RT Journal Article
T1 Analysis of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (L-BMAA) neurotoxicity in rat cerebellum
A1 Muñoz Sáez, Emma
A1 Munck García, Estefanía de
A1 Arahuetes Portero, Rosa Mª
A1 Martínez, Ana
A1 Solas Alado, Mª Teresa
A1 Gómez Miguel, Begoña
AB Due to its structural similarity to glutamate, L-BMAA could be a trigger for neurodegenerative disorders caused by changes in the intracellular medium, such as increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired synthesis and protein degradation and the imbalance of some enzymes. It is also important to note that according to some published studies, L-BMAA will be incorporated into proteins, causing the alteration of protein homeostasis. Neuronal cells are particularly prone to suffer damage in protein folding and protein accumulation because they have not performed cellular division. In this work, we will analyse the cerebellum impairment triggered by L-BMAA in treated rats. The cerebellum is one of the most important subcortical motor centres and ensures that movements are performed with spatial and temporal precision. Cerebellum damage caused by L-BMAA can contribute to motor impairment. To characterize this neurodegenerative pathology, we first carried out ultrastructure analysis in Purkinje cells showing altered mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Golgi apparatus (GA). We then performed biochemical assays of GSK3 and TDP-43 in cerebellum, obtaining an increase of both biomarkers with L-BMAA treatment and, finally, performed autophagy studies that revealed a higher level of these processes after treatment. This work provides evidence of cerebellar damage in rats after treatment with L-BMAA. Three months after treatment, affected rats cannot restore the normal functions of the cerebellum regarding motor coordination and postural control.
PB Elsevier
SN 0161-813X
YR 2015
FD 2015-05
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/23380
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/23380
LA eng
NO MINECO (Spain)
NO FUNDELA (Spanish Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation)
NO Medical Chemistry department of CSIC (Spanish National Research Council).
DS Docta Complutense
RD 27 abr 2025