Major Histocompatibility Complex class I proteins are critical for maintaining neuronal structural complexity in the aging brain.

ABSTRACT: Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) proteins have been implicated in neuronal function through the modulation of neuritogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory consolidation during development. However, the involvement of MHCI in the aged brain is unclear. Here we demonstrate that MHCI deficiency results in significant dendritic atrophy along with an increase in thin dendritic spines and a reduction in stubby spines in the hippocampus of aged (12 month old) mice. Ultrastructural analyses revealed a decrease in spine head diameter and post synaptic density (PSD) area, as well as an increase in overall synapse density, and non-perforated, small spines. Interestingly, we found that the changes in synapse density and morphology appear relatively late (after the age

SUBMITTER: Lazarczyk MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4882527 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature