Torpor enhances synaptic strength and restores memory performance in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT: Hibernation induces neurodegeneration-like changes in the brain, which are completely reversed upon arousal. Hibernation-induced plasticity may therefore be of great relevance for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, but remains largely unexplored. Here we show that a single torpor and arousal sequence in mice does not induce dendrite retraction and synapse loss as observed in seasonal hibernators. Instead, it increases hippocampal long-term potentiation and contextual fear memory. This is accompanied by increased levels of key postsynaptic proteins and mitochondrial complex I and IV proteins, indicating mitochondrial reactivation and enhanced synaptic plasticity upon arousal. Interestingly, a single torpor and arousal sequence was also sufficient to restore contextual fear memory

SUBMITTER: de Veij Mestdagh CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8322095 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature