SELENOT Deficiency in the Mouse Brain Impacts Catecholaminergic Neuron Density: An Immunohistochemical, in situ Hybridization and 3D Light-Sheet Imaging Study

Background: Selenoprotein T (SELENOT), a PACAP-regulated thioredoxin-like protein, plays a role in catecholamine secretion and protects dopaminergic neurons. However, the role of SELENOT in the establishment of the catecholaminergic (CA) neuronal system is not known yet. Methods: We analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization the distribution of SELENOT and the expression of its mRNA, respectively. In addition, 3D imaging involving immunostaining in toto, clearing through the iDISCO+ method, acquisitions by light-sheet microscopy, and processing of 3D images was performed to map the CA neuronal system. A semi-automatic quantification of 3D images was carried out. Results: SELENOT protein and mRNA are widely distributed in the mouse brain, with important local variations. Three-dimensional mapping, through tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) labeling, and semi-automated quantification of CA neurons in brain-specific SELENOT knockout mice showed a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive neurons in the area postrema (AP-A2), the A11 cell group (A11), and the zona incerta (ZI-A13) of SELENOT-deficient females, and in the hypothalamus (Hyp-A12-A14-A15) of SELENOT-deficient females and males. Conclusion: These results showed that SELENOT is diffusely expressed in the mouse brain and that its deficiency impacts CA neuron distribution in different brain areas including Hyp-A12-A14-A15, in both male and female mice.