Abstract

The neuropathological effects of mild concussions can accumulate, leading to the development of motor and cognitive deficits. Although there are currently no treatments that can restore lost function after repetitive concussion, our laboratory has shown that dietary supplementation with pomegranate polyphenols can improve Alzheimer’s-like pathology, protect mice from the effects of proton irradiation, and protect humans from post-operative cognitive deficits. This study investigated the behavioral and neuropathological effects of repetitive concussions in mice and the use of dietary supplementation with pomegranate to ameliorate these effects. Adult mice were given dilute pomegranate juice or control water for 1 week, followed by anesthesia, repeated anesthesia (3 days apart), or repeated concussive injury (a single closed-head injury to each hemisphere 3 days apart). They were then maintained on the pomegranate juice or control water for 2 additional weeks. Behavioral testing was administered 1, 3, 5, and 7-11 days post injury to assess cognitive, motor, and affective functions. Repeated concussion, but not repeated anesthesia, induced motor and learning deficits, some of which were significantly reduced by pomegranate juice. These data suggest that the model of mild repeated concussive injury in mice might be used to test neuroprotective treatment in future studies.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Hartman, Richard E.

Second Advisor

Dulcich, Melissa S.

Third Advisor

Lee, Grace J.

Fourth Advisor

Vermeersch, David

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2016

Date (Title Page)

6-2016

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Brain Injuries -- Pathology; Brain Injuries -- Psychology

Subject - Local

Pomegranates; Concussions; Cognitive Deficits; Polyphenols; Neuroprotective Treatments

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

131

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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