Modulatory role of α-MSH in hippocampal-dependent memory impairment, synaptic plasticity changes, oxidative stress, and astrocyte reactivity induced by short-term high-fat diet intake

SCIMONELLI TERESA

NEUROPHARMACOLOGY

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2023

0028-3908

igh-fat diet (HFD) consumption is associated with cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative diseases. Since thehippocampus is extremely sensitive to pathophysiological changes, neuroinflammation and the concomitantoxidative stress induced by HFD can significantly interfere with hippocampal-dependent functions related tolearning and memory.The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) mediates neuroprotective actions in thecentral nervous system and can reverse the effects of neuroinflammation in cognitive functions that depend onthe hippocampus.In this study, we used male Wistar rats to evaluate the effect of short-term HFD intake (5 days) plus a mildimmune challenge, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS 10 μg/kg) on contextual fear, changes in structural plasticity,oxidative stress, and astrocyte reactivation in the hippocampus. We also determined the possible modulatory roleof α-MSH. HFD consumption was associated with an increase in markers of oxidative stress (Adv