1
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Guma E, Chakravarty MM. Immune Alterations in the Intrauterine Environment Shape Offspring Brain Development in a Sex-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01260-5. [PMID: 38679357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to immune dysregulation in utero or in early life has been shown to increase risk for neuropsychiatric illness. The sources of inflammation can be varied, including acute exposures due to maternal infection or acute stress, or persistent exposures due to chronic stress, obesity, malnutrition, or autoimmune diseases. These exposures may cause subtle alteration in brain development, structure, and function that can become progressively magnified across the life span, potentially increasing the likelihood of developing a neuropsychiatric conditions. There is some evidence that males are more susceptible to early-life inflammatory challenges than females. In this review, we discuss the various sources of in utero or early-life immune alteration and the known effects on fetal development with a sex-specific lens. To do so, we leveraged neuroimaging, behavioral, cellular, and neurochemical findings. Gaining clarity about how the intrauterine environment affects offspring development is critically important for informing preventive and early intervention measures that may buffer against the effects of these early-life risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guma
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Boerner KE, Keogh E, Inkster AM, Nahman-Averbuch H, Oberlander TF. A developmental framework for understanding the influence of sex and gender on health: Pediatric pain as an exemplar. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105546. [PMID: 38272336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105546] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences are a robust finding in many areas of adult health, including cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, and chronic pain. However, many sex differences are not consistently observed until after the onset of puberty. This has led to the hypothesis that hormones are primary contributors to sex differences in health outcomes, largely ignoring the relative contributions of early developmental influences, emerging psychosocial factors, gender, and the interaction between these variables. In this paper, we argue that a comprehensive understanding of sex and gender contributions to health outcomes should start as early as conception and take an iterative biopsychosocial-developmental perspective that considers intersecting social positions. We present a conceptual framework, informed by a review of the literature in basic, clinical, and social science that captures how critical developmental stages for both sex and gender can affect children's health and longer-term outcomes. The literature on pediatric chronic pain is used as a worked example of how the framework can be applied to understanding different chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn E Boerner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Edmund Keogh
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Amy M Inkster
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hadas Nahman-Averbuch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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3
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Francella C, Green M, Caspani G, Lai JKY, Rilett KC, Foster JA. Microbe-Immune-Stress Interactions Impact Behaviour during Postnatal Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315064. [PMID: 36499393 PMCID: PMC9740388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have established the role of microbiota-brain communication in behaviour and brain function. Studies have shown that microbiota composition and diversity are influenced by a variety of factors including host genetics, diet, and other environmental exposures, with implications for the immunological and neurobiological development of the host organism. To further understand early-life interactions between environment, genetic factors, the microbiome and the central nervous system, we investigated the impact of postnatal stress in C57Bl/6 wild type and T-cell deficient mice on microbe-brain interactions and behaviour. Mice were exposed to immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at postnatal day (P) 3 and maternal separation at P9 (16 h overnight). Behavioural assessment of growth and development as well as behaviour (righting reflex, ultrasonic vocalizations in response to brief maternal separation, open field, sociability, and grooming) was conducted. Microbiota diversity and composition of fecal samples collected at P24 revealed reduced alpha diversity in T-cell-deficient mice as well as genotype- and stress-related taxa. Notably, integrated analyses of microbiota and behaviour in the context of immunocompromise revealed key behavioural related taxa that may be important to brain development. These findings are important to determining the influence of genetic and environmental factors on gut microbiota and advances our understanding microbiome-brain signaling pathways on neurodevelopment and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Francella
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Miranda Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Giorgia Caspani
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Jonathan K. Y. Lai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Kelly C. Rilett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Jane A. Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- The Research Institute at St. Joe’s Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence:
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4
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Reinl EL, Blanchard AC, Graham EL, Edwards SW, Dionisos CV, McCarthy MM. The immune cell profile of the developing rat brain. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:198-226. [PMID: 36049705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the peripheral immune cell (PIC) profile of the developing brain despite growing appreciation for these cells in the mature nervous system. To address this gap, the PIC profile, defined as which cells are present, where they are located, and for how long, was examined in the developing rat using spectral flow cytometry. Select regions of the rat brain (cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) were examined at embryonic day 20, and postnatal days 0, 7 and 16. At their peak (E20), PICs were most abundant in the cerebellum, then the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Within the PIC pool, monocytes were most prevalent in all regions and time points, and shifted from being majority classical at E20 to non-classical by PN7. T cells increased over time, and shifted from majority cytotoxic to T-helper cells by PN7. This suggests the PIC profile transitions from reactive to adaptive and surveilling in the second postnatal week. NK cells and mast cells increased temporarily, and mast cells were restricted to the hippocampus and hypothalamus, suggesting they may play a specific role in the development of those regions. Mimicking a viral infection by administration of Poly I:C increased the influx of PICs into the neonatal brain, particularly of NK cells and in the case of males only, non-classical monocytes. This work provides a map for researchers as they study immune cell contributions to healthy and pathological brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Reinl
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Alexa C Blanchard
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Molecular Medicine and Medical Scientist Training Program, United States
| | - Emily L Graham
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Serena W Edwards
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Christie V Dionisos
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Neuroscience, United States
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Neuroscience, United States
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5
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Dressman D, Buttrick T, Cimpean M, Bennett D, Menon V, Bradshaw EM, Vardarajan B, Elyaman W. Genotype-phenotype correlation of T-cell subtypes reveals senescent and cytotoxic genes in Alzheimer's disease. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3355-3366. [PMID: 35640154 PMCID: PMC9523563 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies identifying expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in immune cells have uncovered important links between disease risk alleles and gene expression trends in monocytes, T cells and other cell types. However, these studies are generally done with young, healthy subjects, limiting the utility of their findings for age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have performed RNA sequencing on four T-cell subsets in genome-wide genotyped and well-characterized AD subjects and age- and sex-matched controls from the Religious Orders Study/Memory and Aging Project. We correlated gene expression data with AD neuropathological traits and with single-nucleotide polymorphisms to detect eQTLs. We identified several significant genes involved in T-cell senescence and cytotoxicity, consistent with T-cell RNA sequencing studies in aged/AD cohorts. We identified unexpected eQTLs previously associated with neuropsychiatric disease traits. Finally, we discovered that pathways related to axon guidance and synaptic function were enriched among trans-eQTLs in coding regions of the genome. Our data strengthen the potential link between T-cell senescence and age-related neurodegenerative disease. In addition, our eQTL data suggest that T-cell phenotypes may influence neuropsychiatric disorders and can be influenced by genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallin Dressman
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | - David Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vilas Menon
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Bradshaw
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Badri Vardarajan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wassim Elyaman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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6
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Neuwirth LS, Verrengia MT, Harikinish-Murrary ZI, Orens JE, Lopez OE. Under or Absent Reporting of Light Stimuli in Testing of Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rodents: The Need for Standardization. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:912146. [PMID: 36061362 PMCID: PMC9428565 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.912146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral neuroscience tests such as the Light/Dark Test, the Open Field Test, the Elevated Plus Maze Test, and the Three Chamber Social Interaction Test have become both essential and widely used behavioral tests for transgenic and pre-clinical models for drug screening and testing. However, as fast as the field has evolved and the contemporaneous involvement of technology, little assessment of the literature has been done to ensure that these behavioral neuroscience tests that are crucial to pre-clinical testing have well-controlled ethological motivation by the use of lighting (i.e., Lux). In the present review paper, N = 420 manuscripts were examined from 2015 to 2019 as a sample set (i.e., n = ~20–22 publications per year) and it was found that only a meager n = 50 publications (i.e., 11.9% of the publications sampled) met the criteria for proper anxiogenic and anxiolytic Lux reported. These findings illustrate a serious concern that behavioral neuroscience papers are not being vetted properly at the journal review level and are being released into the literature and public domain making it difficult to assess the quality of the science being reported. This creates a real need for standardizing the use of Lux in all publications on behavioral neuroscience techniques within the field to ensure that contributions are meaningful, avoid unnecessary duplication, and ultimately would serve to create a more efficient process within the pre-clinical screening/testing for drugs that serve as anxiolytic compounds that would prove more useful than what prior decades of work have produced. It is suggested that improving the standardization of the use and reporting of Lux in behavioral neuroscience tests and the standardization of peer-review processes overseeing the proper documentation of these methodological approaches in manuscripts could serve to advance pre-clinical testing for effective anxiolytic drugs. This report serves to highlight this concern and proposes strategies to proactively remedy them as the field moves forward for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz S. Neuwirth
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Lorenz S. Neuwirth
| | - Michael T. Verrengia
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Zachary I. Harikinish-Murrary
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Jessica E. Orens
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Oscar E. Lopez
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
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7
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Beurel E, Medina-Rodriguez EM, Jope RS. Targeting the Adaptive Immune System in Depression: Focus on T Helper 17 Cells. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:373-386. [PMID: 35302045 PMCID: PMC8973514 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a vital need to understand mechanisms contributing to susceptibility to depression to improve treatments for the 11% of Americans who currently suffer from this debilitating disease. The adaptive immune system, comprising T and B cells, has emerged as a potential contributor to depression, as demonstrated in the context of lymphopenic mice. Overall, patients with depression have reduced circulating T and regulatory B cells, "immunosuppressed" T cells, and alterations in the relative abundance of T cell subtypes. T helper (Th) cells have the capacity to differentiate to various lineages depending on the cytokine environment, antigen stimulation, and costimulation. Regulatory T cells are decreased, and the Th1/Th2 ratio and the Th17 cells are increased in patients with depression. Evidence for changes in each Th lineage has been reported to some extent in patients with depression. However, the evidence is strongest for the association of depression with changes in Th17 cells. Th17 cells produce the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A, and the discovery of Th17 cell involvement in depression evolved from the well established link that IL-6, which is required for Th17 cell differentiation, contributes to the onset, and possibly maintenance, of depression. One intriguing action of Th17 cells is their participation in the gut-brain axis to mediate stress responses. Although the mechanisms of action of Th17 cells in depression remain unclear, neutralization of IL-17A by anti-IL-17A antibodies, blocking stress-induced production, or release of gut Th17 cells represent feasible therapeutic approaches and might provide a new avenue to improve depression symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Th17 cells appear as a promising therapeutic target for depression, for which efficacious therapeutic options are limited. The use of neutralizing antibodies targeting Th17 cells has provided encouraging results in depressed patients with comorbid autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Beurel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (E.B., E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Miller School of Medicine (E.B., R.S.J.), University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida (E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.)
| | - Eva M Medina-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (E.B., E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Miller School of Medicine (E.B., R.S.J.), University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida (E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.)
| | - Richard S Jope
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (E.B., E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Miller School of Medicine (E.B., R.S.J.), University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida (E.M.M.-R., R.S.J.)
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8
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Caspani G, Green M, Swann JR, Foster JA. Microbe-Immune Crosstalk: Evidence That T Cells Influence the Development of the Brain Metabolome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3259. [PMID: 35328680 PMCID: PMC8952415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-talk between the immune system and the brain is essential to neuronal development, neuronal excitability, neuroplasticity, and neurotransmission. Gut microbiota are essential to immune system development and immune function; hence, it is essential to consider more broadly the microbiota-immune-brain axis in neurodevelopment. The gut, brain, and microbial metabolomes obtained from C57Bl/6 and T-cell-deficient mice across four developmental timepoints (postnatal day 17, 24, 28, and 84) were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on cecal and fecal samples. In the absence of T-cells, the developmental trajectory of the gut microbiota and of the host's metabolic profile was altered. The novel insights from this work include (1) the requirement of functional T-cells for the normal trajectory of microbiotal development and the metabolic maturation of the supra-organism, (2) the potential role for Muribaculaceae taxa in modulating the cecal availability of metabolites previously implicated with a role in the gut-brain axis in T-cell deficient mice, and (3) the impact of T-cell-deficiency on central levels of neuroactive metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Caspani
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (G.C.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Miranda Green
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
| | - Jonathan R. Swann
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (G.C.); (J.R.S.)
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane A. Foster
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Centre for Depression and Suicide Studies, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1A6, Canada
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9
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Mouse models of immune dysfunction: their neuroanatomical differences reflect their anxiety-behavioural phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3047-3055. [PMID: 35422470 PMCID: PMC9205773 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence supports the role of the immune system in modulating brain function and behaviour. However, past studies have revealed striking heterogeneity in behavioural phenotypes produced from immune system dysfunction. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we studied the neuroanatomical differences among 11 distinct genetically modified mouse lines (n = 371), each deficient in a different element of the immune system. We found a significant and heterogeneous effect of immune dysfunction on the brains of both male and female mice. However, by imaging the whole brain and using Bayesian hierarchical modelling, we were able to identify patterns within the heterogeneous phenotype. Certain structures-such as the corpus callosum, midbrain, and thalamus-were more likely to be affected by immune dysfunction. A notable brain-behaviour relationship was identified with neuroanatomy endophenotypes across mouse models clustering according to anxiety-like behaviour phenotypes reported in literature, such as altered volume in brains regions associated with promoting fear response (e.g., the lateral septum and cerebellum). Interestingly, genes with preferential spatial expression in the most commonly affected regions are also associated with multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated diseases. In total, our data suggest that the immune system modulates anxiety behaviour through well-established brain networks.
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10
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Lovick TA, Zangrossi H. Effect of Estrous Cycle on Behavior of Females in Rodent Tests of Anxiety. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:711065. [PMID: 34531768 PMCID: PMC8438218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. In women the menstrual cycle introduces another variable; indeed, some conditions e.g., premenstrual syndrome, are menstrual cycle specific. Animal models of fear and anxiety, which form the basis for research into drug treatments, have been developed almost exclusively, using males. There remains a paucity of work using females and the available literature presents a confusing picture. One confound is the estrous cycle in females, which some authors consider, but many do not. Importantly, there are no accepted standardized criteria for defining cycle phase, which is important given the rapidly changing hormonal profile during the 4-day cycle of rodents. Moreover, since many behavioral tests that involve a learning component or that consider extinction of a previously acquired association require several days to complete; the outcome may depend on the phase of the cycle on the days of training as well as on test days. In this article we consider responsiveness of females compared to males in a number of commonly used behavioral tests of anxiety and fear that were developed in male rodents. We conclude that females perform in a qualitatively similar manner to males in most tests although there may be sex and strain differences in sensitivity. Tests based on unconditioned threatening stimuli are significantly influenced by estrous cycle phase with animals displaying increased responsiveness in the late diestrus phase of the cycle (similar to the premenstrual phase in women). Tests that utilize conditioned fear paradigms, which involve a learning component appear to be less impacted by the estrous cycle although sex and cycle-related differences in responding can still be detected. Ethologically-relevant tests appear to have more translational value in females. However, even when sex differences in behavior are not detected, the same outward behavioral response may be mediated by different brain mechanisms. In order to progress basic research in the field of female psychiatry and psychopharmacology, there is a pressing need to validate and standardize experimental protocols for using female animal models of anxiety-related states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma A. Lovick
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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11
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Carrano A, Juarez JJ, Incontri D, Ibarra A, Cazares HG. Sex-Specific Differences in Glioblastoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071783. [PMID: 34359952 PMCID: PMC8303471 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have been well identified in many brain tumors. Even though glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and has the worst outcome, well-established differences between men and women are limited to incidence and outcome. Little is known about sex differences in GBM at the disease phenotype and genetical/molecular level. This review focuses on a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of GBM, including hormones, metabolic pathways, the immune system, and molecular changes, along with differences between men and women and how these dimorphisms affect disease outcome. The information analyzed in this review shows a greater incidence and worse outcome in male patients with GBM compared with female patients. We highlight the protective role of estrogen and the upregulation of androgen receptors and testosterone having detrimental effects on GBM. Moreover, hormones and the immune system work in synergy to directly affect the GBM microenvironment. Genetic and molecular differences have also recently been identified. Specific genes and molecular pathways, either upregulated or downregulated depending on sex, could potentially directly dictate GBM outcome differences. It appears that sexual dimorphism in GBM affects patient outcome and requires an individualized approach to management considering the sex of the patient, especially in relation to differences at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carrano
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Juan Jose Juarez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Diego Incontri
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Antonio Ibarra
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Hugo Guerrero Cazares
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Kunz N, Kemper C. Complement Has Brains-Do Intracellular Complement and Immunometabolism Cooperate in Tissue Homeostasis and Behavior? Front Immunol 2021; 12:629986. [PMID: 33717157 PMCID: PMC7946832 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.629986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical liver-derived and serum-effective complement system is well appreciated as a key mediator of host protection via instruction of innate and adaptive immunity. However, recent studies have discovered an intracellularly active complement system, the complosome, which has emerged as a central regulator of the core metabolic pathways fueling human immune cell activity. Induction of expression of components of the complosome, particularly complement component C3, during transmigration from the circulation into peripheral tissues is a defining characteristic of monocytes and T cells in tissues. Intracellular complement activity is required to induce metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, including increased glycolytic flux and OXPHOS, which drive the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Consequently, reduced complosome activity translates into defects in normal monocyte activation, faulty Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and loss of protective tissue immunity. Intriguingly, neurological research has identified an unexpected connection between the physiological presence of innate and adaptive immune cells and certain cytokines, including IFN-γ, in and around the brain and normal brain function. In this opinion piece, we will first review the current state of research regarding complement driven metabolic reprogramming in the context of immune cell tissue entry and residency. We will then discuss how published work on the role of IFN-γ and T cells in the brain support a hypothesis that an evolutionarily conserved cooperation between the complosome, cell metabolism and IFN-γ regulates organismal behavior, as well as immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kunz
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section (CIRS), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Claudia Kemper
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section (CIRS), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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13
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Sexually dimorphic neuroanatomical differences relate to ASD-relevant behavioral outcomes in a maternal autoantibody mouse model. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7530-7537. [PMID: 34290368 PMCID: PMC8776898 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies reactive to fetal brain proteins in mothers of children with ASD have been described by several groups. To understand their pathologic significance, we developed a mouse model of maternal autoantibody related ASD (MAR-ASD) utilizing the peptide epitopes from human autoantibody reactivity patterns. Male and female offspring prenatally exposed to the salient maternal autoantibodies displayed robust deficits in social interactions and increased repetitive self-grooming behaviors as juveniles and adults. In the present study, neuroanatomical differences in adult MAR-ASD and control offspring were assessed via high-resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months of age. Of interest, MAR-ASD mice displayed significantly larger total brain volume and of the 159 regions examined, 31 were found to differ significantly in absolute volume (mm3) at an FDR of <5%. Specifically, the absolute volumes of several white matter tracts, cortical regions, and basal nuclei structures were significantly increased in MAR-ASD animals. These phenomena were largely driven by female MAR-ASD offspring, as no significant differences were seen with either absolute or relative regional volume in male MAR-ASD mice. However, structural covariance analysis suggests network-level desynchronization in brain volume in both male and female MAR-ASD mice. Additionally, preliminary correlational analysis with behavioral data relates that volumetric increases in numerous brain regions of MAR-ASD mice were correlated with social interaction and repetitive self-grooming behaviors in a sex-specific manner. These results demonstrate significant sex-specific effects in brain size, regional relationships, and behavior for offspring prenatally exposed to MAR-ASD autoantibodies relative to controls.
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14
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Rilett KC, Luo OD, McVey-Neufeld KA, MacKenzie RN, Foster JA. Loss of T cells influences sex differences in stress-related gene expression. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 343:577213. [PMID: 32278229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Deficiencies in the adaptive immune system have been linked to anxiety-like behaviours and stress reactivity. Mice lacking T lymphocytes through knockout of the T cell receptor (TCR) β and δ chains were compared to wild type C57Bl/6 mice. Central stress circuitry gene expression was assessed following repeated restraint stress. TCRβ-/-δ-/- mice showed an increased baseline plasma corticosterone and exaggerated changes in stress-related gene expression after repeated restraint stress. Sexual dimorphic stress responses were observed in wild-type C57Bl/6 mice but not in TCRβ-/-δ-/- mice. These data suggest that T cell-brain interactions influence sex-differences in CNS stress circuitry and stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C Rilett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Owen D Luo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Karen-Anne McVey-Neufeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Robyn N MacKenzie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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15
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Zhang QH, Hao JW, Li GL, Ji XJ, Zhou M, Yao YM. Long-lasting neurobehavioral alterations in burn-injured mice resembling post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. Exp Neurol 2019; 323:113084. [PMID: 31697945 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish an animal model for posttraumatic stress disorder in burn-injured patients. METHODS Thermal-injured mice with 15% total body surface area were subjected to a series of neurobehavioral tests at 1 and 3 months postburn. Brains were collected for analysis of key molecules expression, spleens for T cell function analysis, and blood for biochemistry and hormones detection. RESULTS Comparison with sham mice, burn mice showed extremely high locomotion in homecage, open field, and forced swimming tests, indicating a hyper-arousal state. Burn mice exhibited improved spatial memory in Morris Water Maze test and heightened context fear memory in context fear conditioning, suggesting re-experiencing behavior. Although burn mice showed pronounced passive avoidance in the step-through test, their active avoidance capability in response to the conditional stimulus in the shuttle box test was relatively deteriorated. Likewise, the retention of cue-feared memory was impaired in fear conditioning test. The above negative alterations in mood were recapitulated in open-field test, in which the burn mice displayed an anxiety-like behavior with less time spent in the center. However, no sign of depression was found in the forced swimming and sucrose preference tests. The negative mood of burn mice was reinforced by a deficit in sociality and preference for social novelty in social interaction test. These neurobehavioral alterations were associated with an increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor along with a remarkable microgliosis and a moderate astrocytosis in the brain of burn vs. sham mice. Moreover, a prominent Th2 switch and consequent increased nuclear NF-κB translocation were seen in the splenic T cells from burn relative to sham mice. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that even mild burn injury could lead to long-lasting cognitive and effective alterations in mice. These findings shed light on the interactions among neuropsychology, neurobiology, and immunology throughout the recovery period of burn injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hong Zhang
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China.
| | - Ji-Wei Hao
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
| | - Guang-Lei Li
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jing Ji
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China; Department of Emergency, First Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- Neurocritical Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, PR China
| | - Yong-Ming Yao
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
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16
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Stress-Induced Metabolic Disorder in Peripheral CD4+ T Cells Leads to Anxiety-like Behavior. Cell 2019; 179:864-879.e19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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17
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Morimoto K, Nakajima K. Role of the Immune System in the Development of the Central Nervous System. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:916. [PMID: 31551681 PMCID: PMC6735264 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system are both intricate and highly organized systems that regulate the entire body, with both sharing certain common features in developmental mechanisms and operational modes. It is known that innate immunity-related molecules, such as cytokines, toll-like receptors, the complement family, and acquired immunity-related molecules, such as the major histocompatibility complex and antibody receptors, are also expressed in the brain and play important roles in brain development. Moreover, although the brain has previously been regarded as an immune-privileged site, it is known to contain lymphatic vessels. Not only microglia but also lymphocytes regulate cognition and play a vital role in the formation of neuronal circuits. This review provides an overview of the function of immune cells and immune molecules in the CNS, with particular emphasis on their effect on neural developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Morimoto
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Barrientos RM, Brunton PJ, Lenz KM, Pyter L, Spencer SJ. Neuroimmunology of the female brain across the lifespan: Plasticity to psychopathology. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:39-55. [PMID: 30872093 PMCID: PMC6591071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female brain is highly dynamic and can fundamentally remodel throughout the normal ovarian cycle as well as in critical life stages including perinatal development, pregnancy and old-age. As such, females are particularly vulnerable to infections, psychological disorders, certain cancers, and cognitive impairments. We will present the latest evidence on the female brain; how it develops through the neonatal period; how it changes through the ovarian cycle in normal individuals; how it adapts to pregnancy and postpartum; how it responds to illness and disease, particularly cancer; and, finally, how it is shaped by old age. Throughout, we will highlight female vulnerability to and resilience against disease and dysfunction in the face of environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Barrientos
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Chronic Brain Injury Program, Discovery Themes Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - P J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, PR China
| | - K M Lenz
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - L Pyter
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - S J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3083, Australia.
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19
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Lenz KM, Nelson LH. Microglia and Beyond: Innate Immune Cells As Regulators of Brain Development and Behavioral Function. Front Immunol 2018; 9:698. [PMID: 29706957 PMCID: PMC5908908 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells play a well-documented role in the etiology and disease course of many brain-based conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and brain cancers. In contrast, it is only recently becoming clear that innate immune cells, primarily brain resident macrophages called microglia, are also key regulators of brain development. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding microglia in brain development, with particular emphasis on how microglia during development are distinct from microglia later in life. We also summarize the effects of early life perturbations on microglia function in the developing brain, the role that biological sex plays in microglia function, and the potential role that microglia may play in developmental brain disorders. Finally, given how new the field of developmental neuroimmunology is, we highlight what has yet to be learned about how innate immune cells shape the development of brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lars H Nelson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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20
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Clark SM, Vaughn CN, Soroka JA, Li X, Tonelli LH. Neonatal adoptive transfer of lymphocytes rescues social behaviour during adolescence in immune-deficient mice. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:968-978. [PMID: 29430738 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that lymphocytes modulate behaviour and cognition by direct interactions with the central nervous system. Studies have shown that reconstitution by adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from wild type into immune-deficient mice restores a number of neurobehavioural deficits observed in these models. Moreover, it has been shown that these effects are mostly mediated by T lymphocytes. Studies of adoptive transfer thus far have employed adult mice, but whether lymphocytes may also modulate behaviour during development remains unknown. In this study, neonate lymphocyte-deficient Rag2-/- mice were reconstituted within 48 hours after birth with lymphoid cells from transgenic donors expressing green fluorescent protein, allowing for their identification in various tissues in recipient mice while retaining all functional aspects. Adolescent Rag2-/- and reconstituted Rag2-/- along with C57BL/6J wild-type mice underwent a series of behavioural tests, including open field, social interaction and sucrose preference tests. At 12 weeks, they were evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM). Reconstituted mice showed changes in almost all aspects of behaviour that were assessed, with a remarkable complete rescue of impaired social behaviour displayed by adolescent Rag2-/- mice. Consistent with previous reports in adult mice, neonatal reconstitution in Rag2-/- mice restored spatial memory in the MWM. The presence of donor lymphocytes in the brain of neonatally reconstituted Rag2-/- mice was confirmed at various developmental points. These findings provide evidence that lymphocytes colonize the brain during post-natal development and modulate behaviour across the lifespan supporting a role for adaptive immunity during brain maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Clark
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chloe N Vaughn
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jennifer A Soroka
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Leonardo H Tonelli
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934E, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Zhang X, Rocha-Ferreira E, Li T, Vontell R, Jabin D, Hua S, Zhou K, Nazmi A, Albertsson AM, Sobotka K, Ek J, Thornton C, Hagberg H, Mallard C, Leavenworth JW, Zhu C, Wang X. γδT cells but not αβT cells contribute to sepsis-induced white matter injury and motor abnormalities in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:255. [PMID: 29262837 PMCID: PMC5738716 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-1029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and sepsis are associated with brain white matter injury in preterm infants and the subsequent development of cerebral palsy. METHODS In the present study, we used a neonatal mouse sepsis-induced white matter injury model to determine the contribution of different T cell subsets (αβT cells and γδT cells) to white matter injury and consequent behavioral changes. C57BL/6J wild-type (WT), T cell receptor (TCR) δ-deficient (Tcrd -/-, lacking γδT cells), and TCRα-deficient (Tcra -/-, lacking αβT cells) mice were administered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at postnatal day (PND) 2. Brain myelination was examined at PNDs 12, 26, and 60. Motor function and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated at PND 26 or 30 using DigiGait analysis and an elevated plus maze. RESULTS White matter development was normal in Tcrd -/- and Tcrα -/- compared to WT mice. LPS exposure induced reductions in white matter tissue volume in WT and Tcrα -/- mice, but not in the Tcrd -/- mice, compared with the saline-treated groups. Neither LPS administration nor the T cell deficiency affected anxiety behavior in these mice as determined with the elevated plus maze. DigiGait analysis revealed motor function deficiency after LPS-induced sepsis in both WT and Tcrα -/- mice, but no such effect was observed in Tcrd -/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that γδT cells but not αβT cells contribute to sepsis-induced white matter injury and subsequent motor function abnormalities in early life. Modulating the activity of γδT cells in the early stages of preterm white matter injury might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of perinatal brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 436, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Regina Vontell
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Darakhshan Jabin
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sha Hua
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Luwan Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arshed Nazmi
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maj Albertsson
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Sobotka
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Ek
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claire Thornton
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Henrik Hagberg
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Carina Mallard
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 436, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Perinatal Center, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Herkenham M, Kigar SL. Contributions of the adaptive immune system to mood regulation: Mechanisms and pathways of neuroimmune interactions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:49-57. [PMID: 27613155 PMCID: PMC5339070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and basic studies of functional interactions between adaptive immunity, affective states, and brain function are reviewed, and the neural, humoral, and cellular routes of bidirectional communication between the brain and the adaptive immune system are evaluated. In clinical studies of depressed populations, lymphocytes-the principal cells of the adaptive immune system-exhibit altered T cell subtype ratios and CD4+ helper T cell polarization profiles. In basic studies using psychological stress to model depression, T cell profiles are altered as well, consistent with stress effects conveyed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system. Lymphocytes in turn have effects on behavior and CNS structure and function. CD4+ T cells in particular appear to modify affective behavior and rates of hippocampal dentate gyrus neurogenesis. These observations force the question of how such actions are carried out. CNS effects may occur via cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby effector memory T cells and the cytokine profiles they produce in the blood interact with the blood-brain barrier in ways that remain to be clarified. Understanding the mechanisms by which T cells polarize and interact with the brain to alter mood states is key to advances in the field, and may permit development of therapies that target cells in the periphery, thus bypassing problems associated with bioavailability of drugs within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Herkenham
- Section on Functional Neuroanatomy, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Section on Functional Neuroanatomy, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Siu MT, Weksberg R. Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:63-90. [PMID: 28523541 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), is diagnosed in 1 of every 68 children. ASD is incredibly heterogeneous both clinically and aetiologically. The etiopathogenesis of ASD is known to be complex, including genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. Normal epigenetic marks modifiable by both genetics and environmental exposures can result in epigenetic alterations that disrupt the regulation of gene expression, negatively impacting biological pathways important for brain development. In this chapter we aim to summarize some of the important literature that supports a role for epigenetics in the underlying molecular mechanism of ASD. We provide evidence from work in genetics, from environmental exposures and finally from more recent studies aimed at directly determining ASD-specific epigenetic patterns, focusing mainly on DNA methylation (DNAm). Finally, we briefly discuss some of the implications of current research on potential epigenetic targets for therapeutics and novel avenues for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Siu
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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24
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Neuroimmunology and neuroepigenetics in the establishment of sex differences in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28638119 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The study of sex differences in the brain is a topic of neuroscientific study that has broad reaching implications for culture, society and biomedical science. Recent research in rodent models has led to dramatic shifts in our views of the mechanisms underlying the sexual differentiation of the brain. These include the surprising discoveries of a role for immune cells and inflammatory mediators in brain masculinization and a role for epigenetic suppression in brain feminization. How and to what degree these findings will translate to human brain development will be questions of central importance in future research in this field.
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Nelson LH, Lenz KM. The immune system as a novel regulator of sex differences in brain and behavioral development. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:447-461. [PMID: 27870450 PMCID: PMC8008603 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual differentiation of the brain occurs early in life as a result of sex-typical hormone action and sex chromosome effects. Immunocompetent cells are being recognized as underappreciated regulators of sex differences in brain and behavioral development, including microglia, astrocytes, and possibly other less well studied cell types, including T cells and mast cells. Immunocompetent cells in the brain are responsive to steroid hormones, but their role in sex-specific brain development is an emerging field of interest. This Review presents a summary of what is currently known about sex differences in the number, morphology, and signaling profile of immune cells in the developing brain and their role in the early-life programming of sex differences in brain and behavior. We review what is currently known about sex differences in the response to early-life perturbations, including stress, inflammation, diet, and environmental pollutants. We also discuss how and why understanding sex differences in the developing neuroimmune environment may provide insight into understanding the etiology of several neurodevelopmental disorders. This Review also highlights what remains to be discovered in this emerging field of developmental neuroimmunology and underscores the importance of filling in these knowledge gaps. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars H Nelson
- Program in Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kathryn M Lenz
- Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Lai MC, Lerch JP, Floris DL, Ruigrok AN, Pohl A, Lombardo MV, Baron-Cohen S. Imaging sex/gender and autism in the brain: Etiological implications. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:380-397. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry; National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Jason P. Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Dorothea L. Floris
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
- New York University Child Study Center; New York New York USA
| | - Amber N.V. Ruigrok
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Alexa Pohl
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Center of Applied Neuroscience; University of Cyprus; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
- CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust; Cambridge United Kingdom
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Song C, Nicholson JD, Clark SM, Li X, Keegan AD, Tonelli LH. Expansion of brain T cells in homeostatic conditions in lymphopenic Rag2(-/-) mice. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 57:161-172. [PMID: 27013354 PMCID: PMC5010944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of the brain as an immune privileged organ is rapidly evolving in light of new findings outlining the sophisticated relationship between the central nervous and the immune systems. The role of T cells in brain development and function, as well as modulation of behavior has been demonstrated by an increasing number of studies. Moreover, recent studies have redefined the existence of a brain lymphatic system and the presence of T cells in specific brain structures, such as the meninges and choroid plexus. Nevertheless, much information is needed to further the understanding of brain T cells and their relationship with the central nervous system under non-inflammatory conditions. In the present study we employed the Rag2(-/-) mouse model of lymphocyte deficiency and reconstitution by adoptive transfer to study the temporal and anatomical expansion of T cells in the brain under homeostatic conditions. Lymphopenic Rag2(-/-) mice were reconstituted with 10 million lymphoid cells and studied at one, two and four weeks after transfer. Moreover, lymphoid cells and purified CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from transgenic GFP expressing mice were used to define the neuroanatomical localization of transferred cells. T cell numbers were very low in the brain of reconstituted mice up to one week after transfer and significantly increased by 2weeks, reaching wild type values at 4weeks after transfer. CD4(+) T cells were the most abundant lymphocyte subtype found in the brain followed by CD8(+) T cells and lastly B cells. Furthermore, proliferation studies showed that CD4(+) T cells expand more rapidly than CD8(+) T cells. Lymphoid cells localize abundantly in meningeal structures, choroid plexus, and circumventricular organs. Lymphocytes were also found in vascular and perivascular spaces and in the brain parenchyma across several regions of the brain, in particular in structures rich in white matter content. These results provide proof of concept that the brain meningeal system, as well as vascular and perivascular spaces, are homing sites of lymphocytes and suggest the possibility of a brain specific T cell subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Song
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - James D. Nicholson
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sarah M. Clark
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xin Li
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Achsah D Keegan
- Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD,Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leonardo H. Tonelli
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD,Corresponding author: Leonardo H. Tonelli, PhD, 685 West Baltimore Street, MSTF Building Room 934 C, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, , Telephone: 410-706-2325
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Harris EP, Abel JM, Tejada LD, Rissman EF. Calbindin Knockout Alters Sex-Specific Regulation of Behavior and Gene Expression in Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1967-79. [PMID: 27010449 PMCID: PMC4870870 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calbindin-D(28K) (Calb1), a high-affinity calcium buffer/sensor, shows abundant expression in neurons and has been associated with a number of neurobehavioral diseases, many of which are sexually dimorphic in incidence. Behavioral and physiological end points are affected by experimental manipulations of calbindin levels, including disruption of spatial learning, hippocampal long-term potentiation, and circadian rhythms. In this study, we investigated novel aspects of calbindin function on social behavior, anxiety-like behavior, and fear conditioning in adult mice of both sexes by comparing wild-type to littermate Calb1 KO mice. Because Calb1 mRNA and protein are sexually dimorphic in some areas of the brain, we hypothesized that sex differences in behavioral responses of these behaviors would be eliminated or revealed in Calb1 KO mice. We also examined gene expression in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, two areas of the brain intimately connected with limbic system control of the behaviors tested, in response to sex and genotype. Our results demonstrate that fear memory and social behavior are altered in male knockout mice, and Calb1 KO mice of both sexes show less anxiety. Moreover, gene expression studies of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex revealed several significant genotype and sex effects in genes related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling, hormone receptors, histone deacetylases, and γ-aminobutyric acid signaling. Our findings are the first to directly link calbindin with affective and social behaviors in rodents; moreover, the results suggest that sex differences in calbindin protein influence behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P Harris
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (E.P.H., L.D.T.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (J.M.A., E.F.R.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Jean M Abel
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (E.P.H., L.D.T.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (J.M.A., E.F.R.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Lucia D Tejada
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (E.P.H., L.D.T.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (J.M.A., E.F.R.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (E.P.H., L.D.T.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (J.M.A., E.F.R.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
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Foster JA, Lyte M, Meyer E, Cryan JF. Gut Microbiota and Brain Function: An Evolving Field in Neuroscience. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyv114. [PMID: 26438800 PMCID: PMC4886662 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing appreciation of the importance of gut microbiota to health and disease. This has been driven by advances in sequencing technology and recent findings demonstrating the important role of microbiota in common health disorders such as obesity. Moreover, the potential role of gut microbiota in influencing brain function, behavior, and mental health has attracted the attention of neuroscientists and psychiatrists. At the 29(th) International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) World Congress held in Vancouver, Canada, in June 2014, a group of experts presented the symposium, "Gut microbiota and brain function: Relevance to psychiatric disorders" to review the latest findings in how gut microbiota may play a role in brain function, behavior, and disease. The symposium covered a broad range of topics, including gut microbiota and neuroendocrine function, the influence of gut microbiota on behavior, probiotics as regulators of brain and behavior, and imaging the gut-brain axis in humans. This report provides an overview of these presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University; and Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada (Dr Foster); Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Dr Lyte); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Meyer); Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland (Dr Cryan).
| | - Mark Lyte
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University; and Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada (Dr Foster); Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Dr Lyte); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Meyer); Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland (Dr Cryan)
| | - Emeran Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University; and Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada (Dr Foster); Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Dr Lyte); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Meyer); Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland (Dr Cryan)
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University; and Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada (Dr Foster); Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Dr Lyte); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Meyer); Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland (Dr Cryan)
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Clark SM, Soroka JA, Song C, Li X, Tonelli LH. CD4(+) T cells confer anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, but enhance fear memory processes in Rag2(-/-) mice. Stress 2016; 19:303-11. [PMID: 27295202 PMCID: PMC4960826 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2016.1191466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports a role of T cells in behavioral stress responsiveness. Our laboratory previously reported that lymphocyte deficient Rag2(-/-) mice on a BALB/c background display resilience to maladaptive stress responses when compared with immune competent mice in the predator odor exposure (POE) paradigm, while exhibiting similar behavior in a cued fear-conditioning (FC) paradigm. In the present study, Rag2(-/-) mice on a C57BL/6 background were assessed in the same behavioral paradigms, as well as additional tests of anxiety and depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, the effects of naïve CD4(+ ) T cells were evaluated by adoptive transfer of functional cells from nonstressed, wild-type donors to Rag2(-/-) mice. Consistent with our prior results, Rag2(-/-) mice displayed an attenuated startle response after POE. Nevertheless, reconstitution of Rag2(-/-) mice with CD4(+ ) T cells did not modify startle reactivity. Additionally, in contrast with our previous findings, Rag2(-/-) mice showed attenuated fear responses in the FC paradigm compared to wild-type mice and reconstitution with CD4(+ ) T cells promoted fear learning and memory. Notably, reconstitution with CD4(+ ) T cells had anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in Rag2(-/-) mice that had not been previously stressed, but had no effect after POE. Taken together, our results support a role of CD4(+ ) T cells in emotionality, but also indicate that they may promote fear responses by enhancing learning and memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Clark
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Corresponding author: Sarah M. Clark, PhD, 685 West Baltimore Street, MSTF 934-E, Baltimore, MD 21201, , Telephone: 410-706-2325
| | - Jennifer A Soroka
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Chang Song
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xin Li
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leonardo H Tonelli
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
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