Date of Award:

5-2026

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Mona Buhusi

Committee

Mona Buhusi

Committee

JoAnn Tschanz

Committee

Timothy Shahan

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder involving neuronal death and cognitive decline, such as memory loss and changes in personality. One feature of the disease is buildup of abnormal protein called amyloid-beta in the brain. Amyloid-beta may activate support cells called astrocytes, triggering them to release large amounts of chemicals, possibly harming nearby cells. This study set out to examine the roles of the channels on astrocytes involved in releasing these chemicals, called connexin 43 hemichannels. Using a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, this study blocked the hemichannels using the drug Tonabersat, and measured spatial learning and memory in a maze task. The results found no significant improvement in maze performance (spatial navigation) of Tonabersat treated mice compared to controls; however, a significant effect was recorded for mice learning. This study highlights the need for future research to further clarify the context-dependent roles of these channels in Alzheimer’s disease.

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