In the present study, we demonstrate a direct role for d-aspartate in regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These evidences were obtained using two different experimental strategies which enabled a non-physiological increase of endogenous d-aspartate levels in the mouse hippocampus: a genetic approach based on the targeted deletion of d-aspartate oxidase gene and another based on the oral administration of d-aspartate. Overall, our results indicate that increased d-aspartate content does not affect basal properties of synaptic transmission but enhances long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices from both genetic and pharmacological animal models. Besides electrophysiological data, behavioral analysis suggests that altered levels of d-aspartate in the hippocampus do not perturb basal spatial learning and memory abilities, but may selectively interfere with the dynamic NMDAR-dependent processes underlying cognitive flexibility.
Increased levels of d-aspartate in the hippocampus enhance LTP but do not facilitate cognitive flexibility / Errico, F., Nistico', R.G., G., P., M., F., A., A., E., B., E., T., D., C., G., B., Y., B., A., D., R. D., L., N. B., M., A., U.. - In: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCES. - ISSN 1044-7431. - 37:(2008), pp. 236-246. [10.1016/j.mcn.2007.09.012]
Increased levels of d-aspartate in the hippocampus enhance LTP but do not facilitate cognitive flexibility.
ERRICO, FERNANDO;NISTICO', ROBERT GIOVANNI;
2008
Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrate a direct role for d-aspartate in regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These evidences were obtained using two different experimental strategies which enabled a non-physiological increase of endogenous d-aspartate levels in the mouse hippocampus: a genetic approach based on the targeted deletion of d-aspartate oxidase gene and another based on the oral administration of d-aspartate. Overall, our results indicate that increased d-aspartate content does not affect basal properties of synaptic transmission but enhances long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices from both genetic and pharmacological animal models. Besides electrophysiological data, behavioral analysis suggests that altered levels of d-aspartate in the hippocampus do not perturb basal spatial learning and memory abilities, but may selectively interfere with the dynamic NMDAR-dependent processes underlying cognitive flexibility.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
