RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Caloric Restriction Increases Learning Consolidation and Facilitates Synaptic Plasticity through Mechanisms Dependent on NR2B Subunits of the NMDA Receptor
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 10185
OP 10195
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2757-07.2007
VO 27
IS 38
A1 Fontán-Lozano, Ángela
A1 Sáez-Cassanelli, José Luis
A1 Inda, Mari Carmen
A1 de los Santos-Arteaga, Mercedes
A1 Sierra-Domínguez, Sergio Antonio
A1 López-Lluch, Guillermo
A1 Delgado-García, José María
A1 Carrión, Ángel Manuel
YR 2007
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/38/10185.abstract
AB One of the main focal points of aging research is the search for treatments that will prevent or ameliorate the learning and memory deficiencies associated with aging. Here we have examined the effects of maintaining mature mice on a long-term intermittent fasting diet (L-IFD). We found that L-IFD enhances learning and consolidation processes. We also assessed the long-term changes in synaptic efficiency in these animals. L-IFD mice showed an increase in low-theta-band oscillations, paired-pulse facilitation, and facilitation of long-term synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus with respect to mice fed ad libitum. In addition, we found an increase in the expression of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B in some brain areas of L-IFD mice. Specific antagonism of this subunit in the hippocampus reversed the beneficial effects of L-IFD. These data provide a molecular and cellular mechanism by which L-IFD may enhance cognition, ameliorating some aging-associated cognitive deficits.