Forebrain NR2B Overexpression Facilitating the Prefrontal Cortex Long-Term Potentiation and Enhancing Working Memory Function in Mice
2011

NR2B Overexpression in Mice Enhances Working Memory and Long-Term Potentiation

Sample size: 22 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cui Yihui, Jin Jing, Zhang Xuliang, Xu Hao, Yang Liguo, Du Dan, Zeng Qingwen, Tsien Joe Z., Yu Huiting, Cao Xiaohua

Primary Institution: Shanghai Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

Hypothesis

Does the up-regulation of NR2B subunit influence prefrontal cortical synaptic plasticity and working memory?

Conclusion

The study found that NR2B overexpression in the prefrontal cortex enhances long-term potentiation and improves working memory in mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • NR2B overexpression led to enhanced long-term potentiation in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Transgenic mice performed better in working memory tasks compared to wild-type mice.
  • Electrophysiological recordings showed significant differences in synaptic plasticity between transgenic and wild-type mice.

Takeaway

Mice with extra NR2B proteins in their brains did better at remembering things and had stronger brain connections.

Methodology

The study used NR2B transgenic mice to measure synaptic plasticity and working memory through various behavioral tasks and electrophysiological recordings.

Participant Demographics

Adult (3-month old) mice, including NR2B transgenic and wild-type littermates.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020312

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