Oral Sessions (Day1, Day2, Day3)
Oral Sessions
- Day 3, May 21（Fri.） 15:15-15:30 Room F (Zoom)
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3F-O16-1515 PDF
Catechin oligomer improved brain function via the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic systems
We have found that the intake of catechin oligomer, potent astringent tastants, increases sympathetic nerve activity and exerts beneficial effects on circulation and metabolism. While It is well known that sympathetic nerve activity is increased by stressors, recently, it has been reported that exercise as optimal mechanical stress improves cognitive function. In the present study, we examined the effects of catechin oligomer on the central nervous system in mice. A single oral dose of catechin oligomers significantly increased CRH mRNA, a stress hormone in the paraventricular nucleus. In the observation for noradrenaline (NA) distribution by using MS imaging, a remarkable NA signal was observed in the locus coeruleus and hypothalamus soon after administration of catechin oligomers. At the same time, marked mRNA expressions of NA-related genes (TH, DBH, VMAT2) were observed limited to LC. In addition, the results of behavior tests suggested that catechin oligomer significantly maintained arousal, and improved cognitive function. These results suggest that the astringent taste of catechin oligomers not only fires the LC-NA system inducing a stress response resulting in sympathetic nerve activity, but also activates brain functions, such as maintaining arousal and improving cognitive function.