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Sphingolipid control of cognitive functions in health and disease. Prog Lipid Res 2022; 86:101162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Dunbar GL, Sandstrom MI, Rossignol J, Lescaudron L. Neurotrophic Enhancers as Therapy for Behavioral Deficits in Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease: Use of Gangliosides, Substituted Pyrimidines, and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 5:63-79. [PMID: 16801683 DOI: 10.1177/1534582306289367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The interest in using neurotrophic factors as potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's disease, has grown in the past decade. A major impediment for the clinical utility of neurotrophic factors is their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier in therapeutically significant amounts. Although several novel mechanisms for delivering exogenous neurotrophins to the brain have been developed, most of them involve invasive procedures or present significant risks. One approach to circumventing these problems is using therapeutic agents that can be administered systemically and have the ability to enhance the activity of neurotrophic factors. This review highlights the use of gangliosides, substituted pyrimidines, and mesenchymal stem cells as neurotrophic enhancers that have significant therapeutic potential while avoiding the pitfalls of delivering exogenous neurotrophic factors through the blood-brain barrier. The review focuses on the potential of these neurotrophic enhancers for treating the behavioral deficits in rodent models of Huntington's disease.
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Main target of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: Morphophysiological, inflammatory and metabolic view. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:247-54. [PMID: 26079568 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although often not considered clinically relevant and, therefore, not diagnosed or treated, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has been shown to affect daily functioning, quality of life, driving and overall mortality. To discover early impairments involved in MHE, we studied one of its precipitating factors, portal hypertension. Rats were trained on a stimulus-response task using the Morris water maze. Two groups of animals were used: a SHAM (sham-operated) group (n= 13) and a portal hypertension (PH) group (n= 13). The triple portal vein ligation method was used to create an animal model of an early developmental phase of HE. Brain metabolic activity was studied with cytochrome c-oxidase histochemistry (C.O.). Neuronal nuclear volume was assessed by nucleator probe; the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive astrocytes (GFAP-IR) and proinflammatory mediators was measured. The results revealed that the PH group was not able to reach the behavioural criterion, in contrast to the SHAM group. The metabolic brain consumption revealed decreased C.O. activity in the ventral striatum. The PH group showed lower density of GFAP-IR and an increase in the tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α). The PH group showed decreased neuronal nuclear volume in the dorsal striatum. On the contrary, increased neuronal nuclear volume was found in the ventral striatum. For the first time, a relationship has been established between inflammation, astrocytic and neural damage, and brain metabolic impairment in a model of MHE. Disruption of the striatum and related structures was highlighted as the main target in early stages of HE. Finally, a simple task was presented to assess the subtle impairments found in the clinic, which could provide fresh insights into the development of new tools for the assessment of MHE.
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Best T, Kemps E, Bryan J. A role for dietary saccharide intake in cognitive performance. Nutr Neurosci 2013; 10:113-20. [DOI: 10.1080/10284150701413170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Lu MH, Takemoto M, Watanabe K, Luo H, Nishimura M, Yano M, Tomimoto H, Okazaki T, Oike Y, Song WJ. Deficiency of sphingomyelin synthase-1 but not sphingomyelin synthase-2 causes hearing impairments in mice. J Physiol 2012; 590:4029-44. [PMID: 22641779 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.235846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingomyelin (SM) is a sphingolipid reported to function as a structural component of plasma membranes and to participate in signal transduction. The role of SM metabolism in the process of hearing remains controversial. Here, we examined the role of SM synthase (SMS), which is subcategorized into the family members SMS1 and SMS2, in auditory function. Measurements of auditory brainstem response (ABR) revealed hearing impairment in SMS1−/− mice in a low frequency range (4–16 kHz). As a possible mechanism of this impairment, we found that the stria vascularis (SV) in these mice exhibited atrophy and disorganized marginal cells. Consequently, SMS1−/− mice exhibited significantly smaller endocochlear potentials (EPs). As a possible mechanism for EP reduction, we found altered expression patterns and a reduced level of KCNQ1 channel protein in the SV of SMS1−/− mice. These mice also exhibited reduced levels of distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Quantitative comparison of the SV atrophy, KCNQ1 expression, and outer hair cell density at the cochlear apical and basal turns revealed no location dependence, but more macrophage invasion into the SV was observed in the apical region than the basal region, suggesting a role of cochlear location-dependent oxidative stress in producing the frequency dependence of hearing loss in SMS1−/− mice. Elevated ABR thresholds, decreased EPs, and abnormal KCNQ1 expression patterns in SMS1−/− mice were all found to be progressive with age. Mice lacking SMS2, however, exhibited neither detectable hearing loss nor changes in their EPs. Taken together, our results suggest that hearing impairments occur in SMS1−/− but not SMS2−/− mice. Defects in the SV with subsequent reductions in EPs together with hair cell dysfunction may account, at least partially, for hearing impairments in SMS1−/− mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hong Lu
- Department of Sensory and Cognitive Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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Best T, Kemps E, Bryan J. Saccharide effects on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults: a randomized controlled trial. Dev Neuropsychol 2010; 35:66-80. [PMID: 20390593 DOI: 10.1080/87565640903325709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to investigate the effects of saccharide supplementation on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults. Participants (N = 109; 45-60 years) took a teaspoon of a combination of saccharides or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks (3.6 g per day). Before and after this supplementation period, participants completed alternate forms of standardized tests of cognition and self-report measures of well-being. Significant beneficial effects of saccharide supplementation were found for memory performance and indicators of well-being. The potential for these nutrients to optimize cognitive function and well-being in older adults warrants ongoing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha Best
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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Highfield DA, Lilliquist MW, Amsel A. Reversal of a Postnatal Alcohol-Induced Deficit in Learned Persistence in the Rat by d-Amphetamine. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1999.tb04230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Setlow B, McGaugh JL. Involvement of the posteroventral caudate-putamen in memory consolidation in the Morris water maze. Neurobiol Learn Mem 1999; 71:240-7. [PMID: 10082643 DOI: 10.1006/nlme.1998.3874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Male Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with bilateral intracerebral guide cannulae were trained in the standard hidden platform version of the Morris water maze and given immediate posttraining infusions of the D2 dopamine receptor antagonist sulpiride (10.0 or 100.0 ng/side) or saline vehicle into the posteroventral caudate-putamen. Retention was tested 2 days later with a probe trial. Sulpiride-treated rats spent less time swimming near the trained platform location and more time in the periphery of the maze than controls, although their latency to reach the trained platform location was not significantly affected. The pattern of results suggests that whereas the posteroventral caudate-putamen seems to be involved in consolidation of memory in the Morris water maze, it may be involved in memory for procedural aspects of the task in a manner distinct from that of other brain regions such as the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Setlow
- Department of Psychobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine California, 92697-3800, USA.
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Skelton RW. Modelling recovery of cognitive function after traumatic brain injury: spatial navigation in the Morris water maze after complete or partial transections of the perforant path in rats. Behav Brain Res 1998; 96:13-35. [PMID: 9821540 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(97)00199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Morris water maze (MWM) has been used to assess cognitive function in rats after a variety of lesions designed to model brain damage and to assess the effects of drugs, growth factors, and neural transplants on post-operative deficits. The present study examined recovery of spatial navigation in the MWM over time in order to model the spontaneous recovery of cognitive function seen in humans. Diffuse axonal injury, a neuropathology commonly associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), was modelled by transecting the perforant path (PP) bilaterally, either caudal to the hippocampus or dorsal to it at the decussation of the dorsal hippocampal commissure. Both groups with PP cuts showed substantial deficits initially, but spatial performance recovered with time and training. Recovery of platform finding was nearly complete within 14 days of testing, but recovery of platform searching did not occur for 2 or 3 more weeks. When the platform was moved to a new location, a continuing deficit in learning rate was revealed. When the platform was moved to a new position every day, this deficit was even more evident. These results illustrate the multi-faceted nature of recovery after brain injury and provide a new model for assessing the effects of manipulations designed to modulate recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Skelton
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Canada.
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Wells JM, Ventura RF, Eisenhauer PB, McKenna DC, Fines RE, Ullman M. Transport of GM1 and GM1 inner ester across an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier. Neurosci Lett 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(96)13083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bondy SC, Guo SX. Effect of an NMDA receptor antagonist and a ganglioside GM1 derivative upon ethanol-induced modification of parameters of oxidative stress in several brain regions. Brain Res 1996; 716:165-70. [PMID: 8738233 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(96)00008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dietary administration of ethanol to rats for 2 weeks was able to depress levels of glutathione (GSH) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in several brain regions. This was indicative of the generation of excess levels of reactive oxygen in treated animals. The potentially protective effect of both an NMDA receptor blocker (MK-801) and an internally esterified derivative of ganglioside GM1 (AGF2) upon ethanol-induced changes in these indices of oxidative stress, was studied. Both of these agents are reported to have neuroprotective properties, but neither was able to prevent ethanol-induced reduction of GSH and SOD levels in any brain area studied. In fact, both agents depressed SOD and GSH levels in midbrain independently of ethanol. MK-801 had a pronounced pro-oxidant potential, and when administered in combination with ethanol. GSH and SOD were reduced in midbrain and striatum to levels below those obtained with either agent alone. The pro-oxidant properties of ethanol may thus act independently of its actions upon the NMDA receptor. The protective properties of NMDA receptor inhibitors or gangliosides cannot be attributed to any antioxidant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Bondy
- Department of Community and Environmental Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92717-1825, USA
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Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that the basal ganglia are critical brain structures for motor-skill and habit learning, and may be important for the acquisition of some perceptual and cognitive skills. The cerebellum appears to contribute importantly only to motor-skill learning. Transitory cortical changes occur during motor-skill learning, but perceptual-skill learning may involve a semi-permanent change in neuronal sensitivity in the primary sensory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Salmon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0948, USA
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Sagratella S, Scotti de Carolis A, Diana G, Domenici MR, Popoli P. Selective reduction of hippocampal dentate frequency-potentiation in striatally lesioned rats with impaired place learning. Brain Res 1994; 660:66-72. [PMID: 7828002 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)90839-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The induction of hippocampal frequency-potentiation (i.e. post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) was analyzed in rat hippocampal slices obtained from animals showing impaired place learning in the Morris water maze as a consequence of bilateral striatal injection of quinolinic acid. Vehicle-injected animals, showing normal performances in the Morris water maze, behaved as controls. After the application of an electrical tetanus (1 s, 100 Hz, 50 microA) in the stratum radiatum, no significant differences were found in the percent of induction of both PTP and LTP in the CA1 area of hippocampal slices obtained from lesioned and sham-operated rats. After the application of an electrical tetanus (1 s, 100 Hz 50 microA) in the stratum moleculare, a significant difference was found in the percent of dentate PTP induction in hippocampal slices obtained from lesioned and sham-operated rats. Specifically, dentate PTP induction was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in slices obtained from sham-operated rats with a good performance in the Morris water maze than in slices obtained from striatally lesioned rats, which had shown poor performance in the Morris water maze. On the contrary, no significant differences were found in the percent of dentate LTP in hippocampal slices obtained from rats of the two groups. The data demonstrate that the impairment of the place learning in striatally lesioned rats is associated with a selective reduction of hippocampal dentate frequency-potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sagratella
- Pharmacology Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Roma, Italy
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Popoli P, Pèzzola A, Domenici MR, Sagratella S, Diana G, Caporali MG, Bronzetti E, Vega J, Scotti de Carolis A. Behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of the quinolinic acid rat model of Huntington's disease in rats. Brain Res Bull 1994; 35:329-35. [PMID: 7850482 DOI: 10.1016/0361-9230(94)90109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The influence of bilateral intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid (QA, 300 nmol) was studied in male Wistar rats. Behavioral and electrophysiological experiments were conducted in 15 lesioned plus 15 vehicle-injected (control) animals. With respect to control animals, QA-lesioned rats showed marked, statistically significant alterations from both the behavioral (greater motor activation in response to d-amphetamine, place-learning deficit in the Morris water maze), and the electroencephalographic (reduced voltage amplitude and EEG power at the level of frontal cortex) points of view. In addition, a significant loss in body weight and a marked striatal gliosis (GFAP staining) were observed in lesioned rats. Conversely, QA-lesioned rats did not show modifications in posttetanic potentiation (P.T.P.) or long-term potentiation (L.T.P.) in CA1 hippocampal area. The present results confirm that QA lesions of rat striatum may be regarded as a suitable model of Huntington's disease (HD).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Popoli
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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