STARRRS - Successful Trajectories of Aging: Reserve and Resilience in RatS

Study Type
Model Systems

Last Updated
N/A

Study Period
2022-

NIA Division
NIA Intramural

Number of Subjects
N/A

Study Open Dates for Data
N/A

Study Open Dates for Specimens
N/A

Clinical Trials URL
N/A

Primary Publication URL
N/A

Study Website
https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/about-irp/successful-trajectories-of-aging-reserve-and-resilience-in-rats

Human/Animal
Animal Study (An IRB approval or exemption is not required to access materials)

Consent

Data/Specimen Use Restrictions

This animal study does not require IRB approval or exemption

Genetic Use of Specimens

N/A

Other Specific Restrictions

N/A

Objectives

STARRRS provides an open databank of longitudinal phenotypic data, neuroimaging scans, and tissue and other biological samples for distribution, utilizing a validated Long Evans rat model that features reliable individual differences in neurocognitive outcome with advanced age.

Male and female rats are followed from youth to old age with state-of-the-art technologies to assess brain structure and function non-invasively and with dynamic phenotypic measurements. The resource is intended to remain flexible in design over time and stakeholder community input is highly encouraged.

Background

Aging in humans and animals is associated with increased changes in cognitive performance. Some people have typical neurobiological signs of aging but their cognition remains relatively stable. In contrast, other people experience major cognitive decline. STARRRS helps researchers better understand why these differences in cognitive decline or resilience occur by providing longitudinal, lifespan data from a well-defined model of neurocognitive aging in rats.

Study Design

	Assessment Batteries
	Recognition Memory	Executive Function & Attention	Spatial Learning & Memory	Naïve Controls
Battery-Unique Features	Novel Odor Recognition Memory	Two-Choice Serial Reaction Time	Water Maze Delayed Match-to-Place	Limited manipulation before terminal assessment
Assessments Common Across Batteries	Neuroimaging: structural MRI, arterial spin labeling, functional connectivity Anxiety/Exploratory Activity: elevated plus maze Activity: 48-hour home cage behavior			Limited manipulation before terminal assessment
Antemortem Biospecimens & Physiology	Blood (plasma); feces; vaginal cytology Body weight; Frailty Index; clinical observations			End-stage vaginal cytology; observational data
Cognitive Endpoint & Postmortem Biospecimens	Standard water maze assessment Blood (plasma); feces; regional brain microdissection; necropsy, peripheral tissues/organs & muscle

Outcomes

STARRRS is an ongoing study. Materials are being made available at regular intervals. Currently materials through Cohort 15 are available for request.

Resources Available

Biospecimens, Study Datasets, and Images

Study Publications (0)

Materials Available

Feces
Plasma
Tissues:

Adrenal
Brain - Basal Forebrain
Brain - Cerebellum
Brain - Frontal Cortex
Brain - Hippocampus
Brain - Olfactory Tumor
Brain - Parietal Cortex
Brain - Pituitary Tumor
Brain - Striatum
Brown Adipose
Eye
Gastrocnemius Muscle
Heart
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Ovary
Skin - pinna
Spinal Column
Spleen
Testicle
White Adipose

Brain MRI Scans
Home Cage Video
Maze Videos
Stained Vaginal Lavage Images

Documents