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Gestational Hypothyroxinemia Affects Glutamatergic Synaptic Protein Distribution and Neuronal Plasticity Through

Pablo Cisternas1, Antoine Louveau2, Susan M Bueno2,3

  • 1Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile.

Molecular Neurobiology
|December 22, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Gestational hypothyroxinemia, a condition of low maternal thyroxine (T4) during pregnancy, impairs offspring cognitive development by affecting astrocyte regulation of brain synapses. This highlights the critical role of neuron-astrocyte interactions in preventing developmental issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Gestational hypothyroxinemia (low maternal thyroxine) is linked to offspring cognitive deficits.
  • Animal models show this condition disrupts hippocampal glutamatergic synapses.
  • Astrocytes are crucial for synapse formation and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of gestational hypothyroxinemia on astrocyte regulation of glutamatergic synapses.
  • To elucidate the role of astrocyte-neuron interactions in the neurodevelopmental effects of maternal thyroid hormone deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an in vitro co-culture model of hippocampal neurons and astrocytes.
  • Exposed co-cultures to conditions mimicking gestational hypothyroxinemia.
  • Analyzed synaptic protein expression (GluN1, CD3ζ) and synaptic plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Gestational hypothyroxinemia significantly altered synaptic patterns of GluN1 and CD3ζ.
  • These synaptic alterations were dependent on astrocyte presence and function.
  • Impaired synaptic plasticity was observed, requiring contributions from both neurons and astrocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational hypothyroxinemia disrupts glutamatergic synapse development and function.
  • Astrocyte-neuron communication is vital in mediating the negative effects of maternal hypothyroxinemia.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for proper offspring central nervous system development.

Keywords:
AstrocyteGestational hypothyroxinemiaGlutamatergic synapseNeuron

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