In a non-human primate model for aging and cerebrovascular disease, the interactive effect of normal aging and induced systolic hypertension will be investigated. This investigation will employ clinically available neuroimaging techniques to examine the brains of young and middle-aged rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in vivo. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) will be utilized to explore morphologic and metabolic changes, respectively, in the young and middle-aged cohorts. Behavioral tests based on clinically applied neuropsychological measures will determine cognitive ability as well. Following completion of behavioral testing, a surgical procedure to coarct the thoracic aorta will induce systolic hypertension in both cohorts. Post-op examination of the cohorts' brains will be accomplished using methods identical to pre-op procedures-morphological examination using MRI and MRS, and cognitive ability measurement using behavioral tests. Further examination of these brains will be accomplished post- mortem, as soon as behavioral tests are completed. Brain tissue will be stained to reveal morphology, metabolic activity, and microglia reactivity, and will be quantified using optical sampling and stereological methodology. Finally, this investigation will conclude by comparing brain morphology, metabolic activity and cognitive ability between the young and middle-aged cohorts pre- and post-operatively.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AG005897-03
Application #
6509503
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-3 (02))
Program Officer
Wagster, Molly V
Project Start
2002-07-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-07-01
Budget End
2003-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$24,610
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
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Wisco, Jonathan J; Killiany, Ronald J; Guttmann, Charles R G et al. (2008) An MRI study of age-related white and gray matter volume changes in the rhesus monkey. Neurobiol Aging 29:1563-75
Gregg, T G; McCrate, A; Reveal, G et al. (1990) Insectivory and social digestion in Drosophila. Biochem Genet 28:197-207