Apolipoprotein E Antibodies Affect the Retention of Passive Avoidance Memory in the Chick. Issue 3 (1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lancashire, Chris; Mileusnic, Radmila; Rose, Steven P.R.
• Is Part Of: Neural plasticity. Volume 6:Issue 3(1998)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 1998
• Subjects: Neuroplasticity -- Periodicals; 612.82
• DOI: 10.1155/NP.1998.29
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5904

Abstract

Abstract : Isoforms of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) have been implicated as risk factors in Alzheimer's disease. We have, therefore, examined the possible role of ApoE in memory formation, using a one-trial passive avoidance task in day-old chicks. Birds were trained on the task and then at various times pre or post-training were injected intracerebrally with anti-ApoE. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the presence of the antibody bound to the neuropil, close to the injection site and adjacent to the ventricle, with a residence time in the brain of up to 30 min. Chicks that were injected 30 min pre-training or just post-training with 5μg/ hemisphere of the antibody learned the task, but were amnesic when tested at 30 min or at subsequent times up to 24 hr Post-training. When tested at 24 hr, birds injected 5.5 hr post-training showed unimpaired retention. Birds injected with 5μg/hemisphere of anti-ApoA-I (which has a brain distribution similar to that of anti-ApoE) at 30 min pretraining showed no amnesia, indicating the specificity of the effect to the ApoE. Possible mechanisms for this effect are discussed.