Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type delta (PTPRD) gene in an animal model of restless legs syndrome

Author(s)

Morais, Milca Abda ; Franco, Beatriz Silva ; Holanda, Alessandro Spencer Souza ; de Paula Simino, Lais Angelica ; Veras, Alana Carolina Costa ; Torsoni, Marcio Alberto ; Manconi, Mauro ; Torsoni, Adriana Souza ; Esteves, Andrea Maculano

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Sleep Research; v. N/A, p. 10-pg., 2022-09-02.

Abstract

The pathophysiology of the restless legs syndrome (RLS) is related to dopaminergic dysfunction, reduced iron and variations in gene expression, such as the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type delta gene (PTPRD). Animal models could be key to achieving a mechanistic understanding of RLS and to facilitate efficient platforms for evaluating new therapeutics. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of PTPRD, of genes and proteins associated with RLS, the sleep patterns and the cardiovascular parameters in an animal model of RLS (spontaneously hypertensive rat [SHR]). Rats were divided into two groups: (i) Wistar-Kyoto and (ii) SHR. Cardiovascular parameters were assessed by tail plethysmography. Polysomnography was used to analyse the sleep pattern (24 h). For the PTPRD analyses, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques were used. To evaluate the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme, dopamine transporter (DAT) and type 2 dopaminergic receptor, qPCR and Western Blotting techniques were used. For the quantification of iron, ferritin and transferrin, the ELISA method was used. SHRs had higher blood pressure, alterations in sleep pattern, lower expression of protein content of PTPRD, lower expression of DAT, and lower serum concentrations of ferritin. These data suggest that the behavioural, physiological, and molecular changes observed in SHRs provide a useful animal model of RLS, reinforcing the importance of this strain as an animal model of this sleep disorder. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/05245-5 - Effect of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment on the expression of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Receptor Type D(PTPRD) and its relation with the restless legs syndrome in SHR rats.
• Grantee: Andrea Maculano Esteves
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants