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Bove M, Sikora V, Santoro M, Agosti LP, Palmieri MA, Dimonte S, Tucci P, Schiavone S, Morgese MG, Trabace L. Sex differences in the BTBR idiopathic mouse model of autism spectrum disorders: Behavioural and redox-related hippocampal alterations. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110134. [PMID: 39208979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases. Epidemiological data report that males have been diagnosed with autism more frequently than females. However, recent studies hypothesize that females' low incidence might be underestimated due to standard clinical measures of ASD behavioural symptoms, mostly derived from males. Indeed, up to now, ASD mouse models focused mainly on males, considering the prevalence of the diagnosis in that sex. Regarding ASD aetiopathogenesis, it has been recently reported that oxidative stress might be implicated in its onset and development, suggesting an association with ASD typical repetitive behaviours that still need to be disentangled. Here, we investigated possible behavioural and molecular sex-related differences by using the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic ASD. To this aim, animals were exposed to behavioural tests related to different ASD core symptoms and comorbidities, i.e. stereotyped repertoire, social dysfunctions, hyperlocomotion and risk-taking behaviours. Moreover, we analyzed hippocampal levels of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes, together with biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that BTBR females did not display the same patterns for repetitive behaviours as the male counterpart. From a biomolecular point of view, we found an increase in oxidative stress and pro-oxidant enzymes, accompanied by deficient enzymatic anti-oxidant response, only in BTBR males compared to C57BL/6 male mice, while no differences were retrieved in females. Overall, our study suggests that in females there is an urgent need to depict the distinct ASD symptomatology, accompanied by the identification of sex-specific pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bove
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Department of Pathology, Sumy State University, 40007, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Martina Santoro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa Pia Agosti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Palmieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Dimonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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Bove M, Palmieri MA, Santoro M, Agosti LP, Gaetani S, Romano A, Dimonte S, Costantino G, Sikora V, Tucci P, Schiavone S, Morgese MG, Trabace L. Amygdalar neurotransmission alterations in the BTBR mice model of idiopathic autism. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:193. [PMID: 38632257 PMCID: PMC11024334 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are principally diagnosed by three core behavioural symptoms, such as stereotyped repertoire, communication impairments and social dysfunctions. This complex pathology has been linked to abnormalities of corticostriatal and limbic circuits. Despite experimental efforts in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind these abnormalities, a clear etiopathogenic hypothesis is still lacking. To this aim, preclinical studies can be really helpful to longitudinally study behavioural alterations resembling human symptoms and to investigate the underlying neurobiological correlates. In this regard, the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are an inbred mouse strain that exhibits a pattern of behaviours well resembling human ASD-like behavioural features. In this study, the BTBR mice model was used to investigate neurochemical and biomolecular alterations, regarding Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), together with GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions and their metabolites in four different brain areas, i.e. prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. In our results, BTBR strain reported decreased noradrenaline, acetylcholine and GABA levels in prefrontal cortex, while hippocampal measurements showed reduced NGF and BDNF expression levels, together with GABA levels. Concerning hypothalamus, no differences were retrieved. As regarding amygdala, we found reduced dopamine levels, accompanied by increased dopamine metabolites in BTBR mice, together with decreased acetylcholine, NGF and GABA levels and enhanced glutamate content. Taken together, our data showed that the BTBR ASD model, beyond its face validity, is a useful tool to untangle neurotransmission alterations that could be underpinned to the heterogeneous ASD-like behaviours, highlighting the crucial role played by amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bove
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Palmieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Martina Santoro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa Pia Agosti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Dimonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costantino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Sumy State University, 40007, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Lin F, Wang X, Luo R, Yuan B, Ye S, Yang T, Xiao L, Chen J. Maternal LPS Exposure Enhances the 5-HT Level in the Prefrontal Cortex of Autism-like Young Offspring. Brain Sci 2023; 13:958. [PMID: 37371436 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interactions, impaired communication, and stereotyped behavior. The aim of this research is to investigate the changes in serotonin (5-HT) in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) of autism-like offspring induced by maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to establish an autism-like model in their offspring. Offspring prenatally exposed to LPS showed autism-like behavior. The serotonin level in the mPFC of 2-week-old offspring was noticeably increased after maternal LPS exposure. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in pathways related to tryptophan metabolism and the serotonin system, as shown in RNA-seq findings. Consistently, tryptophan and serotonin metabolisms were altered in 2-week-old LPS-exposed offspring. The mRNA expression levels of 5-HT catabolic enzymes were remarkably reduced or tended to decrease. Moreover, maternal LPS exposure resulted in a higher serotonin 1B receptor (5-HT1BR) expression level in the mPFC but no difference in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) or serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). The concentrations of 5-HT in serum and colon were increased in LPS-exposed offspring. Meanwhile, the expression level of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in the colon was increased after maternal LPS treatment, whereas SERT was reduced. Furthermore, Golgi-Cox staining showed that neuronal dendritic length and spine density were significantly reduced in the mPFC of LPS-exposed offspring. The current study reveals that maternal LPS treatment resulted in an exaltation of the 5-HT of mPFC in ASD-like young rats, which may partly be caused by the abnormal elevation of 5-HT metabolism in its colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Ruifang Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Binlin Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Shasha Ye
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing 400015, China
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Higuchi Y, Tada T, Nakachi T, Arakawa H. Serotonergic circuit dysregulation underlying autism-related phenotypes in BTBR mouse model of autism. Neuropharmacology 2023:109634. [PMID: 37301467 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The inbred mouse strain, BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR), possesses neuronal and circuit abnormalities that underlie atypical behavioral profiles resembling the major symptoms of human autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Forebrain serotonin (5-HT) transmission has been implicated in ASD-related behavioral alterations. In this study, we assessed 5-HT signals and the functional responsiveness in BTBR mice compared to standard C57BL/6J (B6) control mice to elucidate how 5-HT alterations contribute to behavioral abnormalities in BTBR mice. A lower number of 5-HT neurons in the median raphe, but not in the dorsal raphe, was observed in male and female BTBR mice. Acute systemic injection of buspirone, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, induced c-Fos in several brain regions in both B6 and BTBR mice; however, blunted c-Fos induction in BTBR mice was documented in the cingulate cortex, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral hippocampus (Hipp). Decreased c-Fos responses in these regions are associated with a lack of buspirone effects on anxiety-like behavior in BTBR mice. Analysis of mRNA expression following acute buspirone injection indicated that 5HTR1a gene downregulation (or upregulation) occurred in the BLA and Hipp of B6 mice, respectively, but not BTBR mice. The mRNA expression of factors associated with neurogenesis or the pro-inflammatory state was not consistently altered by acute buspirone injection. Therefore, 5-HT responsivity via 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA and Hipp are linked to anxiety-like behavior, in which circuits are disrupted in BTBR mice. Other distinct 5-HT circuits from the BLA and Hipp that regulate social behavior are restricted but preserved in BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Higuchi
- Dept. Systems Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Tada
- Dept. Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Japan
| | - Taiga Nakachi
- Dept. Systems Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Dept. Systems Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Japan.
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Sharghi S, Flunkert S, Daurer M, Rabl R, Chagnaud BP, Leopoldo M, Lacivita E, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M. Evaluating the effect of R-Baclofen and LP-211 on autistic behavior of the BTBR and Fmr1-KO mouse models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1087788. [PMID: 37065917 PMCID: PMC10097904 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1087788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by two core behavioral symptoms: impaired social communication and interaction, as well as stereotypic, repetitive behavior. No distinct cause of ASD is known so far; however, excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and a disturbed serotoninergic transmission have been identified as prominent candidates responsible for ASD etiology.MethodsThe GABAB receptor agonist R-Baclofen and the selective agonist for the 5HT7 serotonin receptor LP-211 have been reported to correct social deficits and repetitive behaviors in mouse models of ASD. To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in more details, we treated BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and B6.129P2-Fmr1tm1Cgr/J mice acutely with R-Baclofen or LP-211 and evaluated the behavior of animals in a series of tests.ResultsBTBR mice showed motor deficits, elevated anxiety, and highly repetitive behavior of self-grooming. Fmr1-KO mice exhibited decreased anxiety and hyperactivity. Additionally, Fmr1-KO mice’s ultrasonic vocalizations were impaired suggesting a reduced social interest and communication of this strain. Acute LP-211 administration did not affect the behavioral abnormalities observed in BTBR mice but improved repetitive behavior in Fmr1-KO mice and showed a trend to change anxiety of this strain. Acute R-Baclofen treatment improved repetitive behavior only in Fmr1-KO mice.ConclusionOur results add value to the current available data on these mouse models and the respective compounds. Yet, additional studies are needed to further test R-Baclofen and LP-211 as potential treatments for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Sharghi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
- Institute for Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Shirin Sharghi,
| | - Stefanie Flunkert
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Magdalena Daurer
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Roland Rabl
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | | | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Prokesch
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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Cao C, Li Q, Chen Y, Zou M, Sun C, Li X, Wu L. Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Metabolic Disturbances and Exacerbation of Oxidative Stress in the Cerebral Cortex of a BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:15-27. [PMID: 36574152 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are still poorly understood, which largely limit the treatment and diagnosis of ASDs. Emerging evidence supports that abnormal metabolites in the cerebral cortex of a BTBR mouse model of autism are involved in the pathogenesis of autism. However, systematic study on global metabolites in the cerebral cortex of BTBR mice has not been conducted. The current study aims to characterize metabolic changes in the cerebral cortex of BTBR mice by using an untargeted metabolomic approach based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. C57BL/6 J mice were used as a control group. A total of 14 differential metabolites were identified. Compared with the control group, the intensities of PI(16:0/22:5(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)), PC(22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)/18:1(9Z)), PA(16:0/18:1(11Z)), 17-beta-estradiol-3-glucuronide, and N6,N6,N6-trimethyl-L-lysine decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and the intensities of 2-oxo-4-hydroxy-4-carboxy-5-ureidoimidazoline, LysoPC(20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)/0:0), adenosine monophosphate, adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate, LacCer(d18:1/12:0),3-dehydro-L-gulonate, N-(1-deoxy-1-fructosyl)tryptophan, homovanillic acid, and LPA(0:0/18:1(9Z)) increased significantly (p < 0.01) in the BTBR group. These changes in metabolites were closely related to perturbations in lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, purine metabolism, sulfur metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and carnitine biosynthesis. Notably, exacerbation of the oxidative stress response caused by differential prooxidant metabolites led to alteration of antioxidative systems in the cerebral cortex and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, further leading to abnormal energy metabolism as an etiological mechanism of autism. A central role of abnormal metabolites in neurological functions associated with behavioral outcomes and disturbance of sulfur metabolism and carnitine biosynthesis were found in the cerebral cortex of BTBR mice, which helped increase our understanding for exploring the pathological mechanism of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Cao
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Mingyang Zou
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Xiangning Li
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
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The live biotherapeutic Blautia stercoris MRx0006 attenuates social deficits, repetitive behaviour, and anxiety-like behaviour in a mouse model relevant to autism. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:115-126. [PMID: 35995237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social behaviour, increased repetitive behaviour, anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms. The aetiology of ASD is complex and involves an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented a potential role for the gut microbiome in ASD, and consequently, the microbiota represents a potential target in the development of novel therapeutics for this neurodevelopmental disorder. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of the live biotherapeutic strain, Blautia stercoris MRx0006, in attenuating some of the behavioural deficits in the autism-relevant, genetic mouse model, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR). We demonstrate that daily oral administration with MRx0006 attenuates social deficits while also decreasing repetitive and anxiety-like behaviour. MRx0006 administration increases the gene expression of oxytocin and its receptor in hypothalamic cells in vitro and increases the expression of hypothalamic arginine vasopressin and oxytocin mRNA in BTBR mice. Additionally at the microbiome level, we observed that MRx0006 administration decreases the abundance of Alistipes putredinis, and modulates the faecal microbial metabolite profile. This alteration in the metabolite profile possibly underlies the observed increase in expression of oxytocin, arginine vasopressin and its receptors, and the consequent improvements in behavioural outcomes. Taken together, these findings suggest that the live biotherapeutic MRx0006 may represent a viable and efficacious treatment option for the management of physiological and behavioural deficits associated with ASD.
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Belokopytova II, Kondaurova EM, Kulikova EA, Ilchibaeva TV, Naumenko VS, Popova NK. Effects of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 Knockdown in the Hippocampus of BTBR Mice on the Autistic-Like Behavior, Expression of Serotonin 5-HT 1A and D2 Dopamine Receptors, and CREB and NF-kB Intracellular Signaling. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1206-1218. [PMID: 36273889 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of autism are of extreme interest due to the high prevalence of this disorder in the human population. In this regard, special attention is given to the transcription factor Freud-1 (encoded by the Cc2d1a gene), which regulates numerous intracellular signaling pathways and acts as a silencer for 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors. Disruption of the Freud-1 functions leads to the development of various psychopathologies. In this study, we found an increase in the expression of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 gene in the hippocampus of BTBR mice (model of autistic-like behavior) in comparison with C57Bl/6J mice and examined how restoration of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 expression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice affects their behavior, expression of 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors, and CREB and NF-κB intracellular signaling pathways in these animals. Five weeks after administration of the adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) carrying the pAAV_H1-2_shRNA-Freud-1_Syn_EGFP plasmid encoding a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) that suppressed expression of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 gene, we observed an elevation in the anxiety levels, as well as the increase in the escape latency and path length to the platform in the Morris water maze test, which was probably associated with a strengthening of the active stress avoidance strategy. However, the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 knockdown did not affect the spatial memory and phosphorylation of the CREB transcription factor, although such effect was found in C57Bl/6J mice in our previous study. These results suggest the impairments in the CREB-dependent effector pathway in BTBR mice, which may play an important role in the development of the autistic-like phenotype. The knockdown of Cc2d1a/Freud-1 in the hippocampus of BTBR mice did not affect expression of the 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors and key NF-κB signaling genes (Nfkb1 and Rela). Our data suggest that the transcription factor Freud-1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of anxiety and active stress avoidance in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Belokopytova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elizabeth A Kulikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ilchibaeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Nina K Popova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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11
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Collins SM, O’Connell CJ, Reeder EL, Norman SV, Lungani K, Gopalan P, Gudelsky GA, Robson MJ. Altered Serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) Receptor Signaling Underlies Mild TBI-Elicited Deficits in Social Dominance. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:930346. [PMID: 35910378 PMCID: PMC9337880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.930346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a leading cause of disability in the United States, with the generation of neuropsychiatric complications such as depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, and suicidality being common comorbidities. Serotonin (5-HT) signaling is linked to psychiatric disorders; however, the effects of neurotrauma on normal, homeostatic 5-HT signaling within the central nervous system (CNS) have not been well characterized. We hypothesize that TBI alters specific components of 5-HT signaling within the CNS and that the elucidation of specific TBI-induced alterations in 5-HT signaling may identify novel targets for pharmacotherapies that ameliorate the neuropsychiatric complications of TBI. Herein, we provide evidence that closed-head blast-induced mild TBI (mTBI) results in selective alterations in cortical 5-HT2A receptor signaling. We find that mTBI increases in vivo cortical 5-HT2A receptor sensitivity and ex vivo radioligand binding at time points corresponding with mTBI-induced deficits in social behavior. In contrast, in vivo characterizations of 5-HT1A receptor function revealed no effect of mTBI. Notably, we find that repeated pharmacologic activation of 5-HT2A receptors post-injury reverses deficits in social dominance resulting from mTBI. Cumulatively, these studies provide evidence that mTBI drives alterations in cortical 5-HT2A receptor function and that selective targeting of TBI-elicited alterations in 5-HT2A receptor signaling may represent a promising avenue for the development of pharmacotherapies for TBI-induced generation of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Collins
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christopher J. O’Connell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Evan L. Reeder
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sophia V. Norman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kainat Lungani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Poornima Gopalan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Gary A. Gudelsky
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew J. Robson
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew J. Robson,
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12
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Rozhkova IN, Okotrub SV, Brusentsev EY, Uldanova EE, Chuyko EА, Lipina TV, Amstislavskaya TG, Amstislavsky SY. Neuronal density in the brain cortex and hippocampus in Clsnt2-KO mouse strain modeling autistic spectrum disorder. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:365-370. [PMID: 35975241 PMCID: PMC9333157 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) represent conditions starting in childhood, which are characterized by diff iculties with social interaction and communication, as well as non-typical and stereotyping models of behavior. The mechanisms and the origin of these disorders are not yet understood and thus far there is a lack of prophylactic measures for these disorders. The current study aims to estimate neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex and four hippocampal subf ields, i. e. СA1, СA2, СA3, and DG in Clstn2-KO mice as a genetic model of ASD. In addition, the level of
neurogenesis was measured in the DG area of the hippocampus. This mouse strain was obtained by a knockout of the
calsinthenin-2 gene (Clsnt2) in C57BL/6J mice; the latter (wild type) was used as controls. To estimate neuronal density,
serial sections were prepared on a cryotome for the above-mentioned brain structures with the subsequent immunohistochemical
labeling and confocal microscopy; the neuronal marker (anti-NeuN) was used as the primary antibody.
In addition, neurogenesis was estimated in the DG region of the hippocampus; for this purpose, a primary antibody
against doublecortin (anti-DCX) was used. In all cases Goat anti-rabbit IgG was used as the secondary antibody. The
density of neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was lower in Clstn2-KO mice of both sexes as compared with
controls. Moreover, in males of both strains, neuronal density in this region was lower as compared to females. Besides,
the differences between males and females were revealed in two other hippocampal regions. In the CA2 region, a lower
density of neurons was observed in males of both strains, and in the CA3 region, a lower density of neurons was also
observed in males as compared to females but only in C57BL/6J mice. No difference between the studied groups was
revealed in neurogenesis, nor was it in neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex or DG hippocampal region. Our new
f indings indicate that calsyntenin-2 regulates neuronal hippocampal density in subf ield-specif ic manner, suggesting
that the CA1 neuronal subpopulation may represent a cellular target for early-life preventive therapy of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. N. Rozhkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - S. V. Okotrub
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
| | - E. Yu. Brusentsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. E. Uldanova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. А. Chuyko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
| | | | | | - S. Ya. Amstislavsky
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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13
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Tsurugizawa T. Translational Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Autism Spectrum Disorder From the Mouse Model to Human. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:872036. [PMID: 35585926 PMCID: PMC9108701 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.872036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by behavioral features such as impaired social communication, repetitive behavior patterns, and a lack of interest in novel objects. A multimodal neuroimaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ASD shows highly heterogeneous abnormalities in function and structure in the brain associated with specific behavioral features. To elucidate the mechanism of ASD, several ASD mouse models have been generated, by focusing on some of the ASD risk genes. A specific behavioral feature of an ASD mouse model is caused by an altered gene expression or a modification of a gene product. Using these mouse models, a high field preclinical MRI enables us to non-invasively investigate the neuronal mechanism of the altered brain function associated with the behavior and ASD risk genes. Thus, MRI is a promising translational approach to bridge the gap between mice and humans. This review presents the evidence for multimodal MRI, including functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and volumetric analysis, in ASD mouse models and in patients with ASD and discusses the future directions for the translational study of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Tsurugizawa
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomokazu Tsurugizawa,
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14
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Hughes RB, Whittingham-Dowd J, Clapcote SJ, Broughton SJ, Dawson N. Altered medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphé activity predict genotype and correlate with abnormal learning behavior in a mouse model of autism-associated 2p16.3 deletion. Autism Res 2022; 15:614-627. [PMID: 35142069 PMCID: PMC9303357 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
2p16.3 deletion, involving NEUREXIN1 (NRXN1) heterozygous deletion, substantially increases the risk of developing autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We have a poor understanding of how NRXN1 heterozygosity impacts on brain function and cognition to increase the risk of developing the disorder. Here we characterize the impact of Nrxn1α heterozygosity on cerebral metabolism, in mice, using 14C‐2‐deoxyglucose imaging. We also assess performance in an olfactory‐based discrimination and reversal learning (OB‐DaRL) task and locomotor activity. We use decision tree classifiers to test the predictive relationship between cerebral metabolism and Nrxn1α genotype. Our data show that Nrxn1α heterozygosity induces prefrontal cortex (medial prelimbic cortex, mPrL) hypometabolism and a contrasting dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN) hypermetabolism. Metabolism in these regions allows for the predictive classification of Nrxn1α genotype. Consistent with reduced mPrL glucose utilization, prefrontal cortex insulin receptor signaling is decreased in Nrxn1α+/− mice. Behaviorally, Nrxn1α+/− mice show enhanced learning of a novel discrimination, impaired reversal learning and an increased latency to make correct choices. In addition, male Nrxn1α+/− mice show hyperlocomotor activity. Correlative analysis suggests that mPrL hypometabolism contributes to the enhanced novel odor discrimination seen in Nrxn1α+/− mice, while DRN hypermetabolism contributes to their increased latency in making correct choices. The data show that Nrxn1α heterozygosity impacts on prefrontal cortex and serotonin system function, which contribute to the cognitive alterations seen in these animals. The data suggest that Nrxn1α+/− mice provide a translational model for the cognitive and behavioral alterations seen in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with 2p16.3 deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Hughes
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jayde Whittingham-Dowd
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Susan J Broughton
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Neil Dawson
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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15
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Martin LJ, Poulson SJ, Mannan E, Sivaselvachandran S, Cho M, Setak F, Chan C. Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12778. [PMID: 34812576 PMCID: PMC9744566 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have altered sensory processing but may ineffectively communicate their experiences. Here, we used a battery of nociceptive behavioral tests to assess sensory alterations in two commonly used mouse models of ASD, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR), and fragile-X mental retardation-1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. We also asked whether emotional contagion, a primitive form of empathy, was altered in BTBR and Fmr1 KO mice when experiencing pain with a social partner. BTBR mice demonstrated mixed nociceptive responses with hyporesponsivity to mechanical/thermal stimuli and intraplantar injections of formalin and capsaicin while displaying hypersensitivity on the acetic acid test. Fmr1-KO mice were hyposensitive to mechanical stimuli and intraplantar injections of capsaicin and formalin. BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice developed significantly less mechanical allodynia following intraplantar injections of complete Freund's adjuvant, while BTBR mice developed slightly more thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, as measured by the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests, BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice did not show emotional contagion of pain. In sum, our findings indicate that depending on the sensation, pain responses may be mixed, which reflects findings in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren J. Martin
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada,Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra J. Poulson
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Emma Mannan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Moonjeong Cho
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Fatima Setak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Claire Chan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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16
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Arakawa H. Implication of the social function of excessive self-grooming behavior in BTBR T +ltpr3 tf/J mice as an idiopathic model of autism. Physiol Behav 2021; 237:113432. [PMID: 33901528 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by two core behavioral characteristics, namely, restricted repetitive behaviors and impaired social-communicative functioning. BTBR T+ltpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice provide a valuable animal model for ASD to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these two behavioral characteristics of ASD. This study examined the social function of excessive grooming behavior in BTBR mice as a phenotype of restricted repetitive behaviors. Compared to the control C57BL/6 J (B6) strain, BTBR mice showed increased self-grooming when placed alone in a test apparatus, and this behavior was even more evident when confronted with a stimulus mouse (either B6 or BTBR) in a three-chamber test apparatus. While B6 mice tended to groom their face/snout region on the empty side of the chamber, BTBR mice showed excessive grooming with frequent transitions among grooming body regions on the side of the chamber containing a social stimulus. Acute systemic injection of buspirone,a serotonin 1A receptor agonist, as an anxiolytic, facilitated approach behavior toward social stimuli in the three-chamber setting in both B6 and BTBR mice. However, this treatment did not affect grooming behavior in B6 mice and significantly enhanced self-grooming in BTBR mice. These behaviors in BTBR mice suggest a potential signaling function of grooming in response to social stimuli, in which bodywide grooming of BTBR mice expressed in the proximity of social opponents may stimulate the release of olfactory (possibly dismissive) signals. Consequently, the putative neural mechanisms underlying excessive grooming may differ from those regulating social approaches that are associated with anxiolytic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan.
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17
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Khodaverdi M, Rahdar M, Davoudi S, Hajisoltani R, Tavassoli Z, Ghasemi Z, Amini AE, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. 5-HT7 receptor activation rescues impaired synaptic plasticity in an autistic-like rat model induced by prenatal VPA exposure. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 183:107462. [PMID: 34015444 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe life-long neuropsychiatric disorder. Alterations and imbalance of several neurochemical systems may be involved in ASD pathophysiology, of them, serotonergic neurotransmission dysfunction and deficiency may underlie behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD. However, the functional importance of serotonergic receptors, particularly 5HT7 receptors in ASD pathology remains poorly defined. Serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7R) plays a direct regulatory role in the development and also for the mature function of the brain, therefore, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of these receptors in the etiology of autism. To address this issue, we combined here behavioral, electrophysiological methods to further characterize the contribution of 5-HT7Rs in the prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure-induced impairment in synaptic plasticity and their impact on the associated behavioral changes. This may help to unravel the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in ASD and can lead to new treatment and/or prevention therapies based on the role of the serotonergic system for autism. Findings revealed that compared to control, autistic-like offspring showed increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced social interaction, decreased locomotor activity, and impaired identification of the novel object. However, administration of 5-HT7Rs agonist, LP-211, for 7 consecutive days before testing from postnatal day 21 to 27 reversed all behavioral deficits induced by prenatal exposure to VPA in offspring. Also, both short-term depression and long-term potentiation were impaired in the autistic-like pups, but activation of 5-HT7Rs rescued the LTP impairment in the autistic-like group so that there was no significant difference between the two groups. Blockade of 5-HT7Rs caused LTP impairment following HFS in the autistic-like group. Besides, there was a significant difference in LTD induction following SB-269970 application between the control and the autistic-like groups measured at first 10 min following TPS. Moreover, both the number and the size of retrograde fast blue-labelled neurons in the raphe nuclei were reduced. Overall, these results provide for the first time, as far as we know, functional evidence for the restorative role of 5-HT7Rs activation against prenatal VPA exposure induced behavioral deficits and hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairment. Therefore, these receptors could be a potential and promising pharmacotherapy target for the treatment of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khodaverdi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Hajisoltani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Tavassoli
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghasemi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aeen Ebrahim Amini
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Nezgovorova V, Ferretti CJ, Taylor BP, Shanahan E, Uzunova G, Hong K, Devinsky O, Hollander E. Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:194-201. [PMID: 33689997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are limited in efficacy and are often associated with substantial side effects. These medications typically ameliorate problem behaviors associated with ASD, but do not target core symptom domains. As a result, there is a significant amount of research underway for development of novel experimental therapeutics. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived lipid neuromodulators, which, in combination with their receptors and associated metabolic enzymes, constitute the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Cannabinoid signaling may be involved in the social impairment and repetitive behaviors observed in those with ASD. In this review, we discuss a possible role of the EC system in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance and immune dysregulation in ASD. Novel treatments for the core symptom domains of ASD are needed and phytocannabinoids could be useful experimental therapeutics for core symptoms and associated domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nezgovorova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - C J Ferretti
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - B P Taylor
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - E Shanahan
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - G Uzunova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - K Hong
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - O Devinsky
- New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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19
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Lacivita E, Niso M, Mastromarino M, Garcia Silva A, Resch C, Zeug A, Loza MI, Castro M, Ponimaskin E, Leopoldo M. Knowledge-Based Design of Long-Chain Arylpiperazine Derivatives Targeting Multiple Serotonin Receptors as Potential Candidates for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1313-1327. [PMID: 33792287 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by core symptoms such as impaired social interaction and communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. To date, there are no effective treatments for these core symptoms. Several studies have shown that the brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission system is altered in both ASD patients and animal models of the disease. Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that targeting 5-HT receptors may treat the core symptoms of ASD and associated intellectual disabilities. In fact, stimulation of the 5-HT1A receptor reduces repetitive and restricted behaviors; blockade of the 5-HT2A receptor reduces both learning deficits and repetitive behavior, and activation of the 5-HT7 receptor improves cognitive performances and reduces repetitive behavior. On such a basis, we have designed novel arylpiperazine derivatives pursuing unprecedently reported activity profiles: dual 5-HT7/5-HT1A receptor agonist properties and mixed 5-HT7 agonist/5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist properties. Seventeen new compounds were synthesized and tested in radioligand binding assay at the target receptors. We have identified the dual 5-HT1AR/5-HT7R agonists 8c and 29 and the mixed 5-HT1AR agonist/5-HT7R agonist/5-HT2AR antagonist 20b. These compounds are metabolically stable in vitro and have suitable central nervous system druglike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Lacivita
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Mastromarino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Garcia Silva
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cibell Resch
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Zeug
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - María I. Loza
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marián Castro
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Amodeo DA, Oliver B, Pahua A, Hitchcock K, Bykowski A, Tice D, Musleh A, Ryan BC. Serotonin 6 receptor blockade reduces repetitive behavior in the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 200:173076. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Arakawa H. Somatosensorimotor and Odor Modification, Along with Serotonergic Processes Underlying the Social Deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3 tf/J and BALB/cJ Mouse Models of Autism. Neuroscience 2020; 445:144-162. [PMID: 32061779 PMCID: PMC8078887 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex spectrum of disorders characterized by core behavioral deficits in social communicative behavior, which are also required for comprehensive analysis of preclinical mouse models. As animal models of the core behavioral deficits in autism, two inbred mouse strains, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) and BALB/cJ (BALB), were compared with the standard social strain, C57BL/6J (B6), regarding a variety of behavioral factors underlying social communicative interactions, including olfactory and tactile sensory processes, social recognition abilities and behavioral expression strategies. Although both female BTBR and BALB mice can express social recognition and approach behavior depending on the stimuli they encounter, the available sensory modalities, along with modulation of the serotonergic system, differ between the two strains. BALB mice have deficits in using volatile olfactory cues and tactile information in a social context; they fail to exhibit a social approach to volatile cues and seek nonvolatile cues by exhibiting substantial sniff/contact behavior when allowed direct contact with social opponents. Systemic injection of the serotonin (5-HT1A) agonist buspirone has little effect on these social deficits, suggesting a congenitally degraded serotonergic system in BALB mice. In contrast, BTBR mice exhibit impaired body coordination and social motivation-modified olfactory signals, which are relevant to a reduced social approach. A systemic injection of the 5-HT1A agonist restored these social deficits in BTBR mice, indicating that a downregulated serotonergic system is involved in the social deficits exhibited by BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Rodent Behavioral Core Department of Research Administration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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22
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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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23
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Martin V, Mathieu L, Diaz J, Salman H, Alterio J, Chevarin C, Lanfumey L, Hamon M, Austin MC, Darmon M, Stockmeier CA, Masson J. Key role of the 5-HT1A receptor addressing protein Yif1B in serotonin neurotransmission and SSRI treatment. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2020; 45:344-355. [PMID: 32459080 PMCID: PMC7850149 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.190134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered function of serotonin receptor 1A (5-HT1AR) has been consistently implicated in anxiety, major depressive disorder and resistance to antidepressants. Mechanisms by which the function of 5-HT1AR (expressed as an autoreceptor in serotonergic raphe neurons and as a heteroreceptor in serotonin [5-HT] projection areas) is altered include regulation of its expression, but 5-HT1AR trafficking may also be involved. METHODS We investigated the consequences of the lack of Yif1B (the 5-HT1AR trafficking protein) on 5-HT neurotransmission in mice, and whether Yif1B expression might be affected under conditions known to alter 5-HT neurotransmission, such as anxious or depressive states or following treatment with fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in humans, monkeys and mice. RESULTS Compared with wild-type mice, Yif1B-knockout mice showed a significant decrease in the forebrain density of 5-HT projection fibres and a hypofunctionality of 5-HT1A autoreceptors expressed on raphe 5-HT neurons. In addition, social interaction was less in Yif1B-knockout mice, which did not respond to the antidepressant-like effect of acute fluoxetine injection. In wild-type mice, social defeat was associated with downregulated Yif1B mRNA in the prefrontal cortex, and chronic fluoxetine treatment increased Yif1B expression. The expression of Yif1B was also downregulated in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of people with major depressive disorder and upregulated after chronic treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in monkeys. LIMITATIONS We found sex differences in Yif1B expression in humans and monkeys, but not in mice under the tested conditions. CONCLUSION These data support the concept that Yif1B plays a critical role in 5-HT1AR functioning and brain 5-HT homeostasis. The opposite changes in its expression observed in anxious or depressive states and after therapeutic fluoxetine treatment suggest that Yif1B might be involved in vulnerability to anxiety and depression, and fluoxetine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Martin
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Lionel Mathieu
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Jorge Diaz
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Haysam Salman
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Jeanine Alterio
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Caroline Chevarin
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Michel Hamon
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Mark C Austin
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Michèle Darmon
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Craig A Stockmeier
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
| | - Justine Masson
- From Inserm UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris F-75014 France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris 5, France (Martin, Mathieu, Diaz, Salman, Alterio, Chevarin, Lanfumey, Hamon, Darmon, Masson); the College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209 USA (Austin); the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216 USA (Stockmeier); and Inserm UMR-S 1270, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France; Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France (Darmon, Masson)
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Okaty BW, Sturrock N, Escobedo Lozoya Y, Chang Y, Senft RA, Lyon KA, Alekseyenko OV, Dymecki SM. A single-cell transcriptomic and anatomic atlas of mouse dorsal raphe Pet1 neurons. eLife 2020; 9:e55523. [PMID: 32568072 PMCID: PMC7308082 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the brainstem raphe nuclei, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) contains the greatest number of Pet1-lineage neurons, a predominantly serotonergic group distributed throughout DR subdomains. These neurons collectively regulate diverse physiology and behavior and are often therapeutically targeted to treat affective disorders. Characterizing Pet1 neuron molecular heterogeneity and relating it to anatomy is vital for understanding DR functional organization, with potential to inform therapeutic separability. Here we use high-throughput and DR subdomain-targeted single-cell transcriptomics and intersectional genetic tools to map molecular and anatomical diversity of DR-Pet1 neurons. We describe up to fourteen neuron subtypes, many showing biased cell body distributions across the DR. We further show that P2ry1-Pet1 DR neurons - the most molecularly distinct subtype - possess unique efferent projections and electrophysiological properties. These data complement and extend previous DR characterizations, combining intersectional genetics with multiple transcriptomic modalities to achieve fine-scale molecular and anatomic identification of Pet1 neuron subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Okaty
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Nikita Sturrock
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | | | - YoonJeung Chang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rebecca A Senft
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Krissy A Lyon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | | | - Susan M Dymecki
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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25
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Witt NA, Lee B, Ghent K, Zhang WQ, Pehrson AL, Sánchez C, Gould GG. Vortioxetine Reduces Marble Burying but Only Transiently Enhances Social Interaction Preference in Adult Male BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4319-4327. [PMID: 31468969 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)1A and 5-HT1B receptors that blocks the 5-HT transporter (SERT). Previously in male BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, the 5-HT1A partial agonist buspirone and SERT blocker fluoxetine enhanced social interaction but did not reduce marble burying. We hypothesized that vortioxetine through its actions at SERT and 5-HT1A could improve BTBR sociability and via 5-HT1B could reduce burying better than sertraline, a selective SERT blocker. Vortioxetine (5-10 mg/kg) or sertraline (2 mg/kg) was administered 30 min presociability and 75 min prior to marble burying tests. Vortioxetine (10 mg/kg) occupancy (%) was 84 ± 1 for SERT, 31 ± 12 for 5-HT1A, and 80 ± 5 for 5-HT1B in brain at 110 min postinjection, and serum oxytocin was 24% lower (p < 0.01) in vortioxetine-treated mice. Vortioxetine reduced novel object investigation, whereas sertraline enhanced overall sociability. However, the vortioxetine-induced increase in social sniffing was transient, as it was lost with 60-120 min presociability test delays in subsequent experiments. Vortioxetine and sertraline both reduced BTBR marble burying. Based on vortioxetine occupancy, actions at SERT and/or 5-HT1B are more likely to underlie its behavioral effects than 5-HT1A. Overall, vortioxetine has great potential for suppressing restrictive-repetitive behaviors, but it appears less promising as a sociability enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasriya A. Witt
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Benita Lee
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78705, United States
| | - Kaylee Ghent
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas 78212, United States
| | - Wynne Q. Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alan L. Pehrson
- Department of Psychology, Monclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Connie Sánchez
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Aarhus, Risskov, Denmark 8240
| | - Georgianna G. Gould
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
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26
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Cai Y, Wang L, Nalvarte I, Xiao R, Li X, Fan X. Citalopram attenuates social behavior deficits in the BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J mouse model of autism. Brain Res Bull 2019; 150:75-85. [PMID: 31047973 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core symptoms: impaired social communication and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and/or restricted interests. Alterations in serotonergic signaling are involved in the genesis of ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported to reduce repetitive behaviors and rescue social deficits in ASD mouse models and patients. In the present study, we examined the potential of citalopram (a representative selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on sociability and repetitive behaviors in the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse model of ASD. We found that the deficits of sociability in the BTBR mice were reversed by a 20 mg/kg dose of citalopram treatment without any adverse effects on locomotor activity or anxiety level. In addition, both high (20 mg/kg) and low (10 mg/kg) doses decreased the repetitive behavior of marble burying but did not affect self-grooming behavior. Furthermore, both doses were shown to have antidepressant-like activity in both the B6 and the BTBR mice in the tail suspension test. Taken together, these findings further demonstrate that citalopram can alleviate behavioral abnormalities in the BTBR autism model and lend support to the hypothesis that SSRIs may be potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of behavioral dysfunctions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Cai
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet Hälsovägen 7C, Neo, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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27
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Tran SS, Jun HI, Bahn JH, Azghadi A, Ramaswami G, Van Nostrand EL, Nguyen TB, Hsiao YHE, Lee C, Pratt GA, Martínez-Cerdeño V, Hagerman RJ, Yeo GW, Geschwind DH, Xiao X. Widespread RNA editing dysregulation in brains from autistic individuals. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:25-36. [PMID: 30559470 PMCID: PMC6375307 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0287-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic analyses of postmortem brains have begun to elucidate molecular abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a crucial pathway involved in synaptic development, RNA editing, has not yet been studied on a genome-wide scale. Here we profiled global patterns of adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing in a large cohort of postmortem brains of people with ASD. We observed a global bias for hypoediting in ASD brains, which was shared across brain regions and involved many synaptic genes. We show that the Fragile X proteins FMRP and FXR1P interact with RNA-editing enzymes (ADAR proteins) and modulate A-to-I editing. Furthermore, we observed convergent patterns of RNA-editing alterations in ASD and Fragile X syndrome, establishing this as a molecular link between these related diseases. Our findings, which are corroborated across multiple data sets, including dup15q (genomic duplication of 15q11.2-13.1) cases associated with intellectual disability, highlight RNA-editing dysregulation in ASD and reveal new mechanisms underlying this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Tran
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hyun-Ik Jun
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jae Hoon Bahn
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adel Azghadi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Department of Neurology, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric L Van Nostrand
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thai B Nguyen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Changhoon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel A Pratt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Randi J Hagerman
- The MIND Institute, Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Xinshu Xiao
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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p38α MAPK signaling drives pharmacologically reversible brain and gastrointestinal phenotypes in the SERT Ala56 mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10245-E10254. [PMID: 30297392 PMCID: PMC6205438 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809137115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder with limited treatment options. Activation of p38 MAPK signaling networks has been identified in ASD, and p38 MAPK signaling elevates serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) activity, effects mimicked by multiple, hyperfunctional SERT coding variants identified in ASD subjects. Mice expressing the most common of these variants (SERT Ala56) exhibit hyperserotonemia, a biomarker observed in ASD subjects, as well as p38 MAPK-dependent SERT hyperphosphorylation, elevated hippocampal 5-HT clearance, hypersensitivity of CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptors, and behavioral and gastrointestinal perturbations reminiscent of ASD. As the α-isoform of p38 MAPK drives SERT activation, we tested the hypothesis that CNS-penetrant, α-isoform-specific p38 MAPK inhibitors might normalize SERT Ala56 phenotypes. Strikingly, 1-week treatment of adult SERT Ala56 mice with MW150, a selective p38α MAPK inhibitor, normalized hippocampal 5-HT clearance, CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities, social interactions, and colonic motility. Conditional elimination of p38α MAPK in 5-HT neurons of SERT Ala56 mice restored 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities as well as social interactions, mirroring effects of MW150. Our findings support ongoing p38α MAPK activity as an important determinant of the physiological and behavioral perturbations of SERT Ala56 mice and, more broadly, supports consideration of p38α MAPK inhibition as a potential treatment for core and comorbid phenotypes present in ASD subjects.
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Ehlinger DG, Commons KG. Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels regulate stress coping behavior via serotonin neurons. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:282-290. [PMID: 30176250 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human genetic variation in the gene CACNA1C, which codes for the alpha-1c subunit of Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels (LTCCs), has been broadly associated with enhanced risk for neuropsychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar and schizophrenia. Little is known about the specific neural circuits through which CACNA1C and Cav1.2 LTCCs impact disease etiology. However, serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission has been consistently implicated in these neuropsychiatric disorders and Cav1.2 LTCCs may influence 5-HT neuron activity during relevant behavioral states such as stress. We utilized a temporally controlled and 5-HT neuron specific Cacna1c knockout mouse model to assess stress-coping behavior using the forced swim test and dorsal raphe (DR) 5-HT neuron Fos activation. Furthermore, we assessed 5-HT1A receptor function and feedback inhibition of the DR following administration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635. We find that 5-HT neuron Cacna1c knockout disrupts active-coping behavior in the forced swim test and that this behavioral effect is rescued by blocking 5-HT1A receptors. Moreover, Cacna1c knockout mice display enhanced Fos expression in caudal DR 5-HT neurons and an enhanced response to a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist in rostral DR 5-HT neurons, indicating that loss of Cacna1c disrupts both 5-HT neuron activation and 5-HT1A dependent feedback inhibition across the caudal to rostral DR. Collectively, these results reveal an important role for 5-HT neuron Cav1.2 LTCCs in stress-coping behavior and 5-HT1A receptor function. This suggests that alterations in CACNA1C function or expression could influence the development or treatment of neuropsychiatric disorder through serotonergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Ehlinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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West A, Best J, Abdalla A, Nijhout HF, Reed M, Hashemi P. Voltammetric evidence for discrete serotonin circuits, linked to specific reuptake domains, in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:50-58. [PMID: 30031052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is an important brain region, that controls a variety of behavioral and functional outputs. As an important step in characterizing mPFC functionality, in this paper we focus on chemically defining serotonin transmission in this area. We apply cutting-edge analytical methods, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and fast-scan controlled adsorption cyclic voltammetry (FSCAV), pioneered in our laboratory, for the first real-time in vivo analysis of serotonin in the mPFC. In prior in vivo work in the substantia nigra, pars reticulata, we found that our sub-second measurements of a single evoked serotonin release were subject to two clearance mechanisms. These mechanisms were readily modeled via Uptake 1, mediated by the serotonin transporters (SERTs), and Uptake 2, mediated by monoamine transporters (dopamine transporters (DATs), norepinephrine transporters (NETs), and organic cation transporters (OCTs)). Here in the mPFC, for the first time to our knowledge, we observe two release events in response to a single stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Of particular note is that each response is tied to a discrete reuptake profile comprising both Uptake 1 and 2. We hypothesize that two distinct populations of serotonin axons traverse the MFB and terminate in different domains with specific reuptake profiles. We test and confirm this hypothesis using a multifaceted pharmacological, histological and mathematical approach. We thus present evidence for a highly elaborate biochemical organization that regulates serotonin chemistry in the mPFC. This knowledge provides a solid foundation on which to base future studies of the involvement of the mPFC in brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa West
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Janet Best
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Aya Abdalla
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | | | - Michael Reed
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Parastoo Hashemi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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Baronio D, Puttonen HAJ, Sundvik M, Semenova S, Lehtonen E, Panula P. Embryonic exposure to valproic acid affects the histaminergic system and the social behaviour of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:797-809. [PMID: 29235100 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Histamine modulates several behaviours and physiological functions, and its deficiency is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Gestational intake of valproic acid (VPA) is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by impaired sociability and stereotypies. VPA effects on the neurochemistry and functional morphology of the histaminergic system in ASD are unclear. Zebrafish are highly social, and given the similarities between zebrafish and human neurotransmitter systems, we have studied the effects of VPA on histamine in zebrafish. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Histaminergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems of larval and adult zebrafish exposed to VPA from the end of gastrulation until neural tube formation were studied using HPLC, quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Sociability, dark-flash response and locomotion were also studied. KEY RESULTS Zebrafish larvae exposed to VPA showed decreased locomotion and an abnormal dark-flash response. Additionally, a reduced number of histaminergic neurons, low histamine and altered mRNA expression of key genes of the monoaminergic systems were also detected. The reduced mRNA expression of genes of the studied systems persisted until adulthood. Furthermore, adult VPA-exposed animals presented lower brain levels of noradrenaline and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, along with impaired sociability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS VPA exposure in early development causes molecular and neurochemical alterations in zebrafish, which persist into adulthood and accompany impaired sociability. These findings will highlight the possible involvement of the histaminergic system in outcomes related to neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, it supports zebrafish as a tool to investigate mechanisms underlying these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri A J Puttonen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Sundvik
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Svetlana Semenova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Lehtonen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Panzini CM, Ehlinger DG, Alchahin AM, Guo Y, Commons KG. 16p11.2 deletion syndrome mice perseverate with active coping response to acute stress - rescue by blocking 5-HT2A receptors. J Neurochem 2017; 143:708-721. [PMID: 28948999 PMCID: PMC5729115 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In humans a chromosomal hemideletion of the 16p11.2 region results in variable neurodevelopmental deficits including developmental delay, intellectual disability, and features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Serotonin is implicated in ASD but its role remains enigmatic. In this study we sought to determine if and how abnormalities in serotonin neurotransmission could contribute to the behavioral phenotype of the 16p11.2 deletion syndrome in a mouse model (Del mouse). As ASD is frequently associated with altered response to acute stress and stress may exacerbate repetitive behavior in ASD, we studied the Del mouse behavior in the context of an acute stress using the forced swim test, a paradigm well characterized with respect to serotonin. Del mice perseverated with active coping (swimming) in the forced swim test and failed to adopt passive coping strategies with time as did their wild-type littermates. Analysis of monoamine content by HPLC provided evidence for altered endogenous serotonin neurotransmission in Del mice while there was no effect of genotype on any other monoamine. Moreover, we found that Del mice were highly sensitive to the 5-HT2A antagonists M100907, which at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg normalized their level of active coping and restored the gradual shift to passive coping in the forced swim test. Supporting evidence for altered endogenous serotonin signaling was provided by observations of additional ligand effects including altered forebrain Fos expression. Taken together, these observations indicate notable changes in endogenous serotonin signaling in 16p11.2 deletion mice and support the therapeutic utility of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Panzini
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel G Ehlinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adele M Alchahin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yueping Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Med. University, Harbin, China
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zhu X, Dong J, Han B, Huang R, Zhang A, Xia Z, Chang H, Chao J, Yao H. Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Contributes to PTZ Kindling-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Depressive-Like Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:203. [PMID: 29093670 PMCID: PMC5651248 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease which is usually associated with psychiatric comorbidities. Depsression and cognition impairment are considered to be the most common psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy patients. However, the specific contribution of epilepsy made to these psychiatric comorbidities remains largely unknown. Here we use pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling, a chronic epilepsy model, to identify neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) as a signaling molecule triggering PTZ kindling-induced cognitive impairment and depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, we identified that both hippocampal MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were activated in response to PTZ kindling, and the increased MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling activation was paralleled by increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus. However, the PTZ kindling-induced MAPK, PI3K/AKT signaling activities and the ROS level were attenuated by nNOS gene deficiency, suggesting that nNOS may act through ROS-mediated MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways to trigger cognition deficit and depressive-like behavior in PTZ-kindled mice. Our findings thus define a specific mechanism for chronic epilepsy-induced cognitive impairment and depressive-like behavior, and identify a potential therapeutic target for psychiatric comorbidities in chronic epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingde Dong
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongrong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aifeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengrong Xia
- Analysis and Test Center of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanhuan Chang
- Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honghong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Ehlinger DG, Commons KG. Altered Cav1.2 function in the Timothy syndrome mouse model produces ascending serotonergic abnormalities. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:2416-2425. [PMID: 28921675 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphism in the gene CACNA1C, encoding the pore-forming subunit of Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels, has one of the strongest genetic linkages to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder: psychopathologies in which serotonin signaling has been implicated. Additionally, a gain-of-function mutation in CACNA1C is responsible for the neurodevelopmental disorder Timothy syndrome that presents with prominent behavioral features on the autism spectrum. Given an emerging role for serotonin in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we investigate the relationship between Cav1.2 and the ascending serotonin system in the Timothy syndrome type 2 (TS2-neo) mouse, which displays behavioral features consistent with the core triad of ASD. We find that TS2-neo mice exhibit enhanced serotonin tissue content and axon innervation of the dorsal striatum, as well as decreased serotonin turnover in the amygdala. These regionally specific alterations are accompanied by an enhanced active coping response during acute stress (forced swim), serotonin neuron Fos activity in the caudal dorsal raphe, and serotonin type 1A receptor-dependent feedback inhibition of the rostral dorsal raphe nuclei. Collectively, these results suggest that the global gain-of-function Cav1.2 mutation associated with Timothy syndrome has pleiotropic effects on the ascending serotonin system including neuroanatomical changes, regional differences in forebrain serotonin metabolism and feedback regulatory control mechanisms within the dorsal raphe. Altered activity of the ascending serotonin system continues to emerge as a common neural signature across several ASD mouse models, and the capacity for Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels to impact both serotonin structure and function has important implications for several neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Ehlinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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35
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Varghese M, Keshav N, Jacot-Descombes S, Warda T, Wicinski B, Dickstein DL, Harony-Nicolas H, De Rubeis S, Drapeau E, Buxbaum JD, Hof PR. Autism spectrum disorder: neuropathology and animal models. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:537-566. [PMID: 28584888 PMCID: PMC5693718 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on the development and social integration of affected individuals and is the most heritable of psychiatric disorders. An increase in the incidence of ASD cases has prompted a surge in research efforts on the underlying neuropathologic processes. We present an overview of current findings in neuropathology studies of ASD using two investigational approaches, postmortem human brains and ASD animal models, and discuss the overlap, limitations, and significance of each. Postmortem examination of ASD brains has revealed global changes including disorganized gray and white matter, increased number of neurons, decreased volume of neuronal soma, and increased neuropil, the last reflecting changes in densities of dendritic spines, cerebral vasculature and glia. Both cortical and non-cortical areas show region-specific abnormalities in neuronal morphology and cytoarchitectural organization, with consistent findings reported from the prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, frontoinsular cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum and brainstem. The paucity of postmortem human studies linking neuropathology to the underlying etiology has been partly addressed using animal models to explore the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors clinically relevant for the ASD phenotype. Genetically modified models include those based on well-studied monogenic ASD genes (NLGN3, NLGN4, NRXN1, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, MECP2, FMR1, TSC1/2), emerging risk genes (CHD8, SCN2A, SYNGAP1, ARID1B, GRIN2B, DSCAM, TBR1), and copy number variants (15q11-q13 deletion, 15q13.3 microdeletion, 15q11-13 duplication, 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, 22q11.2 deletion). Models of idiopathic ASD include inbred rodent strains that mimic ASD behaviors as well as models developed by environmental interventions such as prenatal exposure to sodium valproate, maternal autoantibodies, and maternal immune activation. In addition to replicating some of the neuropathologic features seen in postmortem studies, a common finding in several animal models of ASD is altered density of dendritic spines, with the direction of the change depending on the specific genetic modification, age and brain region. Overall, postmortem neuropathologic studies with larger sample sizes representative of the various ASD risk genes and diverse clinical phenotypes are warranted to clarify putative etiopathogenic pathways further and to promote the emergence of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In addition, as genetic alterations may render certain individuals more vulnerable to developing the pathological changes at the synapse underlying the behavioral manifestations of ASD, neuropathologic investigation using genetically modified animal models will help to improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms and enhance the development of targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merina Varghese
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Neha Keshav
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Sarah Jacot-Descombes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Children and Teenagers, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, CH-1205, Switzerland
| | - Tahia Warda
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bridget Wicinski
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Hala Harony-Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Commons KG, Cholanians AB, Babb JA, Ehlinger DG. The Rodent Forced Swim Test Measures Stress-Coping Strategy, Not Depression-like Behavior. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:955-960. [PMID: 28287253 PMCID: PMC5518600 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The forced swim test (FST) measures coping strategy to an acute inescapable stress and thus provides unique insight into the neural limb of the stress response. Stress, particularly chronic stress, is a contributing factor to depression in humans and depression is associated with altered response to stress. In addition, drugs that are effective antidepressants in humans typically promote active coping strategy in the FST. As a consequence, passive coping in the FST has become loosely equated with depression and is often referred to as "depression-like" behavior. This terminology oversimplifies complex biology and misrepresents both the utility and limitations of the FST. The FST provides little construct- or face-validity to support an interpretation as "depression-like" behavior. While stress coping and the FST are arguably relevant to depression, there are likely many factors that can influence stress coping strategy. Importantly, there are other neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by altered responses to stress and difficulty in adapting to change. One of these is autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and several mouse genetic models of ASD exhibit altered stress-coping strategies in the FST. Here we review evidence that argues a more thoughtful consideration of the FST, and more precise terminology, would benefit the study of stress and disorders characterized by altered response to stress, which include but are not limited to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn G. Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Aram B. Cholanians
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jessica A. Babb
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Daniel G. Ehlinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Abstract
Although serotonin neurotransmission has been implicated in several neurodevelopmental and psychological disorders, the factors that drive dysfunction of the serotonin system are poorly understood. Current research regarding the serotonin system revolves around its dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders, but there is no database collating genetic mutations that result in serotonin abnormalities. To bridge this gap, we developed a list of genes in mice that, when perturbed, result in altered levels of serotonin either in brain or blood. Due to the intrinsic limitations of search, the current list should be considered a preliminary subset of all relevant cases. Nevertheless, it offered an opportunity to gain insight into what types of genes have the potential to impact serotonin by using gene ontology (GO). This analysis found that genes associated with monoamine metabolism were more often associated with increases in brain serotonin than decreases. Speculatively, this could be because several pathways (and therefore many genes) are responsible for the clearance and metabolism of serotonin whereas only one pathway (and therefore fewer genes) is directly involved in the synthesis of serotonin. Another contributor could be cross talk between monoamine systems such as dopamine. In contrast, genes that were associated with decreases in brain serotonin were more likely linked to a developmental process. Sensitivity of serotonin neurons to developmental perturbations could be due to their complicated neuroanatomy or possibly they may be negatively regulated by dysfunction of their innervation targets. Thus, these observations suggest hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying the vulnerability of brain serotonin neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Tenpenny
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain
Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia,
Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kathryn G. Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain
Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Anesthesia,
Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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38
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Meyza KZ, Blanchard DC. The BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism - Current view on mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:99-110. [PMID: 28167097 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder, with current estimates of more than 1% of affected children across nations. The patients form a highly heterogeneous group with only the behavioral phenotype in common. The genetic heterogeneity is reflected in a plethora of animal models representing multiple mutations found in families of affected children. Despite many years of scientific effort, for the majority of cases the genetic cause remains elusive. It is therefore crucial to include well-validated models of idiopathic autism in studies searching for potential therapeutic agents. One of these models is the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mouse. The current review summarizes data gathered in recent research on potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the autism-like behavioral phenotype of this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Z Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland.
| | - D C Blanchard
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa,1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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