Water-soluble variant of human Lynx1 positively modulates synaptic plasticity and ameliorates cognitive impairment associated with α7-nAChR dysfunction.

Lynx1 is a GPI-tethered protein colocalized with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain areas important for learning and memory. Previously, we demonstrated that at low micromolar concentrations the water-soluble Lynx1 variant lacking GPI-anchor (ws-Lynx1) acts on α7-nAChRs as a positive allosteric modulator. We hypothesized that ws-Lynx1 could be used for improvement of cognitive processes dependent on nAChRs.

Fluid shift versus body size: changes of hematological parameters and body fluid volume in hindlimb-unloaded mice, rats and rabbits.

The cardiovascular system is adapted to gravity, and reactions to the loss of gravity in space are presumably dependent on body size. The dependence of hematological parameters and body fluid volume on simulated microgravity have never been studied as an allometric function before. Thus, we estimated red blood cell (RBC), blood and extracellular fluid volume in hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) or control (attached) mice, rats and rabbits.