Skip to main page content
Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2009 Apr;44(4):289-96.
doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2008.12.004. Epub 2008 Dec 24.

Age-related changes in choroid plexus and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function in the sheep

R L Chen  1 , N A Kassem, Z B Redzic, C P C Chen, M B Segal, J E Preston
Affiliations
Free article

Age-related changes in choroid plexus and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function in the sheep

R L Chen et al. Exp Gerontol. .
Free article
Favorites

Abstract

Dysfunction of the choroid plexuses (CPs) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) might contribute to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. We used the CPs from young (1-2 years), middle-aged (3-6 years) and old (7-10 years) sheep to explore effects of aging on various aspects of CP and BCSFB functions. Total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was significantly higher in old compared to young sheep and CSF secretion by the CP perfused in situ was significantly lower in both old and middle-aged when compared to young sheep, which correlated with reduced (22)Na(+) uptake and efflux by the CP. Steady-state extractions of a low and medium size molecular weight extracellular space marker, (14)C-mannitol and (3)H-polyethylene glycol, respectively, were significantly higher in CPs from old compared to young animals; however, there was no significant difference in steady-state extraction of a high molecular weight marker, (125)I-bovine serum albumin. This indicates increased passive BCSFB permeability for small and medium sized molecules in old sheep. CP redox activity was significantly lower in the old animals as assessed by the MTT assay, however, there was no significant difference in ATP content and energy charge of the CP with age suggesting adequate baseline energy reserve capacity. These data indicate that normal aging processes alter protein content in the CSF, CSF secretion, integrity of the BCSFB and Na(+) flux in the epithelial layer, which could impact on CSF homeostasis and turnover.

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by 15 articles

See all "Cited by" articles

Publication types

Feedback