Oxytocin attenuates microglial activation and restores social and non-social memory in APP/PS1 Alzheimer model mice.

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration, memory loss, and social withdrawal. Brain inflammation has emerged as a key pathogenic mechanism in AD. We hypothesized that oxytocin, a pro-social hypothalamic neuropeptide with anti-inflammatory properties, could have therapeutic actions in AD. Here, we investigated oxytocin expression in experimental models of AD, and evaluated the therapeutic potential of treatment with oxytocin. Amyloid-β peptide oligomers (AβOs) reduced oxytocin expression in vitro and in vivo, and treatment with oxytocin prevented microglial activation induced by AβOs in purified microglial cultures. Treatment of aged APP/PS1 mice, a mouse model of AD, with intranasal oxytocin attenuated microglial activation and favored deposition of Aβ i

SUBMITTER: Selles MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10148027 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature