Elevated oxidative stress and sensorimotor deficits but normal cognition in mice that cannot synthesize ascorbic acid.

Full Abstract

Oxidative stress is implicated in the cognitive deterioration associated with normal aging as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. We investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on oxidative stress, cognition, and motor abilities in mice null for gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase (Gulo). Gulo-/- mice are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid and depend on dietary ascorbic acid for survival. Gulo-/- mice were given supplements that provided them either with ascorbic acid levels equal to- or slightly higher than wild-type mice (Gulo-sufficient), or lower than physiological levels (Gulo-low) that were just enough to prevent scurvy. Ascorbic acid is a major anti-oxidant in mice and any reduction in ascorbic acid level is therefore likely to result in increased oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid levels in the brain and liver were higher in Gulo-sufficient mice than in Gulo-low mice. F(4)-neuroprostanes were elevated in cortex and cerebellum in Gulo-low mice and in the cortex of Gulo-sufficient mice. All Gulo-/- mice were cognitively normal but had a strength and agility deficit that was worse in Gulo-low mice. This suggests that low levels of ascorbic acid and elevated oxidative stress as measured by F(4)-neuroprostanes alone are insufficient to impair memory in the knockouts but may be responsible for the exacerbated motor deficits in Gulo-low mice, and ascorbic acid may have a vital role in maintaining motor abilities.

Author information

Author/s: Harrison, Fiona E (FE); Yu, Sarah S (SS); Van Den Bossche, Kristen L (KL); Li, Liying (L); May, James M (JM); McDonald, Michael P (MP);

Affiliation: Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vanderbilt University, 7465 MRB IV, 2213 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, USA. Fiona.Harrison(-atsign-)Vanderbilt.edu

Grants: AG022439 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; AG023138 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; R01 AG023138-05 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of neurochemistry (J Neurochem), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Aug; vol 106 (issue 3) : pp 1198-208

Dates: Created 2008/08/07; Completed 2008/09/15; Revised 2009/08/04;

PMID: 18466336, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/21/2009, IMS Date: )

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