High-fat diet and abscisic acid: their effect on perineuronal nets.

Abstract

High fat diet induces obesity, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Abscisic acid, however, prevents the development of these processes (Sánchez-Sarasúa et al., 2016). Perineuronal nets are extracellular matrix structures that surround neurons and form holes in which synapses are contained. They play a role in plasticity and memory, and protect neurons against neuroinflammation. That is the reason why in the present study we investigated the possible effects of high fat diet on cerebellar PNNs and the possible prevention of fat diet-induced effects by abscisic acid. PNN intensity and integrity were evaluated in the granule cell layer of the cerebellum, a region which functions have been largely overlooked in the past. The cerebellum is involved in motivation, reward as well as higher cognitive functions. However, we did not observe significant effects either with high fat diet or in combination with abscisic acid on cerebellar PNNs. However, several trends are worth of mentioning. HFD seems to reduce PNN intensity. This effect might be prevented adding ABA to the diet. Nevertheless, a larger number of animals is required to confirm these trends.