Down-regulation of IGF-1/IGF-1R in hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia

作者：Gong Xiuqun; Ma Minmin; Fan Xinying; Li Mingquan; Liu Qian; Liu Xinfeng^*; Xu Gelin

来源：Neuroscience Letters, 2012, 513(1): 20-24.

DOI：10.1016/j.neulet.2012.01.077

• Chronic ischemia
• Vascular dementia (VaD)
• Learning and memory
• IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects, but little is known concerning its role in vascular dementia (VaD). This study aimed to evaluate expression of IGF-1 signaling in hippocampus in rat model of VaD, and probe the underlying mechanisms. Permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (2-VO) was used as VaD model. Learning and memory functions were declined significantly in 2-VO rats, and these impairments were further deteriorated with the prolongation of 2-VO treatment. IGF-1, IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), total Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were all measured at 1, 2 and 4 months following 2-VO injury. Compared with controls, IGF-1, IGF-1 mRNA and p-Akt expression were significantly decreased in hippocampus of 2-VO rats. However, changes of IGF-1R and total Akt levels were not significant. These results suggest that down-regulation of IGF-1 and p-Akt may contribute to the impairments of learning and memory functions after 2-VO. IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling system may involved in the onset and development of VaD.

• 出版日期2012-3-28
• 单位南京大学