The Dopaminergic Dysfunction and Altered Working Memory Performance of Aging Mice Lacking Gamma-synuclein Gene.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It was previously shown that inactivation of gamma-synuclein which is a small soluble neuronal protein affects psycho-emotional status and cognitive abilities in knock-out mice. OBJECTIVE: Determine the role of gamma-synuclein inactivation on memory performance in aging animals. METHOD: We used the passive avoidance test and acute amphetamine administration in aging gammasynuclein knock-out mice. RESULTS: As a result, we found moderate aging-unlinked deficit of dopaminergic neurotransmitter system of gamma-synuclein knock-out mice. At the same time, the evidence of progressive synaptic vesicle trafficking machinery impairment was obtained. CONCLUSION: Therefore most likely these dysfunctions are associated with a reduction in the highefficient learning performance in tests that require intact working memory.