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Related Experiment Videos

Age-related decrease of plasma testosterone in SAMP8 mice: replacement improves age-related impairment of learning

J F Flood1, S A Farr, F E Kaiser

  • 1Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO 63109, USA.

Physiology & Behavior
|April 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

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Aging impairs learning and memory, partly due to decreased testosterone. Supplementing testosterone improved memory in aged mice, suggesting an interaction between aging and hormone levels affects cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Hormonal changes, including decreased testosterone, occur with aging and may impact cognitive function.
  • SAMP8 mice exhibit age-related learning and memory deficits, unlike control SAMR1 mice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of testosterone in age-related cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice.
  • To determine if testosterone supplementation can ameliorate memory impairments in aged SAMP8 mice.

Main Methods:

  • Measured serum testosterone levels in SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice at different ages (4 and 12 months).
  • Administered subcutaneous testosterone implants to aged SAMP8 mice and assessed learning and memory using a foot shock avoidance task.
  • Performed castration in young SAMP8 mice to evaluate the direct impact of low testosterone on cognition.

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Main Results:

  • A significant age-related decrease in serum testosterone was observed in SAMP8 mice (71%) compared to SAMR1 mice (26%).
  • Testosterone supplementation in aged SAMP8 mice improved performance in a learning and memory task.
  • Castration of young SAMP8 mice did not impair learning and memory.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced testosterone levels contribute to age-related cognitive deficits in SAMP8 mice.
  • Testosterone replacement therapy shows potential for improving memory in aging.
  • The cognitive impairment in older SAMP8 mice results from an interaction between aging processes and diminished testosterone levels.