Functional and structural alternations in the choroid plexus upon methamphetamine exposure

Choroid plexus (CP) is the principal source of cerebrospinal fluid. CP can produce and release a wide range of materials including growth factors, neurotrophic factors, etc. all of which play an important role in the maintenance and proper functioning of the brain. Methamphetamine (METH) is a CNS neurostimulant that causes brain dysfunction. Herein, we investigated the potential effects of METH exposure on CP structure and function. Stereological analysis revealed a significant alteration in CP volume, epithelial cells and capillary number upon METH treatment. Electron microscopy exhibited changes in ultrastructure. Moreover, the upregulation of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and VEGF as well as autophagy and apoptosis gene following METH administration were observed. We also identified several signaling cascades related to autophagy. In conclusion, gene expression changes coupled with structural alterations of the CP in response to METH suggested METH-induced autophagy in CP.