Exogenous Oxytocin Administration Restores Memory in Female APP/PS1 Mice

Abstract

Background: Current treatment options for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are limited, inefficient, and often have serious side effects. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide implicated in a variety of central processes, such as social and reproductive behaviors. Among others, it has garnered attention in various domains of psychiatric research, while its role in the development and course of neurodegenerative disorders like AD is rather unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of exogenous oxytocin administration on memory, specifically in view of AD, as a potential novel treatment option. Methods: We describe a novel treatment approach by using a relatively low dose of long-term intranasal oxytocin treatment, to restore memory deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice. Results: Female APPswePS1dE9 mice treated with oxytocin showed increased spatial memory performance in the object location task and improved working memory in the Y-Maze, while indicating decreased sociability. Conclusions: These results indicate that oxytocin is able to reverse acquired cognitive deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice.