University of Sussex
Browse
1/1
2 files

Reversal of age-related learning deficiency by the vertebrate PACAP and IGF-1 in a novel invertebrate model of aging: the pond snail (Lymnaea Stagnalis)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 17:57 authored by Zsolt Pirger, Souvik Naskar, Zita László, George KemenesGeorge Kemenes, Dóra Reglodi, Ildiko KemenesIldiko Kemenes
With the increase of life span, nonpathological age-related memory decline is affecting an increasing number of people. However, there is evidence that age-associated memory impairment only suspends, rather than irreversibly extinguishes, the intrinsic capacity of the aging nervous system for plasticity (1). Here, using a molluscan model system, we show that the age-related decline in memory performance can be reversed by administration of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). Our earlier findings showed that a homolog of the vertebrate PACAP38 and its receptors exist in the pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) brain (2), and it is both necessary and instructive for memory formation after reward conditioning in young animals (3). Here we show that exogenous PACAP38 boosts memory formation in aged Lymnaea, where endogenous PACAP38 levels are low in the brain. Treatment with insulin-like growth factor-1, which in vertebrates was shown to transactivate PACAP type I (PAC1) receptors (4) also boosts memory formation in aged pond snails. Due to the evolutionarily conserved nature of these polypeptides and their established role in memory and synaptic plasticity, there is a very high probability that they could also act as “memory rejuvenating” agents in humans.

Funding

BB/K018515/1; BBSRC

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journals of Gerontology, Series A

ISSN

1079-5006

Publisher

OUP

Issue

11

Volume

69

Page range

1331-1338

Department affiliated with

  • Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-07-28

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2014-07-28

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2014-07-28

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC