Nrf2 deletion results in impaired performance in memory tasks and hyperactivity in mature and aged mice

Brain Res. 2018 Dec 15:1701:103-111. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.08.033. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in both the functional and cognitive decline associated with neuropsychiatric diseases and aging. A master regulator of the body's defense mechanism against oxidative stress is nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2). Here we investigated the effects of NRF2 deletion on motor and cognitive performance in "Aged" mice (17-25 months old) as compared to "Mature" mice (3-15 months old). We observed that the Aged Nrf2-/- mice were hyperactive and exhibited impaired acquisition of an active avoidance response. Furthermore, the Mature mice also displayed a hyperactive phenotype and had impaired working memory in the probe trial of the water radial arm maze. Overall, it appears that NRF2 may be implicated in memory and activity functions and its deletion exacerbates deficits associated with aging. These observations provide a model for assessing the role of oxidative stress in age-related disorders.

Keywords: Active avoidance; Hyperactivity; Nrf2; Oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / metabolism
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hyperkinesis / genetics
  • Hyperkinesis / metabolism
  • Male
  • Memory* / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / deficiency
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / genetics
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse