Gestational protein restriction alters early amygdala neurochemistry in male offspring
Daniele B Torres1, Agnes Lopes1, Ana J Rodrigues1,2
1Fetal Programming and Hydro-electrolyte Metabolism Laboratory, Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Gestational protein restriction in pregnant rats alters offspring amygdala neurochemistry, reducing key neurotransmitters and receptors. These changes may be adaptive responses to maternal stress, impacting brain development and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Gestational protein restriction causes long-term harm to offspring organs and systems.
- Limited research exists on its effects on brain structure and neurochemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gestational protein restriction on amygdala neurochemical composition and neuronal structure in male rat offspring.
Main Methods:
- Dams were fed either regular protein (NP) or low protein (LP) diets during gestation.
- Amygdala cell numbers, neuronal structure, and neurochemical content (neurotransmitters, receptors) were analyzed using methods including the Isotropic fractionator, Golgi-Cox staining, Western blot, and HPLC.
Main Results:
- Low-protein offspring had reduced birth weight but normal brain weight. Amygdala cell numbers and dendritic complexity were unchanged.
- Significant reductions in amygdala norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine were observed in low-protein offspring.
- Reduced protein levels of glucocorticoid receptors, mineralocorticoid receptors, and corticotrophin-releasing factor were found in the amygdala of low-protein offspring.
Conclusions:
- Amygdala neurochemical alterations in offspring may be an adaptive response to in-utero exposure to maternal corticosteroids.
- Gestational malnutrition-induced stress can modify amygdala neurochemistry, potentially contributing to behavioral changes observed in offspring.
Background:
Gestational protein intake restriction-induced long-lasting harmful outcomes in the offspring's organs and systems. However, few studies have focused on this event's impact on the brain's structures and neurochemical compounds.
Aim:
The present study investigated the effects on the amygdala neurochemical composition and neuronal structure in gestational protein-restricted male rats' offspring.
Methods:
Dams were maintained on isocaloric standard rodent laboratory chow with regular protein [NP, 17%] or low protein content [LP, 6%]. Total cells were quantified using the Isotropic fractionator method, Neuronal 3D reconstruction, and dendritic tree analysis using the Golgi-Cox technique. Western blot and high-performance liquid chromatography performed neurochemical studies.
Results:
The gestational low-protein feeding offspring showed a significant decrease in birth weight up to day 14, associated with unaltered brain weight in youth or adult progenies. The amygdala cell numbers were unchanged, and the dendrites length and dendritic ramifications 3D analysis in LP compared to age-matched NP progeny. However, the current study shows reduced amygdala content of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine in LP progeny. These offspring observed a significant reduction in the amygdala glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptor protein levels. Also corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) amygdala protein content was reduced in 7 and 14-day-old LP rats.
Conclusion:
The observed amygdala neurochemical changes may represent adaptation during embryonic development in response to elevated fetal exposure to maternal corticosteroid levels. In this way, gestational malnutrition stress can alter the amygdala's neurochemical content and may contribute to known behavioral changes induced by gestational protein restriction.
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