[Study of zinc on the modulation of Uch-L1 expression in hippocampus of growing rats].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of zinc on Uch-L1 expression in hippocampus of growing rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six male weanling Wistar rats were randomly assigned to zinc-adequate (ZA), zinc-deficient (ZD) and pair-fed (PF) groups. Rats of ZD group were given free access to a basal diet (Zn 1.5 mg/kg). Rats of other two groups were given the basal diet supplemented with zinc sulfate (Zn 30 mg/kg). PF rats consumed the same intakes as the corresponding ZD partner on the previous day. After 4-wk treatment, plasma zinc concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity were tested. Passive avoidance performance was used to examine learning and memory function. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to assess the expressions of Uch-L1 protein and mRNA in rat hippocampus, respectively.

RESULTS

Zinc deprivation dramatically decreased plasma zinc concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity. Significantly shorter latency period in passive avoidance performance in ZD group were observed. Uch-L1 protein and mRNA expression levels in hippocampus significantly reduced in comparison with ZA and PF groups.

CONCLUSION

Zinc deficiency could induce downregulation of Uch-L1 expression.