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Effects of undernutrition on glutamatergic parameters in rat brain
Liane N Rotta1, André P Schmidt, Tadeu Mello e Souza
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Insights
Early life nutrient restriction in rats impaired central nervous system (CNS) development, reducing sensitivity to quinolinic acid (QA) induced seizures and altering glutamate binding and release. Behavioral functions remained unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Early life nutrient restriction significantly impacts central nervous system (CNS) development and function.
- Glutamatergic neurotransmission plays a critical role in CNS ontogeny and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pre- and postnatal undernutrition on glutamatergic parameters and behavior in rats.
- To determine if undernutrition alters sensitivity to quinolinic acid (QA) induced seizures.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to undernutrition (8% protein diet) from pre- to postnatal day 75, compared to a normonourished group (25% protein).
- Evaluated seizure susceptibility following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of QA.
- Assessed Na-independent [3H]glutamate binding in cerebral cortex plasma membranes and basal [3H]glutamate release from synaptosomal preparations.
- Behavioral tests assessed locomotion, anxiety, and memory.
Main Results:
- Undernutrition significantly reduced QA-induced seizures.
- A decrease in Na-independent [3H]glutamate binding in cerebral cortex membranes was observed.
- Basal [3H]glutamate release from synaptosomal preparations was reduced in undernourished rats.
- No significant effects on behavioral parameters related to locomotion, anxiety, or memory were found.
Conclusions:
- The established undernutrition model decreased rat sensitivity to QA as a convulsant agent.
- Specific glutamatergic parameters, including glutamate binding and release, are implicated in the observed reduced seizure susceptibility.
- While CNS development is affected, key behavioral functions may be preserved despite early life nutritional deficits.
Abstract:
Early restriction of nutrients during the perinatal period has marked repercussions on CNS ontogeny, leading to impaired functions. This study investigated the effects of pre- and postnatal (up to 75 days) undernutrition (diet: 8% protein; normonourished group: 25% protein) on some glutamatergic and behavioral parameters of rats. Undernutrition reduced: (i) seizures caused by ICV quinolinic acid (QA) administration; (ii) Na-independent [3H]glutamate binding in cell plasma membranes of cerebral cortex, and (ii) basal [3H]glutamate release from synaptosomal preparation. Behavioral parameters related to locomotion, anxiety, or memory were not affected. These results indicate that our model of undernutrition decreased the sensitivity to QA as convulsing agent and point to some putative glutamatergic parameters involved in this effect.