DHEAS improves learning and memory in aged SAMP8 mice but not in diabetic mice.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) has been reported to improve memory in aged animals and suggested as a treatment for age-related dementias. The SAMP8 mouse, a model of Alzheimer's disease, has an age-related impairment in learning and memory and an increase in brain levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid beta protein (Abeta). Male SAMP8 mice also have a decrease in testosterone, to which DHEA is a precursor. Diabetes has been suggested as a model of aging and to be linked to Alzheimer's disease. Diabetics can have memory deficits and lower DHEAS levels. Here, we examined the effects of chronic oral DHEAS on acquisition and retention for T-maze footshock avoidance in 12 mo male SAMP8 mice and in CD-1 mice with streptozocin-induced diabetes. Learning and memory were improved in aged SAMP8 mice, but not in CD-1 mice with streptozocin-induced diabetes. These findings suggest that DHEAS is more effective in reversing the cognitive impairments associated with overexpression of Abeta than with diabetes.
Farr
Susan A
SA
Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA. FarrSA52@aol.com
Banks
William A
WA
Uezu
Kayoko
K
Gaskin
F Spencer
FS
Morley
John E
JE
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose; D001835:Body Weight; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D001786:Blood Glucose; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate