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Abramova O, Morozova A, Zubkov E, Ushakova V, Zorkina Y, Proshin AT, Storozheva Z, Gurina O, Chekhonin V. Ultrasound-Induced Prenatal Stress: New Possibilities for Modeling Mental Disorders. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:237-261. [PMID: 37857257 PMCID: PMC11251674 DOI: 10.1159/000534687] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of animal models of mental disorders is an important task since such models are useful for studying the neurobiological mechanisms of psychopathologies and for trial of new therapeutic drugs. One way to model pathologies of the nervous system is to impair fetal neurodevelopment through stress of the pregnant future mother, or prenatal stress (PS). The use of variable frequency ultrasound (US) in rodents is a promising method of imitating psychological stress, to which women in modern society are most often subjected. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of PS induced by exposure to variable frequency ultrasound (US PS) throughout the gestational period on the adult rat offspring, namely, to identify features of behavioral alterations and neurochemical brain parameters that can be associated with certain mental disorders in humans, to determine the possibility of creating a new model of psychopathology. Our study included a study of some behavioral characteristics of male and female rats in the elevated plus maze, open-field test, object recognition test, social interaction test, sucrose preference test, latent inhibition test, Morris water maze, forced swimming test, acoustic startle reflex, and prepulse inhibition tests. We also determined the activity of the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems in the hippocampus and frontal cortex by HPLC-ED. Concentration of norepinephrine, dopamine, DOPAC, serotonin, and HIAA, as well as DOPAC/dopamine and HIAA/serotonin ratios were determined. A correlation analysis of behavioral and neurochemical parameters in male and female rats was performed based on the data obtained. The results of the study showed that US PS altered the behavioral phenotype of the rat offspring. US PS increased the level of anxious behavior, impaired orientation-research behavior, increased grooming activity, decreased the desire for social contacts, shifted behavioral reactions from social interaction to interaction with inanimate objects, impaired latent inhibition, and decreased the startle reflex. US PS activated the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems of the rat frontal cortex and hippocampus. A correlation between neurochemical and behavioral parameters was revealed. Our study showed that US PS leads to a certain dysfunction on behavioral and neurochemical levels in rats that is most closely associated with symptoms of schizophrenia or autism. We hypothesize that this could potentially be an indicator of face validity for a model of psychopathology based on neurodevelopmental impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Abramova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
- Mental-health Clinic No. 1 named after N.A. Alekseev, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Morozova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
- Mental-health Clinic No. 1 named after N.A. Alekseev, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Zubkov
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeria Ushakova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
- Mental-health Clinic No. 1 named after N.A. Alekseev, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yana Zorkina
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
- Mental-health Clinic No. 1 named after N.A. Alekseev, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey T. Proshin
- Laboratory of General Physiology of Functional Systems, P.K. Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zinaida Storozheva
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, P.K. Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Gurina
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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van der Merwe JL, Sacco A, Toelen J, Deprest J. Long-term neuropathological and/or neurobehavioral effects of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in animal models: a systematic review. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1157-1170. [PMID: 31822018 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACSs) are recommended to all women at risk for preterm delivery; currently, there is controversy about the subsequent long-term neurocognitive sequelae. This systematic review summarizes the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after ACS therapy in animal models. METHODS An electronic search strategy incorporating MeSH and keywords was performed using all known literature databases and in accordance with PRISMA guidance (PROSPERO CRD42019119663). RESULTS Of the 669 studies identified, eventually 64 were included. The majority of studies utilized dexamethasone at relative high dosages and primarily involved rodents. There was a high risk of bias, mostly due to lack of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. The main outcomes reported on was neuropathological, particularly glucocorticoid receptor expression and neuron densities, and neurobehavior. Overall there was an upregulation of glucocorticoid receptors with lower neuron densities and a dysregulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. This coincided with various adverse neurobehavioral outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In animal models, ACSs consistently lead to deleterious long-term neurocognitive effects. This may be due to the specific agents, i.e., dexamethasone, or the repetitive/higher total dosing used. ACS administration varied significantly between studies and there was a high risk of bias. Future research should be standardized in well-characterized models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes L van der Merwe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adalina Sacco
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Division Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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Gallol LE, Busolini FI, Mohamed FH. Influence of melatonin and sexual hormones on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the adrenal cortex of a seasonal breeder (Lagostomus maximus). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 303:3052-3067. [PMID: 32445505 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) is a rodent of nocturnal habits, whose physiology and behavior vary according to modifications of environmental signals. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of melatonin and sexual hormones on the viscacha adrenal cortex proliferative activity through the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) along with hormonal determinations. PCNA expression was studied in male viscachas to assess the effect of melatonin administration, castration, and the annual reproductive cycle. In female viscachas, PCNA was studied in nonpregnant and pregnant viscachas. PCNA expression was observed in adrenocortical cells (PCNA-A) and endothelial cells (PCNA-E). Melatonin-administered animals showed a significantly lower number of PCNA-A compared to the control group. No significant difference could be established in the number of PCNA-A and PCNA-E between castrated and control animals. However, the morphometric analysis showed an increase in the size of the cortex of castrated animals, along with other cytological features. Significant differences in serum testosterone levels were observed during the male viscacha reproductive cycle, with the lowest levels encountered during the regression period (winter). Male viscachas exhibited a significantly high number of PCNA-A during late autumn and a high number of PCNA-E during winter. In females, hormonal determinations showed a peak of progesterone and estrogen during mid-pregnancy, along with a notably high number of PCNA-A and an increase in the number of PCNA-E. Our results suggest that proliferation in the adrenal cortex of the viscacha varies in relation to melatonin, sexual hormones, and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Ezequiel Gallol
- Cátedra de Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, 5700, Argentina.,Centro Científico Tecnológico del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Luis, 5700, Argentina
| | - Fabricio Iván Busolini
- Cátedra de Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, 5700, Argentina.,Centro Científico Tecnológico del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Luis, 5700, Argentina
| | - Fabian Heber Mohamed
- Cátedra de Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, 5700, Argentina
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Embryonic programming of heart disease in response to obesity during pregnancy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165402. [PMID: 30759362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity during pregnancy programs adult-onset heart disease in the offspring. Clinical studies indicate that exposure to an adverse environment in utero during early, as compared to late, gestation leads to a higher prevalence of adult-onset heart disease. This suggests that the early developing heart is particularly sensitive to an adverse environment. Accordingly, growing evidence from clinical studies and animal models demonstrates that obesity during pregnancy alters the function of the fetal heart, programming a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Moreover, gene expression patterns and signaling pathways that promote initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease are altered in the hearts in offspring born to obese mothers. However, the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of an adverse environment in utero on the developing heart leading to adult-onset disease are not clear. Here, we review clinical and experimental evidence documenting the effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on the fetal and post-natal heart and emphasize on the potential mechanisms of disease programming.
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Duthie L, Reynolds RM. Changes in the maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pregnancy and postpartum: influences on maternal and fetal outcomes. Neuroendocrinology 2013; 98:106-15. [PMID: 23969897 DOI: 10.1159/000354702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Overexposure of the developing fetus to glucocorticoids is hypothesised to be one of the key mechanisms linking early life development with later life disease. The maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes dramatic changes during pregnancy and postpartum. Although cortisol levels rise threefold by the third trimester, the fetus is partially protected from high cortisol by activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2). Maternal HPA axis activity and activity of HSD11B2 may be modified by maternal stress and disease allowing greater transfer of glucocorticoids from mother to fetus. Here we review emerging data from human studies linking dysregulation of the maternal HPA axis to outcomes in both the mother and her offspring. For the offspring, greater glucocorticoid exposure is associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestation at delivery. In addition, evidence supports longer term consequences for the offspring including re-setting of the HPA axis and susceptibility to neurodevelopmental problems and cardiometabolic disease. For the mother, the changes in the HPA axis, particularly in the postpartum period, may increase vulnerability to mood disturbances. Further understanding of the changes in the HPA axis during pregnancy and the impact of these changes may ultimately allow early identification of those most at risk of future disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Duthie
- Endocrinology Unit, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Sullivan R, Perry R, Sloan A, Kleinhaus K, Burtchen N. Infant bonding and attachment to the caregiver: insights from basic and clinical science. Clin Perinatol 2011; 38:643-55. [PMID: 22107895 PMCID: PMC3223373 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Early life infant-caregiver attachment is a dynamic, bidirectional process that involving both the infant and caregiver. Infant attachment appears to have a dual function. First, it ensures the infant remains close to the caregiver in order to receive necessary care for survival. Second, the quality of attachment and its associated sensory stimuli organize the brain to define the infant's cognitive and emotional development. Here we present attachment within an historical view and highlight the importance of integrating human and animal research in understanding infant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute and The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatry New York University School of Medicine, New York
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York
| | - Rosemarie Perry
- Emotional Brain Institute and The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatry New York University School of Medicine, New York
- Sackler Graduate Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Aliza Sloan
- Emotional Brain Institute and The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatry New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Karine Kleinhaus
- Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Nina Burtchen
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Columbia University New York, New York
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Moore H, Susser E. Relating the effects of prenatal stress in rodents to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 70:906-7. [PMID: 22018354 PMCID: PMC3965346 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA.
| | - Ezra Susser
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY,The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
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Hougaard K, Mandrup K, Kjaer S, Bøgh I, Rosenberg R, Wegener G. Gestational chronic mild stress: Effects on acoustic startle in male offspring of rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2011; 29:495-500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K.S. Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working EnvironmentLersø Parkallé 105DK‐2100Copenhagen ØDenmark
| | - K.R. Mandrup
- National Food InstituteTechnical University of DenmarkMørkhøj Bygade 19DK‐2860SøborgDenmark
| | - S.L. Kjaer
- National Research Centre for the Working EnvironmentLersø Parkallé 105DK‐2100Copenhagen ØDenmark
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital RisskovSkovagervej 2DK‐8240RisskovDenmark
| | - I.B. Bøgh
- Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Life SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenDyrlægevej 68DK‐1870Frederiksberg C.Denmark
| | - R. Rosenberg
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital RisskovSkovagervej 2DK‐8240RisskovDenmark
| | - G. Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital RisskovSkovagervej 2DK‐8240RisskovDenmark
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Frye CA, Paris JJ, Osborne DM, Campbell JC, Kippin TE. Prenatal Stress Alters Progestogens to Mediate Susceptibility to Sex-Typical, Stress-Sensitive Disorders, such as Drug Abuse: A Review. Front Psychiatry 2011; 2:52. [PMID: 22022315 PMCID: PMC3195272 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal-offspring interactions begin prior to birth. Experiences of the mother during gestation play a powerful role in determining the developmental programming of the central nervous system. In particular, stress during gestation alters developmental programming of the offspring resulting in susceptibility to sex-typical and stress-sensitive neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, neither these effects, nor the underlying mechanisms, are well understood. Our hypothesis is that allopregnanolone, during gestation, plays a particularly vital role in mitigating effects of stress on the developing fetus and may mediate, in part, alterations apparent throughout the lifespan. Specifically, altered balance between glucocorticoids and progestogens during critical periods of development (stemming from psychological, immunological, and/or endocrinological stressors during gestation) may permanently influence behavior, brain morphology, and/or neuroendocrine-sensitive processes. 5α-reduced progestogens are integral in the developmental programming of sex-typical, stress-sensitive, and/or disorder-relevant phenotypes. Prenatal stress (PNS) may alter these responses and dysregulate allopregnanolone and its normative effects on stress axis function. As an example of a neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and/or neurodegenerative process, this review focuses on responsiveness to drugs of abuse, which is sensitive to PNS and progestogen milieu. This review explores the notion that allopregnanolone may effect, or be influenced by, PNS, with consequences for neurodevelopmental-, neuropsychiatric-, and/or neurodegenerative- relevant processes, such as addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany-State University of New York Albany, NY, USA
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Kapoor A, Matthews SG. Testosterone is involved in mediating the effects of prenatal stress in male guinea pig offspring. J Physiol 2010; 589:755-66. [PMID: 21173081 PMCID: PMC3052442 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.200543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A link exists between stress during pregnancy and altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) activity and behaviour in children. In the guinea pig, male offspring born to mothers that were exposed to stress during pregnancy demonstrated increased anxiety, basal cortisol levels and decreased testosterone concentrations. Testosterone is known to inhibit HPA function and anxiety behaviours. Therefore, we hypothesized that restoring plasma testosterone would ameliorate the differences observed in HPA function and behaviour. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to a stressor during the period of rapid fetal brain growth (prenatal stress, PS) or left undisturbed (control, C). Behaviour in an open-field and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) was assessed in juvenile offspring. In adulthood, male offspring were divided into four groups: Control + sham gonadectomy (GDX), control + GDX + testosterone replacement, PS + sham GDX and PS + GDX + testosterone. Male offspring were retested in the open-field and PPI. Basal HPA activity was also assessed. As juveniles, PS males exhibited significantly lower ASR (P < 0.05) and elevated PPI. In adulthood, PS male offspring exhibited significantly decreased PPI (P < 0.02) and this was reversed by administration of testosterone. We also found that adult PS offspring exhibited significantly less activity in the open-field (P < 0.05) and administration of testosterone increased ambulatory activity in PS animals. Basal plasma adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) levels were significantly greater in PS animals and there was a trend towards reversal by administration of testosterone in PS males. In conclusion, prenatal stress results in male guinea pig offspring that exhibit age-dependent differences in ambulatory activity, sensorimotor gating and HPA activity. In adulthood, the behavioural changes are reversed by replacement of plasma testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Kapoor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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