Conclusions
Our study demonstrates that IH improves cognition and reduces anxiety in a murine model of AD. Thus, further studies are required to determine whether IH can be used as a preventive/adjuvant therapy in patients with AD.
Methods
APP/PS1 mice were subjected to IH for two weeks. We assessed cognitive performance and anxiety-related behavior using standard behavioral assessments. Amyloid beta (Aβ) levels in the hippocampus were assessed using immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We also assessed cell morphology and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus.
Results
Exposure to IH significantly increased cognitive performance and decreased anxiety-related behaviors in APP/PS1 mice. Immunofluorescence and ELISA results revealed that IH pretreatment significantly lowered Aβ levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Morphological studies validated the neuroprotective effect of IH exposure on hippocampal neurogenesis. Molecular studies revealed IH-enhanced BDNF expression and inhibition of apoptosis-related protein expression in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that IH improves cognition and reduces anxiety in a murine model of AD. Thus, further studies are required to determine whether IH can be used as a preventive/adjuvant therapy in patients with AD.