Adiponectin Exerts Neurotrophic Effects on Dendritic Arborization, Spinogenesis, and Neurogenesis of the Dentate Gyrus of Male Mice

Abstract

The hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning, memory and emotional processing, maintains its capacity to undergo structural plasticity throughout life. Hippocampal structural plasticity can be modulated by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study investigated the effects of adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, on dendritic growth, arborization, and spinogenesis in mature granule neurons of the hippocampal dentate gyrus generated during embryonic (early-born) or early postnatal (late-born) stages. We found that adiponectin deficiency reduced dendritic length, branching and spine density of granule neurons. The reduction was more evident in early-born granule neurons than in late-born granule neurons. Intracerebroventricular infusion of adiponectin for 1 week increased of dendritic spines and arbor complexity in late-born granule neurons. Moreover, adiponectin deficiency decreased the production of adult-born new granule neurons through suppressing neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, whereas intracerebroventricular adiponectin infusion increased the proliferation of neural progenitor cells in adult dentate gyrus. These results suggest that adiponectin plays an important role in dendritic spine remodeling and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.

Cord and Early Childhood Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Autism Risk: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study

“…Adiponectin enters the brain from circulation and directly targets neurons (Ng and Chan 2017; Thundyil et al 2012; D. Zhang et al 2016; Zhang et al 2017; Song et al 2015).…”

Adiponectin Protects against Glutamate‐Induced Excitotoxicity via Activating SIRT1‐Dependent PGC‐1α Expression in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons

“…Some researchers have focused on its neuroprotective functions and have tried to reveal its detailed mechanisms. A recent study showed that APN can exert neurotrophic effects and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in male mice and suggests that APN plays an important role in hippocampal structural plasticity [39]. This indicates that exogenous APN supplements may be useful to improve hippocampal or neurological defects caused by ischemic stroke.…”

On the Run for Hippocampal Plasticity

“…In addition, it increases anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 in the macrophage (Moschen et al 2012) and has beneficial effects on cardiovascular function (Han et al 2007;Wang et al 2009). In addition, adiponectin can enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice and in cell culture models (Zhang et al 2011, 2016). Accordingly, Yau et al (2014) suggest that adiponectin can cross the blood–brain barrier and that increased adiponectin levels may modulate hippocampal neurogenesis and ameliorate mood.…”