Alteration in hippocampal mitochondria ultrastructure and cholesterol accumulation linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in the valproic acid rat model of autism spectrum disorders.
Paula D Prince, Martín G Codagnone, Javier A W Opezzo, Juan S Adán Areán, Christian Höcht, Nathalie Arnal, Silvia Alvarez, Sandra Zárate, Analía Reinés
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental and multifactorial conditions with cognitive manifestations. The valproic acid (VPA) rat model is a well-validated model that successfully reproduces the behavioral and neuroanatomical alterations of ASD. Previous studies found atypical brain connectivity and metabolic patterns in VPA animals: local glucose hypermetabolism in the prefrontal cortex, with no metabolic changes in the hippocampus.
Aim: This study aimed to explore mitochondrial structural features, lipid content, and functionality in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the VPA model.
Methods: On embryonic day 10.5, pregnant Wistar rats were injected with VPA (450 mg/kg) or saline solution. In the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of male offspring (postnatal day 35), the mitochondrial structure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, oxidized/reduced glutathione was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, mitochondrial membrane cholesterol, and phospholipids were determined by thin-layer chromatography, and oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis were measured in isolated mitochondria.
Results: Mitochondrial increased oxygen consumption and decreased ATP production, increased oxidized/reduced glutathione, cholesterol accumulation in mitochondrial membrane and altered mitochondrial structure were found in the hippocampus of VPA animals. All parameters were preserved in the cerebral cortex of VPA rats.
Conclusions: These findings reveal brain region-specific mitochondrial structural and functional alterations in VPA-treated animals, with preserved mitochondria in regions with high glucose demand and impaired mitochondria in metabolically normal areas. Moreover, cholesterol accumulation in hippocampal mitochondrial membranes is a potential cause of mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to a prooxidant state.
期刊介绍：
Official Journal of the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS)
Psychopharmacology is an international journal that covers the broad topic of elucidating mechanisms by which drugs affect behavior. The scope of the journal encompasses the following fields:
Human Psychopharmacology: Experimental
This section includes manuscripts describing the effects of drugs on mood, behavior, cognition and physiology in humans. The journal encourages submissions that involve brain imaging, genetics, neuroendocrinology, and developmental topics. Usually manuscripts in this section describe studies conducted under controlled conditions, but occasionally descriptive or observational studies are also considered.
Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Translational
This section comprises studies addressing the broad intersection of drugs and psychiatric illness. This includes not only clinical trials and studies of drug usage and metabolism, drug surveillance, and pharmacoepidemiology, but also work utilizing the entire range of clinically relevant methodologies, including neuroimaging, pharmacogenetics, cognitive science, biomarkers, and others. Work directed toward the translation of preclinical to clinical knowledge is especially encouraged. The key feature of submissions to this section is that they involve a focus on clinical aspects.
Preclinical psychopharmacology: Behavioral and Neural
This section considers reports on the effects of compounds with defined chemical structures on any aspect of behavior, in particular when correlated with neurochemical effects, in species other than humans. Manuscripts containing neuroscientific techniques in combination with behavior are welcome. We encourage reports of studies that provide insight into the mechanisms of drug action, at the behavioral and molecular levels.
Preclinical Psychopharmacology: Translational
This section considers manuscripts that enhance the confidence in a central mechanism that could be of therapeutic value for psychiatric or neurological patients, using disease-relevant preclinical models and tests, or that report on preclinical manipulations and challenges that have the potential to be translated to the clinic. Studies aiming at the refinement of preclinical models based upon clinical findings (back-translation) will also be considered. The journal particularly encourages submissions that integrate measures of target tissue exposure, activity on the molecular target and/or modulation of the targeted biochemical pathways.
Preclinical Psychopharmacology: Molecular, Genetic and Epigenetic
This section focuses on the molecular and cellular actions of neuropharmacological agents / drugs, and the identification / validation of drug targets affecting the CNS in health and disease. We particularly encourage studies that provide insight into the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level. Manuscripts containing evidence for genetic or epigenetic effects on neurochemistry or behavior are welcome.
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