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Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
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Reduced astrocyte density underlying brain volume reduction in activity-based anorexia rats
Linda Frintrop1, Johanna Liesbrock1,2, Lisa Paulukat1,2
1a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany.
Summary
Activity-based anorexia (ABA) in rats mirrors human anorexia nervosa (AN) brain changes. Reduced astrocyte numbers and function may underlie AN
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Anatomical Pathology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with severe grey and white matter volume reductions.
- The underlying pathophysiology of these brain changes in AN remains unclear.
- This study investigates the cellular basis of brain volume changes using an animal model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cellular basis of brain volume changes in an activity-based anorexia (ABA) animal model.
- To compare brain alterations in ABA rats with those observed in human AN patients.
Main Methods:
- Female rats were subjected to 24-hour running wheel access and restricted food intake to achieve a 25% weight reduction.
- Brain volumes, astrocyte numbers (GFAP-positive), and astrocyte-covered area were measured in ABA rats and controls.
- Astrocyte (GFAP) mRNA expression was quantified.
Main Results:
- ABA rats exhibited significant reductions in cerebral cortex (6%) and corpus callosum (9%) volumes.
- A decrease in GFAP-positive astrocytes (39% and 23%) and total astrocyte-covered area (83% and 63%) was observed.
- A significant reduction in astrocyte (GFAP) mRNA expression (60% and 49%) was found, with no changes in neurons.
Conclusions:
- Volumetric brain changes in ABA animals are comparable to those in human AN patients.
- These alterations are linked to a reduction in GFAP-positive astrocytes and GFAP expression.
- Reduced astrocyte functioning and potential astrocyte loss may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and symptoms in AN, representing a novel research target.
