title: Insulin-like growth factor-1 in CNS and cerebrovascular aging.
abstract: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important anabolic hormone that decreases with age. In the past two decades, extensive research has determined that the reduction in IGF-1 is an important component of the age-related decline in cognitive function in multiple species including humans. Deficiency in circulating IGF-1 results in impairment in processing speed and deficiencies in both spatial and working memory. Replacement of IGF-1 or factors that increase IGF-1 to old animals and humans reverses many of these cognitive deficits. Despite the overwhelming evidence for IGF-1 as an important neurotrophic agent, the specific mechanisms through which IGF-1 acts have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that IGF-1 is both produced by and has important actions on the cerebrovasculature as well as neurons and glia. Nevertheless, the specific regulation and actions of brain- and vascular-derived IGF-1 is poorly understood. The diverse effects of IGF-1 discovered thus far reveal a complex endocrine and paracrine system essential for integrating many of the functions necessary for brain health. Identification of the mechanisms of IGF-1 actions will undoubtedly provide critical insight into regulation of brain function in general and the causes of cognitive decline with age.
authors.affiliation: Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Sonntag
authors.forename: Ferenc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Deak
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashpole
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Toth
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Csiszar
authors.forename: Willard
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Zoltan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ungvari
keywords: IGF-1; aging; cognitive decline; vasculature