Running Head: SUMMARY & OPINION OF PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLE 1

Summary and Opinion of Peer-Reviewed Article//Enhanced Habitation and Decreased Anxiety

by Environmental Enrichment and Possible Attenuation of these Effects by Chronic

α -tocopherol (Vitamin E) in Aging Male and Female Rats

February 20, 2011

APA Writing Style

SUMMARY & OPINION OF PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLE 2

Introduction

Genetic changes found in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s have been the

focus of countless studies. As the prevalence rate of Alzheimer’s climbs, the research to find

ways to prevent or delay it has increased. Laboratory studies of animals have proven to be most

effective in proving how conditions and behaviors can be identified and linked to the

development and progression of loss of brain function in humans. The peer-reviewed journal

article of Hughes and Collins (2009) focused on the testing of middle-aged to elderly rats

exposed to enriched environments as opposed to standard cage environments. The aim of the

study was to show how environmental enrichment and physical activity affect the aging process

of the brain when introduced mid-life or later. Scientists have suggested for some time that

people can reduce their risks for Alzheimer’s by exercising on a regular basis, eating a healthy

diet and engaging in stimulating brain activities. Results of studies have shown a decrease in

anxiety and stress-related responses in younger mice and rats exposed to environmental

enrichment. The study cited here augments earlier studies in that it tested enhanced mental

stimulation and its bio-behavioral benefits when introduced later in life.

Experimental Design

The subjects were 36 male and 33 female rats approximately 330 days old, which is

considered middle age. Environmental enrichment was provided in half of the cages in the form

of randomly selected objects such as plastic tunnels, marbles, small metal household utensils,

pottery ornaments and small metal household utensils. In addition, half of the rats in the

enrichment settings were provided with α -tocopherol (Vitamin E) in their drinking water. An

open field area which compromised a 600 X 600 mm square was used for observation of
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ambulation, exploration, curiosity and fear. Light-dark boxes were used for observing time spent

in the separate compartments. Fecal boluses were recorded in both the open field and light-dark

boxes.

The testing lasted approximately 5 months, at the end of which the rats would have been

considered entering old age. Throughout the enrichment study and α -tocopherol treatment,

average body weights, fluid consumption and α -tocopherol doses were recorded. Standard cage

environment as opposed to enriched cage environment was the baseline factor for the addition of

the other variables. Water drinking solution as opposed to α -tocopherol drinking solution was

recorded, along with the differences in amounts of fluid consumed and comparison of the

aforementioned variables were documented in relation to decreased ambulation and decrement.

Behavioral responses were observed and charted, with differences noted in ambulation,

grooming and areas of open field occupation by male rats as opposed to female counterparts.

The study further tracked sex differences in relation to fluid intake patterns and the addition of

α -tocopherol to the drinking solution. The subjects were also exposed to light-dark boxes, with

no significant effect noted. Amounts of food intake were not recorded.

Conclusions from the Study

The study left some questions unanswered and some conclusions qualified. Because the

α -tocopherol was provided in communal drinking water, accurate assessment of dose intake

was not possible. Also, open field procedures, which were intended to measure exploration or

fear, and behavioral reactions, yielded varied changes within sessions. Those changes prompted

inventive scoring based on percentages of observation time frames. The conclusion that

environmental enrichment led to lower body weights in aging male rats was a new and important
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finding, as was the suggestion that α -tocopherol significantly reduces decrement in rats kept in

enriched environments.

Opinion

Scientific studies that focus on finding ways to prevent or slow down oxidative stress in the

human body are vital in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This particular study of older rats

reinforced earlier studies of cognitive behavior and brain changes in animals exposed to enriched

environments and antioxidants at younger ages and how subjects benefited significantly.

It is my belief that the authors of the article were not only candid, but right on target in

their assessment of the shortcomings and contradictions of the study, due primarily to the

methods employed. The authors addressed several areas of the study that would have been

enhanced by minimizing variables in the test environment. They also pointed out that the study

did not include cognitive functioning analysis, the results of which could have made a stronger

case for the findings. Conversely, I feel the authors fell short of the objective of scientific study

articles in general, which is to allow the reader to appraise the findings by providing well-

organized conclusions. Opinions and findings were interspersed throughout the article and I

think the authors would have been better served in their writing had they assembled concluding

statements at the end of the article.

Future research that measures specific amounts of antioxidants such as Vitamin E (and C)

and the effects of higher doses, including risks associated with higher intake levels could give

evidence to an already solid case for the introduction of vitamin supplements (in addition to

other natural methods of brain stimulation) in the fight to slow the aging process. Studies that

test maximum potencies’ effects on animals could also pave the way for future effective

treatment of dementia in older adults.

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Works Cited

Hughes, R. N., Collins M. A. (2009). Enhanced habitation and decreased anxiety by

environmental enrichment and possible attenuation of theses effects by chronic

α -tocopherol (vitamin E) in aging male and female rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry

and Behavior 94 (2010), 534-542.