Possible alteration of catecholaminergic transporters in specific brain areas of iron deficit rats

In humans, early ID (iron deficiency) may cause impairment of dopamine (DA) metabolism including DA clearance, transporter density, and dopamine receptor (D1 and D2) densities.

The present study aims to examine the effects of early ID on the catecholaminergic system within certain brain areas related to attention.

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups; control (CN) fed a diet containing 80 ppm Fe and the iron deficient (ID) fed a diet containing 4 ppm Fe. At the end of study rats were sacrificed and brains were dissected. Catecholaminergic neurotransmitters were estimated in specific brain areas using radioactive ligand techniques.

Our results revealed a significant effect of age on DAT levels in the nucleus accumbens (NA), olfactory tubercle (OT), and substantia nigra (SN) but not in the striatum. Specifically, 21-day-old rats had greater DAT levels compared to 45-day-old rats when in the NA, OT, and SN as well as in the OT compared to 75-day-old rats. Additionally, there is a significant age difference on NET levels in the dentate gyrus but not in the frontal cortex or the locus coeruleus. Specifically, NET levels were increased among 45-day-old rats compared to 75-day-old rats.

There is a significant age effect on DAT and NET levels in some examined brain areas. These findings are very important as they elucidate the impact of iron deficiency on catecholaminergic systems in the brain. This may explain most of the neurobehavioral sequales of infantile iron deficiency.