Involvement of Neuropeptide Galanin Receptors 2 and 3 in Learning, Memory and Anxiety in Aging Mice

This study investigates the role of galanin receptors (GAL2-R and GAL3-R) in learning, memory, and anxiety in aging mice. Galanin is a neuropeptide that affects mood and behavior through these receptors. The research focuses on how the loss of these receptors impacts hippocampal-mediated processes related to neurogenesis in mice. The researchers found that losing GAL3-R, but not GAL2-R, slowed learning and increased anxiety in older mice. On the other hand, the absence of GAL2-R boosted cell survival in young mice. The study also observed differences in behavior between two sub-strains of mice, which highlights the importance of considering genetic background in future research. Overall, the findings suggest that galanin receptor signaling plays a role in cognitive functions and can influence cell survival in the brain. These insights could lead to new therapeutic strategies for age-related cognitive decline and anxiety disorders.

• 1
  Loss of GAL3-R, but not GAL2-R, slowed learning and induced anxiety in older (12–14-month-old) mice.
• 2
  Lack of GAL2-R increased cell survival (BrdU incorporation) in the dDG of young mice.
• 3
  Sub-strain differences between C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice, the latter showing faster learning, less anxiety and lower cell survival in the dDG.