Topic: A7KO mice

Cholinergic transmission is fundamental in memory mechanisms. Accordingly, the early degeneration of cholinergic fibers characterizing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) contributes to cognitive impairment, and mice lacking functional α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (A7KO) develop an age-dependent AD-like phenotype, featuring increased levels of β-amyloid and phospho-tau, hippocampal plasticity deficits, neuronal loss and astrogliosis. Astrocytes, recognized partners of neurons in brain function, are characterized by a signaling system based on variations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Experi