Study of Neuronal Plasticity Changes Over Time
Author Information
Author(s): Broccard Frédéric D, Pegoraro Silvia, Ruaro Maria Elisabetta, Altafini Claudio, Torre Vincent
Primary Institution: International School for Advanced Studies
Hypothesis
The study investigates how evoked electrical activity changes during chemically-induced neuronal plasticity and its correlation with gene expression.
Conclusion
The study concludes that neuronal plasticity is mediated by multiple pathways that work together.
Supporting Evidence
- Gabazine treatment increased the evoked electrical activity 2-4 hours after administration.
- 342 genes were up-regulated following gabazine treatment.
- Inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway reduced the potentiation of the evoked response but did not abolish it.
Takeaway
When neurons are treated with a drug called gabazine, they become more active for a few hours, which helps them learn and remember better.
Methodology
The study used dissociated neuronal cultures and multi-electrode arrays to monitor electrical activity and gene expression changes.
Limitations
The study could not identify the specific types of neurons where up-regulated genes were expressed.
Participant Demographics
Hippocampal neurons dissociated from Wistar rats (P0–P2).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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