety behavior of APP/PS1 transgene mice. 5-HT influences spatial learning and memory by regulating the synaptic plasticity in hippocampus of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. These results indicate that 5-HT might be potentially beneficial in the treatment of AD.