Parallel changes in cortical neuron biochemistry and motor function in protein-energy malnourished adult rats.
While protein-energy malnutrition in the adult has been reported to induce motor abnormalities and exaggerate motor deficits caused by stroke, it is not known if alterations in mature cortical neurons contribute to the functional deficits. Therefore, we explored if PEM in adult rats provoked changes in the biochemical profile of neurons in the forelimb and hindlimb regions of the motor cortex. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging using a synchrotron generated light source revealed for the first time altered lipid composition in neurons and subcellular domains (cytosol and nuclei) in a cortical layer and region-specific manner. This change measured by the area under the curve of the δ(CH2) band may indicate modifications in membrane fluidity. These PEM-induced biochemical changes were associated with the development of abnormalities in forelimb use and posture. The findings of this study provide a mechanism by which PEM, if not treated, could exacerbate the course of various neurological disorders and diminish treatment efficacy.
Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and College of Pharmacy and Nutrition University of Saskatchewan, D Wing GD30 (Box 1) Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5E5; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Canada; Cameco MS Neuroscience Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. Electronic address: mariam.alaverdashvili@usask.ca.
Mariam
M
Alaverdashvili
Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and College of Pharmacy and Nutrition University of Saskatchewan, D Wing GD30 (Box 1) Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5E5; Department of Geological Sciences, Canada.
Mark J
MJ
Hackett
Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and College of Pharmacy and Nutrition University of Saskatchewan, D Wing GD30 (Box 1) Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5E5; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Canada; Cameco MS Neuroscience Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Sally
S
Caine
Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and College of Pharmacy and Nutrition University of Saskatchewan, D Wing GD30 (Box 1) Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5E5; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Canada; Cameco MS Neuroscience Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. Electronic address: phyllis.paterson@usask.ca.
Phyllis G
PG
Paterson
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012372:ROC Curve; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Fourier transform infrared imaging; Motor behavior; Motor cortex; Protein-energy malnutrition; Rat