35th Annual Student Research Conference
Oxidative Stress in an Alzheimer’s Disease-Induced Rat Model
Brooke L. Diehl* and Alicia A. Koogler
Dr. Daniela Ostrowski and Dr. Tim Ostrowski (ATSU), Faculty Mentors
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur naturally during cellular processes, but ROS overproduction can oxidize various cellular components including DNA. DNA oxidation causes base lesions resulting in DNA breakage. Therefore, ROS-induced DNA breakage affects cellular function and can lead to cell death. Oxidative stress has been closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from malfunctioning and death of brain cells that leads to memory decline and cognitive dysfunction. To date, the underlying mechanisms affecting brain cells in AD are not fully understood. This study analyzes the level of oxidative stress in brain areas associated with AD. Using a rodent model, streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into the lateral ventricles of the brains to induce AD-like phenotypes. To quantify oxidative stress, we used specific fluorescently-labeled antibodies that bind to damaged DNA/RNA. Intensity of fluorescence, indicating the level of oxidative stress, is compared between AD-induced and control rats.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Oxidative stress, Immunohistochemistry, Reactive oxygen species, Nucleus tractus solitarius, Hippocampus, Dementia
Topic(s):Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type: Asynchronous Virtual Presentation
Session: 3-3
Location: https://flipgrid.com/d54e4a1e
Time: 0:00