Citrulline prevents age-related LTP decline in old rats

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 27;9(1):20138. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-56598-2.

Abstract

The prevalence of cognitive decline is increasing as the ageing population is considerably growing. Restricting this age-associated process has become a challenging public health issue. The age-related increase in oxidative stress plays a major role in cognitive decline, because of its harmful effect on functional plasticity of the brain, such as long-term potentiation (LTP). Here, we show that citrulline (Cit) has powerful antioxidant properties that can limit ex vivo oxidative stress-induced LTP impairment in the hippocampus. We also illustrate that a three-month Cit supplementation has a protective effect on LTP in aged rats in vivo. The identification of a Cit oxidation byproduct in vitro suggests that the antioxidant properties of Cit could result from its own oxidation. Cit supplementation may be a promising preventive nutritional approach to limit age-related cognitive decline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Citrulline / pharmacology*
  • Hippocampus / drug effects
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / physiopathology
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology
  • Long-Term Potentiation / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Rats

Substances

  • Citrulline
  • Hydrogen Peroxide