Reduced GFAP expression in Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum of sigma-1 receptor knockout mice determines the neurobehavioral outcomes after traumatic brain injury

Neuroprotective effects of Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) ligands have been observed in multiple animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related neurodegeneration can induce long-lasting physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of S1R in the development of neurological deficits after TBI. Adult male wild-type CD-1 (WT) and S1R knockout (S1R-/-) mice were subjected to lateral fluid percussion injury, and behavioral and histological outcomes were assessed for up to 12 months postinjury. Neurological deficits and motor coordination impairment were less pronounced in S1R-/-mice with TBI than in WT mice with TBI 24 h after injury. TBI-induced short-term memory impairments were present in WT but not S1R-/-mice 7 months after injury. Compared to WT animals, S1R-/-mice exhibited better motor coordination and less pronounced despair behavior for up to 12 months postinjury. TBI induced astrocyte activation in the cortex of WT but not S1R-/-mice. S1R-/-mice presented a significantly reduced GFAP expression in Bergmann glial cells in the molecular layer of the cerebellum compared to WT mice. Our findings suggest that S1R deficiency reduces TBI-induced motor coordination impairments by reducing GFAP expression in Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum.