Abstract
Aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the dysfunction or loss of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and these changes may be related to other senescence markers, such as oxidative stress and DNA repair dysfunction. However, the mechanism of nAChR loss in the aging brain and the modification of this process by drugs (e.g., memantine, Mem) are not yet fully understood. To study whether the differences in nAChR expression in the rat brain occur due to aging or oxidative stress and are modulated by Mem, we analyzed nAChR subunits (at RNA and protein levels) and other biomarkers by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) and Western blot validation. Twenty-one female Wistar rats were divided into four groups, depending on age, and the oldest group received injections of Mem or water with the use of intragastric catheters. We studied the cerebral grey matter (CGM), subcortical white matter (SCWM), and cerebellum (Ce). Results showed an age-related decrease of α7 nAChR mRNA level in SCWM. The α7 nAChR mRNA loss was accompanied by reduced expression of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) and an increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) level. In the water group, we observed a higher level of α7 nAChR protein in the SCWM and Ce. Biomarker levels changed, but to a different extent depending on the brain area. Importantly, the dysfunction in antioxidative status was stopped and even regressed under Mem treatment. After two weeks of treatment, an increase in TP53 protein level and a decrease in 8-oxo-2'deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-2'dG) level were observed. We conclude that Mem administration may be protective against the senescence process by antioxidative mechanisms.