Effect of Resveratrol on neuronal morphology.
Neurons are complex elements exhibiting a sophisticated morphology characterized by small boutons (spines) on their dendrites. Dendritic spines assure the flow of information between neurons and among brain structures and are subject to continuous remodeling. It is thought that this structural remodeling is an essential mechanism for learning and memory functions since a reduction in dendritic spine number has been associated with cognitive decline (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease).
Consequently, Torres-Perez and coauthors decided to carefully scrutinize the morphology of dendritic spines in RVTL-treated mice. Interestingly, they observed that RVTL was able to increase both the number of dendritic spines and the proportion of mature dendritic boutons, which suggests that RVTL may have a “beneficial effect on the learning and memory processes”, according to Dr. Ramirez-Rodriguez, team leader and senior scientist of the study.