Altered Glycogen Metabolism in Cultured Astrocytes from Mice with Chronic Glutathione Deficit; Relevance for Neuroenergetics in Schizophrenia
2011

GSH Deficit Affects Glycogen Metabolism in Mice: Implications for Schizophrenia

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lavoie Suzie, Allaman Igor, Petit Jean-Marie, Do Kim Q., Magistretti Pierre J.

Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Psychiatric Neuroscience, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Hypothesis

An organism with chronically low GSH levels is likely to show adaptations regarding its energy use.

Conclusion

Glycogen status and utilization are significantly altered in astrocytes from GCLM-KO mice, which may reflect adaptations to oxidative stress relevant to schizophrenia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Glycogen levels were significantly lower in KO cells (−34.4%; p=0.009).
  • KO astrocytes were unable to mobilize glycogen following oxidative stress.
  • WT astrocytes increased glycogen mobilization and glucose uptake during oxidative stress.

Takeaway

Mice with low levels of a key antioxidant struggle to use energy properly, which might be linked to brain problems seen in schizophrenia.

Methodology

The study involved cultured astrocytes from GCLM knockout and wild-type mice, assessing glucose metabolism and glycogen utilization under oxidative stress.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.009

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022875

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