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Functional and structural alternations in the choroid plexus upon methamphetamine exposure
Meysam Hassani Moghaddam1, Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni2, Kimia Vakili3
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Neuroscience Letters
|September 16, 2021
Summary
Methamphetamine exposure alters choroid plexus structure and function, increasing neurotrophic factors and inducing autophagy. This suggests methamphetamine-induced autophagy in the choroid plexus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The choroid plexus (CP) is crucial for brain health, producing cerebrospinal fluid and vital factors.
- Methamphetamine (METH) is a neurotoxin that impairs brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of METH exposure on the structure and function of the CP.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying METH's impact on the CP.
Main Methods:
- Stereological analysis to assess CP volume, cell counts, and capillary number.
- Electron microscopy to examine ultrastructural changes.
- Gene expression analysis for neurotrophic factors, autophagy, and apoptosis markers.
Main Results:
- METH significantly altered CP volume, epithelial cells, and capillary number.
- Ultrastructural changes were observed in the CP following METH treatment.
- Upregulation of BDNF, VEGF, and genes related to autophagy and apoptosis was detected.
Conclusions:
- METH exposure induces significant structural and functional changes in the CP.
- Evidence suggests METH leads to increased autophagy within the CP.
- These findings highlight the CP as a target of METH neurotoxicity.
