33rd Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Streptozotocin (STZ) Concentration on Chemoreflex Function and Morphology of the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii in STZ-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease
Chuma M. Humphrey*, Jack W. Hooker, Mahima Thapa, Mason J. Wilcox, Daniela Ostrowski, and Tim D. Ostrowski
Dr. Timothy D. Walston, Faculty Mentor
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) deteriorates brain areas important for memory and cognition. AD patients also suffer from sleep apnea that may correlate with the decline of brainstem centers that control breathing and chemoreflex function. The nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) is important for respiratory control and any AD-related deterioration of this nucleus critically impacts its function.
Our study used the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model for AD and compared chemoreflex dysfunction to morphological alterations in the nTS. We assessed data from either 2 mg/kg or 2x 1.5 mg/kg STZ. The 2x 1.5 mg/kg STZ dosage had a greater impact on respiratory function and nTS size. However, synaptic density had a stronger reduction within the 2 mg/kg group, which may be due to regional differences, since nTS size only differed in caudal regions between groups.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Memory, Cognition, Respiration, nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) , Chemoreflex, Hippocampus , Brainstem
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA