Exploring the Effect of Arsenic-Containing Hydrocarbon on the Bidirectional Synaptic Plasticity of the Dorsal Hippocampus.

Tian, Chunxiao; Qi, Yenan; Zheng, Yu; Xia, Pei; Liu, Qiwen; Luan, Mengying; Zheng, Junyao; Song, Rujuan; Wang, Meng; Qi, Dejiao; Xiong, Chan; Dong, Lei

Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHCs) are common in marine organisms. However, there is little research on their effects on the central nervous system's advanced activities, such as cognition. Bidirectional synaptic plasticity dynamically regulates cognition through the balance of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). However, the effects of AsHCs on bidirectional synaptic plasticity and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. This study provides the first evidence that 15 μg As L−1 AsHC 360 enhances bidirectional synaptic plasticity, occurring during the maintenance phase rather than the baseline phase. Further calcium gradient experiments hypothesize that AsHC 360 may enhance bidirectional synaptic plasticity by affecting calcium ion levels. The enhancement of bidirectional synaptic plasticity by 15 μg As L−1 AsHC 360 holds significant implications in improving cognitive function, treating neuro-psychiatric disorders, promoting neural recovery, and enhancing brain adaptability.

NEUROPLASTICITY; CALCIUM ions; ARSENIC; LONG-term potentiation; HIPPOCAMPUS (Brain); CENTRAL nervous system

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, Vol 25, Issue 13, p7223

1661-6596

Academic Journal

10.3390/ijms25137223