Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6809743 | Neurobiology of Aging | 2012 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Lipofuscin accumulation is a characteristic feature of senescent postmitotic neuronal cells but estrogen may have protecting effects by inhibiting its formation. In the present ultrastructural study, lipofuscin accumulation was studied in 2 estrogen-α-receptive brainstem areas: nucleus pararetroambiguus (NPRA) and the commissural part of the solitary tract nucleus/A2 catecholaminergic group (NTScom/A2) and compared with the estrogen-insensitive medial tegmental field (mtf), in young (23 weeks) and aged (95 weeks) female hamsters. In the aged animals, extensive intracytoplasmic lipofuscin accumulation was observed. A total number of 6450 neurons were classified in 4 categories. Levels were significantly elevated in each of the brain areas studied. Lipofuscin accumulation was strongest in the mtf, less in NPRA, and remarkably less in the area of NTScom/A2. In conclusion, the observed differences in lipofuscin accumulation suggest: (1) considerable regional differences in the degree of neuronal vulnerability; and (2) a possible neuroprotective role for estrogen, because the degree of accumulation is inversely related to the density of the estrogen receptors, varying from nonreceptive (mtf) to NPRA and NTScom/A2 (most receptive).
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Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Ageing
Authors
Peter O. Gerrits, Rudie Kortekaas, Henk de Weerd, Jan G. Veening, Johannes J.L. van der Want,