| Grant number: | 13/16364-1 |
| Support type: | Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation |
| Effective date (Start): | December 01, 2013 |
| Effective date (End): | October 31, 2015 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems |
| Principal researcher: | Luiz Roberto Giorgetti de Britto |
| Grantee: | Barbara dos Anjos Rosário |
| Home Institution: | Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
| Associated research grant: | 12/50329-6 - Translational neuroscience of Alzheimer's disease: preclinical and clinical studies of b-amyloid peptide and other biomarkers, AP.TEM |
Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a progressive loss of memory, disordered cognitive function, language decline, and behavioral changes such as paranoia and delirium. The neurodegeneration found in AD patients has been frequently associated to oxidative damage. Some studies suggested the involvement of NADPH oxidase in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. However, the mechanisms involved in its activation, expression and regulation are still unclear. In the present study we intend to investigate the possible involvement of NADPH oxidase in AD through behavioral assessments and to evaluate the expression and distribution of p47phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase. Expression and distribution of this subunit will be evaluated in the hippocampus of wild - type mice before and after induction of AD, as well as its expression in neurons, astrocytes and microglia. In order to induce AD, streptozotocin will be injected into the lateral ventricles of both Wt and Gp91phox deficient mice. Behavioral tests will be conducted in the Morris water maze and the immunofluorescence technique will be used to evaluate the expression and distribution of p47phox in the hippocampus. We anticipate that this study will generate relevant data in relation to the role of NADPH oxidase in neurodegenerative processes. (AU) | |