Abstract
Aim: We investigated: Grin1, Grin2a, Grin2b DNA methylation; NR1 and NR2 mRNA/protein in the prefrontal cortex (PFC); and hippocampus of male Wistar rats exposed to isolation rearing. Materials & methods: Animals were kept isolated or grouped (n=10/group) from weaning for 10weeks. Tissues were dissected for RNA/DNA extraction and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptorsubunits were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, ELISAand pyrosequencing. Results: Isolated-reared animals had: decreased mRNA in PFC for all markers, increased NR1 protein in hippocampusandhypermethylation of Grin1 in PFC and Grin2b in hippocampus, compared with grouped rats. Associations between mRNA/protein and DNA methylation were found for both brain areas. Conclusion: This study indicates that epigenetic DNA methylation may underlie N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor mRNA/protein expression alterations caused by isolation rearing.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
