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Decreased MT1 melatonin receptor expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Lower levels of melatonin receptors in the brain's internal clock with aging and Alzheimer's disease
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Abstract
The number and density of MT1 melatonin receptor-expressing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were decreased in aged controls compared to young controls.
- No changes were observed in the number and density of vasopressin (AVP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expressing neurons in the SCN across aging.
- In the late stages of Alzheimer's disease (Braak stages V-VI), both MT1-expressing neurons and AVP/VIP-expressing neurons were significantly reduced compared to aged controls.
- In contrast, changes in MT1-expressing neurons were not evident in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (Braak stages I-II).
- These findings suggest that melatonin's influence on the SCN may be impaired during aging and more severely in advanced Alzheimer's disease.
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