SELENOT Deficiency in the Mouse Brain Impacts Catecholaminergic Neuron Density: An Immunohistochemical, in situ Hybridization and 3D Light-Sheet Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Selenoprotein T (SELENOT), a PACAP-regulated thioredoxin-like protein, plays a role in catecholamine secretion and protects dopaminergic neurons. However, the role of SELENOT in the establishment of the catecholaminergic (CA) neuronal system is not known yet.

METHODS

We analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization the distribution of SELENOT and the expression of its mRNA, respectively. In addition, 3D imaging involving immunostaining in toto, clearing through the iDISCO+ method, acquisitions by light-sheet microscopy, and processing of 3D images was performed to map the CA neuronal system. A semi-automatic quantification of 3D images was carried out.

RESULTS

SELENOT protein and mRNA are widely distributed in the mouse brain, with important local variations. Three-dimensional mapping, through tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) labeling, and semi-automated quantification of CA neurons in brain-specific SELENOT knockout mice showed a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive neurons in the area postrema (AP-A2), the A11 cell group (A11), and the zona incerta (ZI-A13) of SELENOT-deficient females, and in the hypothalamus (Hyp-A12-A14-A15) of SELENOT-deficient females and males.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that SELENOT is diffusely expressed in the mouse brain and that its deficiency impacts CA neuron distribution in different brain areas including Hyp-A12-A14-A15, in both male and female mice.

The effects of smoking Haschich on blood parameters in young people from the Beni Mellal region Morocco

<abstract><sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of smoking hashish on some blood parameters (Red blood cells, Hemoglobins, Hematocrits, MCV, MCH, MCHC, White blood cells, Urea, Creatinine, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Liver Aminotransferases) among young people from the Beni Mellal region, Morocco.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>Blood samples are collected from 30 male, fasting, voluntary and anonymous individuals in three groups; 10 non-smokers (controls), 10 moderate chronic smokers (5 joints/day (5 j/d) or less for a period not exceeding 3 years) and 10 intense chronic smokers (15 joints/day or more for a period equal to or greater than 5 years).</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>The results obtained show that with the duration and number of joints consumed, a decrease in the level of HB, RBCs, HT, platelets, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, SGOT and SGPT while there is an increase in MCH, MCHC, eosinophils and creatinine.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>These results could be explained by the impact of the active ingredients in the joints, including THC in cannabis and the components of smoked cigarettes in conjunction with cannabis resin on consumer nutrition.</p> </sec></abstract>