Effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on rat behavior and its relation with apoptosis of hippocampus neurons
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Published on: November 20, 2015
1Department of Child Health, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine Associated Children's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
Insights
Perinatal hypothyroidism in rats impairs brain development, leading to behavioral changes and reduced learning. Hormone therapy can reverse these effects by decreasing neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid hormone is crucial for mammalian brain development.
- Perinatal hypothyroidism causes lasting behavioral and neuromotor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of perinatal hypothyroidism on rat pup behavior.
- To explore the relationship between hypothyroidism, hippocampus neuron apoptosis, and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral tests were conducted to assess functional changes.
- TUNEL staining was employed to quantify apoptosis in the hippocampus (CA3 region).
Main Results:
- Perinatal hypothyroidism negatively affected behavior and spatial learning/memory.
- Increased apoptosis of hippocampus neurons was observed.
- Hormone replacement therapy improved cognitive deficits.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal hypothyroidism disrupts brain development, impacting behavior and cognition.
- Hippocampal neuron apoptosis is linked to learning and memory impairments.
- Hormone therapy offers a potential intervention for these deficits.
Abstract:
Thyroid hormone is an important factor for proper development of the mammalian brain. Perinatal hypothyroidism leads to long-term behavior and neuromotor competence alterations in humans and animals. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on behavior changes of rat pups and its relation with the apoptosis of hippocampus neurons. Behavior tests were taken to evaluate the effects caused by perinatal hypothyroidism. TUNEL staining was used to analyze the apoptosis of neurons on CA3 region of hippocampus. The study suggested that perinatal hypothyroidism affects behavior development, as well as leading to the decrease in spatial learning and memory capability. This condition can be improved with hormone substitute treatment. Furthermore, the changes of learning and memory capability are closely related to the increasing number of apoptotic neurons in the hippocampus.
