Bcl-2 Over-Expression and Age-Related Neuron Loss in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Han Mingbo, Schottler Frank, Lei Debin, Dong Elizabeth Y, Bryan Alexander, Bao Jianxin
Primary Institution: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can over-expression of Bcl-2 prevent age-related loss of calretinin positive neurons in the mouse dentate gyrus?
Conclusion
Bcl-2 over-expression does not prevent age-related loss of calretinin positive neurons in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Normal mice showed an age-related loss of calretinin positive neurons in the dentate gyrus.
- Bcl-2 over-expression did not prevent the age-related loss of these neurons.
- Transgenic mice exhibited an unexpected age-related neuronal loss despite Bcl-2 over-expression.
Takeaway
As mice get older, they lose special brain cells that help with memory, and making more of a certain protein (Bcl-2) doesn't help keep those cells from disappearing.
Methodology
The study used unbiased stereological techniques to estimate the number of calretinin positive neurons in the dentate gyrus of normal and Bcl-2 transgenic mice at different ages.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of results due to the specific focus on Bcl-2 and calretinin without considering other factors.
Limitations
The study focused only on calretinin positive neurons and did not explore other neuronal populations that may also be affected by aging.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6J mice and NSE73a transgenic mice, aged 2 to 24 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p=0.003
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website