Optogenetic stimulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons rescues hippocampal synaptic plasticity deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT: We previously demonstrated that the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) exhibits degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, resulting in reduced dopamine (DA) outflow in the hippocampus. These impairments temporally coincide with synaptic plasticity deficits at CA3-CA1 synapses. Notably, systemic administration of dopaminergic agents/drugs rescues the hippocampal deficits in Tg2576 mice. However, whether direct stimulation of the remaining midbrain dopaminergic neurons can restore glutamatergic transmission and rescue plasticity dysfunctions in the context of AD remains unexplored. Here, using both 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) neurotoxic lesion and optogenetic stimulation in C57BL/6N and DATCre/Tg2576 mice, respectively, we demonstrate that midbrain DA is essential for hippoca

SUBMITTER: Ficchi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12500900 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature