Age-related defects in lifespan and learning ability in SAMP8 mice

Pertinent animal models of age-related learning deficiencies are required t o elucidate the mechanism of age-related learning deficiencies and to devel op novel therapeutic drugs for age-related diseases such as learning defect s. Among many strains of accelerated senescence prone, senescence-accelerat ed mouse (SAM), SAMP8 mice have age-related defects in learning and cogniti ve abilities. We review recent findings on alterations in SAMP8 brain in ne urochemical parameters related to neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity compared to those in SAMR1 brain as the control. In addition, we report th e preventive effects of drugs on learning deficiencices in SAMP8 and discus s the usefulness of SAMP8 as an animal model of age-related learning defici encies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.