1
|
Wilhelm M, Sych Y, Fomins A, Alatorre Warren JL, Lewis C, Serratosa Capdevila L, Boehringer R, Amadei EA, Grewe B, O'Connor EC, Hall BJ, Helmchen F. Striatum-projecting prefrontal cortex neurons support working memory maintenance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7016. [PMID: 37919287 PMCID: PMC10622437 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are functionally linked to working memory (WM) but how distinct projection pathways contribute to WM remains unclear. Based on optical recordings, optogenetic perturbations, and pharmacological interventions in male mice, we report here that dorsomedial striatum (dmStr)-projecting mPFC neurons are essential for WM maintenance, but not encoding or retrieval, in a T-maze spatial memory task. Fiber photometry of GCaMP6m-labeled mPFC→dmStr neurons revealed strongest activity during the maintenance period, and optogenetic inhibition of these neurons impaired performance only when applied during this period. Conversely, enhancing mPFC→dmStr pathway activity-via pharmacological suppression of HCN1 or by optogenetic activation during the maintenance period-alleviated WM impairment induced by NMDA receptor blockade. Moreover, cellular-resolution miniscope imaging revealed that >50% of mPFC→dmStr neurons are active during WM maintenance and that this subpopulation is distinct from neurons active during encoding and retrieval. In all task periods, neuronal sequences were evident. Striatum-projecting mPFC neurons thus critically contribute to spatial WM maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wilhelm
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yaroslav Sych
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aleksejs Fomins
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - José Luis Alatorre Warren
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Christopher Lewis
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roman Boehringer
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth A Amadei
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Grewe
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eoin C O'Connor
- Neuroscience & Rare Diseases, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin J Hall
- Neuroscience & Rare Diseases, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
- Circuit Biology Department, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dexter TD, Palmer D, Hashad AM, Saksida LM, Bussey TJ. Decision Making in Mice During an Optimized Touchscreen Spatial Working Memory Task Sensitive to Medial Prefrontal Cortex Inactivation and NMDA Receptor Hypofunction. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:905736. [PMID: 35655752 PMCID: PMC9152442 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.905736] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory is a fundamental cognitive process for decision-making and is a hallmark impairment in a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Spatial working memory paradigms are a valuable tool to assess these processes in rodents and dissect the neurobiology underlying working memory. The trial unique non-match to location (TUNL) task is an automated touchscreen paradigm used to study spatial working memory and pattern separation processes in rodents. Here, animals must remember the spatial location of a stimulus presented on the screen over a delay period; and use this representation to respond to the novel location when the two are presented together. Because stimuli can be presented in a variety of spatial configurations, TUNL offers a trial-unique paradigm, which can aid in combating the development of unwanted mediating strategies. Here, we have optimized the TUNL protocol for mice to reduce training time and further reduce the potential development of mediating strategies. As a result, mice are able to accurately perform an enhanced trial-unique paradigm, where the locations of the sample and choice stimuli can be presented in any configuration on the screen during a single session. We also aimed to pharmacologically characterize this updated protocol, by assessing the roles of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAr) functioning during TUNL. Temporary inactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was accomplished by directly infusing a mixture of GABA agonists muscimol and baclofen into the mPFC. We found that mPFC inactivation significantly impaired TUNL performance in a delay-dependent manner. In addition, mPFC inactivation significantly increased the susceptibility of mice to proactive interference. Mice were then challenged with acute systemic injections of the NMDAr antagonist ketamine, which resulted in a dose-dependent, delay-dependent working memory impairment. Together, we describe an optimized automated touchscreen task of working memory, which is dependent on the intact functioning of the mPFC and sensitive to acute NMDAr hypofunction. With the vast genetic toolbox available for modeling disease and probing neural circuit functioning in mice, the TUNL task offers a valuable paradigm to pair with these technologies to further investigate the processes underlying spatial working memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D. Dexter
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed M. Hashad
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- BrainsCAN, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa M. Saksida
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tim J. Bussey
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The effects of acute Cannabis smoke or Δ9-THC injections on the trial-unique, nonmatching-to- location and five-choice serial reaction time tasks in male Long-Evans rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 192:107624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
4
|
Barnard IL, Onofrychuk TJ, McElroy DL, Howland JG. The Touchscreen-Based Trial-Unique, Nonmatching-To-Location (TUNL) Task as a Measure of Working Memory and Pattern Separation in Rats and Mice. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e238. [PMID: 34570962 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The TUNL task is an automated touchscreen task used to evaluate the cognitive processes involved in working memory (WM) and spatial pattern separation in rodents. Both rats and mice can be used. To elicit working memory processes, the rodent must distinguish between a sample (familiar) light stimulus and a novel light stimulus after a delay. With a correct selection, the rodent will receive a food reward. A major benefit of TUNL compared to other similar tasks is the circumvention of spatial "mediating strategies" that the rodent may use to supplement or replace working memory processes to complete the task successfully. Each trial is 'unique', as the stimuli are pseudo-randomized between trials in an array of spatial locations. The TUNL task uses a progression of six training steps to teach the rodent the associated rules necessary to complete the full task. Task performance is typically measured by trials completed and by accuracy. Task accuracy can be evaluated across various spatial separations to engage hippocampal-dependent processes involved in spatial pattern separation. The latency between trial responses can also be evaluated, with food reward collection latency as a measure of motivation. The TUNL task can be used to assess working memory and cognitive deficits in rodent models with neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, providing a valuable tool to screen for new treatment options, in addition to assessing basic neurobiology. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Handling and habituation prior to training Basic Protocol 2: Initial Touch Training Basic Protocol 3: Must Touch Training Basic Protocol 4: Must Initiate Training Basic Protocol 5: Punish Incorrect Training Basic Protocol 6: Initial TUNL Training Basic Protocol 7: Full TUNL Training Support Protocol 1: Using ABET II touch program Support Protocol 2: Preparation of touchscreen chambers prior to training sessions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilne L Barnard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Timothy J Onofrychuk
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Onofrychuk TJ, Cai S, McElroy DL, Roebuck AJ, Greba Q, Garai S, Thakur GA, Laprairie RB, Howland JG. Effects of the cannabinoid receptor 1 positive allosteric modulator GAT211 and acute MK-801 on visual attention and impulsivity in rats assessed using the five-choice serial reaction time task. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110235. [PMID: 33373679 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Altered interactions between endocannabinoid and glutamate signaling may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and acute psychosis. As cognitive disturbances are involved in schizophrenia, increased understanding of the roles of these neurotransmitter systems in cognition may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for disorder. In the present study, we examined the effects of a recently synthesized cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) positive allosteric modulator GAT211 in a rodent model of acute psychosis induced by systemic treatment with MK-801. To assess cognitive function, we used the Five-Choice Serial Reaction Time (5CSRT) task, conducted in touchscreen-equipped operant conditioning chambers. Our measures of primary interest were accuracy - indicative of visual attentional capacity - and the number of premature responses - indicative of impulsivity. We also measured latencies, omissions, and perseverative responding during all test sessions. Thirteen adult male Long Evans rats were trained on the 5CSRT and were then tested using a repeated measures design with acute MK-801 (0 or 0.15 mg/kg, i.p.) and GAT211 (0, 3, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Acute MK-801 severely impaired accuracy, increased omissions, and increased the number of premature responses. MK-801 also significantly increased correct response latencies, without significant effects on incorrect or reward correction latencies. GAT211 had no significant effects when administered alone, or in combination with acute MK-801. These data confirm the dramatic effects of acute MK-801 treatment on behavioral measures of attention and impulsivity. Continued investigation of CB1R positive allosteric modulators as potential treatments for the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and related disorders should be pursued in other rodent models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Onofrychuk
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Shuang Cai
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | | | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zoupa E, Pitsikas N. The Nitric Oxide (NO) Donor Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) and Its Potential for the Schizophrenia Therapy: Lights and Shadows. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113196. [PMID: 34073534 PMCID: PMC8199342 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting up to 1% of the worldwide population. Available therapy presents different limits comprising lack of efficiency in attenuating negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, typical features of schizophrenia and severe side effects. There is pressing requirement, therefore, to develop novel neuroleptics with higher efficacy and safety. Nitric oxide (NO), an intra- and inter-cellular messenger in the brain, appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In particular, underproduction of this gaseous molecule is associated to this mental disease. The latter suggests that increment of nitrergic activity might be of utility for the medication of schizophrenia. Based on the above, molecules able to enhance NO production, as are NO donors, might represent a class of compounds candidates. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a NO donor and is proposed as a promising novel compound for the treatment of schizophrenia. In the present review, we intended to critically assess advances in research of SNP for the therapy of schizophrenia and discuss its potential superiority over currently used neuroleptics.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hatzipantelis C, Langiu M, Vandekolk TH, Pierce TL, Nithianantharajah J, Stewart GD, Langmead CJ. Translation-Focused Approaches to GPCR Drug Discovery for Cognitive Impairments Associated with Schizophrenia. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:1042-1062. [PMID: 33344888 PMCID: PMC7737210 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There are no effective therapeutics for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS), which includes deficits in executive functions (working memory and cognitive flexibility) and episodic memory. Compounds that have entered clinical trials are inadequate in terms of efficacy and/or tolerability, highlighting a clear translational bottleneck and a need for a cohesive preclinical drug development strategy. In this review we propose hippocampal-prefrontal-cortical (HPC-PFC) circuitry underlying CIAS-relevant cognitive processes across mammalian species as a target source to guide the translation-focused discovery and development of novel, procognitive agents. We highlight several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) enriched within HPC-PFC circuitry as therapeutic targets of interest, including noncanonical approaches (biased agonism and allosteric modulation) to conventional clinical targets, such as dopamine and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, along with prospective novel targets, including the orphan receptors GPR52 and GPR139. We also describe the translational limitations of popular preclinical cognition tests and suggest touchscreen-based assays that probe cognitive functions reliant on HPC-PFC circuitry and reflect tests used in the clinic, as tests of greater translational relevance. Combining pharmacological and behavioral testing strategies based in HPC-PFC circuit function creates a cohesive, translation-focused approach to preclinical drug development that may improve the translational bottleneck currently hindering the development of treatments for CIAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra
J. Hatzipantelis
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Monica Langiu
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Teresa H. Vandekolk
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Tracie L. Pierce
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jess Nithianantharajah
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Gregory D. Stewart
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Langmead
- Drug
Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sokolenko E, Nithianantharajah J, Jones NC. MK-801 impairs working memory on the Trial-Unique Nonmatch-to-Location test in mice, but this is not exclusively mediated by NMDA receptors on PV+ interneurons or forebrain pyramidal cells. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
9
|
Anderson MD, Paylor JW, Scott GA, Greba Q, Winship IR, Howland JG. ChABC infusions into medial prefrontal cortex, but not posterior parietal cortex, improve the performance of rats tested on a novel, challenging delay in the touchscreen TUNL task. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:222-235. [PMID: 32414940 PMCID: PMC7233150 DOI: 10.1101/lm.050245.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that surround subsets of neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS). They are made up of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), hyaluronan, tenascin-R, and many other link proteins that together make up their rigid and lattice-like structure. Modulation of PNNs can alter synaptic plasticity and thereby affect learning, memory, and cognition. In the present study, we degraded PNNs in the medial prefrontal (mPFC) and posterior parietal (PPC) cortices of Long–Evans rats using the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), which cleaves apart CSPGs. We then measured the consequences of PNN degradation on spatial working memory (WM) with a trial-unique, non-matching-to location (TUNL) automated touchscreen task. All rats were trained with a standard 6 sec delay and 20 sec inter-trial interval (ITI) and then tested under four different conditions: a 6 sec delay, a variable 2 or 6 sec delay, a 2 sec delay with a 1 sec ITI (interference condition), and a 20 sec delay. Rats that received mPFC ChABC treatment initially performed TUNL with higher accuracy, more selection trials completed, and fewer correction trials completed compared to controls in the 20 sec delay condition but did not perform differently from controls in any other condition. Rats that received PPC ChABC treatment did not perform significantly differently from controls in any condition. Posthumous immunohistochemistry confirmed an increase in CSPG degradation products (C4S stain) in the mPFC and PPC following ChABC infusions while WFA staining intensity and parvalbumin positive neuron number were decreased following mPFC, but not PPC, ChABC infusions. These findings suggest that PNNs in the mPFC play a subtle role in spatial WM, but PNNs in the PPC do not. Furthermore, it appears that PNNs in the mPFC are involved in adapting to a challenging novel delay, but that they do not play an essential role in spatial WM function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Anderson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John W Paylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Gavin A Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ian R Winship
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scott GA, Cai S, Song Y, Liu MC, Greba Q, Howland JG. Task phase-specific involvement of the rat posterior parietal cortex in performance of the TUNL task. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12659. [PMID: 32348610 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) participates in cognitive processes including working memory (WM), sensory evidence accumulation, and perceptually guided decision making. However, surprisingly little work has used temporally precise manipulations to dissect its role in different epochs of behavior taking place over short timespans, such as WM tasks. As a result, a consistent view of the temporally precise role of the PPC in these processes has not been described. In the present study, we investigated the temporally specific role of the PPC in the Trial-Unique, Nonmatching-to-Location (TUNL) task, a touchscreen-based, visuospatial WM task that relies on the PPC. To disrupt PPC activity in a temporally precise manner, we applied mild intracranial electrical stimulation (ICES). We found that intra-PPC ICES (100 μA) significantly impaired accuracy in TUNL without significantly altering response latency. Moreover, we found that the impairment was specific to ICES applied during the delay and test phases of TUNL. Consistent with previous reports showing delay- and choice-specific neuronal activity in the PPC, the results provide evidence that the rat PPC is required for maintaining memory representations of stimuli over a delay period as well as for making successful comparisons and choices between test stimuli. In contrast, the PPC appears not to be critical for initial encoding of sample stimuli. This pattern of results may indicate that early encoding of visual stimuli is independent of the PPC or that the PPC becomes engaged only when visual stimuli are spatially complex or involve memory or decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin A Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shuang Cai
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yuanyi Song
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Max C Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sokolenko E, Hudson MR, Nithianantharajah J, Jones NC. The mGluR 2/3 agonist LY379268 reverses NMDA receptor antagonist effects on cortical gamma oscillations and phase coherence, but not working memory impairments, in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1588-1599. [PMID: 31580222 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119875976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in neural oscillations that occur in the gamma frequency range (30-80 Hz) may underlie cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Both cognitive impairments and gamma oscillatory disturbances can be induced in healthy people and rodents by administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antagonists. AIMS We studied relationships between cognitive impairment and gamma abnormalities following NMDAr antagonism, and attempted to reverse deficits with the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 2/3 (mGluR2/3) agonist LY379268. METHODS C57/Bl6 mice were trained to perform the Trial-Unique Nonmatching to Location (TUNL) touchscreen test for working memory. They were then implanted with local field potential (LFP) recording electrodes in prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus. Mice were administered either LY379268 (3 mg/kg) or vehicle followed by the NMDAr antagonist MK-801 (0.3 or 1 mg/kg) or vehicle prior to testing on the TUNL task, or recording LFPs during the presentation of an auditory stimulus. RESULTS MK-801 impaired working memory and increased perseveration, but these behaviours were not improved by LY379268 treatment. MK-81 increased the power of ongoing gamma and high gamma (130-180 Hz) oscillations in both brain regions and regional coherence between regions, and these signatures were augmented by LY379268. However, auditory-evoked gamma oscillation deficits caused by MK-801 were not affected by LY379268 pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS NMDA receptor antagonism impairs working memory in mice, but this is not reversed by stimulation of mGluR2/3. Since elevations in ongoing gamma power and regional coherence caused by MK-801 were improved by LY379268, it appears unlikely that these specific oscillatory abnormalities underlie the working memory impairment caused by NMDAr antagonism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Sokolenko
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew R Hudson
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jess Nithianantharajah
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Scott GA, Roebuck AJ, Greba Q, Howland JG. Performance of the trial-unique, delayed non-matching-to-location (TUNL) task depends on AMPA/Kainate, but not NMDA, ionotropic glutamate receptors in the rat posterior parietal cortex. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 159:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
13
|
Wang X, Ding S, Lu Y, Jiao Z, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Li W, Lv L. Effects of sodium nitroprusside in the acute dizocilpine (MK-801) animal model of schizophrenia. Brain Res Bull 2019; 147:140-147. [PMID: 30772438 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia treatment remains a major challenge, especially the associated cognitive impairments, as these are not consistently alleviated by conventional antipsychotics. Recent animal and clinical studies suggest that the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) reduces the psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of SNP against schizophrenia-like behavioral and cognitive deficits in the dizocilpine (MK-801) rat model. We used the rotarod and open field tests to identify the SNP dose which had no adverse effects on rat's exploratory and motor behavior, then established the schizophrenia model by injecting adult Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally with MK-801 (0.4 mg/kg) with or without SNP pre-treatment. Behavioral changes were examined after 10 min. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) and the Y maze tests were conducted to assess cognitive deficits, and elevated plus maze and open field tests to assess anxiety-like behaviors. Preliminary rotarod and open field tests demonstrated that 2.5 mg/kg SNP had no effect on motor performance. Acute MK-801 treatment induced both cognitive deficits and anxiety. Co-administration of SNP (2.5 mg/kg) failed to improve these schizophrenia-like abnormalities. Sodium nitroprusside appears unable to improve schizophrenia-like symptoms and cognitive deficits induced by MK-801, inconsistent with the effectiveness of SNP as an adjunct therapy for anxiety disorders and working memory impairments in schizophrenia patients. Future studies are required to define an effective dose range for SNP monotherapy and adjunct therapy in different rodent models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Wang
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuang Ding
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanli Lu
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiqiang Jiao
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, The Ninth Clinical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.93, Youyi Road, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.83, Hulan East Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yujuan Zhang
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.388, Jianshe Middle Road, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Winship IR, Dursun SM, Baker GB, Balista PA, Kandratavicius L, Maia-de-Oliveira JP, Hallak J, Howland JG. An Overview of Animal Models Related to Schizophrenia. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2019; 64:5-17. [PMID: 29742910 PMCID: PMC6364139 DOI: 10.1177/0706743718773728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that is poorly treated with current therapies. In this brief review, we provide an update regarding the use of animal models to study schizophrenia in an attempt to understand its aetiology and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Tremendous progress has been made developing and validating rodent models that replicate the aetiologies, brain pathologies, and behavioural abnormalities associated with schizophrenia in humans. Here, models are grouped into 3 categories-developmental, drug induced, and genetic-to reflect the heterogeneous risk factors associated with schizophrenia. Each of these models is associated with varied but overlapping pathophysiology, endophenotypes, behavioural abnormalities, and cognitive impairments. Studying schizophrenia using multiple models will permit an understanding of the core features of the disease, thereby facilitating preclinical research aimed at the development and validation of better pharmacotherapies to alter the progression of schizophrenia or alleviate its debilitating symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Winship
- 1 Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Serdar M Dursun
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, Neurochemical Research Unit and Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.,3 National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Science, Brazil
| | - Glen B Baker
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, Neurochemical Research Unit and Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.,3 National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Science, Brazil
| | - Priscila A Balista
- 4 Department of Pharmacy, Centro Universitario das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmyla Kandratavicius
- 5 Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Joao Paulo Maia-de-Oliveira
- 3 National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Science, Brazil.,6 Department of Clinical Medicine, Rio Grande do Norte Federal University, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jaime Hallak
- 3 National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Science, Brazil.,5 Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.,7 Department of Psychiatry (NRU), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - John G Howland
- 8 Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The role of striatum and prefrontal cortex in the prevention of amphetamine-induced schizophrenia-like effects mediated by nitric oxide compounds. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:353-362. [PMID: 29555252 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological manipulation of nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested as a promising treatment for schizophrenia symptoms. A single infusion of sodium nitroprusside, a NO donor with short half-life, was found to improve schizophrenia symptoms. However, an increasing number of preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential beneficial effects of both NO donors and inhibitors. We investigated the potential synergistic effect of sub-effective doses of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside or the NO inhibitor 7-Nitroindazole (7NI) combined with clozapine, a standard atypical antipsychotic, on counteracting amphetamine or MK-801-induced psychosis-like behaviors. The impact of sodium nitroprusside and 7NI on cAMP regulation in the prefrontal cortex and striatum was also evaluated. Confirming previous results, we found that both NO donors and inhibitors prevented amphetamine-induced effects (prepulse inhibition [PPI] disruption and hyperlocomotion). In addition, we observed a synergistic effect of sodium nitroprusside and clozapine on antagonizing the disruptive effects of amphetamine, but not MK-801, in the PPI test. The sub-effective dose of 7NI tested did not prevent amphetamine or MK-induced PPI effects when combined with clozapine. Interestingly, cAMP levels were significantly decreased in the prefrontal cortex after treatment with sodium nitroprusside. In the striatum, both sodium nitroprusside and 7NI blocked the amphetamine-induced increase of cAMP. Our data corroborate previous findings on the dopaminergic mechanisms involved in the action of sodium nitroprusside. It is likely that the differential effects of sodium nitroprusside are related to its ability to modify cAMP levels in the prefrontal cortex.
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen J, Hu R, Liao H, Zhang Y, Lei R, Zhang Z, Zhuang Y, Wan Y, Jin P, Feng H, Wan Q. A non-ionotropic activity of NMDA receptors contributes to glycine-induced neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3575. [PMID: 28620235 PMCID: PMC5472592 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03909-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is known for its ionotropic function. But recent evidence suggests that NMDAR also has a non-ionotropic property. To determine the role of non-ionotropic activity of NMDARs in clinical relevant conditions, we tested the effect of glycine, a co-agonist of NMDARs, in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), an animal model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury after the animals were injected with the NMDAR channel blocker MK-801 and the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine. We show that glycine reduces the infarct volume in the brain of ischemic stroke animals pre-injected with MK-801 and strychnine. The effect of glycine is sensitive to the antagonist of glycine-GluN1 binding site and blocked by Akt inhibition. In the neurobehavioral tests, glycine improves the functional recovery of stroke animals pre-injected with MK-801 and strychnine. This study suggests that glycine-induced neuroprotection is mediated in part by the non-ionotropic activity of NMDARs via Akt activation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China. .,Department of Neurology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 26 Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China.
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huabao Liao
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Ruixue Lei
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Yang Zhuang
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Department of Neurology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 26 Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China. .,Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University School of Medicine, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Davies DA, Hurtubise JL, Greba Q, Howland JG. Medial prefrontal cortex and dorsomedial striatum are necessary for the trial-unique, delayed nonmatching-to-location (TUNL) task in rats: role of NMDA receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:262-266. [PMID: 28507036 PMCID: PMC5435879 DOI: 10.1101/lm.044750.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The trial-unique, delayed nonmatching-to-location (TUNL) task is a recently developed behavioral task that measures spatial working memory and a form of pattern separation in touchscreen-equipped operant conditioning chambers. Limited information exists regarding the neurotransmitters and neural substrates involved in the task. The present experiments tested the effects of systemic and intracranial injections of NMDA receptor antagonists on the TUNL task. After training, male Long Evans rats systemically injected with the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CPP (10 mg/kg) had impaired accuracy regardless of the degree of stimuli separation or length of delay between the sample and test phases. Injections of Ro 25-6981 (6 or 10 mg/kg), an antagonist selective for GluN2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors, did not affect accuracy on the task. Direct infusion of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist AP5 into mPFC or dmSTR reduced overall accuracy on the TUNL task. These results demonstrate that TUNL task performance depends on NMDA receptors within the mPFC and dmSTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Don A Davies
- Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Jessica L Hurtubise
- Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|