Basic and clinical research suggests loss of estradiol following menopause may contribute to brain aging and increased risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. There is a great need for novel estrogenic compounds that confer positive cognitive effects without risk of side effects. G-1 is a recently developed agonist for the novel transmembrane estrogen receptor (ER) GPR30 [1]. Activation ofthe GPR30 pathway is independent of either of the classical ER a or p pathways, raising the possibility of using G-1 as a novel estrogenic agent that lacks the risks associated with other estrogenic compounds. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that estradiol enhances cognitive performance in rats via effects on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons [13]. We hypothesize that the effects of estradiol on cholinergic function and cognitive performance are mediated, in part, via effects on GPR30. The first goal is to characterize GPR30 expression in the rat forebrain, focusing on co-expression by cholinergic neurons. Preliminary data show extensive co- localization of GPR30 within cholinergic neurons in the septum, digonal band of Broca, and nucleus basils. Because use of the GPR30 antibody on brain tissues is relatively new, GPR30 mRNA expression will also be evaluated using laser capture microscopy and RT-PCR. The second goal is to examine the functional effects of GPR30 activation on the cholinergic neurons. Estradiol has been shown to induce activation of Erk and CREB in brain neurons, including basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Estradiol also has been shown to increase potassium-stimulated acetylcholine release in the hippocampus, consistent with an effect on basal forebrain cholinergic function. Our studies will evaluate rapid induction of pCREB and pEri

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
4F31AG034035-03
Application #
8141630
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ETTN-A (29))
Program Officer
Wagster, Molly V
Project Start
2009-07-21
Project End
2012-07-20
Budget Start
2011-07-21
Budget End
2012-07-20
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$26,340
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213