Objective. Numerous epidemiological studies have linked diabetes mellitus (DM) with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer�s\ndisease (AD). However, whether or not diabetic encephalopathy shows AD-like pathology remains unclear. Research Design\nand Methods. Forebrain and hippocampal volumes were measured using stereology in serial coronal sections of the brain in\nstreptozotocin- (STZ-) induced rats.Neurodegeneration in the frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus was evaluated using\nFluoro-Jade C (FJC). A? aggregation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was tested using immunohistochemistry and ELISA.\nDendritic spine density in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was measured using Golgi staining, and western blot was conducted\nto detect the levels of synaptophysin. Cognitive ability was evaluated through the Morris water maze and inhibitory avoidant box.\nResults. Rats are characterized by insulin deficiency accompanied with polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss after STZ\ninjection. The number of FJC-positive cells significantly increased in discrete brain regions of the diabetic rats compared with the\nage-matched control rats. Hippocampal atrophy, A? aggregation, and synapse loss were observed in the diabetic rats compared\nwith the control rats.The learning andmemory of the diabetic rats decreased compared with those of the age-matched control rats.\nConclusions. Our results suggested that aberrant metabolism induced brain aging as characterized by AD-like pathologies.
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