Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of caloric restrictionon(CR) on learning and memory function and insulin signaling related protein in C57 mice. Methods Thirty male C57 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control group, high-energy group and low energy group, each group consisted of 10 mice, learning and memory function were measured by Morris test at the sixth month. Five mouse of each group were selected to measurethe insulin signaling pathway related protein by immunochemistry. Results The escape latency of low-energy group was shorter than normal control group, which indicates the learning and memory ability of low-energy C57 mice improved. The expression of Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog- 1(SIRT1), insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), insulin receptor(IR), insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt/PKB), cAMP-response element binding protein(p-CREB)in brain decreased significantly as compared with normal control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Caloric restriction can improve the learning and memory ability in C57 mice, probably through downregulate the expression of insulin signaling pathway related protein in brain.

Key words: caloric restriction, learning and memory ability, insulin signaling pathway