title: Modulation of hippocampal neural plasticity by glucose-related signaling.
abstract: Hormones and peptides involved in glucose homeostasis are emerging as important modulators of neural plasticity. In this regard, increasing evidence shows that molecules such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, glucagon-like peptide-1, and ghrelin impact on the function of the hippocampus, which is a key area for learning and memory. Indeed, all these factors affect fundamental hippocampal properties including synaptic plasticity (i.e., synapse potentiation and depression), structural plasticity (i.e., dynamics of dendritic spines), and adult neurogenesis, thus leading to modifications in cognitive performance. Here, we review the main mechanisms underlying the effects of glucose metabolism on hippocampal physiology. In particular, we discuss the role of these signals in the modulation of cognitive functions and their potential implications in dysmetabolism-related cognitive decline.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mainardi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fusco
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grassi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D055495:Neurogenesis; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D051381:Rats; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D005947:Glucose