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Kaul D, Schwab SG, Mechawar N, Matosin N. How stress physically re-shapes the brain: Impact on brain cell shapes, numbers and connections in psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:193-215. [PMID: 33556389 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress is among the most robust risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders. Imaging studies indicate that life stress is integral to shaping the human brain, especially regions involved in processing the stress response. Although this is likely underpinned by changes to the cytoarchitecture of cellular networks in the brain, we are yet to clearly understand how these define a role for stress in human psychopathology. In this review, we consolidate evidence of macro-structural morphometric changes and the cellular mechanisms that likely underlie them. Focusing on stress-sensitive regions of the brain, we illustrate how stress throughout life may lead to persistent remodelling of the both neurons and glia in cellular networks and how these may lead to psychopathology. We support that greater translation of cellular alterations to human cohorts will support parsing the psychological sequalae of severe stress and improve our understanding of how stress shapes the human brain. This will remain a critical step for improving treatment interventions and prevention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Kaul
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle blvd, Verdun, Qc, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
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202
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Iotchev IB, Kubinyi E. Shared and unique features of mammalian sleep spindles - insights from new and old animal models. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1021-1034. [PMID: 33533183 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sleep spindles are phasic events observed in mammalian non-rapid eye movement sleep. They are relevant today in the study of memory consolidation, sleep quality, mental health and ageing. We argue that our advanced understanding of their mechanisms has not exhausted the utility and need for animal model work. This is both because some topics, like cognitive ageing, have not yet been addressed sufficiently in comparative efforts and because the evolutionary history of this oscillation is still poorly understood. Comparisons across species often are either limited to referencing the classical cat and rodent models, or are over-inclusive, uncritically including reports of sleep spindles in rarely studied animals. In this review, we discuss the emergence of new (dog and sheep) models for sleep spindles and compare the strengths and shortcomings of new and old models based on the three validation criteria for animal models - face, predictive, and construct validity. We conclude that an emphasis on cognitive ageing might dictate the future of comparative sleep spindle studies, a development that is already becoming visible in studies on dogs. Moreover, reconstructing the evolutionary history of sleep spindles will require more stringent criteria for their identification, across more species. In particular, a stronger emphasis on construct and predictive validity can help verify if spindle-like events in other species are actual sleep spindles. Work in accordance with such stricter validation suggests that sleep spindles display more universally shared features, like defining frequency, than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivaylo Borislavov Iotchev
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Eniko Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
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203
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Ke M, Chong CM, Zhu Q, Zhang K, Cai CZ, Lu JH, Qin D, Su H. Comprehensive Perspectives on Experimental Models for Parkinson's Disease. Aging Dis 2021; 12:223-246. [PMID: 33532138 PMCID: PMC7801282 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0331] [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: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) ranks second among the most common neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive and selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. Various cross-species preclinical models, including cellular models and animal models, have been established through the decades to study the etiology and mechanism of the disease from cell lines to nonhuman primates. These models are aimed at developing effective therapeutic strategies for the disease. None of the current models can replicate all major pathological and clinical phenotypes of PD. Selection of the model for PD largely relies on our interest of study. In this review, we systemically summarized experimental PD models, including cellular and animal models used in preclinical studies, to understand the pathogenesis of PD. This review is intended to provide current knowledge about the application of these different PD models, with focus on their strengths and limitations with respect to their contributions to the assessment of the molecular pathobiology of PD and identification of the therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Ke
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cheong-Meng Chong
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cui-Zan Cai
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Dajiang Qin
- 2Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,3South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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204
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Jiricek S, Koudelka V, Lacik J, Vejmola C, Kuratko D, Wójcik DK, Raida Z, Hlinka J, Palenicek T. Electrical Source Imaging in Freely Moving Rats: Evaluation of a 12-Electrode Cortical Electroencephalography System. Front Neuroinform 2021; 14:589228. [PMID: 33568980 PMCID: PMC7868391 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2020.589228] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work presents and evaluates a 12-electrode intracranial electroencephalography system developed at the National Institute of Mental Health (Klecany, Czech Republic) in terms of an electrical source imaging (ESI) technique in rats. The electrode system was originally designed for translational research purposes. This study demonstrates that it is also possible to use this well-established system for ESI, and estimates its precision, accuracy, and limitations. Furthermore, this paper sets a methodological basis for future implants. Source localization quality is evaluated using three approaches based on surrogate data, physical phantom measurements, and in vivo experiments. The forward model for source localization is obtained from the FieldTrip-SimBio pipeline using the finite-element method. Rat brain tissue extracted from a magnetic resonance imaging template is approximated by a single-compartment homogeneous tetrahedral head model. Four inverse solvers were tested: standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography, exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA), linear constrained minimum variance (LCMV), and dynamic imaging of coherent sources. Based on surrogate data, this paper evaluates the accuracy and precision of all solvers within the brain volume using error distance and reliability maps. The mean error distance over the whole brain was found to be the lowest in the eLORETA solution through signal to noise ratios (SNRs) (0.2 mm for 25 dB SNR). The LCMV outperformed eLORETA under higher SNR conditions, and exhibiting higher spatial precision. Both of these inverse solvers provided accurate results in a phantom experiment (1.6 mm mean error distance across shallow and 2.6 mm across subcortical testing dipoles). Utilizing the developed technique in freely moving rats, an auditory steady-state response experiment provided results in line with previously reported findings. The obtained results support the idea of utilizing a 12-electrode system for ESI and using it as a solid basis for the development of future ESI dedicated implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Jiricek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jaroslav Lacik
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Cestmir Vejmola
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Kuratko
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Daniel K. Wójcik
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbynek Raida
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav Hlinka
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomas Palenicek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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205
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Timmermans S, Libert C. Ratpost: a searchable database of protein-inactivating sequence variations in 40 sequenced rat-inbred strains. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:1-11. [PMID: 33481094 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-020-09853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rat-inbred strains are essential as scientific tools. We have analyzed the publicly available genome sequences of 40 rat-inbred strains and provide an overview of sequence variations leading to amino acid changes in protein-coding genes, premature STOP codons or loss of STOP codons, and short in-frame insertions and deletions of all protein-coding genes across all these inbred lines. We provide an overview of the predicted impact on protein function of all these affected proteins in the database, by comparing their sequence with the sequences of the rat reference strain BN/SsNHsdMcwi. We also investigate the flaws of the protein-coding sequences of this reference strain itself, by comparing them with a consensus genome. These data can be retrieved via a searchable website (Ratpost.be) and allow a global, better interpretation of genetic background effects and a source of naturally defective alleles in these 40 sequenced classical and high-priority rat-inbred strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Timmermans
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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206
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Abstract
It has been well studied that the EcoHIV infected mouse model is of significant utility in investigating HIV associated neurological complications. Establishment of the EcoHIV infected rat model for studies of drug abuse and neurocognitive disorders, would be beneficial in the study of neuroHIV and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). In the present study, we demonstrate the successful creation of a rat model of active HIV infection using chimeric HIV (EcoHIV). First, the lentiviral construct of EcoHIV was packaged in cultured 293 FT cells for 48 hours. Then, the conditional medium was concentrated and titered. Next, we performed bilateral stereotaxic injections of the EcoHIV-EGFP into F344/N rat brain tissue. One week after infection, EGFP fluorescence signals were detected in the infected brain tissue, indicating that EcoHIV successfully induces an active HIV infection in rats. In addition, immunostaining for the microglial cell marker, Iba1, was performed. The results indicated that microglia were the predominant cell type harboring EcoHIV. Furthermore, EcoHIV rats exhibited alterations in temporal processing, a potential underlying neurobehavioral mechanism of HAND as well as synaptic dysfunction eight weeks after infection. Collectively, the present study extends the EcoHIV model of HIV-1 infection to the rat offering a valuable biological system to study HIV-1 viral reservoirs in the brain as well as HAND and associated comorbidities such as drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Li
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina
| | - Kristen A McLaurin
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina
| | - Charles F Mactutus
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina
| | - Rosemarie M Booze
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina;
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207
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Comparison of Genetically Engineered Immunodeficient Animal Models for Nonclinical Testing of Stem Cell Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020130. [PMID: 33498509 PMCID: PMC7909568 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020130] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For the recovery or replacement of dysfunctional cells and tissue—the goal of stem cell research—successful engraftment of transplanted cells and tissues are essential events. The event is largely dependent on the immune rejection of the recipient; therefore, the immunogenic evaluation of candidate cells or tissues in immunodeficient animals is important. Understanding the immunodeficient system can provide insights into the generation and use of immunodeficient animal models, presenting a unique system to explore the capabilities of the innate immune system. In this review, we summarize various immunodeficient animal model systems with different target genes as valuable tools for biomedical research. There have been numerous immunodeficient models developed by different gene defects, resulting in many different features in phenotype. More important, mice, rats, and other large animals exhibit very different immunological and physiological features in tissue and organs, including genetic background and a representation of human disease conditions. Therefore, the findings from this review may guide researchers to select the most appropriate immunodeficient strain, target gene, and animal species based on the research type, mutant gene effects, and similarity to human immunological features for stem cell research.
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208
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Duran-Trio L, Fernandes-Pires G, Simicic D, Grosse J, Roux-Petronelli C, Bruce SJ, Binz PA, Sandi C, Cudalbu C, Braissant O. A new rat model of creatine transporter deficiency reveals behavioral disorder and altered brain metabolism. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1636. [PMID: 33452333 PMCID: PMC7810893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine is an organic compound used as fast phosphate energy buffer to recycle ATP, important in tissues with high energy demand such as muscle or brain. Creatine is taken from the diet or endogenously synthetized by the enzymes AGAT and GAMT, and specifically taken up by the transporter SLC6A8. Deficit in the endogenous synthesis or in the transport leads to Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndromes (CCDS). CCDS are characterized by brain creatine deficiency, intellectual disability with severe speech delay, behavioral troubles such as attention deficits and/or autistic features, and epilepsy. Among CCDS, the X-linked creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is the most prevalent with no efficient treatment so far. Different mouse models of CTD were generated by doing long deletions in the Slc6a8 gene showing reduced brain creatine and cognitive deficiencies or impaired motor function. We present a new knock-in (KI) rat model of CTD holding an identical point mutation found in patients with reported lack of transporter activity. KI males showed brain creatine deficiency, increased urinary creatine/creatinine ratio, cognitive deficits and autistic-like traits. The Slc6a8Y389C KI rat fairly enriches the spectrum of CTD models and provides new data about the pathology, being the first animal model of CTD carrying a point mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Duran-Trio
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Fernandes-Pires
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Simicic
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clothilde Roux-Petronelli
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephen J Bruce
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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209
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Blanton HL, Barnes RC, McHann MC, Bilbrey JA, Wilkerson JL, Guindon J. Sex differences and the endocannabinoid system in pain. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 202:173107. [PMID: 33444598 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been increasing in recent years, particularly among women, and one of the most common uses of cannabis for medical purposes is pain relief. Pain conditions and response to analgesics have been demonstrated to be influenced by sex, and evidence is emerging that this is also true with cannabinoid-mediated analgesia. In this review we evaluate the preclinical evidence supporting sex differences in cannabinoid pharmacology, as well as emerging evidence from human studies, both clinical and observational. Numerous animal studies have reported sex differences in the antinociceptive response to natural and synthetic cannabinoids that may correlate to sex differences in expression, and function, of endocannabinoid system components. Female rodents have generally been found to be more sensitive to the effects of Δ9-THC. This finding is likely a function of both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics factors including differences in metabolism, differences in cannabinoid receptor expression, and influence of ovarian hormones including estradiol and progesterone. Preclinical evidence supporting direct interactions between sex hormones and the endocannabinoid system may translate to sex differences in response to cannabis and cannabinoid use in men and women. Further research into the role of sex in endocannabinoid system function is critical as we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the endocannabinoid system in various disease states, including chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry L Blanton
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States of America.
| | - Robert C Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States of America
| | - Melissa C McHann
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States of America
| | - Joshua A Bilbrey
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States of America.
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210
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Fontana BD, Müller TE, Cleal M, de Abreu MS, Norton WHJ, Demin KA, Amstislavskaya TG, Petersen EV, Kalueff AV, Parker MO, Rosemberg DB. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) models to understand the critical role of social interactions in mental health and wellbeing. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 208:101993. [PMID: 33440208 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior represents a beneficial interaction between conspecifics that is critical for maintaining health and wellbeing. Dysfunctional or poor social interaction are associated with increased risk of physical (e.g., vascular) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, and substance abuse). Although the impact of negative and positive social interactions is well-studied, their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Zebrafish have well-characterized social behavior phenotypes, high genetic homology with humans, relative experimental simplicity and the potential for high-throughput screens. Here, we discuss the use of zebrafish as a candidate model organism for studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying social interactions, as well as potential impacts of social isolation on human health and wellbeing. Overall, the growing utility of zebrafish models may improve our understanding of how the presence and absence of social interactions can differentially modulate various molecular and physiological biomarkers, as well as a wide range of other behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Talise E Müller
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Neuropscychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Madeleine Cleal
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Scientific Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Elena V Petersen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Neuroscience and Bioscreening, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Neuropscychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
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211
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Lee B, Cho Y. Experimental Model Systems for Understanding Human Axonal Injury Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E474. [PMID: 33418850 PMCID: PMC7824864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are structurally unique and have dendrites and axons that are vulnerable to injury. Some neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) can regenerate their axons after injuries. However, most neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) fail to do so, resulting in irreversible neurological disorders. To understand the mechanisms of axon regeneration, various experimental models have been utilized in vivo and in vitro. Here, we collate the key experimental models that revealed the important mechanisms regulating axon regeneration and degeneration in different systems. We also discuss the advantages of experimenting with the rodent model, considering the application of these findings in understanding human diseases and for developing therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongcheol Cho
- Laboratory of Axon Regeneration & Degeneration, Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea;
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212
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Homolak J, Perhoc AB, Knezovic A, Osmanovic Barilar J, Salkovic-Petrisic M. Additional methodological considerations regarding optimization of the dose of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin A response to: "Optimization of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin dose for the induction of neuroinflammation and memory impairments in rats" by Ghosh et al., Metab Brain Dis 2020 July 21. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:97-102. [PMID: 33108579 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00637-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A recent article by Ghosh et al. entitled "Optimization of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin dose for the induction of neuroinflammation and memory impairments in rats" provides an important new set of information on neuroinflammation and cognitive deficit in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) based on intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (STZ-icv) in Charles-Foster rats in the early post-treatment period of 21 days. This comment is supposed to supplement the aforementioned manuscript by providing additional perspective on important factors that should be taken into account in the process of optimization of the streptozotocin (STZ) dose for intracerebroventricular treatment, and provides a brief overview of possible sources of variation of experimental results reported by different groups working with STZ-icv rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Homolak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Babic Perhoc
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Knezovic
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Osmanovic Barilar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Melita Salkovic-Petrisic
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
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213
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Wong PK, Cheah FC, Syafruddin SE, Mohtar MA, Azmi N, Ng PY, Chua EW. CRISPR Gene-Editing Models Geared Toward Therapy for Hereditary and Developmental Neurological Disorders. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:592571. [PMID: 33791256 PMCID: PMC8006930 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.592571] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary or developmental neurological disorders (HNDs or DNDs) affect the quality of life and contribute to the high mortality rates among neonates. Most HNDs are incurable, and the search for new and effective treatments is hampered by challenges peculiar to the human brain, which is guarded by the near-impervious blood-brain barrier. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR), a gene-editing tool repurposed from bacterial defense systems against viruses, has been touted by some as a panacea for genetic diseases. CRISPR has expedited the research into HNDs, enabling the generation of in vitro and in vivo models to simulate the changes in human physiology caused by genetic variation. In this review, we describe the basic principles and workings of CRISPR and the modifications that have been made to broaden its applications. Then, we review important CRISPR-based studies that have opened new doors to the treatment of HNDs such as fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. We also discuss how CRISPR can be used to generate research models to examine the effects of genetic variation and caffeine therapy on the developing brain. Several drawbacks of CRISPR may preclude its use at the clinics, particularly the vulnerability of neuronal cells to the adverse effect of gene editing, and the inefficiency of CRISPR delivery into the brain. In concluding the review, we offer some suggestions for enhancing the gene-editing efficacy of CRISPR and how it may be morphed into safe and effective therapy for HNDs and other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poh Kuan Wong
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fook Choe Cheah
- Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norazrina Azmi
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Yuen Ng
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eng Wee Chua
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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214
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MacDonald AJ, Yang YHC, Cruz AM, Beall C, Ellacott KLJ. Brain-Body Control of Glucose Homeostasis-Insights From Model Organisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:662769. [PMID: 33868184 PMCID: PMC8044781 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.662769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of blood glucose is essential for long term health. Blood glucose levels are defended by the correct function of, and communication between, internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and brain. Critically, the brain is sensitive to acute changes in blood glucose level and can modulate peripheral processes to defend against these deviations. In this mini-review we highlight select key findings showcasing the utility, strengths, and limitations of model organisms to study brain-body interactions that sense and control blood glucose levels. First, we discuss the large platform of genetic tools available to investigators studying mice and how this field may yet reveal new modes of communication between peripheral organs and the brain. Second, we discuss how rats, by virtue of their size, have unique advantages for the study of CNS control of glucose homeostasis and note that they may more closely model some aspects of human (patho)physiology. Third, we discuss the nascent field of studying the CNS control of blood glucose in the zebrafish which permits ease of genetic modification, large-scale measurements of neural activity and live imaging in addition to high-throughput screening. Finally, we briefly discuss glucose homeostasis in drosophila, which have a distinct physiology and glucoregulatory systems to vertebrates.
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215
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Yang MS, Xu XJ, Zhang B, Niu F, Liu BY. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of rat versus mouse cerebral cortex after traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1235-1243. [PMID: 33318400 PMCID: PMC8284282 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.301028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced secondary injury has greatly hampered the development of effective treatments for TBI patients. Targeting common processes across species may be an innovative strategy to combat debilitating TBI. In the present study, a cross-species transcriptome comparison was performed for the first time to determine the fundamental processes of secondary brain injury in Sprague-Dawley rat and C57/BL6 mouse models of TBI, caused by acute controlled cortical impact. The RNA sequencing data from the mouse model of TBI were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (ID: GSE79441) at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. For the rat data, peri-injury cerebral cortex samples were collected for transcriptomic analysis 24 hours after TBI. Differentially expressed gene-based functional analysis revealed that common features between the two species were mainly involved in the regulation and activation of the innate immune response, including complement cascades as well as Toll-like and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor pathways. These findings were further corroborated by gene set enrichment analysis. Moreover, transcription factor analysis revealed that the families of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), basic leucine zipper (BZIP), Rel homology domain (RHD), and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) transcription factors play vital regulatory roles in the pathophysiological processes of TBI, and are also largely associated with inflammation. These findings suggest that targeting the common innate immune response might be a promising therapeutic approach for TBI. The animal experimental procedures were approved by the Beijing Neurosurgical Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (approval No. 201802001) on June 6, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Shi Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury and Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury and Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bai-Yun Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury and Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; Nerve Injury and Repair Center of Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
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216
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Color as an important biological variable in zebrafish models: Implications for translational neurobehavioral research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 124:1-15. [PMID: 33359096 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Color is an important environmental factor that in multiple ways affects human and animal behavior and physiology. Widely used in neuroscience research, various experimental (animal) models may help improve our understanding of how different colors impact brain and behavioral processes. Complementing laboratory rodents, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly emerging as an important novel model species to explore complex neurobehavioral processes. The growing utility of zebrafish in biomedicine makes it timely to consider the role of colors in their behavioral and physiological responses. Here, we summarize mounting evidence implicating colors as a critical variable in zebrafish models and neurobehavioral traits, with a particular relevance to CNS disease modeling, genetic and pharmacological modulation, as well as environmental enrichment and animal welfare. We also discuss the growing value of zebrafish models to study color neurobiology and color-related neurobehavioral phenomics, and outline future directions of research in this field.
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217
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Buatois A, Gerlai R. Elemental and Configural Associative Learning in Spatial Tasks: Could Zebrafish be Used to Advance Our Knowledge? Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:570704. [PMID: 33390911 PMCID: PMC7773606 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.570704] [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: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial learning and memory have been studied for several decades. Analyses of these processes pose fundamental scientific questions but are also relevant from a biomedical perspective. The cellular, synaptic and molecular mechanisms underlying spatial learning have been intensively investigated, yet the behavioral mechanisms/strategies in a spatial task still pose unanswered questions. Spatial learning relies upon configural information about cues in the environment. However, each of these cues can also independently form part of an elemental association with the specific spatial position, and thus spatial tasks may be solved using elemental (single CS and US association) learning. Here, we first briefly review what we know about configural learning from studies with rodents. Subsequently, we discuss the pros and cons of employing a relatively novel laboratory organism, the zebrafish in such studies, providing some examples of methods with which both elemental and configural learning may be explored with this species. Last, we speculate about future research directions focusing on how zebrafish may advance our knowledge. We argue that zebrafish strikes a reasonable compromise between system complexity and practical simplicity and that adding this species to the studies with laboratory rodents will allow us to gain a better understanding of both the evolution of and the mechanisms underlying spatial learning. We conclude that zebrafish research will enhance the translational relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Buatois
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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218
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Mingrone A, Kaffman A, Kaffman A. The Promise of Automated Home-Cage Monitoring in Improving Translational Utility of Psychiatric Research in Rodents. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:618593. [PMID: 33390898 PMCID: PMC7773806 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large number of promising preclinical psychiatric studies in rodents later fail in clinical trials, raising concerns about the efficacy of this approach to generate novel pharmacological interventions. In this mini-review we argue that over-reliance on behavioral tests that are brief and highly sensitive to external factors play a critical role in this failure and propose that automated home-cage monitoring offers several advantages that will increase the translational utility of preclinical psychiatric research in rodents. We describe three of the most commonly used approaches for automated home cage monitoring in rodents [e.g., operant wall systems (OWS), computerized visual systems (CVS), and automatic motion sensors (AMS)] and review several commercially available systems that integrate the different approaches. Specific examples that demonstrate the advantages of automated home-cage monitoring over traditional tests of anxiety, depression, cognition, and addiction-like behaviors are highlighted. We conclude with recommendations on how to further expand this promising line of preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Mingrone
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ayal Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Arie Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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219
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Lalanza JF, Snoeren EMS. The cafeteria diet: A standardized protocol and its effects on behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:92-119. [PMID: 33309818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major health risk, with junk food consumption playing a central role in weight gain, because of its high palatability and high-energy nutrients. The Cafeteria (CAF) diet model for animal experiments consists of the same tasty but unhealthy food products that people eat (e.g. hot dogs and muffins), and considers variety, novelty and secondary food features, such as smell and texture. This model, therefore, mimics human eating patterns better than other models. In this paper, we systematically review studies that have used a CAF diet in behavioral experiments and propose a standardized CAF diet protocol. The proposed diet is ad libitum and voluntary; combines different textures, nutrients and tastes, including salty and sweet products; and it is rotated and varied. Our summary of the behavioral effects of CAF diet show that it alters meal patterns, reduces the hedonic value of other rewards, and tends to reduce stress and spatial memory. So far, no clear effects of CAF diet were found on locomotor activity, impulsivity, coping and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume F Lalanza
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Regional Health Authority of North Norway, Norway.
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220
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CRISPR/Cas9-engineered Gad1 elimination in rats leads to complex behavioral changes: implications for schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:426. [PMID: 33293518 PMCID: PMC7723991 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic dysfunctions have been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, especially the associated cognitive impairments. The GABA synthetic enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 67-kDa isoform (GAD67) encoded by the GAD1 gene is downregulated in the brains of patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, a patient with schizophrenia harboring a homozygous mutation of GAD1 has recently been discovered. However, it remains unclear whether loss of function of GAD1 leads to the symptoms observed in schizophrenia, including cognitive impairment. One of the obstacles faced in experimental studies to address this issue is the perinatal lethality of Gad1 knockout (KO) mice, which precluded characterization at the adult stage. In the present study, we successfully generated Gad1 KO rats using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Surprisingly, 33% of Gad1 KO rats survived to adulthood and could be subjected to further characterization. The GABA concentration in the Gad1 KO cerebrum was reduced to ~52% of the level in wild-type rats. Gad1 KO rats exhibited impairments in both spatial reference and working memory without affecting adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. In addition, Gad1 KO rats showed a wide range of behavioral alterations, such as enhanced sensitivity to an NMDA receptor antagonist, hypoactivity in a novel environment, and decreased preference for social novelty. Taken together, the results suggest that Gad1 KO rats could provide a novel model covering not only cognitive deficits but also other aspects of the disorder. Furthermore, the present study teaches an important lesson: differences between species should be considered when developing animal models of human diseases.
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221
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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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222
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Reppucci CJ, Brown LA, Chambers AQ, Veenema AH. Wistar rats and C57BL/6 mice differ in their motivation to seek social interaction versus food in the Social versus Food Preference Test. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113162. [PMID: 32877644 PMCID: PMC7655716 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we characterized the Social versus Food Preference Test, a behavioral paradigm designed to investigate the competition between the choice to seek social interaction versus the choice to seek food. We assessed how this competition was modulated by internal cues (social isolation, food deprivation), external cues (stimulus salience), sex (males, females), age (adolescents, adults), and rodent model (Wistar rats, C57BL/6 mice). We found that changes in stimulus preference in response to the internal and external cue manipulations were similar across cohorts. Specifically, social over food preference scores were reduced by food deprivation and social familiarly in Wistar rats and C57BL/6 mice of both sexes. Interestingly, the degree of food deprivation-induced changes in stimulus investigation patterns were greater in adolescents compared to adults in Wistar rats and C57BL/6 mice. Strikingly, baseline stimulus preference and investigation times varied greatly between rodent models: across manipulations, Wistar rats were generally more social-preferring and C57BL/6 mice were generally more food-preferring. Adolescent Wistar rats spent more time investigating the social and food stimuli than adult Wistar rats, while adolescent and adult C57BL/6 mice investigated the stimuli a similar amount. Social isolation did not alter behavior in the Social versus Food Preference Test. Together, our results indicate that the Social versus Food Preference Test is a flexible behavioral paradigm suitable for future interrogations of the peripheral and central systems that can coordinate the expression of stimulus preference related to multiple motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Reppucci
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, 4016 ISTB, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| | - Leigha A Brown
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, 4016 ISTB, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Ashley Q Chambers
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, 4016 ISTB, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, 4016 ISTB, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
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223
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Moore SJ, Murphy GG, Cazares VA. Turning strains into strengths for understanding psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:3164-3177. [PMID: 32404949 PMCID: PMC7666068 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0772-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity in the development of new mechanistic insights and therapeutic approaches for treating psychiatric disease. One of the major challenges is reflected in the growing consensus that risk for these diseases is not determined by a single gene, but rather is polygenic, arising from the action and interaction of multiple genes. Canonically, experimental models in mice have been designed to ascertain the relative contribution of a single gene to a disease by systematic manipulation (e.g., mutation or deletion) of a known candidate gene. Because these studies have been largely carried out using inbred isogenic mouse strains, in which there is no (or very little) genetic diversity among subjects, it is difficult to identify unique allelic variants, gene modifiers, and epigenetic factors that strongly affect the nature and severity of these diseases. Here, we review various methods that take advantage of existing genetic diversity or that increase genetic variance in mouse models to (1) strengthen conclusions of single-gene function; (2) model diversity among human populations; and (3) dissect complex phenotypes that arise from the actions of multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon J Moore
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute & Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute & Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Victor A Cazares
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute & Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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224
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The pudendal nerve motor branch regenerates via a brain derived neurotrophic factor mediated mechanism. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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225
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Kakizaki T, Ohshiro T, Itakura M, Konno K, Watanabe M, Mushiake H, Yanagawa Y. Rats deficient in the GAD65 isoform exhibit epilepsy and premature lethality. FASEB J 2020; 35:e21224. [PMID: 33236473 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001935r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
GABA is synthesized by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), which has two isoforms, namely, GAD65 and GAD67, encoded by the Gad2 and Gad1 genes, respectively. GAD65-deficient (Gad2-/- ) mice exhibit a reduction in brain GABA content after 1 month of age and show spontaneous seizures in adulthood. Approximately 25% of Gad2-/- mice died by 6 months of age. Our Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein expression ratio of GAD65 to GAD67 in the brain was greater in rats than in mice during postnatal development, suggesting that the contribution of each GAD isoform to GABA functions differs between these two species. To evaluate whether GAD65 deficiency causes different phenotypes between rats and mice, we generated Gad2-/- rats using TALEN genome editing technology. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses with new antibodies demonstrated that the GAD65 protein was undetectable in the Gad2-/- rat brain. Gad2-/- pups exhibited spontaneous seizures and paroxysmal discharge in EEG at postnatal weeks 3-4. More than 80% of the Gad2-/- rats died at postnatal days (PNDs) 17-23. GABA content in Gad2-/- brains was significantly lower than those in Gad2+/- and Gad2+/+ brains at PND17-19. These results suggest that the low levels of brain GABA content in Gad2-/- rats may lead to epilepsy followed by premature death, and that Gad2-/- rats are more severely affected than Gad2-/- mice. Considering that the GAD65/GAD67 ratio in human brains is more similar to that in rat brains than in mouse brains, Gad2-/- rats would be useful for further investigating the roles of GAD65 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshikazu Kakizaki
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Ohshiro
- Department of Physiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makoto Itakura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kohtarou Konno
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hajime Mushiake
- Department of Physiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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226
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Flores-Cuadra JA, Madrid A, Fernández PL, Pérez-Lao AR, Oviedo DC, Britton GB, Carreira MB. Critical Review of the Alzheimer's Disease Non-Transgenic Models: Can They Contribute to Disease Treatment? J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 82:S227-S250. [PMID: 33216029 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing neurodegenerative disease without effective treatments or therapies. Despite the use of different approaches and an extensive variety of genetic amyloid based models, therapeutic strategies remain elusive. AD is characterized by three main pathological hallmarks that include amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammatory processes; however, many other pathological mechanisms have been described in the literature. Nonetheless, the study of the disease and the screening of potential therapies is heavily weighted toward the study of amyloid-β transgenic models. Non-transgenic models may aid in the study of complex pathological states and provide a suitable complementary alternative to evaluating therapeutic biomedical and intervention strategies. In this review, we evaluate the literature on non-transgenic alternatives, focusing on the use of these models for testing therapeutic strategies, and assess their contribution to understanding AD. This review aims to underscore the need for a shift in preclinical research on intervention strategies for AD from amyloid-based to alternative, complementary non-amyloid approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Flores-Cuadra
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Alanna Madrid
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Patricia L Fernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Ambar R Pérez-Lao
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Diana C Oviedo
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá.,Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA), Panamá
| | - Gabrielle B Britton
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Maria B Carreira
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
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227
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Netser S, Meyer A, Magalnik H, Zylbertal A, de la Zerda SH, Briller M, Bizer A, Grinevich V, Wagner S. Distinct dynamics of social motivation drive differential social behavior in laboratory rat and mouse strains. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5908. [PMID: 33219219 PMCID: PMC7679456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice and rats are widely used to explore mechanisms of mammalian social behavior in health and disease, raising the question whether they actually differ in their social behavior. Here we address this question by directly comparing social investigation behavior between two mouse and rat strains used most frequently for behavioral studies and as models of neuropathological conditions: C57BL/6 J mice and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Employing novel experimental systems for behavioral analysis of both subjects and stimuli during the social preference test, we reveal marked differences in behavioral dynamics between the strains, suggesting stronger and faster induction of social motivation in SD rats. These different behavioral patterns, which correlate with distinctive c-Fos expression in social motivation-related brain areas, are modified by competition with non-social rewarding stimuli, in a strain-specific manner. Thus, these two strains differ in their social behavior, which should be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate model organism. Laboratory rat and mouse strains serve as animal models to explore brain mechanisms underlying social behavior. Here, the authors describe differences in social behavior between commonly used rat and mouse strains, which may reflect distinct dynamics of social motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Ana Meyer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, J5, 69159, Germany
| | - Hen Magalnik
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Asaph Zylbertal
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WCE1 6BT, UK
| | - Shani Haskal de la Zerda
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Mayan Briller
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Alexander Bizer
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, J5, 69159, Germany
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.
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Carter CS, Richardson A, Huffman DM, Austad S. Bring Back the Rat! J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:405-415. [PMID: 31894235 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As 2020 is "The Year of the Rat" in the Chinese astrological calendar, it seems an appropriate time to consider whether we should bring back the laboratory rat to front-and-center in research on the basic biology of mammalian aging. Beginning in the 1970s, aging research with rats became common, peaking in 1992 but then declined dramatically by 2018 as the mouse became preeminent. The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the historical contributions as well as current advantages of the rat as a mammalian model of human aging, because we suspect at least a generation of researchers is no longer aware of this history or these advantages. Herein, we compare and contrast the mouse and rat in the context of several biological domains relevant to their use as appropriate models of aging: phylogeny/domestication, longevity interventions, pathology/physiology, and behavior/cognition. It is not the goal of this review to give a complete characterization of the differences between mice and rats, but to provide important examples of why using rats as well as mice is important to advance our understanding of the biology of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy S Carter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Arlan Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, and the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
| | - Derek M Huffman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Steven Austad
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Pensado-López A, Veiga-Rúa S, Carracedo Á, Allegue C, Sánchez L. Experimental Models to Study Autism Spectrum Disorders: hiPSCs, Rodents and Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1376. [PMID: 33233737 PMCID: PMC7699923 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of the global population, which manifest alterations in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is a complex disorder with known environmental and genetic contributors; however, ASD etiology is far from being clear. In the past decades, many efforts have been put into developing new models to study ASD, both in vitro and in vivo. These models have a lot of potential to help to validate some of the previously associated risk factors to the development of the disorder, and to test new potential therapies that help to alleviate ASD symptoms. The present review is focused on the recent advances towards the generation of models for the study of ASD, which would be a useful tool to decipher the bases of the disorder, as well as to conduct drug screenings that hopefully lead to the identification of useful compounds to help patients deal with the symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Sara Veiga-Rúa
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Catarina Allegue
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
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Levine M, McDevitt RA, Meer M, Perdue K, Di Francesco A, Meade T, Farrell C, Thrush K, Wang M, Dunn C, Pellegrini M, de Cabo R, Ferrucci L. A rat epigenetic clock recapitulates phenotypic aging and co-localizes with heterochromatin. eLife 2020; 9:e59201. [PMID: 33179594 PMCID: PMC7661040 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Robust biomarkers of aging have been developed from DNA methylation in humans and more recently, in mice. This study aimed to generate a novel epigenetic clock in rats-a model with unique physical, physiological, and biochemical advantages-by incorporating behavioral data, unsupervised machine learning, and network analysis to identify epigenetic signals that not only track with age, but also relates to phenotypic aging. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) data was used to train an epigenetic age (DNAmAge) measure in Fischer 344 CDF (F344) rats. This measure correlated with age at (r = 0.93) in an independent sample, and related to physical functioning (p=5.9e-3), after adjusting for age and cell counts. DNAmAge was also found to correlate with age in male C57BL/6 mice (r = 0.79), and was decreased in response to caloric restriction. Our signatures driven by CpGs in intergenic regions that showed substantial overlap with H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and E2F1 transcriptional factor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Levine
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Ross A McDevitt
- Comparative Medicine Section, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Margarita Meer
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Kathy Perdue
- Comparative Medicine Section, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Andrea Di Francesco
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
- Calico Life SciencesSouth San FranciscoUnited States
| | - Theresa Meade
- Comparative Medicine Section, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Colin Farrell
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Kyra Thrush
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Meng Wang
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Christopher Dunn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Flow Core Unit, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Molecular Biology Institute and Departments of Energy Laboratory of Structural Biology and Molecular Medicine, and Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
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231
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Leblanc H, Ramirez S. Linking Social Cognition to Learning and Memory. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8782-8798. [PMID: 33177112 PMCID: PMC7659449 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1280-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many mammals have evolved to be social creatures. In humans, the ability to learn from others' experiences is essential to survival; and from an early age, individuals are surrounded by a social environment that helps them develop a variety of skills, such as walking, talking, and avoiding danger. Similarly, in rodents, behaviors, such as food preference, exploration of novel contexts, and social approach, can be learned through social interaction. Social encounters facilitate new learning and help modify preexisting memories throughout the lifespan of an organism. Moreover, social encounters can help buffer stress or the effects of negative memories, as well as extinguish maladaptive behaviors. Given the importance of such interactions, there has been increasing work studying social learning and applying its concepts in a wide range of fields, including psychotherapy and medical sociology. The process of social learning, including its neural and behavioral mechanisms, has also been a rapidly growing field of interest in neuroscience. However, the term "social learning" has been loosely applied to a variety of psychological phenomena, often without clear definition or delineations. Therefore, this review gives a definition for specific aspects of social learning, provides an overview of previous work at the circuit, systems, and behavioral levels, and finally, introduces new findings on the social modulation of learning. We contextualize such social processes in the brain both through the role of the hippocampus and its capacity to process "social engrams" as well as through the brainwide realization of social experiences. With the integration of new technologies, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and calcium imaging, manipulating social engrams will likely offer a novel therapeutic target to enhance the positive buffering effects of social experiences or to inhibit fear-inducing social stimuli in models of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloise Leblanc
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Neurophotonics Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
- Center for Systems Neuroscience at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119
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232
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Müller I, Adams DD, Sangha S, Chester JA. Juvenile stress facilitates safety learning in male and female high alcohol preferring mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113006. [PMID: 33166568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adversities during juvenility increase the risk for stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. However, stress can also induce coping mechanisms beneficial for later stressful experiences. We reported previously that mice selectively bred for high alcohol preference (HAP) exposed to stress during adolescence (but not during adulthood) showed enhanced fear-conditioned responses in adulthood, as measured by fear-potentiated startle (FPS). However, HAP mice also showed enhanced responding to safety cues predicting the absence of foot shocks in adulthood. Here, we pursue these findings in HAP mice by investigating in further detail how juvenile stress impacts the acquisition of safety and fear learning. HAP mice were subjected to three days of juvenile stress (postnatal days 25, 27, 28) and discriminative safety/fear conditioning in adulthood. FPS was used to assess safety versus fear cue discrimination, fear learning, and fear inhibition by the safety cue. Both stressed and unstressed HAP mice were able to discriminate between both cues as well as learn the fear cue-shock association. Interestingly, it was only the previously stressed mice that were able to inhibit their fear response when the fear cue was co-presented with the safety cue, thus demonstrating safety learning. We also report an incidental finding of alopecia in the juvenile stress groups, a phenotype seen in stress-related disorders. These results in HAP mice may be relevant to understanding the influence of juvenile trauma for individual risk and resilience toward developing PTSD and how individuals might benefit from safety cues in behavioral psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Müller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Demitra D Adams
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Susan Sangha
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Julia A Chester
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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233
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Onochie AU, Oli AH, Oli AN, Ezeigwe OC, Nwaka AC, Okani CO, Okam PC, Ihekwereme CP, Okoyeh JN. The Pharmacobiochemical Effects of Ethanol Extract of Justicia secunda Vahl Leaves in Rattus Norvegicus. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:423-437. [PMID: 33173354 PMCID: PMC7646487 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s267443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the biochemical effects of ethanol leaves extract on Wistar rats and also shed light on its constituents and phytonutrients. METHODS The ethanolic extract of J. secunda leaves was prepared using conventional methods. Then, proximate and phytochemical analyses of the extracts were carried out using several methods previously reported in the literatures. The biochemical studies were also carried out as reported in previous literatures. RESULTS The ethanolic leaves extract contains appreciable quantities of phytonutrients and micronutrients as well as phytochemical constituents. The LD50 of the extract was determined to be 3800mg/kg body weight. There was a dose-dependent elevation of the blood sugar in comparison with the control. There was no significant increase on the bilirubin and liver enzymes levels or on the haematological parameters of the lab animals. The extract significantly elevated the lipid profile (P value < 0.0001), the glomerular filtration rate (increased creatinine and blood urea levels - P value < 0.0001), the serum electrolytes and the animals' weight. There was a significant decrease in the anion gap (P value < 0.01). CONCLUSION The ethanol leaf extract of Justicia secunda has negative cardiac and renal effects on Wistar rats, causing increased lipid profile values, creatinine and blood urea levels in the experimental animals compared with control. The LD50 is below the safety level. Caution should be exercised as the biochemical profiles of cardiac and renal effects do not seem to be promising and the LD50 is below the safety level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony U Onochie
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Adaobi Helen Oli
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
- HIV Lab, HIV Care Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Angus Nnamdi Oli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Obiajulu Christian Ezeigwe
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Andrew C Nwaka
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwudi O Okani
- Department of Histopathology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka420108, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Princeston Chukwuemeka Okam
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Chibueze P Ihekwereme
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Jude Nnaemeka Okoyeh
- Department of Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science, Division of Arts and Sciences, Neumann University, Aston, PA19014-1298, USA
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Fang J, Pieper AA, Nussinov R, Lee G, Bekris L, Leverenz JB, Cummings J, Cheng F. Harnessing endophenotypes and network medicine for Alzheimer's drug repurposing. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2386-2426. [PMID: 32656864 PMCID: PMC7561446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Following two decades of more than 400 clinical trials centered on the "one drug, one target, one disease" paradigm, there is still no effective disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The inherent complexity of AD may challenge this reductionist strategy. Recent observations and advances in network medicine further indicate that AD likely shares common underlying mechanisms and intermediate pathophenotypes, or endophenotypes, with other diseases. In this review, we consider AD pathobiology, disease comorbidity, pleiotropy, and therapeutic development, and construct relevant endophenotype networks to guide future therapeutic development. Specifically, we discuss six main endophenotype hypotheses in AD: amyloidosis, tauopathy, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular dysfunction, and lysosomal dysfunction. We further consider how this endophenotype network framework can provide advances in computational and experimental strategies for drug-repurposing and identification of new candidate therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from or at risk for AD. We highlight new opportunities for endophenotype-informed, drug discovery in AD, by exploiting multi-omics data. Integration of genomics, transcriptomics, radiomics, pharmacogenomics, and interactomics (protein-protein interactions) are essential for successful drug discovery. We describe experimental technologies for AD drug discovery including human induced pluripotent stem cells, transgenic mouse/rat models, and population-based retrospective case-control studies that may be integrated with multi-omics in a network medicine methodology. In summary, endophenotype-based network medicine methodologies will promote AD therapeutic development that will optimize the usefulness of available data and support deep phenotyping of the patient heterogeneity for personalized medicine in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospital Case Medical Center; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers, Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Garam Lee
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | - Lynn Bekris
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - James B. Leverenz
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Craig AR, Sullivan WE, Derrenbacker K, Rimal A, DeRosa NM, Roane HS. An evaluation of resurgence in mice. LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2020.101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Heinzel J, Längle G, Oberhauser V, Hausner T, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Use of the CatWalk gait analysis system to assess functional recovery in rodent models of peripheral nerve injury – a systematic review. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 345:108889. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Forsell L, Vos EN, Jayaraman K, Edman A, Hussaini SA. BrainWiki-A Wiki-Style, User Driven, Comparative Brain Anatomy Tool. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:548172. [PMID: 33192339 PMCID: PMC7604473 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.548172] [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: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse is the most important animal model within neuroscientific research, a position strengthened by the wide-spread use of transgenic mouse models. Discoveries in animals are followed by corroboration in humans, and the interchange between these fields of research is essential to our understanding of the human brain. With the advent of advanced technologies such as single-cell transcriptomics, epigenetic profiling and diffusion MRI, many prominent research institutes and collaborations have emerged, aiming to construct complete human or mouse brain atlases with data on gene expression, connectivity and cell types. These initiatives are indispensable resources, but frequently require extensive, time-consuming development, and rely on updates by the provider. They often come in the shape of applications which require practice or prior technical know-how. Importantly, none of them place the human and the mouse brain next to each other to allow for immediate comparison. We present BrainWiki, a user-friendly, web-based atlas that links the human and the mouse brain together, side-by-side. The platform gives the user a simple overview of brain anatomy along with published articles relating to each brain region that allows the user to delve deeper into the current state of research concerning circuitry, brain functions and pathology. The website relies on interactivity and supports user contributions resulting in a dynamic website that evolves at the pace of neuroscience. It is designed to allow for constant updates and new features in the future which will contain data such as gene expression and neuronal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Forsell
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.,Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Keerthi Jayaraman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Axel Edman
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Abid Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Shalgunov V, Xiong M, L'Estrade ET, Raval NR, Andersen IV, Edgar FG, Speth NR, Baerentzen SL, Hansen HD, Donovan LL, Nasser A, Peitersen ST, Kjaer A, Knudsen GM, Syvänen S, Palner M, Herth MM. Blocking of efflux transporters in rats improves translational validation of brain radioligands. EJNMMI Res 2020; 10:124. [PMID: 33074370 PMCID: PMC7572968 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-020-00718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Positron emission tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging technique that can be used to investigate the in vivo pharmacology of drugs. Initial preclinical evaluation of PET tracers is often conducted in rodents due to the accessibility of disease models as well as economic considerations. Compared to larger species, rodents display a higher expression and/or activity of efflux transporters such as the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Low brain uptake could, therefore, be species-specific and uptake in rodents not be predictive for that in humans. We hypothesized that a better prediction from rodent data could be achieved when a tracer is evaluated under P-gp inhibition. Consequently, we compared the performance of eight neuroreceptor tracers in rats with and without P-gp inhibition including a specific binding blockade. This data set was then used to predict the binding of these eight tracers in pigs. Methods PET tracers targeting serotonin 5-HT2A receptors ([18F]MH.MZ, [18F]Altanserin, [11C]Cimbi-36, [11C]Pimavanserin), serotonin 5-HT7 receptors ([11C]Cimbi-701, [11C]Cimbi-717 and [11C]BA-10) and dopamine D2/3 receptors ([18F]Fallypride) were used in the study. The brain uptake and target-specific binding of these PET radiotracers were evaluated in rats with and without inhibition of P-gp. Rat data were subsequently compared to the results obtained in pigs. Results Without P-gp inhibition, the amount of target-specific binding in the rat brain was sufficient to justify further translation for three out of eight evaluated tracers. With P-gp inhibition, results for five out of eight tracers justified further translation. The performance in pigs could correctly be predicted for six out of eight tracers when rat data obtained under P-gp inhibition were used, compared to four out of eight tracers without P-gp inhibition. Conclusions P-gp strongly affects the uptake of PET tracers in rodents, but false prediction outcomes can be reduced by evaluating a tracer under P-gp inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Shalgunov
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mengfei Xiong
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elina T L'Estrade
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Radiation Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics Unit, Skånes University Hospital, Barngatan 3, 222 42, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nakul R Raval
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fraser G Edgar
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nikolaj R Speth
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone L Baerentzen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne D Hansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Lene L Donovan
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arafat Nasser
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siv T Peitersen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stina Syvänen
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Palner
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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239
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Approaching Gravity as a Continuum Using the Rat Partial Weight-Bearing Model. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10100235. [PMID: 33049988 PMCID: PMC7599661 DOI: 10.3390/life10100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, scientists have relied on animals to understand the risks and consequences of space travel. Animals remain key to study the physiological alterations during spaceflight and provide crucial information about microgravity-induced changes. While spaceflights may appear common, they remain costly and, coupled with limited cargo areas, do not allow for large sample sizes onboard. In 1979, a model of hindlimb unloading (HU) was successfully created to mimic microgravity and has been used extensively since its creation. Four decades later, the first model of mouse partial weight-bearing (PWB) was developed, aiming at mimicking partial gravity environments. Return to the Lunar surface for astronauts is now imminent and prompted the need for an animal model closer to human physiology; hence in 2018, our laboratory created a new model of PWB for adult rats. In this review, we will focus on the rat model of PWB, from its conception to the current state of knowledge. Additionally, we will address how this new model, used in conjunction with HU, will help implement new paradigms allowing scientists to anticipate the physiological alterations and needs of astronauts. Finally, we will discuss the outstanding questions and future perspectives in space research and propose potential solutions using the rat PWB model.
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240
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Wong H, Hooper AWM, Niibori Y, Lee SJ, Hategan LA, Zhang L, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Till SM, Kind PC, Danos O, Bruder JT, Hampson DR. Sexually dimorphic patterns in electroencephalography power spectrum and autism-related behaviors in a rat model of fragile X syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105118. [PMID: 33031903 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a neurodevelopmental disorder with autistic features, is caused by the loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein. Sex-specific differences in the clinical profile have been observed in FXS patients, but few studies have directly compared males and females in rodent models of FXS. To address this, we performed electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and a battery of autism-related behavioral tasks on juvenile and young adult Fmr1 knockout (KO) rats. EEG analysis demonstrated that compared to wild-type, male Fmr1 KO rats showed an increase in gamma frequency band power in the frontal cortex during the sleep-like immobile state, and both male and female KO rats failed to show an increase in delta frequency power in the sleep-like state, as observed in wild-type rats. Previous studies of EEG profiles in FXS subjects also reported abnormally increased gamma frequency band power, highlighting this parameter as a potential translatable biomarker. Both male and female Fmr1 KO rats displayed reduced exploratory behaviors in the center zone of the open field test, and increased distance travelled in an analysis of 24-h home cage activity, an effect that was more prominent during the nocturnal phase. Reduced wins against wild-type opponents in the tube test of social dominance was seen in both sexes. In contrast, increased repetitive behaviors in the wood chew test was observed in male but not female KO rats, while increased freezing in a fear conditioning test was observed only in the female KO rats. Our findings highlight sex differences between male and female Fmr1 KO rats, and indicate that the rat model of FXS could be a useful tool for the development of new therapeutics for treating this debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayes Wong
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Yosuke Niibori
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shiron J Lee
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luca A Hategan
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liang Zhang
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sally M Till
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter C Kind
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Olivier Danos
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph T Bruder
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - David R Hampson
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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241
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Neurobiological Mechanisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy, Insights from Animal Models. Neuroscience 2020; 445:69-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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242
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Mondello SE, Pedigo BD, Sunshine MD, Fischedick AE, Horner PJ, Moritz CT. A micro-LED implant and technique for optogenetic stimulation of the rat spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2020; 335:113480. [PMID: 32991934 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To date, relatively few studies have used optogenetic stimulation to address basic science and therapeutic questions within the spinal cord. Even less have reported optogenetic stimulation in the rat spinal cord. This is likely due to a lack of accessible optogenetic implants. The development of a device that can be fabricated and operated by most laboratories, requiring no special equipment, would allow investigators to begin dissecting the functions of specific neuronal cell-types and circuitry within the spinal cord, as well as investigate therapies for spinal ailments like spinal cord injury. Here, we describe a long-term implantable μLED device designed for optogenetic stimulation of the spinal cord in awake, freely moving rats that is simple enough to be fabricated, implanted and operated by most laboratories. This device, which sits above the dorsal cord, can induce robust movements for at least 6 weeks without causing physical or thermal damage to the underlying spinal cord. In this regard, the presented μLED device could help tease apart the complexities of the spinal cord and uncover potential future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Mondello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - B D Pedigo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - M D Sunshine
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - A E Fischedick
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - P J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - C T Moritz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; University of Washington Institute for Neuroengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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243
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Leonardi BF, Gosmann G, Zimmer AR. Modeling Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rodents. Mol Nutr Food Res 2020; 64:e2000249. [PMID: 32978870 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Standardized animal models represent one of the most valuable tools available to understand the mechanism underlying the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to seek for new therapeutic strategies. However, there is considerable variability in the studies conducted with this essential purpose. This review presents an updated discussion of the most recent studies using diverse experimental conditions to induce MetS in rodents with unbalanced diets, discusses the key findings in metabolic outcomes, and critically evaluates what we have been learned from them and how to advance in the field. The study includes scientific reports sourced from the Web of Science and PubMed databases, published between January 2013 and June 2020, which used hypercaloric diets to induce metabolic disorders, and address the impact of the diet on metabolic parameters. The collected data are used as support to discuss variables such as sex, species, and age of the animals, the most favorable type of diet, and the ideal diet length to generate metabolic changes. The experimental characteristics propose herein improve the performance of a preclinical model that resembles the human MetS and will guide researchers to investigate new therapeutic alternatives with confidence and higher translational validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca F Leonardi
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2752 Ipiranga avenue, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Grace Gosmann
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2752 Ipiranga avenue, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Aline R Zimmer
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2752 Ipiranga avenue, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
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244
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Cognitive performance, mood and satiety following ingestion of beverages imparting different glycaemic responses: a randomised double-blind crossover trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2020; 75:602-610. [PMID: 32943769 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-00749-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The relationship between postprandial glycaemic responses and cognitive performance, mood and satiety are inconsistent. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of different glycaemic responses, induced by beverages with different glycaemic index (GI) (sucrose and isomaltulose), and a non-glycaemic control (sucralose), on cognition, mood and satiety. SUBJECTS/METHODS In this double-blinded, randomised crossover trial, healthy adults (n = 55) received sucrose (GI 65), isomaltulose (GI 32) and sucralose (non-caloric negative control) drinks on separate occasions. The Complex Figure test, the Word Recall test, Trail Making Test Part B and the Stroop test were administered 60 min after beverages ingestion. Mood and satiety were tested along with cognitive performance. RESULTS Comparing between isomaltulose and sucrose, there were no significant differences in the mean (95% CI) for the following: Complex Figure: immediate recall -0.6 (-1.7, 0.5), delayed recall -0.8 (-1.9, 0.3); Word recall: immediate recall 0.2 (-0.7, 1.1), delayed recall 0.5 (-0.4, 1.4); Trail Making: completing time -2.4 (-7.5, 2.7) s; Stroop: time used for correct congruent responses -9 (-31, 14) ms and correct incongruent responses -18 (-42, 6) ms. No differences among beverages were found in the mood and satiety scores with exception that participants felt more energetic 60 min after isomaltulose ingestion (p = 0.028 for difference with sucrose) and hungrier 30 min after isomaltulose ingestion (p = 0.036 for difference with sucrose; p = 0.022 for difference with sucralose). CONCLUSION Under these study conditions there is no convincing evidence for an effect of glycaemic response on cognitive performance, mood or satiety.
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245
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Loss of
Cntnap2
in the Rat Causes Autism‐Related Alterations in Social Interactions, Stereotypic Behavior, and Sensory Processing. Autism Res 2020; 13:1698-1717. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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246
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León-Moreno LC, Castañeda-Arellano R, Aguilar-García IG, Desentis-Desentis MF, Torres-Anguiano E, Gutiérrez-Almeida CE, Najar-Acosta LJ, Mendizabal-Ruiz G, Ascencio-Piña CR, Dueñas-Jiménez JM, Rivas-Carrillo JD, Dueñas-Jiménez SH. Kinematic Changes in a Mouse Model of Penetrating Hippocampal Injury and Their Recovery After Intranasal Administration of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:579162. [PMID: 33192324 PMCID: PMC7533596 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.579162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion speed changes appear following hippocampal injury. We used a hippocampal penetrating brain injury mouse model to analyze other kinematic changes. We found a significant decrease in locomotion speed in both open-field and tunnel walk tests. We described a new quantitative method that allows us to analyze and compare the displacement curves between mice steps. In the tunnel walk, we marked mice with indelible ink on the knee, ankle, and metatarsus of the left and right hindlimbs to evaluate both in every step. Animals with hippocampal damage exhibit slower locomotion speed in both hindlimbs. In contrast, in the cortical injured group, we observed significant speed decrease only in the right hindlimb. We found changes in the displacement patterns after hippocampal injury. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles had been used for the treatment of several diseases in animal models. Here, we evaluated the effects of intranasal administration of endometrial mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles on the outcome after the hippocampal injury. We report the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin 6 in these vesicles. We observed locomotion speed and displacement pattern preservation in mice after vesicle treatment. These mice had lower pyknotic cells percentage and a smaller damaged area in comparison with the nontreated group, probably due to angiogenesis, wound repair, and inflammation decrease. Our results build up on the evidence of the hippocampal role in walk control and suggest that the extracellular vesicles could confer neuroprotection to the damaged hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Carolina León-Moreno
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Tonala, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Rolando Castañeda-Arellano
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Transplant, Department of Physiology, cGMP Cell Processing Facility, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Irene Guadalupe Aguilar-García
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | | | - Elizabeth Torres-Anguiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Tonala, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Coral Estefanía Gutiérrez-Almeida
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Luis Jesús Najar-Acosta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Tonala, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Mendizabal-Ruiz
- Department of Computer Sciences, University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - César Rodolfo Ascencio-Piña
- Department of Computer Sciences, University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Judith Marcela Dueñas-Jiménez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jorge David Rivas-Carrillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Tonala, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Sergio Horacio Dueñas-Jiménez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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247
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Ostrovskaya OI, Cao G, Eroglu C, Harris KM. Developmental onset of enduring long-term potentiation in mouse hippocampus. Hippocampus 2020; 30:1298-1312. [PMID: 32894631 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23257] [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] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of long-term potentiation (LTP) provides a powerful window into cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. Prior work shows late LTP (L-LTP), lasting >3 hr, occurs abruptly at postnatal day 12 (P12) in the stratum radiatum of rat hippocampal area CA1. The goal here was to determine the developmental profile of synaptic plasticity leading to L-LTP in the mouse hippocampus. Two mouse strains and two mutations known to affect synaptic plasticity were chosen: C57BL/6J and Fmr1-/y on the C57BL/6J background, and 129SVE and Hevin-/- (Sparcl1-/- ) on the 129SVE background. Like rats, hippocampal slices from all of the mice showed test pulse-induced depression early during development that was gradually resolved with maturation by 5 weeks. All the mouse strains showed a gradual progression between P10-P35 in the expression of short-term potentiation (STP), lasting ≤1 hr. In the 129SVE mice, L-LTP onset (>25% of slices) occurred by 3 weeks, reliable L-LTP (>50% slices) was achieved by 4 weeks, and Hevin-/- advanced this profile by 1 week. In the C57BL/6J mice, L-LTP onset occurred significantly later, over 3-4 weeks, and reliability was not achieved until 5 weeks. Although some of the Fmr1-/y mice showed L-LTP before 3 weeks, reliable L-LTP also was not achieved until 5 weeks. L-LTP onset was not advanced in any of the mouse genotypes by multiple bouts of theta-burst stimulation at 90 or 180 min intervals. These findings show important species differences in the onset of STP and L-LTP, which occur at the same age in rats but are sequentially acquired in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga I Ostrovskaya
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Guan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen M Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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248
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Hamdy N, Eide S, Sun HS, Feng ZP. Animal models for neonatal brain injury induced by hypoxic ischemic conditions in rodents. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113457. [PMID: 32889009 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and resulting encephalopathies are of significant concern. Intrapartum asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death globally. Among surviving infants, there remains a high incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, manifesting as mild conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and debilitating disorders such as cerebral palsy. Various animal models of neonatal hypoxic brain injury have been implemented to explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of novel therapeutic strategies, and characterize the functional and behavioural correlates of injury. Each of the animal models has individual advantages and limitations. The present review looks at several widely-used and alternative rodent models of neonatal hypoxia and hypoxia-ischemia; it highlights their strengths and limitations, and their potential for continued and improved use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Hamdy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sarah Eide
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hong-Shuo Sun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Zhong-Ping Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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249
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Treading water: mixed effects of high fat diet on mouse behavior in the forced swim test. Physiol Behav 2020; 223:112965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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250
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Rasmussen EB, Newland MC, Hemmelman E. The Relevance of Operant Behavior in Conceptualizing the Psychological Well-Being of Captive Animals. Perspect Behav Sci 2020; 43:617-654. [PMID: 33029580 PMCID: PMC7490306 DOI: 10.1007/s40614-020-00259-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The term "psychological well-being" is used in reference to husbandry with animals in human care settings such as research, agriculture, and zoos. This article seeks to clarify and conceptualize the term based upon two approaches that draw from several bodies of literature: the experimental analysis of behavior, experimental psychology, animal welfare and husbandry, farm animal behavior, zoo husbandry, and ethology. One approach focuses on the presence of problem behavior such as stereotypies, depressive-like behavior, and aggression, and emphasizes the conditions under which aberrant behavior in animals under human care occurs. The second approach examines what might be considered wellness by emphasizing opportunities to engage with its environment, or the absence of such opportunities, even if problematic behavior is not exhibited. Here, access to an interactive environment is relatively limited so opportunities for operant (voluntary) behavior could be considered. Designing for operant behavior provides opportunities for variability in both behavior and outcomes. Operant behavior also provides control over the environment, a characteristic that has been a core assumption of well-being. The importance of interactions with one's environment is especially evident in observations that animals prefer opportunities to work for items necessary for sustenance, such as food, over having them delivered freely. These considerations raise the importance of operant behavior to psychological well-being, especially as benefits to animals under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin B. Rasmussen
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209-8112 USA
| | | | - Ethan Hemmelman
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209-8112 USA
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