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Elevated circulating adiponectin levels do not prevent anxiety-like behavior in a PCOS-like mouse model
Manisha Samad1, Joakim Ek1, Stina Börchers1
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Scientific Reports
|January 4, 2024
Summary
Elevated adiponectin levels did not prevent anxiety-like behaviors in offspring exposed to prenatal androgens. Increased adiponectin in the brain, not just circulation, may be necessary for anxiolytic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic disorders
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves hyperandrogenism, anxiety, and depression.
- Adiponectin, an adipocyte hormone, may have anxiolytic properties.
- Prenatal androgen exposure can induce anxiety-like behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if elevated adiponectin levels protect against androgen-induced anxiety-like behavior.
- To examine the effects of maternal and offspring adiponectin overexpression on anxiety and metabolic profiles.
- To determine the role of adiponectin in the central nervous system versus circulation.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant mice overexpressing adiponectin (APNtg) and wildtypes were exposed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or vehicle.
- Offspring underwent behavioral tests (elevated plus maze) and metabolic profiling.
- Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adiponectin levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Prenatal androgenization (PNA) induced anxiety-like behavior in offspring.
- Maternal or offspring adiponectin overexpression did not prevent PNA-induced anxiety.
- Adiponectin overexpression improved offspring metabolic profiles (lower fat mass, glucose) but did not reduce anxiety.
- Circulating adiponectin was elevated, but CSF adiponectin levels remained unchanged in APNtg mice.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating adiponectin alone is insufficient to counteract androgen-induced anxiety.
- Adiponectin's anxiolytic effects may depend on increased levels within the central nervous system (brain).
- Metabolic benefits of adiponectin overexpression were observed, independent of anxiolytic effects in this model.
