Activating Prostaglandin E2 EP2 may reduce memory loss in a Huntington's disease mouse model by boosting brain growth factor and synapse strength

Misoprostol treatment improves long-term memory deficits in R6/1 mice, a model of Huntington's disease.

• PGE2 EP2 receptor stimulation is linked to enhanced synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
• Misoprostol increases dendritic branching in hippocampal neurons, dependent on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• Chronic administration of misoprostol from 14 to 18 weeks of age ameliorates long-term memory deficits in R6/1 mice.
• Misoprostol treatment increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus of treated R6/1 mice.
• The treatment prevents the reduction of PSD-95 and VGluT-1 positive particles in the hippocampus of vehicle-treated R6/1 mice.
• Misoprostol administration results in increased cAMP levels and a reduction in nuclear inclusions of mutant huntingtin in R6/1 mice.

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