Impact of cognitive training on neural and glial markers in the hippocampus of non human primates (macaca fascicularis)

ALZUGARAY, SABINA; SANTACROCE, IGNACIO; LIPINA, SEBASTIAN J.; COLOMBO, JORGE A.

Huerta Grande Córdoba

Congreso; IIRCN - II Reunión Conjunta de Neurociencias (Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencia-Taller Argentino de Neurociencia); 2010

Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencia

We present initial results regarding the impact of intensive cognitive training on specific brain areas in a non human primate (Macaca fascicularis). Such areas (within prefrontal and parietal cortical regions, as well as the hippocampus) have been involved in the processing of complex brain functions. Lipina and  Colombo (2007), showed that cognitive training selectively prevented cognitive impairment following neurotoxin MPTP administration. Since plasticity is an intrinsic property of the nervous system, and under the assumption that cognitive training produces functional changes at the participating neural circuits, we are in process of evaluating the underlying cellular and molecular changes. Immunohistochemical analysis is being performed following intensive cognitive training (Spatial Delayed Response and Detour tests administered twice daily, during three months). We began analyzing the hippocampal dentate gyrus using cell proliferation- and new neurons markers (BrdU, doublecortin), as well as non neuronal markers (aquaporin 4, Ezrin), aiming at the possible association of neurono-glial changes.