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Redaelli V, Bosi A, Luzi F, Cappella P, Zerbi P, Ludwig N, Di Lernia D, Roughan JV, Porcu L, Soranna D, Parati G, Calvillo L. Neuroinflammation, body temperature and behavioural changes in CD1 male mice undergoing acute restraint stress: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259938. [PMID: 34780550 PMCID: PMC8592432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models used to study pathologies requiring rehabilitation therapy, such as cardiovascular and neurologic disorders or oncologic disease, must be as refined and translationally relevant as possible. Sometimes, however, experimental procedures such as those involving restraint may generate undesired effects which may act as a source of bias. However, the extent to which potentially confounding effects derive from such routine procedures is currently unknown. Our study was therefore aimed at exploring possible undesirable effects of acute restraint stress, whereby animals were exposed to a brightly lit enclosed chamber (R&L) similar to those that are commonly used for substance injection. We hypothesised that this would induce a range of unwanted physiological alterations [such as neuroinflammatory response and changes in body weight and in brown adipose tissue (BAT)] and behavioural modification, and that these might be mitigated via the use of non-aversive handling methods: Tunnel Handling (NAH-T) and Mechanoceptive Handling (NAH-M)) as compared to standard Tail Handling (TH). METHODS Two indicators of physiological alterations and three potentially stress sensitive behavioural parameters were assessed. Physiological alterations were recorded via body weight changes and assessing the temperature of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) using infra-red thermography (IRT), and at the end of the experiment we determined the concentration of cytokines CXCL12 and CCL2 in bone marrow (BM) and activated microglia in the brain. Nest complexity scoring, automated home-cage behaviour analysis (HCS) and Elevated Plus Maze testing (EPM) were used to detect any behavioural alterations. Recordings were made before and after a 15-minute period of R&L in groups of mice handled via TH, NAH-T or NAH-M. RESULTS BAT temperature significantly decreased in all handling groups following R&L regardless of handling method. There was a difference, at the limit of significance (p = 0.06), in CXCL12 BM content among groups. CXCL12 content in BM of NAH-T animals was similar to that found in Sentinels, the less stressed group of animals. After R&L, mice undergoing NAH-T and NAH-M showed improved body-weight maintenance compared to those exposed to TH. Mice handled via NAH-M spent a significantly longer time on the open arms of the EPM. The HCS results showed that in all mice, regardless of handling method, R&L resulted in a significant reduction in walking and rearing, but not in total distance travelled. All mice also groomed more. No difference among the groups was found in Nest Score, in CCL2 BM content or in brain activated microglia. CONCLUSIONS Stress induced by a common restraint procedure caused metabolic and behavioural changes that might increase the risk of unexpected bias. In particular, the significant decrease in BAT temperature could affect the important metabolic pathways controlled by this tissue. R&L lowered the normal frequency of walking and rearing, increased grooming and probably carried a risk of low-grade neuro-inflammation. Some of the observed alterations can be mitigated by Non-aversive handlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Bosi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Zerbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ludwig
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Humane Technology Lab, Dipartimento di psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - John Vincent Roughan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Comparative Biology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Porcu
- Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Calvillo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Hirai S, Miwa H, Tanaka T, Toriumi K, Kunii Y, Shimbo H, Sakamoto T, Hino M, Izumi R, Nagaoka A, Yabe H, Nakamachi T, Shioda S, Dan T, Miyata T, Nishito Y, Suzuki K, Miyashita M, Tomoda T, Hikida T, Horiuchi J, Itokawa M, Arai M, Okado H. High-sucrose diets contribute to brain angiopathy with impaired glucose uptake and psychosis-related higher brain dysfunctions in mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabl6077. [PMID: 34757783 PMCID: PMC8580307 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl6077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction is thought to contribute to the severity of psychiatric disorders; however, it has been unclear whether current high–simple sugar diets contribute to pathogenesis of these diseases. Here, we demonstrate that a high-sucrose diet during adolescence induces psychosis-related behavioral endophenotypes, including hyperactivity, poor working memory, impaired sensory gating, and disrupted interneuron function in mice deficient for glyoxalase-1 (GLO1), an enzyme involved in detoxification of sucrose metabolites. Furthermore, the high-sucrose diet induced microcapillary impairments and reduced brain glucose uptake in brains of Glo1-deficient mice. Aspirin protected against this angiopathy, enhancing brain glucose uptake and preventing abnormal behavioral phenotypes. Similar vascular damage to our model mice was found in the brains of randomly collected schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients, suggesting that psychiatric disorders are associated with angiopathy in the brain caused by various environmental stresses, including metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Hirai
- Sleep Disorders Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Hideki Miwa
- Sleep Disorders Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kazuya Toriumi
- Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yasuto Kunii
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroko Shimbo
- Sleep Disorders Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Takuya Sakamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Mizuki Hino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ryuta Izumi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nagaoka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Seiji Shioda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Yokohama 244-0806, Japan
| | - Takashi Dan
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Therapy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Toshio Miyata
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Therapy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Suzuki
- Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Miyashita
- Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tomoda
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Takatoshi Hikida
- Laboratory for Advanced Brain Functions, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junjiro Horiuchi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masanari Itokawa
- Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Makoto Arai
- Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Haruo Okado
- Sleep Disorders Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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103
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S100B dysregulation during brain development affects synaptic SHANK protein networks via alteration of zinc homeostasis. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:562. [PMID: 34741005 PMCID: PMC8571423 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and nongenetic factors. Among the nongenetic factors, maternal immune system activation and zinc deficiency have been proposed. Intriguingly, as a genetic factor, copy-number variations in S100B, a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), have been associated with ASD, and increased serum S100B has been found in ASD. Interestingly, it has been shown that increased S100B levels affect zinc homeostasis in vitro. Thus, here, we investigated the influence of increased S100B levels in vitro and in vivo during pregnancy in mice regarding zinc availability, the zinc-sensitive SHANK protein networks associated with ASD, and behavioral outcomes. We observed that S100B affects the synaptic SHANK2 and SHANK3 levels in a zinc-dependent manner, especially early in neuronal development. Animals exposed to high S100B levels in utero similarly show reduced levels of free zinc and SHANK2 in the brain. On the behavioral level, these mice display hyperactivity, increased stereotypic and abnormal social behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Pro-inflammatory factors and zinc-signaling alterations converge on the synaptic level revealing a common pathomechanism that may mechanistically explain a large share of ASD cases.
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104
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Distress Analysis of Mice with Cervical Arteriovenous Fistulas. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113051. [PMID: 34827783 PMCID: PMC8614439 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Functional hemodialysis access is essential for the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease. Although various guidelines recommend autologous arteriovenous fistula as the first choice for hemodialysis, it is still the Achilles heel for patients. Several in vivo models have been used to study and improve the mechanisms of vascular remodeling of arteriovenous fistula. However, some models have the disadvantage of having anatomical features or a hemodynamic profile different from that of the arteriovenous fistula in humans. In the presented cervical arteriovenous fistula model, these disadvantages were eliminated. It resembles the human physiology and is an ideal animal model for arteriovenous fistula research. Moreover, in order to understand the impact of this model on animal welfare, the distress of this new animal model was analyzed. Body weight, faecal corticosterone metabolites, burrowing activity, nesting behaviour and distress scores were analysed after fistula creation and during the following three weeks. The physiological, behavioural, and neuroendocrine assessments all indicated that this model causes only moderate distress to the animals. This not only meets the need for animal ethics but also improves the quality of scientific research. Therefore, this cervical model is suitable for arteriovenous fistula research and should be used more frequently in the future. Abstract The welfare of laboratory animals is a consistent concern for researchers. Its evaluation not only fosters ethical responsibility and addresses legal requirements, but also provides a solid basis for a high quality of research. Recently, a new cervical arteriovenous model was created in mice to understand the pathophysiology of arteriovenous fistula, which is the most commonly used access for hemodialysis. This study evaluates the distress caused by this new animal model. Ten male C57B6/J mice with cervical arteriovenous fistula were observed for 21 days. Non-invasive parameters, such as body weight, faecal corticosterone metabolites, burrowing activity, nesting activity and distress scores were evaluated at each time point. Six out of ten created arteriovenous fistula matured within the observation time as defined by an increased diameter. The body weight of all animals was reduced after surgery but recovered within five days. In addition, the distress score was significantly increased during the early time point but not at the late time point after arteriovenous fistula creation. Neither burrowing activity nor nesting behaviour were significantly reduced after surgical intervention. Moreover, faecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations did not significantly increase. Therefore, the cervical murine arteriovenous fistula model induced moderate distress in mice and revealed an appropriate maturation rate of the fistulas.
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105
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Beaver JN, Gilman TL. Salt as a non-caloric behavioral modifier: A review of evidence from pre-clinical studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 135:104385. [PMID: 34634356 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Though excess salt intake is well-accepted as a dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, relatively little has been explored about how it impacts behavior, despite the ubiquity of salt in modern diets. Given the challenges of manipulating salt intake in humans, non-human animals provide a more tractable means for evaluating behavioral sequelae of high salt. By describing what is known about the impact of elevated salt on behavior, this review highlights how underexplored salt's behavioral effects are. Increased salt consumption in adulthood does not affect spontaneous anxiety-related behaviors or locomotor activity, nor acquisition of maze or fear tasks, but does impede expression of spatial/navigational and fear memory. Nest building is reduced by heightened salt in adults, and stress responsivity is augmented. When excess salt exposure occurs during development, and/or to parents, offspring locomotion is increased, and both spatial memory expression and social investigation are attenuated. The largely consistent findings reviewed here indicate expanded study of salt's effects will likely uncover broader behavioral implications, particularly in the scarcely studied female sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin N Beaver
- Department of Psychological Sciences & Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
| | - T Lee Gilman
- Department of Psychological Sciences & Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
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106
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Braxton AM, Creisher PS, Ruiz-Bedoya CA, Mulka KR, Dhakal S, Ordonez AA, Beck SE, Jain SK, Villano JS. Hamsters as a Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. Comp Med 2021; 71:398-410. [PMID: 34588095 PMCID: PMC8594257 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-21-000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), rapidly spread across the world in late 2019, leading to a pandemic. While SARS-CoV-2 infections predominately affect the respiratory system, severe infections can lead to renal and cardiac injury and even death. Due to its highly transmissible nature and severe health implications, animal models of SARS-CoV-2 are critical to developing novel therapeutics and preventatives. Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are an ideal animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infections because they recapitulate many aspects of human infections. After inoculation with SARS-CoV-2, hamsters become moribund, lose weight, and show varying degrees of respiratory disease, lethargy, and ruffled fur. Histopathologically, their pulmonary lesions are consistent with human infections including interstitial to broncho-interstitial pneumonia, alveolar hemorrhage and edema, and granulocyte infiltration. Similar to humans, the duration of clinical signs and pulmonary pathology are short lived with rapid recovery by 14 d after infection. Immunocompromised hamsters develop more severe infections and mortality. Preclinical studies in hamsters have shown efficacy of therapeutics, including convalescent serum treatment, and preventatives, including vaccination, in limiting or preventing clinical disease. Although hamster studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection, additional studies are required to better characterize the effects of age, sex, and virus variants on clinical outcomes in hamsters. This review aims to describe key findings from studies of hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to highlight areas that need further investigation.
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Key Words
- ace2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- covid-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- ct, computed tomography
- dpi, days post inoculation
- 18f-fdg, fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose
- 18f-fds, fluorine-18-fluorodeoxysorbitol
- ggo, ground glass opacity
- ifny, interferon gamma
- il, interleukin
- il2rg ko, interleukin 2 receptor gamma chain knockout
- in, intranasal
- mo, months
- oc, intraocular
- pfu, plaque-forming units
- rag2 ko, recombination activating gene 2 knockout
- sars-cov, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- tcid50, 50% tissue culture infective dose
- tmprss2, transmembrane protease serine 2
- tnf, tumor necrosis factor
- wk, weeks
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Braxton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Patrick S Creisher
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Camilo A Ruiz-Bedoya
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Katie R Mulka
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Santosh Dhakal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alvaro A Ordonez
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah E Beck
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jason S Villano
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Lai Y, Bäumer W, Meneses C, Roback DM, Robertson JB, Mishra SK, Lascelles BDX, Nolan MW. Irradiation of the Normal Murine Tongue Causes Upregulation and Activation of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Ion Channels. Radiat Res 2021; 196:331-344. [PMID: 34324688 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-000103.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Signal transduction at sensory neurons occurs via transmembrane flux of cations, which is largely governed by the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. It is unknown whether TRP channel activation contributes to the pain that accompanies radiation-induced oral mucositis. This study sought to characterize changes in TRP channel expression and function that occur in the locally irradiated tissues and afferent neurons of mice. Female CD-1 mice received single high-dose (27 Gy) tongue irradiation, or sham irradiation. Animals were euthanized either before overt glossitis developed (days 1 and 5 postirradiation), when glossitis was severe (day 11), or after mice had recovered (days 21 and 45). Tongue irradiation caused upregulation of the Trpv1 gene in trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons. Other TRP genes (Trpv2, Trpv4, Trpa1, Trpm8) and Gfrα3 (which acts upstream of several TRP channels) were also upregulated in TGs and/or tongue tissue, in response to radiation. Ex vivo calcium imaging experiments demonstrated that the proportions of TG neurons responding to histamine (an activator of TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPA1), TNF-α (an activator of TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV4), and capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist), were increased as early as one day after tongue irradiation; these changes persisted for at least 21 days. In a subsequent experiment, we found that genetic deletion of TRPV1 mitigated weight loss (a surrogate marker of pain severity) in mice with severe glossitis. The results intimate that various TRP channels, and TRPV1 in particular, should be explored as analgesic targets for patients experiencing pain after oral irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Lai
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Wolfgang Bäumer
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Constanza Meneses
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Translational Research in Pain, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Donald M Roback
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rex Cancer Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - James B Robertson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Santosh K Mishra
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Translational Research in Pain, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Michael W Nolan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Tsay HJ, Liu HK, Kuo YH, Chiu CS, Liang CC, Chung CW, Chen CC, Chen YP, Shiao YJ. EK100 and Antrodin C Improve Brain Amyloid Pathology in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice by Promoting Microglial and Perivascular Clearance Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910413. [PMID: 34638752 PMCID: PMC8508921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). There are currently no drugs that can successfully treat this disease. This study first explored the anti-inflammatory activity of seven components isolated from Antrodia cinnamonmea in BV2 cells and selected EK100 and antrodin C for in vivo research. APPswe/PS1dE9 mice were treated with EK100 and antrodin C for one month to evaluate the effect of these reagents on AD-like pathology by nesting behavior, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. Ergosterol and ibuprofen were used as control. EK100 and antrodin C improved the nesting behavior of mice, reduced the number and burden of amyloid plaques, reduced the activation of glial cells, and promoted the perivascular deposition of Aβ in the brain of mice. EK100 and antrodin C are significantly different in activating astrocytes, regulating microglia morphology, and promoting plaque-associated microglia to express oxidative enzymes. In contrast, the effects of ibuprofen and ergosterol are relatively small. In addition, EK100 significantly improved hippocampal neurogenesis in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Our data indicate that EK100 and antrodin C reduce the pathology of AD by reducing amyloid deposits and promoting nesting behavior in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice through microglia and perivascular clearance, indicating that EK100 and antrodin C have the potential to be used in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Jen Tsay
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Life Science, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Kang Liu
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Program in Clinical Drug Development of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Sheng Chiu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Science, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Chiang Liang
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Wei Chung
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Chin-Chu Chen
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (Y.-P.C.)
| | - Yen-Po Chen
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (Y.-P.C.)
| | - Young-Ji Shiao
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Program in Clinical Drug Development of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Science, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-28201999 (ext. 4171)
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Area-Wide Prediction of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Hole Density and Depth across a Climate Gradient in Chile Based on UAV and Machine Learning. DRONES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/drones5030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Burrowing animals are important ecosystem engineers affecting soil properties, as their burrowing activity leads to the redistribution of nutrients and soil carbon sequestration. The magnitude of these effects depends on the spatial density and depth of such burrows, but a method to derive this type of spatially explicit data is still lacking. In this study, we test the potential of using consumer-oriented UAV RGB imagery to determine the density and depth of holes created by burrowing animals at four study sites along a climate gradient in Chile, by combining UAV data with empirical field plot observations and machine learning techniques. To enhance the limited spectral information in RGB imagery, we derived spatial layers representing vegetation type and height and used landscape textures and diversity to predict hole parameters. Across-site models for hole density generally performed better than those for depth, where the best-performing model was for the invertebrate hole density (R2 = 0.62). The best models at individual study sites were obtained for hole density in the arid climate zone (R2 = 0.75 and 0.68 for invertebrates and vertebrates, respectively). Hole depth models only showed good to fair performance. Regarding predictor importance, the models heavily relied on vegetation height, texture metrics, and diversity indices.
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Borrie SC, Plasschaert E, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Yoshimura A, D'Hooge R, Elgersma Y, Kushner SA, Legius E, Brems H. MEK inhibition ameliorates social behavior phenotypes in a Spred1 knockout mouse model for RASopathy disorders. Mol Autism 2021; 12:53. [PMID: 34311771 PMCID: PMC8314535 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RASopathies are a group of disorders that result from mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in regulating the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway, and have an increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Legius syndrome is a rare RASopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SPRED1 gene. The patient phenotype is similar to, but milder than, Neurofibromatosis type 1-another RASopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 gene. RASopathies exhibit increased activation of Ras-MAPK signaling and commonly manifest with cognitive impairments and ASD. Here, we investigated if a Spred1-/- mouse model for Legius syndrome recapitulates ASD-like symptoms, and whether targeting the Ras-MAPK pathway has therapeutic potential in this RASopathy mouse model. METHODS We investigated social and communicative behaviors in Spred1-/- mice and probed therapeutic mechanisms underlying the observed behavioral phenotypes by pharmacological targeting of the Ras-MAPK pathway with the MEK inhibitor PD325901. RESULTS Spred1-/- mice have robust increases in social dominance in the automated tube test and reduced adult ultrasonic vocalizations during social communication. Neonatal ultrasonic vocalization was also altered, with significant differences in spectral properties. Spred1-/- mice also exhibit impaired nesting behavior. Acute MEK inhibitor treatment in adulthood with PD325901 reversed the enhanced social dominance in Spred1-/- mice to normal levels, and improved nesting behavior in adult Spred1-/- mice. LIMITATIONS This study used an acute treatment protocol to administer the drug. It is not known what the effects of longer-term treatment would be on behavior. Further studies titrating the lowest dose of this drug that is required to alter Spred1-/- social behavior are still required. Finally, our findings are in a homozygous mouse model, whereas patients carry heterozygous mutations. These factors should be considered before any translational conclusions are drawn. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate for the first time that social behavior phenotypes in a mouse model for RASopathies (Spred1-/-) can be acutely reversed. This highlights a key role for Ras-MAPK dysregulation in mediating social behavior phenotypes in mouse models for ASD, suggesting that proper regulation of Ras-MAPK signaling is important for social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Borrie
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Plasschaert
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory for Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ype Elgersma
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Legius
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Iman IN, Yusof NAM, Talib UN, Ahmad NAZ, Norazit A, Kumar J, Mehat MZ, Jayabalan N, Muthuraju S, Stefaniuk M, Kaczmarek L, Muzaimi M. The IntelliCage System: A Review of Its Utility as a Novel Behavioral Platform for a Rodent Model of Substance Use Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:683780. [PMID: 34149373 PMCID: PMC8211779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.683780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models for substance use disorder (SUD) has made an important contribution in the investigation of the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying substance abuse and addiction. Here, we review a novel and comprehensive behavioral platform to characterize addiction-like traits in rodents using a fully automated learning system, the IntelliCage. This system simultaneously captures the basic behavioral navigation, reward preference, and aversion, as well as the multi-dimensional complex behaviors and cognitive functions of group-housed rodents. It can reliably capture and track locomotor and cognitive pattern alterations associated with the development of substance addiction. Thus, the IntelliCage learning system offers a potentially efficient, flexible, and sensitive tool for the high-throughput screening of the rodent SUD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Nurul Iman
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Aiman Mohd Yusof
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ummi Nasrah Talib
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aimi Zawami Ahmad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Anwar Norazit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zulfadli Mehat
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Nanthini Jayabalan
- Translational Neuroscience Lab, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sangu Muthuraju
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marzena Stefaniuk
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mustapha Muzaimi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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112
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Bouali-Benazzouz R, Landry M, Benazzouz A, Fossat P. Neuropathic pain modeling: Focus on synaptic and ion channel mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 201:102030. [PMID: 33711402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of pain consist of modeling a pain-like state and measuring the consequent behavior. The first animal models of neuropathic pain (NP) were developed in rodents with a total lesion of the sciatic nerve. Later, other models targeting central or peripheral branches of nerves were developed to identify novel mechanisms that contribute to persistent pain conditions in NP. Objective assessment of pain in these different animal models represents a significant challenge for pre-clinical research. Multiple behavioral approaches are used to investigate and to validate pain phenotypes including withdrawal reflex to evoked stimuli, vocalizations, spontaneous pain, but also emotional and affective behaviors. Furthermore, animal models were very useful in investigating the mechanisms of NP. This review will focus on a detailed description of rodent models of NP and provide an overview of the assessment of the sensory and emotional components of pain. A detailed inventory will be made to examine spinal mechanisms involved in NP-induced hyperexcitability and underlying the current pharmacological approaches used in clinics with the possibility to present new avenues for future treatment. The success of pre-clinical studies in this area of research depends on the choice of the relevant model and the appropriate test based on the objectives of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Marc Landry
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdelhamid Benazzouz
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascal Fossat
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
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113
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Garner JB, Marshall LS, Boyer NM, Alapatt V, Miller LL. Effects of Ketoprofen and Morphine on Pain-Related Depression of Nestlet Shredding in Male and Female Mice. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:673940. [PMID: 34485976 PMCID: PMC8415797 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.673940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A primary goal in pain treatment is restoration of behaviors that are disrupted by pain. Measures of pain interference indicate the degree to which pain interferes with activities in pain patients, and these measures are used to evaluate the effects of analgesic drugs. As a result of the emphasis on the expression and treatment of functional impairment in clinical settings, preclinical pain researchers have attempted to develop procedures for evaluation of pain-related functional impairment in laboratory animals. The goal of the present study was to develop and validate a low cost procedure for the objective evaluation of pain-related depression of home cage behavior in mice. On test days, a 5 × 5 cm Nestlet was weighed prior to being suspended from the wire lid of the home cage of individually housed male and female ICR mice. Over the course of experimental sessions, mice removed pieces of the suspended Nestlet, and began to build a nest with the material they removed. Thus, the weight of the pieces of Nestlet that remained suspended at various time points in the session provided an indicator of the rate of this behavior. The results indicate that Nestlet shredding was stable with repeated testing, and shredding was depressed by intra-peritoneal injection of 0.32% lactic acid. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen blocked 0.32% lactic acid-induced depression of shredding, but did not block depression of shredding by a pharmacological stimulus, the kappa opioid receptor agonist U69,593. The μ-opioid receptor agonist morphine did not block 0.32% lactic acid-induced depression of shredding when tested up to doses that depressed shredding in the absence of lactic acid. When noxious stimulus intensity was reduced by decreasing the lactic acid concentration to 0.18%, morphine was effective at blocking pain-related depression of behavior. In summary, the data from the present study support consideration of the Nestlet shredding procedure for use in studies examining mechanisms, expression, and treatment of pain-related functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laurence L. Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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114
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Pond HL, Heller AT, Gural BM, McKissick OP, Wilkinson MK, Manzini MC. Digging behavior discrimination test to probe burrowing and exploratory digging in male and female mice. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2046-2058. [PMID: 34048600 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Digging behavior is often used to test motor function and repetitive behaviors in mice. Different digging paradigms have been developed for behaviors related to anxiety and compulsion in mouse lines generated to recapitulate genetic mutations leading to psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the interpretation of these tests has been confounded by the difficulty of determining the motivation behind digging in mice. Digging is a naturalistic mouse behavior that can be focused toward different goals, that is foraging for food, burrowing for shelter, burying objects, or even for recreation as has been shown for dogs, ferrets, and human children. However, the interpretation of results from current testing protocols assumes the motivation behind the behavior often concluding that increased digging is a repetitive or compulsive behavior. We asked whether providing a choice between different types of digging activities would increase sensitivity to assess digging motivation. Here, we present a test to distinguish between burrowing and exploratory digging in mice. We found that mice prefer burrowing when the option is available. When food restriction was used to promote a switch from burrowing to exploration, males readily switched from burrowing to digging outside, while females did not. In addition, when we tested a model of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder that had shown inconsistent results in the marble burying test, the Cc2d1a conditional knockout mouse, we found greatly reduced burrowing only in males. Our findings indicate that digging is a nuanced motivated behavior and suggest that male and female rodents may perform it differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Pond
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abigail T Heller
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Brian M Gural
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Olivia P McKissick
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Molly K Wilkinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - M Chiara Manzini
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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DiBona VL, Shah MK, Krause KJ, Zhu W, Voglewede MM, Smith DM, Crockett DP, Zhang H. Metformin reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive functions after traumatic brain injury. Neurosci Res 2021; 172:99-109. [PMID: 34023358 PMCID: PMC8449802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Within the brain, traumatic brain injury (TBI) alters synaptic plasticity and increases neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Yet, there lacks effective TBI treatments providing pleiotropic beneficial effects on these diverse cellular processes necessary for functional recovery. Here, we show the diabetes drug, metformin, significantly improves cognitive functions after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury in mice, showing improved spatial learning and nest building. Furthermore, injured animals treated with metformin exhibit increased ramification of microglia processes, indicating reduced neuroinflammation. Finally, metformin treatment in vitro increased neuronal activation of partitioning defective 1 (Par1), a family of Ser/Thr kinases playing a key role in synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation. These results suggest metformin is a promising therapeutic agent for targeting multiple cellular processes necessary for functional TBI recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L DiBona
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Mihir K Shah
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kayla J Krause
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Wenxin Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mikayla M Voglewede
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Dana M Smith
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - David P Crockett
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Huaye Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Evaluation of Potential Sustainable Bedding Substrates Focusing on Preference, Behavior, and Stress Physiology in Rats-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051375. [PMID: 34066005 PMCID: PMC8151165 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ensuring optimal housing conditions for laboratory animals is a crucial prerequisite for high-quality and ethically justifiable in vivo science. In addition to guaranteeing animal welfare and promoting scientific validity, environmental sustainability is also increasingly gaining attention in laboratory animal facilities. Consequently, comprehensive management of such aspects is one of the core tasks of any research vivarium. Hygienic monitoring and adhering to standardized experimental protocols have been highlighted in the past; nevertheless, various environmental aspects of housing animals still need to be evaluated in greater depth. In this pilot study, we aimed at assessing the suitability of spelt and corncob as economical and ecologically friendly bedding substrates as compared with commonly used aspen wood chips. Therefore, following a descriptive study design, we examined the preferences of male and female Wistar rats for corncob and spelt under specific conditions. In addition, we evaluated potential effects on behavior, metabolism, and stress physiology. The type of bedding did not seem to influence behavior in the observed parameters but did have time- and sex-dependent effects on blood glucose. Furthermore, housing animals on spelt led to a significant reduction in food consumption, probably compensated for by the intake of spelt, and although it did not influence glucose levels, it may have certainly impacted the nutrient supply. Our descriptive pilot study, therefore, highlights the importance of a thorough condition-associated evaluation of even seemingly marginal environmental factors, when balancing potential cost-benefit advances in sustainability and questions of standardization and reproducibility of experimental protocols.
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117
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A CRISPR-Cas9-engineered mouse model for GPI-anchor deficiency mirrors human phenotypes and exhibits hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2014481118. [PMID: 33402532 PMCID: PMC7812744 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014481118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited GPI-anchor biosynthesis deficiencies (IGDs) explain many cases of syndromic intellectual disability. Although diagnostic methods are improving, the pathophysiology underlying the disease remains unclear. Furthermore, we lack rodent models suitable for characterizing cognitive and social disabilities. To address this issue, we generated a viable mouse model for an IGD that mirrors the condition in human patients with a behavioral phenotype and susceptibility to epilepsy. Using this model, we obtained neurological insights such as deficits in synaptic transmission that will facilitate understanding of the pathophysiology of IGDs. Pathogenic germline mutations in PIGV lead to glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis deficiency (GPIBD). Individuals with pathogenic biallelic mutations in genes of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor pathway exhibit cognitive impairments, motor delay, and often epilepsy. Thus far, the pathophysiology underlying the disease remains unclear, and suitable rodent models that mirror all symptoms observed in human patients have not been available. Therefore, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce the most prevalent hypomorphic missense mutation in European patients, Pigv:c.1022C > A (p.A341E), at a site that is conserved in mice. Mirroring the human pathology, mutant Pigv341E mice exhibited deficits in motor coordination, cognitive impairments, and alterations in sociability and sleep patterns, as well as increased seizure susceptibility. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed reduced synaptophysin immunoreactivity in Pigv341E mice, and electrophysiology recordings showed decreased hippocampal synaptic transmission that could underlie impaired memory formation. In single-cell RNA sequencing, Pigv341E-hippocampal cells exhibited changes in gene expression, most prominently in a subtype of microglia and subicular neurons. A significant reduction in Abl1 transcript levels in several cell clusters suggested a link to the signaling pathway of GPI-anchored ephrins. We also observed elevated levels of Hdc transcripts, which might affect histamine metabolism with consequences for circadian rhythm. This mouse model will not only open the doors to further investigation into the pathophysiology of GPIBD, but will also deepen our understanding of the role of GPI-anchor–related pathways in brain development.
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118
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Zhang H, Lecker I, Collymore C, Dokova A, Pham MC, Rosen SF, Crawhall-Duk H, Zain M, Valencia M, Filippini HF, Li J, D'Souza AJ, Cho C, Michailidis V, Whissell PD, Patel I, Steenland HW, Virginia Lee WJ, Moayedi M, Sterley TL, Bains JS, Stratton JA, Matyas JR, Biernaskie J, Dubins D, Vukobradovic I, Bezginov A, Flenniken AM, Martin LJ, Mogil JS, Bonin RP. Cage-lid hanging behavior as a translationally relevant measure of pain in mice. Pain 2021; 162:1416-1425. [PMID: 33230005 PMCID: PMC8054539 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The development of new analgesic drugs has been hampered by the inability to translate preclinical findings to humans. This failure is due in part to the weak connection between commonly used pain outcome measures in rodents and the clinical symptoms of chronic pain. Most rodent studies rely on the use of experimenter-evoked measures of pain and assess behavior under ethologically unnatural conditions, which limits the translational potential of preclinical research. Here, we addressed this problem by conducting an unbiased, prospective study of behavioral changes in mice within a natural homecage environment using conventional preclinical pain assays. Unexpectedly, we observed that cage-lid hanging, a species-specific elective behavior, was the only homecage behavior reliably impacted by pain assays. Noxious stimuli reduced hanging behavior in an intensity-dependent manner, and the reduction in hanging could be restored by analgesics. Finally, we developed an automated approach to assess hanging behavior. Collectively, our results indicate that the depression of hanging behavior is a novel, ethologically valid, and translationally relevant pain outcome measure in mice that could facilitate the study of pain and analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Zhang
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Irene Lecker
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chereen Collymore
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Animal Care and Veterinary Services, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anastassia Dokova
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sarah F. Rosen
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hayley Crawhall-Duk
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maham Zain
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Valencia
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jerry Li
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abigail J. D'Souza
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chulmin Cho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Vassilia Michailidis
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Paul D. Whissell
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ingita Patel
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Wai-Jane Virginia Lee
- Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Massieh Moayedi
- Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Toni-Lee Sterley
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jaideep S. Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jo Anne Stratton
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John R. Matyas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David Dubins
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Loren J. Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey S. Mogil
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert P. Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Social Nesting, Animal Welfare, and Disease Monitoring. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041079. [PMID: 33918975 PMCID: PMC8070261 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most standardized tools to evaluate welfare and disease progression in animals assess the individuals, while social behaviors are scarcely monitored, despite being useful to detecting acute illness and chronic and mental health problems. The main reason is that social behavior is complex and time-consuming. We are currently using the nests built by animals living together, a species-typical behavior naturally occurring in standard housing conditions, to monitor them. Here, we provide an example of its use to evaluate social deficits and the long-term effects of a neonatal tactile-proprioceptive sensorial treatment from postnatal day 1 to 21, in male and female adult mice modeling Alzheimer’s disease compared to mice with normal aging. Social nesting was worse in the mutants, mostly in males, since the number of days needed to build a perfect nest was longer or unsuccessful in a three-day test. Early life intervention was successful. Social nesting, easily included in housing routines, can be a useful tool to assess animal welfare, monitor disease progress, and evaluate potential risk factors and effects of preventive/therapeutical strategies. Other advantages, such as being a noninvasive, painless, simple, short, and low-cost, rend social nesting feasible to be implemented in most animal department settings. Abstract The assessment of welfare and disease progression in animal models is critical. Most tools rely on evaluating individual subjects, whereas social behaviors, also sensitive to acute illness, chronic diseases, or mental health, are scarcely monitored because they are complex and time-consuming. We propose the evaluation of social nesting, a species-typical behavior naturally occurring in standard housing conditions, for such behavioral monitoring. We provide an example of its use to evaluate social deficits and the long-term effects of neonatal tactile-proprioceptive sensorial stimulation from postnatal day 1 to 21, in male and female adult 3xTg-AD mice for Alzheimer’s disease compared to sex- and age-matched non-transgenic (NTg) counterparts with normal aging. Social nesting was sensitive to genotype (worse in 3xTg-AD mice), sex (worse in males), profile, and treatment (distinct time to observe the maximum score and incidence of the perfect nest). Since social nesting can be easily included in housing routines, this neuroethological approach can be useful for animal welfare, monitoring the disease’s progress, and evaluating potential risk factors and effects of preventive/therapeutical strategies. Finally, the noninvasive, painless, simple, short time, and low-cost features of this home-cage monitoring are advantages that make social nesting feasible to be successfully implemented in most animal department settings.
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Schönhoff K, von Rüden EL, Koska I, Seiffert I, Potschka H. Hippocampal and Septal 5-HT 1A Receptor Expression in Two Rat Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Neuroscience 2021; 465:219-230. [PMID: 33836244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental and clinical data suggest an impact of serotonergic signaling on seizure susceptibility and epilepsy-associated psychiatric comorbidities. Previous µPET studies revealed increased binding of the 5-HT1A receptor ligand [18F]MPPF in two rat models with spontaneous recurrent seizures. These findings raised the question whether these alterations are due to altered 5-HT1A receptor expression or a modification of extracellular serotonin concentrations. 5-HT1A receptor expression rates were quantitatively analyzed in rat brain tissue from an electrical and a chemical post-status epilepticus model. Based on the µPET findings, stereological analysis was focused on hippocampal subregions and the septum. Evaluation of 5-HT1A receptor expression in the electrical post-status epilepticus model revealed a decreased optical density in hippocampal CA3 region. In all other brain regions of interest, the analysis demonstrated comparable 5-HT1A receptor expression rates among all experimental groups in the brain regions evaluated. Moreover, 5-HT1A total receptor volume did not differ between groups. A model-specific correlation was demonstrated between 5-HT1A receptor expression and selected seizure and behavioral parameters. In conclusion, analysis in post-status epilepticus models in rats argued against widespread and pronounced alterations in 5-HT1A receptor expression. In view of previous µPET findings, the present data indicate that alterations in in-vivo receptor binding are due to a reduction in extracellular serotonin concentrations rather than changes in receptor density. Correlation analysis points to a possible link between 5-HT1A receptor expression and ictogenesis, seizure termination and behavioral patterns. However, as these findings proved to be model specific, the relevance needs to be further assessed in future studies focusing on other models and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schönhoff
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Eva-Lotta von Rüden
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Koska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Seiffert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.
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Tsuneoka Y, Funato H. Cellular Composition of the Preoptic Area Regulating Sleep, Parental, and Sexual Behavior. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:649159. [PMID: 33867927 PMCID: PMC8044373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.649159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The preoptic area (POA) has long been recognized as a sleep center, first proposed by von Economo. The POA, especially the medial POA (MPOA), is also involved in the regulation of various innate functions such as sexual and parental behaviors. Consistent with its many roles, the MPOA is composed of subregions that are identified by different gene and protein expressions. This review addresses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular architecture of POA neurons in relation to sleep and reproductive behavior. Optogenetic and pharmacogenetic studies have revealed a diverse group of neurons within the POA that exhibit different neural activity patterns depending on vigilance states and whose activity can enhance or suppress wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These sleep-regulating neurons are not restricted to the ventrolateral POA (VLPO) region but are widespread in the lateral MPOA and LPOA as well. Neurons expressing galanin also express gonadal steroid receptors and regulate motivational aspects of reproductive behaviors. Moxd1, a novel marker of sexually dimorphic nuclei (SDN), visualizes the SDN of the POA (SDN-POA). The role of the POA in sleep and other innate behaviors has been addressed separately; more integrated observation will be necessary to obtain physiologically relevant insight that penetrates the different dimensions of animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Tsuneoka
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Funato
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.,International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Chartier LC, Fujino J, Howarth GS, Freysdottir J, Hardardottir I, Mashtoub S. Emu Oil and Saireito in combination reduce tumour development and clinical indicators of disease in a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111478. [PMID: 33756155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emu Oil (EO) previously demonstrated therapeutic potential in a mouse model of colitis-associated CRC (CA-CRC). Saireito, a traditional Japanese medicine, has not been investigated in CA-CRC. AIM To determine whether EO and Saireito could be therapeutic in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model of CA-CRC. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were assigned to groups (n = 10/group); 1) saline control, 2) saline+Saireito, 3) saline+EO, 4) saline+EO/Saireito, 5) AOM/DSS control, 6) AOM/DSS+Saireito, 7) AOM/DSS+EO and 8) AOM/DSS+EO/Saireito. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with saline or AOM (7.4 mg/kg) on day 0 and underwent three DSS/water cycles (2%w/v DSS for 7 days, 14 days water). Mice were orally-gavaged with either water (80 µL), Saireito (80 µL), EO (80 µL) or EO/Saireito (160 µL; 80 µL EO + 80 µL Saireito) thrice weekly. Daily bodyweight and disease activity index (DAI) were recorded and colonoscopies performed on days 20, 41 and 62. Mice were euthanized on day 63. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS AOM/DSS induced significant bodyweight loss throughout the trial (max -36%), which was attenuated by Saireito (max +7%), EO (max +5%) and EO/Saireito (max +14%; p < 0.05). AOM/DSS increased DAI compared to saline controls (p < 0.05), which was reduced by Saireito, EO and EO/Saireito (p < 0.05). All treatments reduced colonoscopically-assessed colitis severity (days 20 and 41; p < 0.05). EO/Saireito further decreased colitis severity compared to Saireito and EO alone (day 20; p < 0.05). Finally, EO and EO/Saireito resulted in fewer colonic tumours compared to AOM/DSS controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Combined EO and Saireito reduced disease and tumour development in AOM/DSS mice, suggesting therapeutic potential in CA-CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Chartier
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Gastroenterology Department, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Junko Fujino
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Centre, Dokkyo Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Gordon S Howarth
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Gastroenterology Department, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Jona Freysdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Centre, University of Iceland and Landspitali-the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Ingibjorg Hardardottir
- Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Centre, University of Iceland and Landspitali-the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Suzanne Mashtoub
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Gastroenterology Department, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
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Whittaker AL, Liu Y, Barker TH. Methods Used and Application of the Mouse Grimace Scale in Biomedical Research 10 Years on: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030673. [PMID: 33802463 PMCID: PMC7999303 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS) was developed 10 years ago as a method for assessing pain through the characterisation of changes in five facial features or action units. The strength of the technique is that it is proposed to be a measure of spontaneous or non-evoked pain. The time is opportune to map all of the research into the MGS, with a particular focus on the methods used and the technique's utility across a range of mouse models. A comprehensive scoping review of the academic literature was performed. A total of 48 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The MGS has been employed mainly in the evaluation of acute pain, particularly in the pain and neuroscience research fields. There has, however, been use of the technique in a wide range of fields, and based on limited study it does appear to have utility for pain assessment across a spectrum of animal models. Use of the method allows the detection of pain of a longer duration, up to a month post initial insult. There has been less use of the technique using real-time methods and this is an area in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
| | - Timothy H. Barker
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
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Mañas‐Padilla MC, Gil‐Rodríguez S, Sampedro‐Piquero P, Ávila‐Gámiz F, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Santín LJ, Castilla‐Ortega E. Remote memory of drug experiences coexists with cognitive decline and abnormal adult neurogenesis in an animal model of cocaine-altered cognition. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12886. [PMID: 32090424 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a chronic disorder in which the person loses control over drug use. The past memories of the stimuli associated with the drug are a relevant clinical problem, since they trigger compulsive drug-seeking and drug-taking habits. Furthermore, these persistent drug-related memories seemingly coexist with cognitive decline that predicts worse therapeutic output. Here, we use a new animal model of cocaine-altered cognition that allowed to observe these events in the same individual and study their relationship. Mice were chronically administered cocaine in a conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus for 14 days, and control mice received saline. After 28 days of cocaine withdrawal, animals were tested for retrieval of remote drug-associated memory as well as for cognitive performance in a battery of tests, including novel object and place recognition and spatial memory. The cocaine-withdrawn mice showed persistent CPP memory while impaired in the cognitive tasks, displaying deficits in reference memory acquisition and working memory. However, the CPP expression was not associated with the defective cognitive performance, indicating that they were concomitant but independent occurrences. After completion of the experiment, adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) was studied as a relevant neurobiological correlate due to its potential role in both learning and drug addiction. Results suggested a preserved basal AHN in the cocaine-withdrawn mice but an aberrant learning-induced regulation of these neurons. This paradigm may be useful to investigate maladaptive cognition in drug addiction as well as related therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Carmen Mañas‐Padilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Sara Gil‐Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Patricia Sampedro‐Piquero
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Fabiola Ávila‐Gámiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Luis J. Santín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Estela Castilla‐Ortega
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga‐IBIMA Málaga Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Málaga Spain
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Diester CM, Santos EJ, Moerke MJ, Negus SS. Behavioral Battery for Testing Candidate Analgesics in Mice. I. Validation with Positive and Negative Controls. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:232-241. [PMID: 33622770 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated a battery of pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors for preclinical pharmacological assessment of candidate analgesics in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP acid) served as an acute visceral noxious stimulus to produce four pain-related behaviors in male and female ICR mice: stimulation of 1) stretching, 2) facial grimace, 3) depression of rearing, and 4) depression of nesting. Additionally, nesting and locomotion in the absence of the noxious stimulus were used to assess pain-independent drug effects. These six behaviors were used to compare effects of two mechanistically distinct but clinically effective positive controls (ketoprofen and oxycodone) and two negative controls that are not clinically approved as analgesics but produce either general motor depression (diazepam) or motor stimulation (amphetamine). We predicted that analgesics would alleviate all IP acid effects at doses that did not alter pain-independent behaviors, whereas negative controls would not. Consistent with this prediction, ketoprofen (0.1-32 mg/kg) produced the expected analgesic profile, whereas oxycodone (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) alleviated all IP acid effects except depression of rearing at doses lower than those that altered pain-independent behaviors. For the negative controls, diazepam (1-10 mg/kg) failed to block IP acid-induced depression of either rearing or nesting and only decreased IP acid-stimulated behaviors at doses that also decreased pain-independent behaviors. Amphetamine (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) alleviated all IP acid effects but only at doses that also stimulated locomotion. These results support utility of this model as a framework to evaluate candidate-analgesic effects in a battery of complementary pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behavioral endpoints. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Preclinical assays of pain and analgesia often yield false-positive effects with candidate analgesics. This study used two positive-control analgesics (ketoprofen, oxycodone) and two active negative controls (diazepam, amphetamine) to validate a strategy for distinguishing analgesics from nonanalgesics by profiling drug effects in a battery of complementary pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors in male and female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Diester
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - E J Santos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - M J Moerke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - S S Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Gavrilovici C, Jiang Y, Kiroski I, Sterley TL, Vandal M, Bains J, Park SK, Rho JM, Teskey GC, Nguyen MD. Behavioral Deficits in Mice with Postnatal Disruption of Ndel1 in Forebrain Excitatory Neurons: Implications for Epilepsy and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cereb Cortex Commun 2021; 2:tgaa096. [PMID: 33615226 PMCID: PMC7876307 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of nuclear distribution element-like 1 (Ndel1) is associated with schizophrenia, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and with seizures as comorbidity. The levels of Ndel1 are also altered in human and models with epilepsy, a chronic condition whose hallmark feature is the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures and is typically associated with comorbid conditions including learning and memory deficits, anxiety, and depression. In this study, we analyzed the behaviors of mice postnatally deficient for Ndel1 in forebrain excitatory neurons (Ndel1 CKO) that exhibit spatial learning and memory deficits, seizures, and shortened lifespan. Ndel1 CKO mice underperformed in species-specific tasks, that is, the nest building, open field, Y maze, forced swim, and dry cylinder tasks. We surveyed the expression and/or activity of a dozen molecules related to Ndel1 functions and found changes that may contribute to the abnormal behaviors. Finally, we tested the impact of Reelin glycoprotein that shows protective effects in the hippocampus of Ndel1 CKO, on the performance of the mutant animals in the nest building task. Our study highlights the importance of Ndel1 in the manifestation of species-specific animal behaviors that may be relevant to our understanding of the clinical conditions shared between neuropsychiatric disorders and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezar Gavrilovici
- Departments of Neurosciences & Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Yulan Jiang
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ivana Kiroski
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Toni-Lee Sterley
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Milene Vandal
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jaideep Bains
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sang Ki Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Jong M Rho
- Departments of Neurosciences & Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - G Campbell Teskey
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stress and High-Fat Diet Given during Adolescence Impact Both Cognitive and Noncognitive Behaviors in Young Adult Mice. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020260. [PMID: 33669543 PMCID: PMC7923206 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and diet are intricately linked, and they often interact in a negative fashion. Increases in stress can lead to poor food choices; adolescence is a period that is often accompanied by increased levels of stress. Stress and poor dietary choices can affect learning and memory; it is important to understand their combined effects when occurring during crucial developmental periods. Here, we present evidence that chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) and high-fat diet (HFD) impact both cognitive and noncognitive behaviors when assessed after four weeks of manipulation in four-week old mice. CMUS mice had increased anxiety in the open field test (OFT) (p = 0.01) and spent more time in the open arms of the elevated zero maze (EZM) (p < 0.01). HFD administration was shown to interact with CMUS to impair spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) (p < 0.05). Stress and diet also led to disturbances in non-cognitive behaviors: CMUS led to significantly more burrowing (p < 0.05) and HFD administration led to the poorer nest construction (p < 0.05). These findings allow for researchers to assess how modifying lifestyle factors (including diet and stress) during adolescence can serve as a potential strategy to improve cognition in young adulthood.
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128
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Fisher AS, Lanigan MT, Upton N, Lione LA. Preclinical Neuropathic Pain Assessment; the Importance of Translatability and Bidirectional Research. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:614990. [PMID: 33628181 PMCID: PMC7897667 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.614990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For patients suffering with chronic neuropathic pain the need for suitable novel therapies is imperative. Over recent years a contributing factor for the lack of development of new analgesics for neuropathic pain has been the mismatch of primary neuropathic pain assessment endpoints in preclinical vs. clinical trials. Despite continuous forward translation failures across diverse mechanisms, reflexive quantitative sensory testing remains the primary assessment endpoint for neuropathic pain and analgesia in animals. Restricting preclinical evaluation of pain and analgesia to exclusively reflexive outcomes is over simplified and can be argued not clinically relevant due to the continued lack of forward translation and failures in the clinic. The key to developing new analgesic treatments for neuropathic pain therefore lies in the development of clinically relevant endpoints that can translate preclinical animal results to human clinical trials. In this review we discuss this mismatch of primary neuropathic pain assessment endpoints, together with clinical and preclinical evidence that supports how bidirectional research is helping to validate new clinically relevant neuropathic pain assessment endpoints. Ethological behavioral endpoints such as burrowing and facial grimacing and objective measures such as electroencephalography provide improved translatability potential together with currently used quantitative sensory testing endpoints. By tailoring objective and subjective measures of neuropathic pain the translatability of new medicines for patients suffering with neuropathic pain will hopefully be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S. Fisher
- Transpharmation Ltd., The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael T. Lanigan
- Transpharmation Ltd., The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Upton
- Transpharmation Ltd., The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa A. Lione
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Boldt L, Koska I, Maarten van Dijk R, Talbot SR, Miljanovic N, Palme R, Bleich A, Potschka H. Toward evidence-based severity assessment in mouse models with repeated seizures: I. Electrical kindling. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107689. [PMID: 33418481 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ethical decisions about an allowance for animal experiments need to be based on scientifically sound information about the burden and distress associated with the experimental procedure and models. Thereby, species differences need to be considered for recommendations regarding evidence-based severity assessment and refinement measures. METHODS A comprehensive analysis of behavioral patterns and corticosterone or its metabolites in serum and feces was completed in kindled mice. The impact of kindling via two different stimulation sites in the amygdala and hippocampus was determined. Data were compared to those from naive and electrode-implanted groups. RESULTS Amygdala and hippocampus kindled mice exhibited comparable behavioral patterns with increased activity in the open field, reduced anxiety-associated behavior in the elevated-plus maze, and increased anhedonia-associated behavior in the saccharin preference test. In addition, repeated stimulation of the hippocampus caused a reduction in burrowing behavior and an increase in active social interaction. Levels of corticosterone and its metabolites were not altered in serum or feces, respectively. A comparison of mouse data with findings from amygdala kindled rats confirmed pronounced species differences in behavioral patterns associated with the kindling process. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together the findings suggest a severity classification for the mouse kindling paradigms as moderate regardless of the stimulation site. The outcome of the species comparison provides valuable guidance for species selection for studies exploring behavioral comorbidities. In this context, it is emphasized that the mouse kindling paradigms seem to be well suited for studies exploring the link between ictal events and network alterations on the one hand, and hyperactivity and anhedonia-associated behavior on the other hand. Moreover, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of therapeutic interventions on these behavioral alterations can be studied in these paradigms providing guidance for the clinical management of respective psychiatric comorbidities in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Boldt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Koska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - R Maarten van Dijk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Miljanovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Foot shock stress generates persistent widespread hypersensitivity and anhedonic behavior in an anxiety-prone strain of mice. Pain 2021; 161:211-219. [PMID: 31568043 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A significant subset of patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome suffer from widespread, as well as pelvic, pain and experience mood-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. Stress is a commonly reported trigger for symptom onset and exacerbation within these patients. The link between stress and pain is believed to arise, in part, from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates the response to stress and can influence the perception of pain. Previous studies have shown that stress exposure in anxiety-prone rats can induce both pelvic and widespread hypersensitivity. Here, we exposed female A/J mice, an anxiety-prone inbred murine strain, to 10 days of foot shock stress to determine stress-induced effects on sensitivity, anhedonia, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and output. At 1 and 28 days after foot shock, A/J mice displayed significantly increased bladder sensitivity and hind paw mechanical allodynia. They also displayed anhedonic behavior, measured as reduced nest building scores and a decrease in sucrose preference during the 10-day foot shock exposure. Serum corticosterone was significantly increased at 1 day after foot shock, and bladder mast cell degranulation rates were similarly high in both sham- and shock-exposed mice. Bladder cytokine and growth factor mRNA levels indicated a persistent shift toward a proinflammatory environment after foot shock exposure. Together, these data suggest that chronic stress exposure in an anxiety-prone mouse strain may provide a useful translational model for understanding mechanisms that contribute to widespreadness of pain and increased comorbidity in a subset of patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
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131
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Garrone B, di Matteo A, Amato A, Pistillo L, Durando L, Milanese C, Di Giorgio FP, Tongiani S. Synergistic interaction between trazodone and gabapentin in rodent models of neuropathic pain. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244649. [PMID: 33395416 PMCID: PMC7781482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by injury or disease of the nerves of the somatosensory system. Although several therapeutic approaches are recommended, none has emerged as an optimal treatment leaving a need for developing more effective therapies. Given the small number of approved drugs and their limited clinical efficacy, combining drugs with different mechanisms of action is frequently used to yield greater efficacy. We demonstrate that the combination of trazodone, a multifunctional drug for the treatment of major depressive disorders, and gabapentin, a GABA analogue approved for neuropathic pain relief, results in a synergistic antinociceptive effect in the mice writhing test. To explore the potential relevance of this finding in chronic neuropathic pain, pharmacodynamic interactions between low doses of trazodone (0.3 mg/kg) and gabapentin (3 mg/kg) were evaluated in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model, measuring the effects of the two drugs both on evoked and spontaneous nociception and on general well being components. Two innate behaviors, burrowing and nest building, were used to assess these aspects. Besides exerting a significant antinociceptive effect on hyperalgesia and on spontaneous pain, combined inactive doses of trazodone and gabapentin restored in CCI rats innate behaviors that are strongly reduced or even abolished during persistent nociception, suggesting that the combination may have an impact also on pain components different from somatosensory perception. Our results support the development of a trazodone and gabapentin low doses combination product for optimal multimodal analgesia treatment.
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132
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Liu M, Beckett TL, Thomason LAM, Dorr A, Stefanovic B, McLaurin J. Covert strokes prior to Alzheimer's disease onset accelerate peri-lesional pathology but not cognitive deficits in an inducible APP mouse model. Brain Res 2021; 1754:147233. [PMID: 33412147 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that up to 1 in 3 healthy middle-aged adults will have had a covert stroke during their lifetime. Furthermore, post-stroke, survivors are more than twice as likely to develop dementia. In the present study, we aimed to model the impact of focal subclinical ischemia prior to the onset of AD pathogenesis in a preclinical model. We utilized endothelin-1 to induce ischemia in an iducible transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, APPsi:tTA, allowing for temporal control of APP gene expression. We induced the focal subclinical ischemic events in the absence of APP expression, thus prior to AD onset. T2 structural magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the volume and location of focal subclinical ischemic lesions to the medial prefrontal cortex. Following recovery from surgery and 7 weeks of APP expression, we found that two subclinical ischemic lesions resulted in a significant localized increase in amyloid load and in microglial activation proximal to the lesion. However, no differences were found in astrogliosis. A battery of behaviour tests was conducted, in which no significant differences were detected in activities of daily living and cognitive function between stroked and sham cohorts. Overall, our results demonstrated that APP expression was the sole driving force behind behavioural deficits. In conclusion, our results suggest that a history of two subclinical strokes prior to AD onset does not worsen early disease trajectory in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Tina L Beckett
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Adrienne Dorr
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - JoAnne McLaurin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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133
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Dorninger F, Zeitler G, Berger J. Nestlet Shredding and Nest Building Tests to Assess Features of Psychiatric Disorders in Mice. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3863. [PMID: 33473360 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimicking the various facets of human psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in animal models is a challenging task. Nevertheless, mice have emerged as a widely used model system to study pathophysiology and treatment strategies for these diseases. However, the corresponding behavioral tests are often elaborate and require extensive experience in behavioral testing. Here, we present protocols for two simple assays, nest building and nestlet shredding, that can serve as a starting point for the behavioral phenotyping of mouse models with (potential) features of psychiatric disorders. Both tests have been reported previously and we extend prior descriptions by including adaptations and refinements derived from our practical experience, like the use of the home cage instead of a fresh cage for nestlet shredding. Summarized, we provide ready-to-use protocols for two behavioral assays that allow the generation of robust data with minimal time and cost expenditure and enable an initial assessment of features of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in mouse models of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Zeitler
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Analysis of Animal Well-Being When Supplementing Drinking Water with Tramadol or Metamizole during Chronic Pancreatitis. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122306. [PMID: 33291366 PMCID: PMC7762076 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pain management during in vivo experiments can considerably improve the wellbeing of animals. However, often it is not clear, which drugs are best for the animals and how to apply these drugs without causing stress. In this study, we evaluated mice when metamizole or tramadol was provided via drinking water. Neither of these two drugs reduced the amount of consumed water or body weight in healthy mice or influenced their natural behavior, such as nest building or burrowing activity. Both analgesics were then given to mice suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Mice drinking tramadol supplemented water, at some time-points, experienced less loss in body weight and consumed more water than mice drinking metamizole. However, no major differences in other methods measuring wellbeing of mice was observed. In conclusion, both analgesics can be used during chronic pancreatitis, but tramadol seems to be moderately advantageous when compared to metamizole. Abstract Pain management during in vivo experiments is an animal welfare concern and is in many countries also legally required. In this study, we evaluated C57Bl/6J mice when 3 g/L metamizole or 1 g/L tramadol was provided via drinking water, before and during cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis. Supplementation of drinking water with metamizole or tramadol did not significantly reduce the amount of consumed water. In order to evaluate the wellbeing of mice, a distress score, burrowing activity, nesting behavior, and body weight was assessed. Before induction of pancreatitis, neither tramadol nor metamizole influenced these readout parameters. Chronic pancreatitis caused a significantly increased distress score, decreased burrowing activity and a reduction in body weight. Mice drinking tramadol-supplemented water experienced less loss in body weight and consumed more water than mice drinking metamizole, at a few time-points during chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic atrophy, a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis was not differentially influenced by either analgesic. In conclusion, both analgesics can be used during 33 days of chronic pancreatitis, but tramadol seems to be moderately advantageous when compared to metamizole.
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135
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Chronic pain impact on rodents’ behavioral repertoire. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:101-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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The kappa opioid receptor antagonist aticaprant reverses behavioral effects from unpredictable chronic mild stress in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3715-3728. [PMID: 32894343 PMCID: PMC7686052 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is likely precipitated by chronic stress. Although many antidepressants are currently available, these drugs require weeks to months of daily administration before reduction of symptoms occurs and many patients remain treatment-resistant despite several courses of treatment. There is a pressing need for new treatments for stress-related disorders. Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are a promising new therapeutic target for major depressive disorder and anhedonia because acute KOR blockade prevents many effects of stress in rodents. OBJECTIVES The following study assessed whether repeated treatment with the selective KOR antagonist aticaprant (also known as JNJ-67953964, and previously LY-2456302 and CERC-501) was effective in reversing behaviors in rodents following exposure to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 4 weeks of UCMS. After 3 weeks of stress, aticaprant (10 mg/kg) was administered daily for 11 treatments. Behavioral assessments included the sucrose preference test, nesting, forced swim test, hot plate test, light-dark test, and social interaction test. RESULTS Aticaprant significantly reversed stress-induced deficits produced by UCMS on the SPT, nesting, FST, and hot plate test. The effects of aticaprant persisted through a stress and treatment recovery period. Aticaprant was not effective at reversing behavioral effects caused by stress in the light-dark and social interaction tests. CONCLUSIONS The results support further study of the role of KORs in regulating circuits related to reward, self-care, and cognition when they are disrupted by chronic stress. They are also consistent with the clinical development of aticaprant as a therapeutic for stress-related disorders targeted at anhedonia, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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137
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Grífols R, Zamora C, Ortega-Saez I, Azkona G. Postweaning Grouping as a Strategy to Reduce Singly Housed Male Mice. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112135. [PMID: 33212955 PMCID: PMC7698342 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is important to raise laboratory mice in stable groups. However, sometimes we can find litters with only one male. Unfortunately, age is a factor to consider when grouping a newly weaned mouse with other males due to inter-male aggressiveness. Our results showed that CD1 and SCID Beige newly weaned males can be safely grouped with juvenile and pubescent mice. However, only juvenile C57BL/6J will accept a newly weaned mouse as a new member of the group. This strategy could be helpful to reduce the number of singly housed male mice used for scientific purposes. Abstract Rearing laboratory mice in groups is important since social isolation after weaning induces brain alterations, which entails behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. Age is an important factor when grouping males of different litters due to inter-male aggressiveness. The aim of this study was to determine whether newly weaned mice could safely be grouped with late juvenile or early and late pubescent mice, and whether cage cleaning, the number of the hosting group members and testosterone plasma levels have any influence. Newly weaned C57BL/6J, CD1, and SCID Beige male mice were systematically grouped with same strain late juvenile, early or late pubescent male mice in clean or dirty cages of 1, 2 or 3 hosting members. We also analyzed plasma testosterone levels at different postnatal days. Our result showed that only strain and hosting male’s age influence agonistic behavior toward newly weaned mice. Thus, in order not to house a recently weaned male alone, we would recommend grouping it with late juvenile same strain mice in all studied strains. In the same way, CD1 and SCID Beige pubescent mice will admit a newly weaned mouse in their group. However, we would not recommend grouping newly weaned and pubescent C57BL/6J males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Grífols
- Charles River Laboratories in PRBB, Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (R.G.); (C.Z.)
| | - Carolina Zamora
- Charles River Laboratories in PRBB, Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (R.G.); (C.Z.)
| | - Iván Ortega-Saez
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB) Animal Facility, Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Garikoitz Azkona
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, School of Psychology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Tolosa Hiribidea, 70, 20018 Donostia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-943-015-437
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138
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Turner PV. Moving Beyond the Absence of Pain and Distress: Focusing on Positive Animal Welfare. ILAR J 2020; 60:366-372. [PMID: 33119093 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, researchers, veterinarians, animal ethics committees, and regulators have focused on minimizing pain and distress as a primary goal of refinement when working with animals in science. More recent publications as well as a shift in animal ethics and public opinion have emphasized promotion of positive affective states, culminating in the concept of positive animal welfare. Robust measures are required to know when positive animal welfare states are occurring, and a number of measures are proposed and discussed. Regardless of whether there are newer methods available that focus exclusively on measuring positive affective states, consistent consideration of research animal behavioral programs, refinement, and adopting periodic stand-alone animal welfare assessments for all species involved will help to push the care and practices of research animals towards an increased focus on positive animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Turner
- Charles River Laboratories Inc, Global Animal Welfare & Training, Charles River, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA
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139
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Shore AN, Colombo S, Tobin WF, Petri S, Cullen ER, Dominguez S, Bostick CD, Beaumont MA, Williams D, Khodagholy D, Yang M, Lutz CM, Peng Y, Gelinas JN, Goldstein DB, Boland MJ, Frankel WN, Weston MC. Reduced GABAergic Neuron Excitability, Altered Synaptic Connectivity, and Seizures in a KCNT1 Gain-of-Function Mouse Model of Childhood Epilepsy. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108303. [PMID: 33113364 PMCID: PMC7712469 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function (GOF) variants in K+ channels cause severe childhood epilepsies, but there are no mechanisms to explain how increased K+ currents lead to network hyperexcitability. Here, we introduce a human Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channel variant (KCNT1-Y796H) into mice and, using a multiplatform approach, find motor cortex hyperexcitability and early-onset seizures, phenotypes strikingly similar to those of human patients. Although the variant increases KNa currents in cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurons, there is an increase in the KNa current across subthreshold voltages only in inhibitory neurons, particularly in those with non-fast-spiking properties, resulting in inhibitory-neuron-specific impairments in excitability and action potential (AP) generation. We further observe evidence of synaptic rewiring, including increases in homotypic synaptic connectivity, accompanied by network hyperexcitability and hypersynchronicity. These findings support inhibitory-neuron-specific mechanisms in mediating the epileptogenic effects of KCNT1 channel GOF, offering cell-type-specific currents and effects as promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Shore
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Sophie Colombo
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William F Tobin
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Sabrina Petri
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Erin R Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Soledad Dominguez
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Michael A Beaumont
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Axion BioSystems, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - Damian Williams
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dion Khodagholy
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Yueqing Peng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jennifer N Gelinas
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michael J Boland
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wayne N Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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140
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Social isolation in rats: Effects on animal welfare and molecular markers for neuroplasticity. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240439. [PMID: 33108362 PMCID: PMC7591026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress compromises brain development and can contribute to the development of mental illnesses. A common animal model used to study different facets of psychiatric disorders is social isolation from early life on. In rats, this isolation can induce long-lasting alterations in molecular expression and in behavior. Since social isolation models severe psychiatric symptoms, it is to be expected that it affects the overall wellbeing of the animals. As also promoted by the 3Rs principle, though, it is pivotal to decrease the burden of laboratory animals by limiting the number of subjects (reduce, replace) and by improving the animals’ wellbeing (refine). The aim of this study was therefore to test possible refinement strategies such as resocialization and mere adult social isolation. We examined whether the alternatives still triggered the necessary phenotype while minimizing the stress load on the animals. Interestingly, we did not find reduced wellbeing-associated burrowing performance in isolated rats. The hyperactive phenotype seen in socially isolated animals was observed for rats undergoing the adult-only isolation, but resocializing ameliorated the locomotor abnormality. Isolation strongly affected markers of neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex independent of timing: mRNA levels of Arc, Bdnf and the pool of Bdnf transcripts with the 3’ long UTR were reduced in all groups. Bdnf splice variant IV expression was reduced in lifelong-isolated animals. Some of these deficits normalized after resocialization; likewise, exon VI Bdnf mRNA levels were reduced only in animals persistently isolated. Conversely, social deprivation did not affect the expression of Gad67 and Pvb, two GABAergic markers, whereas changes occurred in the expression of dopamine d1 and d2 receptors. As adult isolation was sufficient to trigger the hyperactive phenotype and impaired neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex, it could be a candidate for a refinement strategy for certain research questions. To fully grade the severity of post-weaning social isolation and the alternatives, adult isolation and resocialization, a more profound and multimodal assessment approach is necessary.
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141
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Schreiner V, Durst M, Arras M, Detampel P, Jirkof P, Huwyler J. Design and in vivo evaluation of a microparticulate depot formulation of buprenorphine for veterinary use. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17295. [PMID: 33057103 PMCID: PMC7560740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Buprenorphine is a frequently used analgetic agent in veterinary medicine. A major drawback, however, is the short duration of action requiring several daily administrations. We therefore designed a poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) based microparticulate drug formulation for sustained parenteral drug release. Particles were designed to allow for a fast onset of action and a duration of the analgesic effect of at least two days in laboratory mice. Microparticles were produced using a solvent evaporation technique. Release rate was dependent on polymer type and particle size. Spherical particles used for subsequent animal studies had a mean size of 50 µm and contained 4.5% of buprenorphine. Drug release was characterized by an initial burst release of 30% followed by complete release over seven days. In vivo pharmacokinetic experiments in female C57BL/6 J mice confirmed prolonged exposure in plasma and brain tissue and correlated with the pharmacological effect in the hot plate assay or after minor abdominal surgery. No adverse side effects with respect to food and water intake, body weight, local tolerability, or nesting behavior were observed. Our formulation is an attractive alternative to established immediate release formulations. A use for prolonged pain management in laboratory animals is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Schreiner
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mattea Durst
- Center for Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margarete Arras
- Center for Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Detampel
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paulin Jirkof
- Center for Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Animal Welfare and 3Rs, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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142
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Sensini F, Inta D, Palme R, Brandwein C, Pfeiffer N, Riva MA, Gass P, Mallien AS. The impact of handling technique and handling frequency on laboratory mouse welfare is sex-specific. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17281. [PMID: 33057118 PMCID: PMC7560820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Handling is a well-known source of stress to laboratory animals and can affect variability of results and even compromise animal welfare. The conventional tail handling in mice has been shown to induce aversion and anxiety-like behaviour. Recent findings demonstrate that the use of alternative handling techniques, e.g. tunnel handling, can mitigate negative handling-induced effects. Here, we show that technique and frequency of handling influence affective behaviour and stress hormone release of subjects in a sex-dependent manner. While frequent tail handling led to a reduction of wellbeing-associated burrowing and increased despair-like behaviour in male mice, females seemed unaffected. Instead, they displayed a stress response to a low handling frequency, which was not detectable in males. This could suggest that in terms of refinement, the impact in handling could differ between the sexes. Independently from this observation, both sexes preferred to interact with the tunnel. Mice generally explored the tunnel more often than the tail-handling hands of the experimenter and showed more positively rated approaches, e.g. touching or climbing, and at the same time, less defensive burrowing, indicating a strong preference for the tunnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sensini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Dragos Inta
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiane Brandwein
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Gass
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Stephanie Mallien
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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143
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Theil JH, Ahloy-Dallaire J, Weber EM, Gaskill BN, Pritchett-Corning KR, Felt SA, Garner JP. The epidemiology of fighting in group-housed laboratory mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16649. [PMID: 33024186 PMCID: PMC7538892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73620-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Injurious home-cage aggression (fighting) in mice affects both animal welfare and scientific validity. It is arguably the most common potentially preventable morbidity in mouse facilities. Existing literature on mouse aggression almost exclusively examines territorial aggression induced by introducing a stimulus mouse into the home-cage of a singly housed mouse (i.e. the resident/intruder test). However, fighting occurring in mice living together in long-term groups under standard laboratory housing conditions has barely been studied. We performed a point-prevalence epidemiological survey of fighting at a research institution with an approximate 60,000 cage census. A subset of cages was sampled over the course of a year and factors potentially influencing home-cage fighting were recorded. Fighting was almost exclusively seen in group-housed male mice. Approximately 14% of group-housed male cages were observed with fighting animals in brief behavioral observations, but only 14% of those cages with fighting had skin injuries observable from cage-side. Thus simple cage-side checks may be missing the majority of fighting mice. Housing system (the combination of cage ventilation and bedding type), genetic background, time of year, cage location on the rack, and rack orientation in the room were significant risk factors predicting fighting. Of these predictors, only bedding type is easily manipulated to mitigate fighting. Cage ventilation and rack orientation often cannot be changed in modern vivaria, as they are baked in by cookie-cutter architectural approaches to facility design. This study emphasizes the need to invest in assessing the welfare costs of new housing and husbandry systems before implementing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H Theil
- Campus Veterinary Services, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elin M Weber
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gråbrödragatan 19, 532 31, Skara, Sweden
| | - Brianna N Gaskill
- Animal Sciences Department, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kathleen R Pritchett-Corning
- Office of Animal Resources, Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 16 Divinity Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Stephen A Felt
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5342, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5342, USA. .,(By Courtesy), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5342, USA.
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144
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Zhou Y, Zhu F, Liu Y, Zheng M, Wang Y, Zhang D, Anraku Y, Zou Y, Li J, Wu H, Pang X, Tao W, Shimoni O, Bush AI, Xue X, Shi B. Blood-brain barrier-penetrating siRNA nanomedicine for Alzheimer's disease therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/41/eabc7031. [PMID: 33036977 PMCID: PMC7546706 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc7031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Toxic aggregated amyloid-β accumulation is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which derives from amyloid precursor protein (APP) through sequential cleavage by BACE1 (β-site APP cleavage enzyme 1) and γ-secretase. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) show great promise for AD therapy by specific silencing of BACE1. However, lack of effective siRNA brain delivery approaches limits this strategy. Here, we developed a glycosylated "triple-interaction" stabilized polymeric siRNA nanomedicine (Gal-NP@siRNA) to target BACE1 in APP/PS1 transgenic AD mouse model. Gal-NP@siRNA exhibits superior blood stability and can efficiently penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via glycemia-controlled glucose transporter-1 (Glut1)-mediated transport, thereby ensuring that siRNAs decrease BACE1 expression and modify relative pathways. Noticeably, Gal-NP@siBACE1 administration restored the deterioration of cognitive capacity in AD mice without notable side effects. This "Trojan horse" strategy supports the utility of RNA interference therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Feiyan Zhu
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China.
| | - Yibin Wang
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Dongya Zhang
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Yasutaka Anraku
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yan Zou
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xiaobin Pang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Olga Shimoni
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Xue Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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145
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Jeuthe S, Kemna J, Kemna CP, Zocholl D, Klopfleisch R, Palme R, Kirschbaum C, Thoene-Reineke C, Kammertoens T. Stress hormones or general well-being are not altered in immune-deficient mice lacking either T- and B- lymphocytes or Interferon gamma signaling if kept under specific pathogen free housing conditions. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239231. [PMID: 32997686 PMCID: PMC7526874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is controversially discussed whether immune-deficient mice experience severity in the absence of infection. Because a comprehensive analysis of the well-being of immune-deficient mice under specific pathogen free conditions is missing, we used a multi-parametric test analyzing, corticosterone, weight, nest building and facial expression over a period of 9 month to determine the well-being of two immune-deficient mouse lines (recombination activating gene 2- and interferon gamma receptor-deficient mice). We do not find evidence for severity when comparing immune-deficient mice to their heterozygous immune-competent littermates. Our data challenge the assumption that immune-deficiency per se regardless of housing conditions causes severity. Based on our study we propose to use objective non-invasive parameters determined by laboratory animal science for decisions concerning severity of immune-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jeuthe
- Animal Facility of the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Kemna
- Department of Gene Therapy and Molecular Immunology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Charité Campus Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dario Zocholl
- Institut für Biometrie und Klinische Epidemiologie, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Free University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Free University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Kammertoens
- Department of Gene Therapy and Molecular Immunology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Charité Campus Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
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146
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Severity assessment in mice subjected to carbon tetrachloride. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15790. [PMID: 32978437 PMCID: PMC7519684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Directive 2010/63 EU requires classifying burden and severity in all procedures using laboratory animals. This study evaluated the severity of liver fibrosis induction by intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injections in mice. 29 male C57BL/6N mice were treated three times per week for 4 weeks with an intraperitoneal injection (50 µl) of either 0.6 ml/kg body weight CCl4-vehicle solution, germ oil (vehicle-control) or handling only. Severity assessment was performed using serum analysis, behavioral tests (open field test, rotarod, burrowing and nesting behavior), fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) measurement, and survival. The most significant group differences were noticed in the second week of treatment when the highest AST (1463 ± 1404 vs. 123.8 ± 93 U/L, p < 0.0001) and nesting values were measured. In addition, respective animals showed lower moving distances (4622 ± 1577 vs. 6157 ± 2060 cm, p < 0.01) and velocity in the Open field, identified as main factors in principal component analysis (PCA). Overall, a 50% survival rate was observed within the treatment group, in which the open field performance was a good tracer parameter for survival. In summary, this study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing severity in mice using behavioral tests and highlight the open field test as a possible threshold parameter for risk assessment of mortality.
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147
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Meyer N, Kröger M, Thümmler J, Tietze L, Palme R, Touma C. Impact of three commonly used blood sampling techniques on the welfare of laboratory mice: Taking the animal's perspective. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238895. [PMID: 32898190 PMCID: PMC7478650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mice are the most frequently used animals in biomedical research. In accordance with guidelines for humane handling, several blood sampling techniques have been established. While the effects of these procedures on blood quality and histological alterations at the sampling site are well studied, their impact on the animals’ welfare has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, our study aimed to compare three commonly used blood sampling techniques regarding their effects on different indicators of animal welfare, including physiological and behavioural response stress parameters, including pain measures, home-cage behaviour and nest-building as well as exploratory activity and neophobia. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a single blood collection from either the vena facialis, the retrobulbar sinus or the tail vessel, or were allocated to the respective control treatment. While all blood sampling techniques led to an acute increase in plasma corticosterone levels, the response was strongest in animals that underwent sampling from the vena facialis and the retrobulbar sinus. Similar results were observed when the time-course of adrenocortical activity was monitored via corticosterone metabolites from faecal samples. Blood collection from the vena facialis and the retrobulbar sinus also decreased exploration of novel stimuli, resulted in decreased nest-building activity and induced higher scores in the Mouse Grimace Scale. Moreover, locomotor activity and anxiety-related behaviour were strongly affected after facial vein bleeding. Interestingly, tail vessel bleeding only induced little alterations in the assessed physiological and behavioural parameters. Importantly, the observed effects in all treatment groups were no longer detectable after 24 hours, indicating only short-term impacts. Thus, by also taking the animal’s perspective and comprehensively assessing the severity of the particular sampling procedures, the results of our study contribute to Refinement within the 3R concept and allow researchers to objectively select the most appropriate and welfare-friendly blood sampling technique for a given experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Meyer
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
- * E-mail: (NM); (CT)
| | - Mareike Kröger
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Julia Thümmler
- Research Group of Psychoneuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Tietze
- Research Group of Psychoneuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chadi Touma
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
- * E-mail: (NM); (CT)
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148
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Vogt MA, Mertens S, Serba S, Palme R, Chourbaji S. The ‘Cage Climber’ - A new enrichment for use in large-dimensioned mouse facilities. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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149
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Caspar KR, Moldenhauer K, Moritz RE, Němec P, Malkemper EP, Begall S. Eyes are essential for magnetoreception in a mammal. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200513. [PMID: 32993431 PMCID: PMC7536053 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several groups of mammals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation, but their magnetosensory organ remains unknown. The Ansell's mole-rat (Fukomys anselli, Bathyergidae, Rodentia) is a microphthalmic subterranean rodent with innate magnetic orientation behaviour. Previous studies on this species proposed that its magnetoreceptors are located in the eye. To test this hypothesis, we assessed magnetic orientation in mole-rats after the surgical removal of their eyes compared to untreated controls. Initially, we demonstrate that this enucleation does not lead to changes in routine behaviours, including locomotion, feeding and socializing. We then studied magnetic compass orientation by employing a well-established nest-building assay under four magnetic field alignments. In line with previous studies, control animals exhibited a significant preference to build nests in magnetic southeast. By contrast, enucleated mole-rats built nests in random magnetic orientations, suggesting an impairment of their magnetic sense. The results provide robust support for the hypothesis that mole-rats perceive magnetic fields with their minute eyes, probably relying on magnetite-based receptors in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai R. Caspar
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Katrin Moldenhauer
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Regina E. Moritz
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
- Department Vision, Visual Impairment & Blindness, Faculty 13, Technical University of Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 50, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Pavel Němec
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - E. Pascal Malkemper
- Max Planck Research Group Neurobiology of Magnetoreception, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (CAESAR), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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150
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Chakrabarti S, Pattison LA, Doleschall B, Rickman RH, Blake H, Callejo G, Heppenstall PA, Smith ESJ. Intraarticular Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype AAV-PHP.S-Mediated Chemogenetic Targeting of Knee-Innervating Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Alleviates Inflammatory Pain in Mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1749-1758. [PMID: 32418284 DOI: 10.1002/art.41314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Joint pain is the major clinical symptom of arthritis that affects millions of people. Controlling the excitability of knee-innervating dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (knee neurons) could potentially provide pain relief. We undertook this study to evaluate whether the newly engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype, AAV-PHP.S, can deliver functional artificial receptors to control knee neuron excitability following intraarticular knee injection. METHODS The AAV-PHP.S virus, packaged with dTomato fluorescent protein and either excitatory (Gq ) or inhibitory (Gi ) designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), was injected into the knee joints of adult mice. Labeling of DRG neurons with AAV-PHP.S from the knee was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The functionality of Gq - and Gi -DREADDs was evaluated using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on acutely cultured DRG neurons. Pain behavior in mice was assessed using a digging assay, dynamic weight bearing, and rotarod performance, before and after intraperitoneal administration of the DREADD activator, Compound 21. RESULTS We showed that AAV-PHP.S can deliver functional genes into ~7% of lumbar DRG neurons when injected into the knee joint in a similar manner to the well-established retrograde tracer, fast blue. Short-term activation of AAV-PHP.S-delivered Gq -DREADD increased excitability of knee neurons in vitro (P = 0.02 by unpaired t-test), without inducing overt pain in mice when activated in vivo. By contrast, in vivo Gi -DREADD activation alleviated digging deficits induced by Freund's complete adjuvant-mediated knee inflammation (P = 0.0002 by repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA] followed by Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test). A concomitant decrease in knee neuron excitability was observed in vitro (P = 0.005 by ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test). CONCLUSION We describe an AAV-mediated chemogenetic approach to specifically control joint pain, which may be utilized in translational arthritic pain research.
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