Cellular prion protein is present in dopaminergic neurons and modulates the dopaminergic system. (26th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rial, Daniel; Pamplona, Fabrício A.; Moreira, Eduardo L. G.; Moreira, Karin M.; Hipolide, Débora; Rodrigues, Diana I.; Dombrowski, Patrícia A.; Da Cunha, Claudio; Agostinho, Paula; Takahashi, Reinaldo N.; Walz, Roger; Cunha, Rodrigo A.; Prediger, Rui D.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 40:Number 3(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 2479
• Page End: 2486
• Publication Date: 2014-04-26
• Subjects: Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12600
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ejn12600-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Cellular prion protein (PrP^C) is widely expressed in the brain. Although the precise role of PrP^C remains uncertain, it has been proposed to be a pivotal modulator of neuroplasticity events by regulating the glutamatergic and serotonergic systems. Here we report the existence of neurochemical and functional interactions between PrP^C and the dopaminergic system. PrP^C was found to co‐localize with dopaminergic neurons and in dopaminergic synapses in the striatum. Furthermore, the genetic deletion of PrP^C down‐regulated dopamine D₁ receptors and DARPP‐32 density in the striatum and decreased dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of mice. This indicates that PrP^C affects the homeostasis of the dopaminergic system by interfering differently in different brain areas with dopamine synthesis, content, receptor density and signaling pathways. This interaction between PrP^C and the dopaminergic system prompts the hypotheses that the dopaminergic system may be implicated in some pathological features of prion‐related diseases and, conversely, that PrP^C may play a role in dopamine‐associated brain disorders.</p> </abstract>