Role of growth hormone in memory consolidation

GH progressively decreases with age in several mammals. In humans only low levels can be detected in individuals above sixty years old, and it has been suggested that GH deficiency may account for the common symptoms of ageing, including cognitive and emotional deterioration. In the hippocampus GH is involved in synaptic plasticity, regenerative neural processes and has been shown to improve cognitive function in humans and rodents. Our goal is to understand the role of GH in the hippocampus, and determine how it is involved in ageing and memory consolidation.  The project is funded by Helse Nord and UiT.