A major challenge in neurobiology is to understand how nerve cells maintain function in the adult nervous system. Age and level of use of neurons are two elements that influence maintenance of function. Our long-term goal is to characterize the mechanisms maintaining neuronal function. Differences in function across age enables us to study the mechanisms of neuronal maintenance. Aplysia has aging neurons whose function is diminished, and their function can be improved with increased use.
AChE produces excitability in neurons from adults but little in neurons from aging animals.
This study reveals that neuronal response to AChE's ability to regulate excitability decreases with aging. Our studies may provide insights into the action of AChE in higher vertebrates, and possibly to man, since regulation of AChE is part of a treatment regimen for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers Disease that results in diminished function of aging neurons. Peretz, B. The Modulatory Effect of AChE is Dependent on Age in Aplysia. Srivatsan, M., Peretz, B., Hallahan, B., Talwalker, R. Effect of age on acetylcholinesterase and other hemolymph proteins in Aplysia. Hallahan, B., Peretz, B., Skinner, T.L. Increased age affects properties characterizing behavioral plasticity in freely behaving Aplysia.