Imidazoline ligand BU224 reverses cognitive deficits, reduces microgliosis and enhances synaptic connectivity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Background and Purpose Activation of type 2 imidazoline receptors has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties including anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic value in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we explored the effects of the imidazoline‐2 ligand BU224 in a model of amyloidosis. Experimental Approach Six‐month‐old female transgenic 5XFAD and wild‐type (WT) mice were treated intraperitoneally with 5‐mg·kg−1 BU224 or vehicle twice a day for 10 days. Behavioural tests were performed for cognitive functions and neuropathological changes were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, elisa and qPCR. Effects of BU224 on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, spine density and calcium imaging were analysed in brain organotypic cultures and N2a cells. Key Results BU224 treatment attenuated spatial and perirhinal cortex‐dependent recognition memory deficits in 5XFAD mice. Fear‐conditioning testing revealed that BU224 also improved both associative learning and hippocampal‐ and amygdala‐dependent memory in transgenic but not in WT mice. In the brain, BU224 reduced levels of the microglial marker Iba1 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α and increased the expression of astrocytic marker GFAP in 5XFAD mice. These beneficial effects were not associated with changes in amyloid pathology, neuronal apoptosis, mitochondrial density, oxidative stress or autophagy markers. Interestingly, ex vivo and in vitro studies suggested that BU224 treatment increased the size of dendritic spines and induced a threefold reduction in amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐induced functional changes in NMDA receptors. Conclusion and Implications Sub‐chronic treatment with BU224 restores memory and reduces inflammation in transgenic AD mice, at stages when animals display severe pathology.