INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF)-1 IN CNS AND CEREBROVASCULAR AGING

• Main Authors: William E Sonntag, Ferenc eDeak, Nicole eAshpole, Anna eCsiszar, Peter eToth, Willard eFreeman, Zoltan eUngvari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2013-07-01
• Series: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
• Subjects: Aging; Synapses; cognitive decline; IGF-1; vasculature
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnagi.2013.00027/full

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important anabolic hormone that decreases with age. In the past two decades extensive research has determined that the reduction in IGF-1 is an important component of the age-related decline in cognitive function in multiple species including humans. Deficiency in circulating IGF-1 results in impairment in processing speed and deficiencies in both spatial and working memory. Replacement of IGF-1 or factors that increase IGF-1 to old animals and humans reverses many of these cognitive deficits. Despite the overwhelming evidence for IGF-1 as an important neurotrophic agent, the specific mechanisms through which IGF-1 acts have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that IGF-1 is both produced by and has important actions on the cerebrovasculature as well as neurons and glia. Nevertheless, the specific regulation and actions of brain- and vascular-derived IGF-1 is poorly understood. The diverse effects of IGF-1 discovered thus far reveal a complex endocrine and paracrine system essential for integrating many of the functions necessary for brain health. Identification of the mechanisms of IGF-1 actions will undoubtedly provide critical insight into regulation of brain function in general and the causes of cognitive decline with age.