Adrenalectomy-induced neuronal degeneration : development of a novel animal model of cognitive dysfuntion and neurogenic treatment strategies

Abstract

Long-term adrenalectomy (ADX) results in a specific loss of dentate gyrus granule cells in the hippocampus of adult rats, occurring over a period of weeks to months. This loss of granule cells results in cognitive deficits in a number of tasks that depend on intact hippocampal function. The gradual nature of ADX-induced cell death and the ensuing deficits in cognition are similar to those experienced by patient populations suffering from a variety of pathological conditions. Here we present an animal model by which we use ADX to produce a loss of granule cells within the hippocampus of rats. We also provide experimental evidence for a treatment strategy by which the lost granule cells may be replaced, with the goal of functional recovery in mind.