Plasma Corticosterone Activates SGK1 and Induces Morphological Changes in Oligodendrocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Miyata Shingo, Koyama Yoshihisa, Takemoto Kana, Yoshikawa Keiko, Ishikawa Toshiko, Taniguchi Manabu, Inoue Kiyoshi, Aoki Miwa, Hori Osamu, Katayama Taiichi, Tohyama Masaya
Primary Institution: Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
Hypothesis
Repeated exposure to stress activates a molecular pathway that affects oligodendrocytes and is related to depression-like symptoms.
Conclusion
The study suggests that elevated plasma corticosterone levels activate a signaling pathway in oligodendrocytes that leads to morphological changes associated with depression-like symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Repeated exposure to stress increased plasma corticosterone levels.
- Chronic stress led to longer immobility times in behavioral tests, indicating depression-like symptoms.
- SGK1 expression was upregulated in oligodendrocytes after stress exposure.
Takeaway
When mice are stressed, a hormone called corticosterone makes certain brain cells change shape, which might be linked to feeling sad.
Methodology
Mice were subjected to repeated water-immersion and restraint stress, and various molecular and behavioral analyses were performed.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of behavioral tests and the effects of stress on different mouse strains.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on male mice, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to females.
Participant Demographics
Naive adult male C57/BL6 mice, weighing 25–35 g, aged 11 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website