Nicotine-induced FGF-2 mRNA in rat brain is preserved during aging

Indirect trophic actions of nicotine on brain during aging are suggested from observations describing nicotine as a cognitive enhancer, increasing vigilance and improving learning and memory, and both in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of nAChR agonists. Previously, we have reported that an acute intermittent (-)nicotine treatment significantly increases fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) mRNA and protein in several brain regions of rat brain. The present study was designed to analyse if nicotine-induced FGF-2 expression in the rat brain was preserved during aging. Using in situ hybridization and quantitative RNase protection assay the present paper report…