Thermoregulatory profile of neurodegeneration-induced dementia of the Alzheimer's type using intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in rats

Author(s)

Motzko-Soares, A. C. P. ^[1] ; Vizin, R. C. L. ^[1] ; Martins, T. M. S. ^[2] ; Hungaro, A. R. O. ^[2] ; Sato, J. R. ^{[1, 3]} ; Almeida, M. C. ^{[1, 4]} ; Carrettiero, D. C. ^{[1, 4]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed ABC, Grad Program Neurosci & Cognit, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed ABC, Undergrad Program Sci & Technol, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed ABC, CMCC, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Nat & Human Sci CCNH, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA; v. 224, n. 2 OCT 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

AimHere, we have extensively investigated the relationship between thermoregulation and neurodegeneration-induced dementia of the Alzheimer's type using intracerebroventricular injections of streptozotocin (icv-STZ). MethodsMale Wistar rats were treated with bilateral injections of icv-STZ, and their thermoregulatory profiles (core body temperature, tail-skin temperature, cold and heat defence responses and thermal place preference) were evaluated. Spatial memory, locomotor activity, social interaction, brain ventricular volume, and A(1-42) and tau protein levels in the brain were analysed to characterize the effects of STZ on the brain and behaviour. ResultsIn addition to deficits in spatial memory, reduced social interaction and an increased brain ventricular volume, icv-STZ rats presented a pattern of hyperthermia, as demonstrated by an increased core body temperature. Hyperthermia was due to the activation of both autonomic heat conservation and behavioural cold avoidance, as STZ-treated rats presented tail-cutaneous vasoconstriction and an altered thermal preference. They also showed a distinct cold defence response when exposed to cold. ConclusionOur data bring evidence that icv-STZ in rats causes hyperthermia, with activation of both autonomic and behavioural thermoregulatory defence responses when challenged at colder temperatures, leading us to hypothesize that they are more efficient in preventing hypothermia. These data are relevant for a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/25503-5 - Involvement of TRPM8 channels in thermoregulation of Wistar rats
• Grantee: Robson Cristiano Lillo Vizin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/02991-0 - Involvement of TRPM8 channels in thermoregulation of Wistar rats
• Grantee: Maria Camila Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/23426-9 - Beta-amyloid in Alzheimer's Disease: death or survival? Involvement of NF-kappaB and BAG2
• Grantee: Daniel Carneiro Carrettiero
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants