Adipogenesis and aldosterone: a study in lean tryptophan-depleted rats

Next to epithelial tissues, mineralocorticoid receptors are also expressed in adipose tissue and are involved in the process of adipogenesis. Mineralocorticoid receptors in adipose tissue are likely to be activated mainly by glucocorticoids. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the processes related to adipogenesis are modified under the conditions associated with high circulating aldosterone. We have made advantage of a model of depression based on tryptophan depletion in which we have previously demonstrated that the elevation of serum aldosterone precedes that of corticosterone. Sixty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low tryptophan diet or control diet for 4 (elevation of aldosterone only), 7 and 14 days (broader neuroendocrine activation) respectively. Gene expression of several adipogenic factors, CD31, interleukin-6, adiponectin, resistin and leptin were evaluated. Levels of mRNAs coding for adipogenic, angiogenic and inflammatory factors in adipose tissue were elevated at 4 and 7 days of tryptophan depletion. Additionally, gene expression of aldosterone sensing 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 and mineralocorticoid receptors were elevated. All changes disappeared at 14 days of tryptophan depletion. Synchronously an increase of adipose tissue mass was observed. Although direct evidence is not provided, observed changes in gene expression may be related to the action of aldosterone on mineralocorticoid receptors. Our findings represent the first data on any changes in gene expression in adipose tissue in animal models of depression.