Hippocampal DHCR24 down regulation in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced cognitive decline

Neurosci Lett. 2015 Feb 5:587:107-12. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.12.039. Epub 2014 Dec 23.

Abstract

The DHCR24 (24-dehydrocholesterol reductase) gene codes a multifunctional protein which consists of enzymatic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities. It exists in almost all neurons and protects the neural cells against amyloid β toxicity. Several studies have shown the down regulation of DHCR24 in Alzheimer's disease. We examined the time profile of DHCR24-mRNA alteration in an animal model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cognitive impairment. The DHCR24 mRNA levels of hippocampus and cognitive impairment were evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days after intracerebroventricular (ICV)-STZ/Saline administration. DHCR24 expression was down regulated at 14 and 21 days after ICV-STZ administration. The decrease in expression of DHCR24 preceded the onset of the cognitive impairment. These results suggest the potential relation between DHCR24 expression and cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Alzheimer; DHCR24; Hippocampus; Streptozotocin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Cognition Disorders / metabolism*
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus / pathology
  • Male
  • Maze Learning
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / genetics
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Streptozocin

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Streptozocin
  • DHCR24 protein, rat
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors