Changes of Neural Connectivity and Insulin Receptors in an Alzheimer’s-Induced Rat Model

Mason J. Wilcox
Dr. Daniela Ostrowski, Faculty Mentor

 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a condition that affects many elderly people. This progressive disease causes brain cells to die, resulting in memory loss. In addition, patients often suffer from a decrease in blood pressure control and breathing function. An important brain area that controls cardiorespiratory function is the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS). However, cellular mechanisms that underlie the functional change within the nTS seen in AD are not well understood. Using immunohistochemistry my study analyzed the concentration of neuronal connections (synapses) and insulin receptors within the nTS of an AD-induced rat model. Synapses are important for communication between neurons and a loss of these connections may be the cause of blunted respiratory reflex activation seen in this rat model. Insulin receptors in the brain play an important role in glucose metabolism (providing energy for the cell) and loss of insulin receptors may lead to low glucose levels altering cell function.

 

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Insulin, Synapses, Immunohistochemistry

Topic(s):Biology

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA