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Decreased cholinergic receptor expression in the striatum: motor function deficit in hypoglycemic and diabetic rats

A Sherin1, K T Peeyush, S Jayanarayanan

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682 022, Kerala, India. sherinbinoyin@gmail.com

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|July 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypoglycemia and diabetes impair motor function by altering brain cholinergic systems. Hypoglycemia worsens these deficits in diabetic rats, highlighting clinical significance for diabetes treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypoglycemic brain injury is a severe complication of insulin therapy in diabetes.
  • Altered cholinergic signaling is implicated in neurobehavioral deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of insulin-induced hypoglycemia and STZ-induced diabetes on striatal cholinergic receptors and enzymes.
  • To assess the effects on motor function in a rat model.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression analysis (AChE, ChAT).
  • Radioreceptor binding assays and immunohistochemistry for muscarinic M1, M3 receptors and α7nAChR.
  • Grid walk test for motor function assessment.

Main Results:

  • AChE and ChAT expression were downregulated in both hypoglycemic and diabetic rats.
  • Muscarinic M1 receptor binding increased, while M3 and total muscarinic receptor binding decreased in hypoglycemic rats.
  • α7nAChR expression was upregulated in hypoglycemic rats.
  • Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia impaired motor function and coordination.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired striatal cholinergic receptor function contributes to motor deficits in hypoglycemia and diabetes.
  • Hypoglycemia exacerbates neurobehavioral deficits in diabetic rats, with significant clinical implications for diabetes management.

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