Older Ames dwarf mice perform better than normal mice of the same age on memory tests that measure retention of learned avoidance behavior, regardless of what they eat.
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
A genetic flaw stops the body from making a key growth hormone, which slows down metabolism and reduces damage to brain cells over time. This lets the brain keep its ability to remember things even in old age, no matter what the animal eats.
Most probable mechanism
A genetic mutation stops the pituitary gland from making growth hormone, which causes the liver to produce less of a growth-related chemical. This slows down the body's energy use and reduces harmful wear and tear on cells, especially in the brain. As a result, brain cells stay healthier longer, and the ability to remember learned behaviors does not decline as much with age.
A mutation in the Pit-1 gene impairs development of the pituitary gland, resulting in deficient secretion of growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone
Reduced growth hormone leads to decreased production of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the liver
Lower insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin signaling reduce cellular proliferation and anabolic activity
Metabolic rate and core body temperature decrease, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and accumulation of oxidative damage in tissues
Reduced oxidative damage preserves the integrity of neurons and synaptic networks in brain regions critical for learning and memory
Preserved neuronal function maintains the capacity for long-term retention of learned behaviors, such as avoidance responses, in late life
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
Studies of aging in ames dwarf mice: Effects of caloric restriction
Contradicting (0)
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Gold Standard Evidence Needed
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