Changes in Glial Support of the Hippocampus during the Development of an Alzheimer’s Disease-like Pathology and Their Correction by Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant SkQ1

Abstract

Astrocytes and microglia are the first cells to react to neurodegeneration, e.g., in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the data on changes in glial support during the most common (sporadic) type of the disease are sparse. Using senescence-accelerated OXYS rats, which simulate key characteristics of sporadic AD, and Wistar rats (parental normal strain, control), we investigated hippocampal neurogenesis and glial changes during AD-like pathology. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that the early stage of the pathology is accompanied by a lower intensity of neurogenesis and decreased astrocyte density in the dentate gyrus. The progressive stage is concurrent with reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation, as confirmed by increased cell densities and by the acquisition of cell-specific gene expression profiles, according to transcriptome sequencing data. Besides, here, we continued to analyze the anti-AD effects of prolonged supplementation with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1. The antioxidant did not affect neurogenesis, partly normalized the gene expression profile of astrocytes and microglia, and shifted the resting/activated microglia ratio toward a decrease in the activated-cell density. In summary, both astrocytes and microglia are more vulnerable to AD-associated neurodegeneration in the CA3 area than in other hippocampal areas; SkQ1 had an anti-inflammatory effect and is a promising modality for AD prevention and treatment.