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Nicotine Acts on Cholinergic Signaling Mechanisms to Directly Modulate Choroid Plexus Function
Valeria Lallai1, Nickolas Grimes1, James P Fowler1
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697.
Eneuro
|May 24, 2019
Summary
Cholinergic signaling is active in the choroid plexus, influencing cerebrospinal fluid production. Nicotine exposure alters transthyretin and microRNA-204 levels in this brain tissue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cholinergic circuits are crucial for cognitive functions and neurological diseases.
- The role of cholinergic signaling in the choroid plexus remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of cholinergic signaling in the choroid plexus.
- To determine the effects of nicotine on choroid plexus function and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes in choroid plexus tissue.
- In vitro calcium influx assays in response to nicotine.
- Assessment of transthyretin and microRNA-204 expression in rat models following nicotine self-administration.
- Examination of human choroid plexus tissue for conserved expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Choroid plexus expresses multiple nAChR subtypes regionally.
- Nicotine application induces cellular activation (calcium influx) in choroid plexus.
- Nicotine exposure increases transthyretin and microRNA-204 expression in rats.
- Human and rat choroid plexus show similar expression profiles for key markers.
Conclusions:
- Cholinergic signaling mechanisms are functionally active in the choroid plexus.
- Nicotine modulates choroid plexus function, impacting transthyretin and microRNA-204 levels.
- Findings highlight the translational relevance of cholinergic signaling in the choroid plexus.
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