A critical role for the glial-derived neuromodulator D-serine in the age-related deficits of cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.
Aging Cell
; 5(3): 267-74, 2006 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16842499
ABSTRACT
Age-associated deficits in learning and memory are closely correlated with impairments of synaptic plasticity. Analysis of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 hippocampal slices indicates that the glial-derived neuromodulator D-serine is required for the induction of synaptic plasticity. During aging, the content of D-serine and the expression of its synthesizing enzyme serine racemase are significantly decreased in the hippocampus. Impaired LTP and NMDAr-mediated synaptic potentials in old rats are rescued by exogenous D-serine. These results highlight the critical role of glial cells and presumably astrocytes, through the availability of D-serine, in the deficits of synaptic mechanisms of learning and memory that occur in the course of aging.
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Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Serine
/
Aging
/
Neuroglia
/
Neurotransmitter Agents
/
Learning
/
Memory
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Aging Cell
Year:
2006
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France