Evaluation of molecular changes in the brain cholinergic system after the use of non-pharmacological strategies to improve memory

• Grant number: 12/12917-3
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2013 - November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal researcher: Tânia Araújo Viel
• Grantee: Tânia Araújo Viel
• Home Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Hudson de Sousa Buck
• Associated scholarship(s): 14/22805-3 - Immunofluorescence and Western blotting double-labeling for detection of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration markers in animal models of degeneration submitted to non-drug strategies for improving memory, BP.TT; 13/19999-8 - Study of cholinergic molecular changes that occur after the application of non-pharmacological strategies to improve memory, BP.TT

Abstract

Cognitive processes depend on the interaction among cortex, hippocampus and other limbic structures. Chronic degeneration of these structures lead to progressive dementia, with cognitive decline, as happens in Alzheimer's disease. In recent studies we observed that sustained attention, physical activity and stimulation in enriched environment improved memory of old animals and those ones submitted to a model of neurodegeneratation. Besides, it was verified an increase in the density of ±7 nicotinic cholinergic receptors in brain areas related to memory. It was suggested the formation of cognitive reserves (with social, environmental and physical stimulation) would lead to development of cognitive and brain reserves. In the presence of neurodegeneration, brain function would be preserved due to structural reserves (neuronal density and synaptic conexion) or functional reserves (increase in the efficacy of neuronal circuits). The aim of this project is to verify if changes in life style (with the use of non-pharmacological strategies) would influence the neuroprotection promoted by the cholinergic system. We intend to go deeper in the study of the involvement of this system for memory keeping. For this, we intend to identify where (if in neurons or glial cells) the increase in a7 density occurs, if there is activation of anti-inflammatory pathways, changes in dendritic branches and alterations of plasmatic neurotrophins and cholinesterase enzymes. This study may provide bases for new therapeutical approaches for memory keeping along the aging process and in the presence of neuropsiquiatric disturbs. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

TELLES-LONGUI, MILENA; MOURELLE, DANILO; SCHOWE, NATALIA MENDES; CIPOLLI, GABRIELA CABETT; MALERBA, HELENA NASCIMENTO; BUCK, HUDSON SOUSA; VIEL, TANIA ARAUJO. alpha 7 nicotinic ACh receptors are necessary for memory recovery and neuroprotection promoted by attention training in amyloid-beta-infused mice. British Journal of Pharmacology, v. 176, n. 17 JULY 2019. Web of Science Citations: 0.

MORZELLE, MARESSA CALDEIRA; SALGADO, JOCELEM MASTRODI; TELLES, MILENA; MOURELLE, DANILO; BACHIEGA, PATRICIA; BUCK, HUDSON SOUSA; VIEL, TANIA ARAUJO. Neuroprotective Effects of Pomegranate Peel Extract after Chronic Infusion with Amyloid-beta Peptide in Mice. PLoS One, v. 11, n. 11 NOV 9 2016. Web of Science Citations: 17.

NUNES, MARIELZA ANDRADE; SCHOEWE, NATALIA MENDES; MONTEIRO-SILVA, KARLA CRISTINA; BARALDI-TORNISIELO, TICIANA; GONCALVES SOUZA, SUZZANNA INGRYD; BALTHAZAR, JANAINA; ALBUQUERQUE, MARILIA SILVA; CAETANO, ARIADINY LIMA; VIEL, TANIA ARAUJO; BUCK, HUDSON SOUSA. Chronic Microdose Lithium Treatment Prevented Memory Loss and Neurohistopathological Changes in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. PLoS One, v. 10, n. 11 NOV 25 2015. Web of Science Citations: 21.