Patterns of Expression of the Key Genes of the BDNF System and Serotonin Receptors in the Brain of OXYS Rats in the Development of the Signs of Alzheimer ’s Disease

AbstractIn spite of numerous studies, pathogenesis of the sporadic (not inherited) form of Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) still remains largely unclear; nevertheless, there is general consensus as regards the complex involvement of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters in the mechanisms of this disease. In light of recent data on the physical interaction between serotonin (5-HT) receptors and rec eptors of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the reciprocal modulation between 5-HT and BDNF systems is of particular interest, inter alia, in the context of AD development. The OXYS lineage of prematurely aging rats is a unique model of sporadic AD. Previously, it has been reported on th e changed neurotrophin balance in the brain of these animals; however, the changes in the expression of BDNF and its receptors in the dynamics of development of AD symptoms has been studied insufficiently. Even less is known about the patterns of expression of 5-HT receptors in OXYS rat brain. In th e present work, we have compared the expression of BDNF and its receptors, TrkB and p75NTR, as well as serotonin 5- НТ1 А, 5- НТ2 А, 5- НТ4 and 5- НТ7 receptors in the brain of OXYS and Wistar rats aged 20 days, 3.5 and 18 months. The frontal cortex of 20-day-old OXYS rats demonstrated a significant increase in the mRNA level of theBdnf,Htr2a andHtr7 genes and, at the same time, a decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of the TrkB receptor. In the hippo...
Source: Advances in Gerontology - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research