Correlation of Spatial Memory Impairment and Apoptotic Cells Density in CA1 Region of Brain in the Aged Rats

Background and Aim : Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between spatial memory impairment and apoptotic cells density in CA1 region of the aged rats’ brain.Methods : For this purpose, we used twelve aged (2 years old) and twelve young Wistar rats (2 months old). After a week of adaptation the five-day protocol Barnes maze test used for spatial learning and memory evaluation in animals. In the end, rats brains were excised for evaluated the number of apoptotic cells in CA1 region by TUNEL staining of brain tissue then counted the number of the TUNEL positive cells under a fluorescent microscope.Results : The present study showed a significant decrease in learning and spatial memory in aged rats rather than younger ones. It also showed an increase in number of apoptotic cells in aged rats. According to the results, a significant connection exists between the increasing number of apoptotic cells and spatial memory decreasing.Conclusion : In conclusion, this study proved, an increase in apoptotic cells in the hippocampal region has a direct correlation with a decline in the learning and spatial memory in aged animals. Also, these data may prompt that the apoptotic cells in hippocampal as an inevitable outcome of aging and we can decrease the speed of this process with appropriate medication.

Keywords:

Spatial Memory , Apoptosis , Brain aging