Structural synaptic remodeling in the perirhinal cortex of adult and old rats following object-recognition visual training

Rejuvenation Res. 2006 Spring;9(1):102-6. doi: 10.1089/rej.2006.9.102.

Abstract

The ultrastructural features of layer II synapses in the perirhinal cortex of adult (4- to 6-month-old) and old (25- to 27-month-old) rats exposed to a six-session object recognition visual training were investigated by morphometric methods. The comparative analysis showed a higher synaptic numeric density, a lower synaptic average area, and a lower percentage of megasynapses (S > 0.5 microm2) in old trained rats versus controls, and a higher percentage of small (S < 0.15 microm2) junctions in adult trained rats versus controls. The more marked synaptic remodeling underlying memory consolidation in the perirhinal cortex of old rats might reflect a pre-existing lower dynamic status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / pathology*
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Animals
  • Entorhinal Cortex / cytology*
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recognition, Psychology
  • Synapses / ultrastructure*
  • Temporal Lobe / cytology