Impairment of Adolescent Hippocampal Plasticity in a Mouse Model for Alzheimer's Disease Precedes Disease Phenotype
2008

Impairment of Adolescent Hippocampal Plasticity in a Mouse Model for Alzheimer's Disease

Sample size: 6 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hartl Daniela, Rohe Michael, Mao Lei, Staufenbiel Matthias, Zabel Claus, Klose Joachim

Primary Institution: Institute for Human Genetics, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany

Hypothesis

The study investigates how the amyloid precursor protein (APP) affects hippocampal plasticity during adolescence in a mouse model for Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

The absence of developmental proteome alterations and down-regulation of proteins related to plasticity suggest disrupted hippocampal plasticity during adolescence in APP23 mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • Significant alterations in protein abundance were observed in APP23 mice as early as embryonic day 16.
  • A considerable peak in protein alterations was detected in the hippocampus of 2-month-old APP23 mice.
  • Down-regulation of neuron-specific proteins was predominant in APP23 mice during adolescence.
  • Proteome alterations related to development were significantly lower in APP23 mice compared to wildtype mice.

Takeaway

The study found that young mice with a genetic model of Alzheimer's disease had problems with brain development, which might lead to memory issues later on.

Methodology

The study used 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to analyze protein patterns in the brains of APP23 transgenic and wildtype mice at various ages.

Potential Biases

Potential bias may arise from the specific genetic model used and the age stages selected for analysis.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on specific age stages and brain regions, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The study involved male APP23 transgenic mice and wildtype littermates.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002759

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