Regulatory Effect Of Endogenous Secretin On Postnatal Development Of Cerebellar Cortex

Postnatal development of the cerebellar cortex is critical for adult functions including motor and non-motor perspectives.Our previous studies suggested that secretin promoted motor coordination and motor learning function,and the knockout of secretin gene retards the development of early motor reflex.These results indicate the potential role of secretin in mediating postnatal development of the cerebellar cortex.By generating a Purkinje cell-specific secretin gene knockout mice model,on which morphometry study was performed postnatally on cerebellum,we found that the deprivation of secretin in Purkinje cells resulted in decreased Purkinje cell density,abnormal dendritic arborization,and retarded migration of granular cells plus increased apoptosis.Further peripheral administration of secretin on those gene knockout mice during early postnatal periods can effectively rescue the cerebellar developmental disorders.In sum,this study demonstrated the necessary role of secretin in maintaining normal development of cerebellar cortex in early postnatal period,and elaborated possible mechanisms of secretin in regulating motor learning functions.