Decrease in adrenergic axon sprouting in the senescent rat

Science. 1978 Nov 17;202(4369):775-8. doi: 10.1126/science.715443.

Abstract

When the septal area in young adult rats is denervated by a lesion of the fimbria-fornix, adrenergic fibers proliferate within the denervated area. The same operation performed on aged animals gives rise to a qualitatively similar but quantitatively less pronounced response. This reduction in reactive growth may reflect a decreased capacity of the aged brain to remodel its circuitry and restore lost function.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Fibers / cytology
  • Adrenergic Fibers / growth & development*
  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Septal Nuclei / cytology