Is microglia one of the mediators of IGF-1 effects on aged rats?

FALOMIR LOCKHART E; HEREÑÚ C.; BELLINI M,

Mar del Plata

Congreso; XXX Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigaciones en Neurociencias; 2015

Sociedad Argentina de Investigaciones en Neurociencias

Microglial cells play an important role in healthy and diseased brain removing apoptotic neurons, establishing transient connections with neuronal synapses and producing neurotrophic factors that modulate neurogenesis during embryogenesis and adulthood. These cells are essential for ensuring neuroprotection in the normal and pathological condition of central nervous system as they are an important sources of neurotrophic factors. It has been described that aging reduces the ability of microglia to provide neuroprotection.It is well known that IGF-1 plays a physiological role in neuroprotection. In situations involving cytotoxic damage, the microglia increases the production of IGF-1. Previous studies of our group described that intracerebroventricular (ICV) IGF-1 gene therapy induced a significant improvement in motor performance in aged rats. We propose that restorative effects of IGF-1 in motor skills could be mediated by glial cells.In this study we implemented ICV IGF-1 gene therapy in aged rats and assessed the motor performance pre and 17-days after surgery. Glial cell number and morphology in striatum was determined.Results: IGF-1 treatment restored motor coordination and limb grip strength in aged rats. Microglia cell number was significantly increased after treatment with IGF-1 (Xm-senil-IGF-I=556.2±30.50 vs Xm-senil-DsRed=359.9±18.08; p