Impaired Adult Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus of a Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
2008

Impaired Adult Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Sample size: 6 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Rodríguez José J., Jones Victoria C., Tabuchi Masashi, Allan Stuart M., Knight Elysse M., LaFerla Frank M., Oddo Salvatore, Verkhratsky Alexei

Primary Institution: Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester

Hypothesis

The study aims to establish the link between Alzheimer's disease and neurogenesis in a triple transgenic mouse model.

Conclusion

The study found that 3xTg-AD mice have a significantly impaired ability to generate new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which worsens with age.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both non-Tg and 3xTg-AD mice showed an age-dependent decrease in neurogenesis.
  • Male 3xTg-AD mice demonstrated a 73% decrease in new neuron production at 9 months.
  • Female 3xTg-AD mice showed a 63% reduction in neurogenesis at 4 months, with an 88% decrease at 12 months.
  • The reduction in neurogenesis was associated with the presence of β-amyloid plaques.
  • The study suggests that recovery in neurogenesis rates could help rescue cognitive impairment.

Takeaway

The study shows that mice with Alzheimer's disease have a harder time making new brain cells as they get older, especially female mice.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry to measure the density of proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus of triple transgenic mice at various ages.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a specific mouse model, which may not fully represent human Alzheimer's disease.

Participant Demographics

The study involved male and female triple transgenic mice aged 2 to 12 months.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002935

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