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Zinc and Copper Brain Levels and Expression of Neurotransmitter Receptors in Two Rat ASD Models

Autor
Ruszczyńska, Anna
Toczyłowska, Beata
Augustyniak, Justyna
Ziemińska, Elżbieta
Łazarewicz, Jerzy
Data publikacji
2021
Abstrakt (EN)

Zinc and copper are important trace elements necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Impaired zinc and/or copper metabolism and signaling are implicated in many brain diseases, including autism (ASD). In our studies, autistic-like behavior in rat offsprings was induced by application to pregnant mothers valproic acid or thalidomide. Zinc and copper contents were measured in serum and brain structures: hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Our research shows no interconnections in the particular metal concentrations measured in autistic animal brains and their sera. Based on patient researches, we studied 26 genes belonging to disturbed neurotransmitter pathways. In the same brain regions, we examined the expression of genes encoding proteins of cholinergic, adrenergic, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. In both rats’ ASD models, 17 out of the tested gene expression were decreased. In the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, expression of genes encoding cholinergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic receptors decreased, whereas in the hippocampus only expression of serotoninergic receptors genes was downregulated. The changes in metals content observed in the rat brain can be secondary phenomena, perhaps elements of mechanisms that compensate for neurotransmission dysfunctions.

Słowa kluczowe EN
zinc
copper
brain gene expression
autism
animal model
Dyscyplina PBN
nauki chemiczne
Czasopismo
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Tom
14
Strony od-do
art. no. 656740
ISSN
1662-5099
Data udostępnienia w otwartym dostępie
2021-06-29
Licencja otwartego dostępu
Uznanie autorstwa