The effect of alcohol on genetically modified exosome deposition in the hypothalamus
Description
TitleThe effect of alcohol on genetically modified exosome deposition in the hypothalamus
Date Created2020
Other Date2020-05 (degree)
Extent1 online resource (ix, 27 pages) : illustrations
DescriptionFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition, particularly found in children, characterized by damage to the central nervous system as a result of alcohol exposure during a woman’s pregnancy (Wilhoit et al., 2017). Areas of the brain that are affected include the hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and hypothalamus. Once exposed to alcohol, the production of Beta-endorphins (βEP), a neuronal peptide involved in inhibiting stress in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, is reduced (Sprouse-Blum et al., 2010). On the other hand, there are cells, such as microglia, that can be stimulated during alcohol exposure. Microglia perform several essential functions in the brain, such as a role in neuroinflammation, regulation of brain development, and work as CNS macrophages (Colonna et al., 2017). Microglia are also capable of releasing exosomes, small membrane vesicles involved in neuronal communication and immune functions, including adaptive and innate immune responses (Fruhbeis et al., 2012).
Using a rat animal model, our overall objective revolved around how exosomes, derived from genetically modified microglial cells, could be introduced through the periphery to influence βEP and glial interaction in the brain, and whether transportation of these exosomes could be altered by alcohol administration. We observed that the exosomes successfully passed through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and were able to deposit into the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. There was an increase in exosome deposition and a reduction in βEP neurons in alcohol treated rats, in comparison to the control or non-treated animal models. However, the exosomes displayed an inability to colocalize within the βEP neurons in both alcohol and non-treated animals. Therefore, we found that genetically modified exosomes can bypass the BBB and travel into the brain to localize into the hypothalamic arcuate area, more so through alcohol administration, and affect glial and βEP communication. Further research in observing where the exosomes are colocalizing is essential in finding what other roles the exosomes are involved in.
NoteM.S.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses, ETD graduate
LanguageEnglish
CollectionSchool of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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