Memory deficits are associated with impaired ability to modulate neuronal excitability in middle-aged mice.
Normal aging disrupts hippocampal neuroplasticity and learning and memory. Aging deficits were exposed in a subset (30%) of middle-aged mice that performed below criterion on a hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning task. Basal neuronal excitability was comparable in middle-aged and young mice, but learning-related modulation of the post-burst afterhyperpolarization (AHP)--a general mechanism engaged during learning--was impaired in CA1 neurons from middle-aged weak learners. Thus, modulation of neuronal excitability is critical for retention of context fear in middle-aged mice. Disruption of AHP plasticity may contribute to contextual fear deficits in middle-aged mice--a model of age-associated cognitive decline (AACD).
Kaczorowski
Catherine C
CC
Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. ckaczorowski@mcw.edu
Disterhoft
John F
JF
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001703:Biophysics; D003214:Conditioning, Classical / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D005239:Fear; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009474:Neurons / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques / Q000379:methods; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology