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Polis B, Cuda CM, Putterman C. Animal models of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: deciphering the complexity and guiding therapeutic development. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2330387. [PMID: 38555866 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2330387] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) poses formidable challenges due to its multifaceted etiology while impacting multiple tissues and organs and displaying diverse clinical manifestations. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to SLE complexity, with relatively limited approved therapeutic options. Murine models offer insights into SLE pathogenesis but do not always replicate the nuances of human disease. This review critically evaluates spontaneous and induced animal models, emphasizing their validity and relevance to neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). While these models undoubtedly contribute to understanding disease pathophysiology, discrepancies persist in mimicking some NPSLE intricacies. The lack of literature addressing this issue impedes therapeutic progress. We underscore the urgent need for refining models that truly reflect NPSLE complexities to enhance translational fidelity. We encourage a comprehensive, creative translational approach for targeted SLE interventions, balancing scientific progress with ethical considerations to eventually improve the management of NPSLE patients. A thorough grasp of these issues informs researchers in designing experiments, interpreting results, and exploring alternatives to advance NPSLE research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruh Polis
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
- Research Institute, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Carla M Cuda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
- Research Institute, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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2
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Chen CC, Hung YR. Circular eight-room maze for assessing spatial learning and memory functions in rats: An example using a traumatic brain injury model. Comput Biol Med 2024; 182:109086. [PMID: 39276609 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study introduced an animal cognitive function assessment system using a novel circular eight-room maze (CERM). The CERM, designed for tracking path trajectories in animal models of cognitive impairment pathologies such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), comprised a 120-cm diameter disk with eight rooms (30 cm × 25 cm × 30 cm). METHODS These rooms have magnetic interfaces for modular assembly and disassembly. Notably, one room remained dark and contained food, while the remaining seven rooms automatically lit up when a rat entry, facilitating the assessment of the rat's learning and spatial memory. An infrared night vision camera captured the animal's search trajectory, and binary image processing techniques were employed to eliminate noise and extract the rat's position coordinates to record the rat's path trajectories. The system automatically calculated various cognitive assessment parameters, such as latency, distance traveled, time spent in each quadrant, inner and outer area exploration times, short-term and long-term memory errors, and the number of entries to all the rooms by chance/by memory. RESULTS The analysis of overall path trajectories revealed increasingly erratic movement and a growing reliance on chance to enter rooms in rats with TBI over time, likely due to declining memory and the consequent inability to locate the food room. Moreover, increased trajectories in the first quadrant and inner area characterized the behavior of rats with TBI, with statistically significant differences from the sham group observed on day 7. By day 28, all cognitive parameters except short-term memory error significantly differed between the two groups. CONCLUSION Experimental data indicated a substantial increase in irregular search behavior in the TBI group over time, suggesting deterioration in cognitive function and an inability to accurately recall the food room. Conversely, the sham group exhibited consistent search trajectories, typically following the walls and rapidly locating the food room. Moreover, their room entries were guided by memory rather than by chance. Compared with traditional maze tests, this system's strengths lie in its ability to provide more quantitative data and vividly portray behavioral patterns. Therefore, the proposed CERM system can be used as an effective tool for cognitive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chun Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute, Prospective Technology of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Rui Hung
- Graduate Institute, Prospective Technology of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Porras C, Olliviere H, Bradley SP, Graham AM, Chudasama Y, Rouault TA. Ablation of Iron Regulatory Protein 2 produces a neurological disorder characterized by motor, somatosensory, and executive dysfunction in mice. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 7:100136. [PMID: 39239479 PMCID: PMC11372806 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2024.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Iron is an important cofactor for many proteins and is used to create Fe-S clusters and heme prosthetic groups that enzymes use to catalyze enzymatic reactions. Proteins involved in the import, export, and sequestration of iron are regulated by Iron Regulatory Proteins (IRPs). Recently, a patient with bi-allelic loss of function mutations in IREB2 leading to the absence of IRP2 protein was discovered. The patient failed to achieve developmental milestones and was diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, microcytic hypochromic anemia, and frontal lobe atrophy. Several more IREB2 deficient patients subsequently identified manifested similar neurological problems. To better understand the manifestations of this novel neurological disease, we subjected an Irp2-null mouse model to extensive behavioral testing. Irp2-null mice had a significant motor deficit demonstrated by reduced performance on rotarod and hanging wire tests. Somatosensory function was also compromised in hot and cold plate assays. Their spatial search strategy was impaired in the Barnes maze and they exhibited a difficulty in flexibly adapting their response in the operant touchscreen reversal learning task. The latter is a cognitive behavior known to require an intact prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that loss of Irp2 in mice causes motor and behavioral deficits that faithfully reflect the IREB2 patient's neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Porras
- National Institute of Child Health and Development, Section on Human Iron Metabolism, USA
| | - Hayden Olliviere
- National Institute of Child Health and Development, Section on Human Iron Metabolism, USA
| | - Sean P Bradley
- National Institute of Mental Health, Rodent Behavioral Core, USA
| | - Alice M Graham
- National Institute of Mental Health, Rodent Behavioral Core, USA
| | - Yogita Chudasama
- National Institute of Mental Health, Rodent Behavioral Core, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health, Section on Behavioral Neuroscience, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tracey A Rouault
- National Institute of Child Health and Development, Section on Human Iron Metabolism, USA
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Rothstein A, Vöröslakos M, Zhang Y, McClain K, Huszár R, Buzsáki G. Construction of ThermoMaze. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e5044. [PMID: 39131192 PMCID: PMC11309959 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.5044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological changes during awake immobility-related brain states remain one of the great unexplored behavioral states. Controlling periods of awake immobility is challenging because restraining the animal is stressful and is accompanied by altered physiological states. Here, we describe the ThermoMaze, a behavioral paradigm that allows for the collection of large amounts of physiological data while the animal rests at distinct experimenter-determined locations. We found that the paradigm generated long periods of immobility and did not alter the brain temperature. We combined the ThermoMaze with electrophysiology recordings in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and found a location-specific distribution of sharp-wave ripple events. We describe the construction of the ThermoMaze with the intention that it helps enable large-scale data recordings on immobility-related brain states. Key features • Controlling periods of awake immobility in rodents. • Electronic-friendly analog of the Morris water maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryeh Rothstein
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mihály Vöröslakos
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yunchang Zhang
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn McClain
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roman Huszár
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - György Buzsáki
- Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Lei Z, Wan J, Han JJ, Zhang CY, Wang HT, Zhou DJ, Chen Y, Huang H. Spatial metabolomics reveals key features of hippocampal lipid changes in rats with postoperative cognitive dysfunction. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024:271678X241261949. [PMID: 38886876 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241261949] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Numerous evidence suggest that dysregulation of lipid metabolism is associated with cognitive impairment; however, its precise role in the development of POCD is still obscure. In this study, we established a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model in rats and employed the Barnes maze to assess cognitive function, selecting POCD rats for subsequent experimentation. Utilizing mass spectrometry imaging, we detected plenty of lipids accumulates within the hippocampal CA1in the POCD group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a significant reduction in the fluorescence intensity of calcium-independent phospholipases A2 (iPLA2) in the POCD group compared to the control, while serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT) was markedly increased in the POCD group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the number of synapses in hippocampal CA1decreased significantly and postsynaptic density became thinner in POCD group. Furthermore, after reversing the metabolic disorders of iPLA2 and SPT in the rat brain with docosahexaenoic acid and myriocin, the incidence of POCD after CPB was significantly reduced and the disrupted lipid metabolism in the hippocampus was also normalized. These findings may offer a novel perspective for exploring the etiology and prevention strategies of POCD after CPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing-Jing Han
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao-Tian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ding-Jie Zhou
- Jiangsu Health Development Research Center, NHC Contraceptive Adverse Reaction Surveillance Center, Jiangsu, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Fertility Protection and Health Technology Assessment, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Burzynski HE, Reagan LP. Exposing the latent phenotype of Gulf War Illness: examination of the mechanistic mediators of cognitive dysfunction. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1403574. [PMID: 38919622 PMCID: PMC11196646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Though it has been over 30 years since the 1990-1991 Gulf War (GW), the pathophysiology of Gulf War Illness (GWI), the complex, progressive illness affecting approximately 30% of GW Veterans, has not been fully characterized. While the symptomology of GWI is broad, many symptoms can be attributed to immune and endocrine dysfunction as these critical responses appear to be dysregulated in many GWI patients. Since such dysregulation emerges in response to immune threats or stressful situations, it is unsurprising that clinical studies suggest that GWI may present with a latent phenotype. This is most often observed in studies that include an exercise challenge during which many GWI patients experience an exacerbation of symptoms. Unfortunately, very few preclinical studies include such physiological stressors when assessing their experimental models of GWI, which creates variable results that hinder the elucidation of the mechanisms mediating GWI. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the clinical and preclinical findings that investigate the inflammatory component of GWI and support the concept that GWI may be characterized as having a latent phenotype. We will mainly focus on studies assessing the progressive cognitive impairments associated with GWI and emphasize the need for physiological stressors in future work to create a more unified hypothesis that can identify potential therapeutics for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Burzynski
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Lawrence P. Reagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
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Kuczyńska K, Bartkowska K, Djavadian R, Zwierzyńska E, Wojcieszak J. MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) administered to mice during development of the central nervous system produces persistent learning and memory impairments. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:519-534. [PMID: 38722542 PMCID: PMC11126454 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones (SC) constitute the second most frequently abused class of new psychoactive substances. They serve as an alternative to classic psychostimulatory drugs of abuse, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Despite the worldwide prevalence of SC, little is known about their long-term impact on the central nervous system. Here, we examined the effects of repeated exposure of mice during infancy, to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a SC potently enhancing dopaminergic neurotransmission, on learning and memory in young adult mice. METHODS All experiments were performed on C57BL/6J male and female mice. Animals were injected with MDPV (10 or 20 mg/kg) and BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine, 25 mg/kg) during postnatal days 11-20, which is a crucial period for the development of their hippocampus. At the age of 12 weeks, mice underwent an assessment of various types of memory using a battery of behavioral tests. Afterward, their brains were removed for detection of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation with immunohistochemistry, and for measurement of the expression of synaptic proteins, such as synaptophysin and PSD95, in the hippocampus using Western blot. RESULTS Exposure to MDPV resulted in impairment of spatial working memory assessed with Y-maze spontaneous alternation test, and of object recognition memory. However, no deficits in hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory were found using the Morris water maze paradigm. Consistently, hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis were not interrupted. All observed MDPV effects were sex-independent. CONCLUSIONS MDPV administered repeatedly to mice during infancy causes learning and memory deficits that persist into adulthood but are not related to aberrant hippocampal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kuczyńska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bartkowska
- Laboratory of Calcium Binding Proteins, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ruzanna Djavadian
- Laboratory of Calcium Binding Proteins, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Zwierzyńska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151, Łódź, Poland
| | - Jakub Wojcieszak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151, Łódź, Poland
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8
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Ayoub SM, Holloway BM, Miranda AH, Roberts BZ, Young JW, Minassian A, Ellis RJ. The Impact of Cannabis Use on Cognition in People with HIV: Evidence of Function-Dependent Effects and Mechanisms from Clinical and Preclinical Studies. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:87-115. [PMID: 38602558 PMCID: PMC11129923 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cannabis may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in people with HIV (PWH); however, given this population's high burden of persisting neurocognitive impairment (NCI), clinicians are concerned they may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cannabis on cognition. Here, we present a systematic scoping review of clinical and preclinical studies evaluating the effects of cannabinoid exposure on cognition in HIV. RECENT FINDINGS Results revealed little evidence to support a harmful impact of cannabis use on cognition in HIV, with few eligible preclinical data existing. Furthermore, the beneficial/harmful effects of cannabis use observed on cognition were function-dependent and confounded by several factors (e.g., age, frequency of use). Results are discussed alongside potential mechanisms of cannabis effects on cognition in HIV (e.g., anti-inflammatory), and considerations are outlined for screening PWH that may benefit from cannabis interventions. We further highlight the value of accelerating research discoveries in this area by utilizing translatable cross-species tasks to facilitate comparisons across human and animal work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
| | - Breanna M Holloway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Alannah H Miranda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Benjamin Z Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Guarino A, Pignata P, Lovisari F, Asth L, Simonato M, Soukupova M. Cognitive comorbidities in the rat pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1392977. [PMID: 38872822 PMCID: PMC11171745 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1392977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with epilepsy are prone to cognitive decline, depression, anxiety and other behavioral disorders. Cognitive comorbidities are particularly common and well-characterized in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, while inconsistently addressed in epileptic animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain whether there is good evidence of cognitive comorbidities in animal models of epilepsy, in particular in the rat pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. We searched the literature published between 1990 and 2023. The association of spontaneous recurrent seizures induced by pilocarpine with cognitive alterations has been evaluated by using various tests: contextual fear conditioning (CFC), novel object recognition (NOR), radial and T-maze, Morris water maze (MWM) and their variants. Combination of results was difficult because of differences in methodological standards, in number of animals employed, and in outcome measures. Taken together, however, the analysis confirmed that pilocarpine-induced epilepsy has an effect on cognition in rats, and supports the notion that this is a valid model for assessment of cognitive temporal lobe epilepsy comorbidities in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Pignata
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Lovisari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Soto I, Nejtek VA, Siderovski DP, Salvatore MF. PINK1 knockout rats show premotor cognitive deficits measured through a complex maze. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1390215. [PMID: 38817910 PMCID: PMC11137248 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1390215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a critical premotor sign that may occur in approximately 40% of PD patients up to 10 years prior to clinical recognition and diagnosis. Delineating the mechanisms and specific behavioral signs of cognitive decline associated with PD prior to motor impairment is a critical unmet need. Rodent PD models that have an impairment in a cognitive phenotype for a time period sufficiently long enough prior to motor decline can be useful to establish viable candidate mechanisms. Arguably, the methods used to evaluate cognitive decline in rodent models should emulate methods used in the assessment of humans to optimize translation. Premotor cognitive decline in human PD can potentially be examined in the genetically altered PINK1-/- rat model, which exhibits a protracted onset of motor decline in most studies. To increase translation to cognitive assessment in human PD, we used a modified non-water multiple T-maze, which assesses attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory similarly to the Trail Making Test (TMT) in humans. Similar to the deficiencies revealed in TMT test outcomes in human PD, 4-month-old PINK1-/- rats made more errors and took longer to complete the maze, despite a hyperkinetic phenotype, compared to wild-type rats. Thus, we have identified a potential methodological tool with cross-species translation to evaluate executive functioning in an established PD rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Soto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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Arrabal-Gómez C, Beltran-Casanueva R, Hernández-García A, Bayolo-Guanche JV, Barbancho-Fernández MA, Serrano-Castro PJ, Narváez M. Enhancing Cognitive Functions and Neuronal Growth through NPY1R Agonist and Ketamine Co-Administration: Evidence for NPY1R-TrkB Heteroreceptor Complexes in Rats. Cells 2024; 13:669. [PMID: 38667284 PMCID: PMC11049095 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the combined effects of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31-Pro34]NPY at a dose of 132 µg and Ketamine at 10 mg/Kg on cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation, against a backdrop where neurodegenerative diseases present an escalating challenge to global health systems. Utilizing male Sprague-Dawley rats in a physiological model, this research employed a single-dose administration of these compounds and assessed their impact 24 h after treatment on object-in-place memory tasks, alongside cellular proliferation within the dorsal hippocampus dentate gyrus. Methods such as the in situ proximity ligation assay and immunohistochemistry for proliferating a cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin (DCX) were utilized. The results demonstrated that co-administration significantly enhanced memory consolidation and increased neuronal proliferation, specifically neuroblasts, without affecting quiescent neural progenitors and astrocytes. These effects were mediated by the potential formation of NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complexes, as suggested by receptor co-localization studies, although further investigation is required to conclusively prove this interaction. The findings also highlighted the pivotal role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mediating these effects. In conclusion, this study presents a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation through the synergistic action of the NPY1R agonist and Ketamine, potentially via NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complex formation, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Arrabal-Gómez
- NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (C.A.-G.); (M.A.B.-F.)
- Facultad de Psicología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, 29016 Málaga, Spain
| | - Rasiel Beltran-Casanueva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.B.-C.); (A.H.-G.); (J.V.B.-G.)
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Aracelis Hernández-García
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.B.-C.); (A.H.-G.); (J.V.B.-G.)
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Vicente Bayolo-Guanche
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.B.-C.); (A.H.-G.); (J.V.B.-G.)
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Barbancho-Fernández
- NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (C.A.-G.); (M.A.B.-F.)
| | - Pedro Jesús Serrano-Castro
- NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (C.A.-G.); (M.A.B.-F.)
- Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, 29016 Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Narváez
- NeuronLab, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (C.A.-G.); (M.A.B.-F.)
- Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga, Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, 29016 Málaga, Spain
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12
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Sánchez-Varo R, López-Salas A, Beltran-Casanueva R, Díaz-Sánchez E, Alvarez-Contino JE, Barbancho-Fernández MA, Serrano-Castro P, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela DO, García-Casares N, Narváez M. Enhancement of neurogenesis and cognition through intranasal co-delivery of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) and neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPY1R) agonists: a potential pharmacological strategy for cognitive dysfunctions. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2024; 20:6. [PMID: 38549164 PMCID: PMC10976774 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-024-00230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial memory deficits and reduced neuronal survival contribute to cognitive decline seen in the aging process. Current treatments are limited, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This research explored the combined effects of intranasally co-administered galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) and neuropeptide Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonists, recognized for their neural benefits, on spatial memory, neuronal survival, and differentiation in adult rats. After intranasal co-delivery of the GALR2 agonist M1145 and a NPY1R agonist to adult rats, spatial memory was tested with the object-in-place task 3 weeks later. We examined neuronal survival and differentiation by assessing BrdU-IR profiles and doublecortin (DCX) labeled cells, respectively. We also used the GALR2 antagonist M871 to confirm GALR2's crucial role in promoting cell growth. RESULTS Co-administration improved spatial memory and increased the survival rate of mature neurons. The positive effect of GALR2 in cell proliferation was confirmed by the nullifying effects of its antagonist. The treatment boosted DCX-labeled newborn neurons and altered dendritic morphology, increasing cells with mature dendrites. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that intranasal co-delivery of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists improves spatial memory, boosts neuronal survival, and influences neuronal differentiation in adult rats. The significant role of GALR2 is emphasized, suggesting new potential therapeutic strategies for cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sánchez-Varo
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexander López-Salas
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina., Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Jimenez Fraud 10, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rasiel Beltran-Casanueva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina., Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Jimenez Fraud 10, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Estela Díaz-Sánchez
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga., Vithas Málaga. Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jose Erik Alvarez-Contino
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina., Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Jimenez Fraud 10, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Barbancho-Fernández
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Castro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Vithas Málaga., Vithas Málaga. Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Unit of Neurology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasiel O Borroto-Escuela
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina., Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Jimenez Fraud 10, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Casares
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología. , Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Málaga. , Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Narváez
- NeuronLab. Departamento Fisiología Humana, Histología Humana, Anatomía Patológica y Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA-Plataforma Bionand, Universidad de Malaga, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
- Vithas Málaga., Vithas Málaga. Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Málaga, Spain.
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13
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Pegueros-Maldonado R, Pech-Pool SM, Blancas JJ, Prado-Alcalá RA, Arámburo C, Luna M, Quirarte GL. Inhibition of corticosterone synthesis impairs cued water maze consolidation, but it does not affect the expression of BDNF, CK2 and SGK1 genes in dorsal striatum. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1341883. [PMID: 38468708 PMCID: PMC10925660 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1341883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticosterone (CORT) release during learning experiences is associated with strong memories and activity of the glucocorticoid receptor. It has been shown that lesions of the dorsal striatum (DS) of rats trained in the cued version of the Morris water maze impair memory, and that local injection of CORT improves its performance, suggesting that DS activity is involved in procedural memory which may be modulated by CORT. We trained rats in cued Morris water maze and analyzed the effect of CORT synthesis inhibition on performance, CORT levels, expression of plasticity-involved genes, such as the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), casein kinase 2 (CK2), and the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), as well as the presence of phosphorylated nuclear glucocorticoid receptor in serine 232 (pGR-S232) in the DS. The inhibition of CORT synthesis by metyrapone reduced CORT levels in plasma, prevented its increment in DS and impaired the performance of cued water maze. Additionally, there was an increase of CK2 and SGK1 mRNAs expression in trained subjects, which was unrelated to CORT levels. Finally, we did not observe changes in nuclear pGR-S232 in any condition. Our findings agree with evidence demonstrating that decreasing CORT levels hinders acquisition and consolidation of the spatial version of the Morris water maze; these novel findings broaden our knowledge about the involvement of the DS in the mechanisms underlying procedural memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Pegueros-Maldonado
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Santiago M. Pech-Pool
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Jaisson J. Blancas
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Roberto A. Prado-Alcalá
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Carlos Arámburo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Maricela Luna
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Gina L. Quirarte
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
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14
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Beltran-Casanueva R, Hernández-García A, de Amo García P, Blanco-Reina E, Serrano-Castro P, García-Casares N, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela DO, Narváez M. Neuropeptide Y receptor 1 and galanin receptor 2 (NPY1R-GALR2) interactions in the dentate gyrus and their relevance for neurogenesis and cognition. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1323986. [PMID: 38425430 PMCID: PMC10902914 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1323986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study may unveil novel insights into the interactions between neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPY1R) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2), in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus, shedding light on their role in neurogenesis and cognitive functions. Existing literature highlights the potential of these interactions in enhancing learning and memory, yet detailed mechanisms remain underexplored. Methods Utilizing intracerebroventricular injections of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists in Sprague-Dawley male rats, we examined neurogenesis via markers PCNA and DCX, and memory consolidation through the object-in-place task over a three-week period. Results Significant increases in NPY1R-GALR2 co-localization and neuroblast proliferation were observed, alongside enhanced memory consolidation. These findings suggest a synergistic effect of NPY1R and GALR2 activation on cognitive functions. Discussion Our findings may foster the development of novel heterobivalent or multitargeting drugs, affecting NPY1R-GALR2 interaction, and suggest a future pharmacogical strategy for improving learning and memory found in many brain diseases. Further research is encouraged to explore these mechanisms in pathological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasiel Beltran-Casanueva
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Facultad de Medicina, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Spain
| | - Aracelis Hernández-García
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Facultad de Medicina, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Docencia e Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín, Hospital Pedíatrico Universitario Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Paula de Amo García
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Encarnación Blanco-Reina
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Castro
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Vithas Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Unit of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Casares
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Facultad de Medicina, Edificio Lopez-Peñalver, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Narváez
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Grupo Hospitalario Vithas, Vithas Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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15
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Uryash A, Mijares A, Lopez CE, Adams JA, Allen PD, Lopez JR. Post-Anesthesia Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice Is Associated with an Age-Related Increase in Neuronal Intracellular [Ca 2+]-Neuroprotective Effect of Reducing Intracellular [Ca 2+]: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Cells 2024; 13:264. [PMID: 38334656 PMCID: PMC10854970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common disorder after general anesthesia in elderly patients, the precise mechanisms of which remain unclear. Methods: We investigated the effect of isoflurane with or without dantrolene pretreatment on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leak, calpain activity, and cognitive function using the Morris water maze test of young (3 months), middle-aged (12-13 months), and aged (24-25 months) C57BL6/J mice. Results: Aged cortical and hippocampal neurons showed chronically elevated [Ca2+]i compared to young neurons. Furthermore, aged hippocampal neurons exhibited higher ROS production, increased LDH leak, and elevated calpain activity. Exposure to isoflurane exacerbated these markers in aged neurons, contributing to increased cognitive deficits in aged mice. Dantrolene pretreatment reduced [Ca2+]i for all age groups and prevented or significantly mitigated the effects of isoflurane on [Ca2+]i, ROS production, LDH leak, and calpain activity in aged neurons. Dantrolene also normalized or improved age-associated cognitive deficits and mitigated the cognitive deficits caused by isoflurane. Conclusions: These findings suggest that isoflurane-induced cytotoxicity and cognitive decline in aging are linked to disruptions in neuronal intracellular processes, highlighting the reduction of [Ca2+]i as a potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Uryash
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL 33140, USA; (A.U.); (J.A.A.)
| | - Alfredo Mijares
- Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas 1020, Venezuela;
| | | | - Jose A. Adams
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL 33140, USA; (A.U.); (J.A.A.)
| | - Paul D. Allen
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK;
| | - Jose R. Lopez
- Department of Research, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
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16
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Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Tests for learning and memory in rodent regulatory studies. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100151. [PMID: 38304257 PMCID: PMC10832385 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, regulatory guidelines for safety assessment in rodents for drugs, chemicals, pesticides, and food additives with developmental neurotoxic potential have recommended a single test of learning and memory (L&M). In recent years some agencies have requested two such tests. Given the importance of higher cognitive function to health, and the fact that different types of L&M are mediated by different brain regions assessing higher functions represents a step forward in providing better evidence-based protection against adverse brain effects. Given the myriad of tests available for assessing L&M in rodents this leads to the question of which tests best fit regulatory guidelines. To address this question, we begin by describing the central role of two types of L&M essential to all mammalian species and the regions/networks that mediate them. We suggest that the tests recommended possess characteristics that make them well suited to the needs in regulatory safety studies. By brain region, these are (1) the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex for spatial navigation, which assesses explicit L&M for reference and episodic memory and (2) the striatum and related structures for egocentric navigation, which assesses implicit or procedural memory and path integration. Of the tests available, we suggest that in this context, the evidence supports the use of water mazes, specifically, the Morris water maze (MWM) for spatial L&M and the Cincinnati water maze (CWM) for egocentric/procedural L&M. We review the evidentiary basis for these tests, describe their use, and explain procedures that optimize their sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles V. Vorhees
- Corresponding author at: Div. of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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17
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Lipatova O, Campolattaro MM, Lockhart BK, Hammad MB. Differential effects of acute stress on spatial learning and memory in the open-field tower maze across the female estrous cycle. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 206:107862. [PMID: 37944635 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to test how acute stress and levels of circulating estrogens together influence acquisition and retention of spatial learning, as well as explorative behaviors in female rats. We used the hippocampus-dependent Open-field Tower Maze (OFTM) task to assess acquisition followed by a retention test (reacquisition) that was given 48 h later. Immediately prior to acquisition, experimental rats were exposed to an acute restraint stress and were trained under bright lights. Female rats' estrous cycles were tracked throughout training and testing. Exposure to stress did not affect learning when levels of estrogens were low (i.e., during estrus and metestrus). However, acute stress exposure significantly lowered spatial acquisition of the female rats in the phases with rising levels of estrogens (i.e., during diestrus and proestrus). Furthermore, this stress-induced diminishment during acquisition was evident at the beginning of the retention without any presentation of stress. The present findings provide insight about the interactive relationship between stress and sex hormones on cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Lipatova
- Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, United States.
| | | | - Blakely K Lockhart
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mariam B Hammad
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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18
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Moors TE, Li S, McCaffery TD, Ho GP, Bechade PA, Pham LN, Ericsson M, Nuber S. Increased palmitoylation improves estrogen receptor alpha-dependent hippocampal synaptic deficits in a mouse model of synucleinopathy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj1454. [PMID: 37976363 PMCID: PMC10957154 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj1454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by conversion of soluble α-synuclein (αS) into intraneuronal aggregates and degeneration of neurons and neuronal processes. Indications that women with early-stage PD display milder neurodegenerative features suggest that female sex partially protects against αS pathology. We previously reported that female sex and estradiol improved αS homeostasis and PD-like phenotypes in E46K-amplified (3K) αS mice. Here, we aimed to further dissect mechanisms that drive this sex dimorphism early in disease. We observed that synaptic abnormalities were delayed in females and improved by estradiol, mediated by local estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Aberrant ERα distribution in 3K compared to wild-type mice was paired with its decreased palmitoylation. Treatment with ML348, a de-palmitoylation inhibitor, increased ERα availability and soluble αS homeostasis, ameliorating synaptic plasticity and cognitive and motor phenotypes. Our finding that sex differences in early-disease αS-induced synaptic impairment in 3KL mice are in part mediated by palmitoylated ERα may have functional and pathogenic implications for clinical PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim E. Moors
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shaomin Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas D. McCaffery
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gary P. H. Ho
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pascal A. Bechade
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luu N. Pham
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria Ericsson
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silke Nuber
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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19
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Levitin MO, Rawlins LE, Sanchez-Andrade G, Arshad OA, Collins SC, Sawiak SJ, Iffland PH, Andersson MHL, Bupp C, Cambridge EL, Coomber EL, Ellis I, Herkert JC, Ironfield H, Jory L, Kretz PF, Kant SG, Neaverson A, Nibbeling E, Rowley C, Relton E, Sanderson M, Scott EM, Stewart H, Shuen AY, Schreiber J, Tuck L, Tonks J, Terkelsen T, van Ravenswaaij-Arts C, Vasudevan P, Wenger O, Wright M, Day A, Hunter A, Patel M, Lelliott CJ, Crino PB, Yalcin B, Crosby AH, Baple EL, Logan DW, Hurles ME, Gerety SS. Models of KPTN-related disorder implicate mTOR signalling in cognitive and overgrowth phenotypes. Brain 2023; 146:4766-4783. [PMID: 37437211 PMCID: PMC10629792 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
KPTN-related disorder is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with germline variants in KPTN (previously known as kaptin), a component of the mTOR regulatory complex KICSTOR. To gain further insights into the pathogenesis of KPTN-related disorder, we analysed mouse knockout and human stem cell KPTN loss-of-function models. Kptn -/- mice display many of the key KPTN-related disorder phenotypes, including brain overgrowth, behavioural abnormalities, and cognitive deficits. By assessment of affected individuals, we have identified widespread cognitive deficits (n = 6) and postnatal onset of brain overgrowth (n = 19). By analysing head size data from their parents (n = 24), we have identified a previously unrecognized KPTN dosage-sensitivity, resulting in increased head circumference in heterozygous carriers of pathogenic KPTN variants. Molecular and structural analysis of Kptn-/- mice revealed pathological changes, including differences in brain size, shape and cell numbers primarily due to abnormal postnatal brain development. Both the mouse and differentiated induced pluripotent stem cell models of the disorder display transcriptional and biochemical evidence for altered mTOR pathway signalling, supporting the role of KPTN in regulating mTORC1. By treatment in our KPTN mouse model, we found that the increased mTOR signalling downstream of KPTN is rapamycin sensitive, highlighting possible therapeutic avenues with currently available mTOR inhibitors. These findings place KPTN-related disorder in the broader group of mTORC1-related disorders affecting brain structure, cognitive function and network integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Levitin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Evox Therapeutics Limited, Oxford OX4 4HG, UK
| | - Lettie E Rawlins
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX1 2ED, UK
| | | | - Osama A Arshad
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Stephan C Collins
- INSERM Unit 1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon 21078, France
| | - Stephen J Sawiak
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Phillip H Iffland
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Malin H L Andersson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Caleb Bupp
- Spectrum Health, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Emma L Cambridge
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Eve L Coomber
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ian Ellis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L14 5AB, UK
| | - Johanna C Herkert
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Holly Ironfield
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Logan Jory
- Haven Clinical Psychology Practice Ltd, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9HP, UK
| | | | - Sarina G Kant
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Neaverson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Esther Nibbeling
- Laboratory for Diagnostic Genome Analysis, Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Rowley
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Emily Relton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Mark Sanderson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ethan M Scott
- New Leaf Center, Clinic for Special Children, Mount Eaton, OH 44659, USA
| | - Helen Stewart
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK
| | - Andrew Y Shuen
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - John Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - Liz Tuck
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - James Tonks
- Haven Clinical Psychology Practice Ltd, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9HP, UK
| | - Thorkild Terkelsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Conny van Ravenswaaij-Arts
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Pradeep Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Olivia Wenger
- New Leaf Center, Clinic for Special Children, Mount Eaton, OH 44659, USA
| | - Michael Wright
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew Day
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Qkine Ltd., Cambridge CB5 8HW, UK
| | - Adam Hunter
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Minal Patel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Christopher J Lelliott
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- INSERM Unit 1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon 21078, France
| | - Andrew H Crosby
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Emma L Baple
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX1 2ED, UK
| | - Darren W Logan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Matthew E Hurles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sebastian S Gerety
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
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20
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Brea Guerrero A, Oijala M, Moseley SC, Tang T, Fletcher F, Zheng Y, Sanchez LM, Clark BJ, Mcnaughton BL, Wilber AA. An Integrated Platform for In Vivo Electrophysiology in Spatial Cognition Experiments. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0274-23.2023. [PMID: 37989581 PMCID: PMC10668213 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0274-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial cognition research requires behavioral paradigms that can distinguish between different navigational elements, such as allocentric (map-like) navigation and egocentric (e.g., body centered) navigation. To fill this need, we developed a flexible experimental platform that can be quickly modified without the need for significant changes to software and hardware. In this paper, we present this inexpensive and flexible behavioral platform paired with software which we are making freely available. Our behavioral platform serves as the foundation for a range of experiments, and although developed for assessing spatial cognition, it also has applications in the nonspatial domain of behavioral testing. There are two components of the software platform, "Maze" and "Stim Trigger." While intended as a general platform, presently both programs can work in conjunction with Neuralynx and Open Ephys electrophysiology acquisition systems, allowing for precise time stamping of neural events. The Maze program includes functionality for automatic reward delivery based on user defined zones. "Stim Trigger" permits control of brain stimulation via any equipment that can be paired with an Arduino board. We seek to share our software and leverage the potential by expanding functionality in the future to meet the needs of a larger community of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Brea Guerrero
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
| | - Mikko Oijala
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA
| | - Shawn C Moseley
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
| | - Te Tang
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
| | - Fred Fletcher
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
| | - Yicheng Zheng
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
| | - Lilliana M Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM
| | - Benjamin J Clark
- Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM
| | - Bruce L Mcnaughton
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Aaron A Wilber
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL
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21
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Brito DVC, Esteves F, Rajado AT, Silva N, Araújo I, Bragança J, Castelo-Branco P, Nóbrega C. Assessing cognitive decline in the aging brain: lessons from rodent and human studies. NPJ AGING 2023; 9:23. [PMID: 37857723 PMCID: PMC10587123 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-023-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
As life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, age-related dysfunction will largely impact our societies in the future. Aging is well established to promote the deterioration of cognitive function and is the primary risk factor for the development of prevalent neurological disorders. Even in the absence of dementia, age-related cognitive decline impacts specific types of memories and brain structures in humans and animal models. Despite this, preclinical and clinical studies that investigate age-related changes in brain physiology often use largely different methods, which hinders the translational potential of findings. This review seeks to integrate what is known about age-related changes in the brain with analogue cognitive tests used in humans and rodent studies, ranging from "pen and paper" tests to virtual-reality-based paradigms. Finally, we draw parallels between the behavior paradigms used in research compared to the enrollment into clinical trials that aim to study age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V C Brito
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - F Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - A T Rajado
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - N Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - I Araújo
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Castelo-Branco
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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22
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Koszałka A, Lustyk K, Pytka K. Sex-dependent differences in animal cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105374. [PMID: 37634555 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The differences in cognitive processes driven by biological sex are the issues that have gotten growing attention recently. Considering the increasing population suffering from various cognitive impairments and the development of therapeutic strategies, it is essential that we recognize the mechanisms responsible for discrepancies observed in male and female learning and memory functions. In this review, we discuss recent reports from preclinical studies on rodents regarding selected cognitive domains to explore the state of knowledge on sex-dependent differences and point to challenges encountered during such research. We focus on spatial, recognition, and emotional memory, as well as on executive functions, such as attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. This review will help to acknowledge sex-related differences in cognition and indicate some fields that lack sufficient data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Koszałka
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University Medical College, Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Św. Łazarza 16, 31-530 Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Lustyk
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
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23
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Dyomina AV, Smolensky IV, Zaitsev AV. Refinement of the Barnes and Morris water maze protocols improves characterization of spatial cognitive deficits in the lithium-pilocarpine rat model of epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109391. [PMID: 37619464 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often causes cognitive impairment, especially a decline in spatial memory. Reductions in spatial memory and learning are also common in rodent models of TLE. The Morris water maze and the Barnes maze are the standard methods for evaluating spatial learning and memory in rodents. However, animals with TLE may exhibit agitation, distress, and fail to follow the paradigmatic context of these tests, making the interpretation of experimental data difficult. This study optimized the procedure of the Morris water maze and the Barnes maze to evaluate spatial learning and memory in rats with the lithium-pilocarpine TLE model (LPM rats). It was demonstrated that LPM rats required a mandatory and prolonged habituation stage for both tests. Therefore, the experimental rats performed relatively well on these tests. Nevertheless, LPM rats exhibited a slower learning process compared to the control rats. LPM rats also showed a reduction in spatial memory formation. This was more pronounced in the Barnes maze. Also, LPM rats utilized a sequential strategy for searching in the Barnes maze and were incapable of developing a more efficient spatial search strategy that is common in control animals. The Barnes maze may be a better choice for assessing search strategies, learning deficits, and spatial memory in rats with TLE when choosing between the two tests. This is because of the risk of unexpected seizure occurrence during the Morris water maze tests, and the potential risks for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Dyomina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Ilya V Smolensky
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia; Department of Community Health, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aleksey V Zaitsev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia.
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24
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Lang B, Kahnau P, Hohlbaum K, Mieske P, Andresen NP, Boon MN, Thöne-Reineke C, Lewejohann L, Diederich K. Challenges and advanced concepts for the assessment of learning and memory function in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1230082. [PMID: 37809039 PMCID: PMC10551171 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1230082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the formation and retrieval of memories are still an active area of research and discussion. Manifold models have been proposed and refined over the years, with most assuming a dichotomy between memory processes involving non-conscious and conscious mechanisms. Despite our incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms, tests of memory and learning count among the most performed behavioral experiments. Here, we will discuss available protocols for testing learning and memory using the example of the most prevalent animal species in research, the laboratory mouse. A wide range of protocols has been developed in mice to test, e.g., object recognition, spatial learning, procedural memory, sequential problem solving, operant- and fear conditioning, and social recognition. Those assays are carried out with individual subjects in apparatuses such as arenas and mazes, which allow for a high degree of standardization across laboratories and straightforward data interpretation but are not without caveats and limitations. In animal research, there is growing concern about the translatability of study results and animal welfare, leading to novel approaches beyond established protocols. Here, we present some of the more recent developments and more advanced concepts in learning and memory testing, such as multi-step sequential lockboxes, assays involving groups of animals, as well as home cage-based assays supported by automated tracking solutions; and weight their potential and limitations against those of established paradigms. Shifting the focus of learning tests from the classical experimental chamber to settings which are more natural for rodents comes with a new set of challenges for behavioral researchers, but also offers the opportunity to understand memory formation and retrieval in a more conclusive way than has been attainable with conventional test protocols. We predict and embrace an increase in studies relying on methods involving a higher degree of automatization, more naturalistic- and home cage-based experimental setting as well as more integrated learning tasks in the future. We are confident these trends are suited to alleviate the burden on animal subjects and improve study designs in memory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lang
- Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia Kahnau
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Mieske
- Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Niek P. Andresen
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Computer Vision and Remote Sensing, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus N. Boon
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Modeling of Cognitive Processes, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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25
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Chen K, Hu X. Intranasal creatine administration increases brain creatine level and improves Barnes maze performance in rats. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110703. [PMID: 37429386 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
While skeletal muscle creatine levels can be enhanced by exogenous creatine supplementation, the elevation of brain creatine levels with oral creatine administration remains a challenge due to a lack of effective transportation of creatine through the blood-brain barrier. Intranasal administration can bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver drugs directly to the brain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of intranasal administration of creatine on brain creatine level and cognitive performance. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups intranasal administration group, oral administration group, and control group. The intranasal group exhibited fewer errors and shorter primary latency compared to the control and oral groups, respectively, during the acquisition phase of the Barnes maze. The intranasal group spent a higher percentage of time in the target quadrant during the probe trial compared to the control group. Biochemical measurements showed that the concentration of creatine in the olfactory bulbs, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus of the rats in the intranasal group was higher than in the oral, and control groups. These results indicate that intranasal administration of creatine hydrochloride increases the creatine level in the rat's brain's and improves their performance in the Barnes maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqing Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, USA.
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26
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Jones SK, McCarthy DM, Stanwood GD, Schatschneider C, Bhide PG. Learning and memory deficits produced by aspartame are heritable via the paternal lineage. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14326. [PMID: 37652922 PMCID: PMC10471780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41213-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures produce heritable traits that can linger in the population for one or two generations. Millions of individuals consume substances such as artificial sweeteners daily that are declared safe by regulatory agencies without evaluation of their potential heritable effects. We show that consumption of aspartame, an FDA-approved artificial sweetener, daily for up to 16-weeks at doses equivalent to only 7-15% of the FDA recommended maximum daily intake value (equivalent to 2-4 small, 8 oz diet soda drinks per day) produces significant spatial learning and memory deficits in mice. Moreover, the cognitive deficits are transmitted to male and female descendants along the paternal lineage suggesting that aspartame's adverse cognitive effects are heritable, and that they are more pervasive than current estimates, which consider effects in the directly exposed individuals only. Traditionally, deleterious environmental exposures of pregnant and nursing women are viewed as risk factors for the health of future generations. Environmental exposures of men are not considered to pose similar risks. Our findings suggest that environmental exposures of men can produce adverse impact on cognitive function in future generations and demonstrate the need for considering heritable effects via the paternal lineage as part of the regulatory evaluations of artificial sweeteners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Jones
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115, West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Deirdre M McCarthy
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115, West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gregg D Stanwood
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115, West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Christopher Schatschneider
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Pradeep G Bhide
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115, West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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27
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GUERRERO ABREA, OIJALA M, MOSELEY SC, TANG T, FLETCHER F, ZHENG Y, SANCHEZ L, CLARK BJ, MCNAUGHTON BL, WILBER AA. An Integrated Platform for in vivo Electrophysiology in Spatial Cognition Experiments. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551691. [PMID: 37577676 PMCID: PMC10418273 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Spatial cognition research requires behavioral paradigms that can distinguish between different navigational elements, such as allocentric (map-like) navigation and egocentric (e.g., body centered) navigation. To fill this need, we developed a flexible experimental platform that can be quickly modified without the need for significant changes to software and hardware. In this paper, we present this inexpensive and flexible behavioral platform paired with software which we are making freely available. Our behavioral platform serves as the foundation for a range of experiments, and though developed for assessing spatial cognition, it also has applications in the non-spatial domain of behavioral testing. There are two components of the software platform, 'Maze' and 'Stim Trigger'. Both programs can work in conjunction with electrophysiology acquisition systems, allowing for precise time stamping of neural events with behavior. The Maze program includes functionality for automatic reward delivery based on user defined zones. 'Stim Trigger' permits control of brain stimulation via any equipment that can be paired with an Arduino board. We seek to share our software and leverage the potential by expanding functionality in the future to meet the needs of a larger community of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. BREA GUERRERO
- Florida State University, Program in Neuroscience, Tallahassee, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - M. OIJALA
- Univ. of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - S. C. MOSELEY
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - T. TANG
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - F. FLETCHER
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Y. ZHENG
- Florida State University, Program in Neuroscience, Tallahassee, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - L.M. SANCHEZ
- Dept. of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - B. J. CLARK
- Dept. of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - B. L. MCNAUGHTON
- Univ. of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
- The Univ. of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - A. A. WILBER
- Florida State University, Program in Neuroscience, Tallahassee, FL
- Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
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28
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Sun N, Wang H, Wang XY, Yu Q, Han JY, Huang Y, Zhou WX. Deletion of AhR attenuates fear memory leaving other types of memory intact. Behav Brain Res 2023; 451:114505. [PMID: 37217138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114505] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a classic "environmental sensor", has been found to play an important role in cognitive and emotional function. Recent studies showed AhR deletion led to an attenuated fear memory, providing a potential target against fear memory, whether it is the consequence of attenuated sense of fear or memory ability deficit or both is unclear. Here this study aims to work this out. The freezing time in contextual fear conditioning (CFC) reduced significantly in AhR knockout mice, indicating an attenuated fear memory. Hot plate test and acoustic startle reflex showed that AhR knockout did not change the pain threshold and hearing, excluded the possibility of sensory impairments. Results from NORT, MWM and SBT showed that deletion of AhR had little effects on other types of memory. But the anxiety-like behaviors reduced both in naïve or suffered (tested after CFC) AhR knockout mice, showing that AhR-deficient mice have a reduced basal and stressful emotional response. The basal low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio of the AhR knockout mice was significantly lower than that of the control group, indicating lower sympathetic excitability in the basal state, suggesting a low level of basal stress in the knockout mice. Before and after CFC, the LF/HF ratio of AhR-KO mice tended to be significantly lower than that of WT mice, and their heart rate was significantly lower; and the AhR-KO mice also has a decreased serum corticosterone level after CFC, suggesting a reduced stress response in AhR knockout mice. Altogether, the basal stress level and stress response were significant reduced in AhR knockout mice, which might contribute to the attenuated fear memory with little impairment on other types of memory, suggesting AhR as a "psychologic sensor" additional to "environmental sensor".
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Yuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
| | - Wen-Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
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Arias-Aragón F, Tristán-Clavijo E, Martínez-Gallego I, Robles-Lanuza E, Coatl-Cuaya H, Martín-Cuevas C, Sánchez-Hidalgo AC, Rodríguez-Moreno A, Martinez-Mir A, Scholl FG. A Neuroligin-1 mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease produces memory and age-dependent impairments in hippocampal plasticity. iScience 2023; 26:106868. [PMID: 37260747 PMCID: PMC10227424 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory impairments and age-dependent synapse loss. Experimental and clinical studies have shown decreased expression of the glutamatergic protein Neuroligin-1 (Nlgn1) in AD. However, the consequences of a sustained reduction of Nlgn1 are unknown. Here, we generated a knockin mouse that reproduces the NLGN1 Thr271fs mutation, identified in heterozygosis in a familial case of AD. We found that Nlgn1 Thr271fs mutation abolishes Nlgn1 expression in mouse brain. Importantly, heterozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice showed delay-dependent amnesia for recognition memory. Electrophysiological recordings uncovered age-dependent impairments in basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 hippocampal neurons of heterozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice. In contrast, homozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice showed impaired fear-conditioning memory and normal basal synaptic transmission, suggesting unshared mechanisms for a partial or total loss of Nlgn1. These data suggest that decreased Nlgn1 may contribute to the synaptic and memory deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Arias-Aragón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Enriqueta Tristán-Clavijo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Martínez-Gallego
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Estefanía Robles-Lanuza
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Heriberto Coatl-Cuaya
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Celia Martín-Cuevas
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Ana C. Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Amalia Martinez-Mir
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco G. Scholl
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
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30
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Palumbo G, Kunze LH, Oos R, Wind-Mark K, Lindner S, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Bartenstein P, Ziegler S, Brendel M. Longitudinal Studies on Alzheimer Disease Mouse Models with Multiple Tracer PET/CT: Application of Reduction and Refinement Principles in Daily Practice to Safeguard Animal Welfare during Progressive Aging. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1812. [PMID: 37531139 PMCID: PMC10251952 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal studies on mouse models related to Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology play an important role in the investigation of therapeutic targets to help pharmaceutical research in the development of new drugs and in the attempt of an early diagnosis that can contribute to improving people's quality of life. There are several advantages to enriching longitudinal studies in AD models with Positron Emission Tomography (PET); among these advantages, the possibility of following the principle of the 3Rs of animal welfare is fundamental. In this manuscript, good daily experimental practice focusing on animal welfare is described and commented upon, based on the experience attained from studies conducted in our Nuclear Medicine department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Palumbo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Helena Kunze
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rosel Oos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind-Mark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
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Fatemeh B, Koorosh S, Amir S, Yaghoub F, Javad MZ. Intra-hippocampal cis-P tau microinjection induces long-term changes in behavior and synaptic plasticity in mice. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:9. [PMID: 37231523 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by an abnormal high accumulation of cis-P tau. However, the long-term changes in behavior following tau accumulation remains under debate. The present study investigated the long-term effects of tauopathy on learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampal cell numbers. RESULTS Cis-P tau was microinjected into the dorsal hippocampus to generate Alzheimer's like-disease model in C57BL/6 mice. Cis-P tau injected animals showed a significant impairment in learning and memory in Y-maze and Barnes maze tests. In another group of animals, the generation of long-term potentiation (LTP) was evaluated in hippocampal slices 7 months after cis-P tau injection. LTP induction was disrupted only in the dorsal but not ventral hippocampal slices. The basal synaptic transmission was also reduced in dorsal hippocampal slices. In addition, hippocampal sampling was done, and the number of cells was assessed by Nissl staining. Obtained results indicated that the number of survived cells was significantly reduced in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus of cis P-tau injected animals compared to the animals in control group. However, the decrement of cell number was higher in the dorsal compared to the ventral hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, intra-hippocampal cis-P tau injection produced learning and memory impairment at 7 months after its injection. This impairment might result from LTP disruption and a significant decrease in the number of neurons in the dorsal hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakhtiarzadeh Fatemeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331, Tehran, 1411713116, Iran
| | - Shahpasand Koorosh
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shojaei Amir
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331, Tehran, 1411713116, Iran
- Institute for Brain Sciences and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fathollahi Yaghoub
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331, Tehran, 1411713116, Iran
| | - Mirnajafi-Zadeh Javad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331, Tehran, 1411713116, Iran.
- Institute for Brain Sciences and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Gee CC, Steffen R, Kievit FM. An updated Barnes maze protocol for assessing the outcome of controlled cortical impact mouse models of traumatic brain injury. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 392:109866. [PMID: 37116622 PMCID: PMC10205663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Barnes Maze (BM) is a common method of testing cognitive deficits in rodents. Adapting BM protocols for specific neurological disorders could potentially aid in more effective testing, reduce research time, and help decrease variability between studies. NEW METHOD We tested differences an updated, shortened BM consisting of 6 days, 3 trials per day, only covering the equivalent of the spatial acquisition week BM protocol and a probe trial day consisting of one trial (7 total days). RESULTS Kaplan-Meier plots of escape percentage as a function of total latency showed a significant difference between control and CCI mice in the updated protocol on days 3 through 6. Additionally, probe trial data showed significant differences in primary latency, primary errors, and returns to goal. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS We tested differences between a traditional 5 days per week, 2 trials per day, spatial acquisition and reversal weeks BM protocol (12 total days with probe trials) with an updated 6-day BM protocol (7 total days with probe trial). In the probe trial, the updated protocol control mice showed an over 5-fold decrease in primary latency and primary errors and a 4.6-fold increase in returns to goal compared to the traditional protocol. Additionally, mice in both protocols performed similarly on a trial-by-trial basis suggesting that the changes made for the updated protocol increased learning and memory and was not simply an easier task. CONCLUSION The updated BM protocol showed an improved ability to distinguish between control and CCI mice and promoted improved and more consistent learning for both the control and CCI groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor C Gee
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 262 Morrison Center, 4240 Fair St, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Rylie Steffen
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 262 Morrison Center, 4240 Fair St, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Forrest M Kievit
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 262 Morrison Center, 4240 Fair St, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
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Vicencio-Jimenez S, Delano PH, Madrid N, Terreros G, Maass JC, Delgado C, Jorratt P. Maintained Spatial Learning and Memory Functions in Middle-Aged α9 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit Knock-Out Mice. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050794. [PMID: 37239266 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss is linked to cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms that relate to these conditions remain unclear. Evidence shows that the activation of medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons delays cochlear aging and hearing loss. Consequently, the loss of MOC function may be related to cognitive impairment. The α9/α10 nicotinic receptor is the main target of cholinergic synapses between the MOC neurons and cochlear outer hair cells. Here, we explored spatial learning and memory performance in middle-aged wild-type (WT) and α9-nAChR subunit knock-out (KO) mice using the Barnes maze and measured auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and the number of cochlear hair cells as a proxy of cochlear aging. Our results show non-significant spatial learning differences between WT and KO mice, but KO mice had a trend of increased latency to enter the escape box and freezing time. To test a possible reactivity to the escape box, we evaluated the novelty-induced behavior using an open field and found a tendency towards more freezing time in KO mice. There were no differences in memory, ABR threshold, or the number of cochlear hair cells. We suggest that the lack of α9-nAChR subunit alters novelty-induced behavior, but not spatial learning in middle-aged mice, by a non-cochlear mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Paul H Delano
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, AC3E, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2390136, Chile
| | - Natalia Madrid
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua 2841935, Chile
| | - Juan C Maass
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Interdisciplinary Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Carolina Delgado
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Pascal Jorratt
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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DiMarco GM, Harris BN, Savonenko AV, Soto PL. Acute stressors do not impair short-term memory or attention in an aged mouse model of amyloidosis. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1151833. [PMID: 37250187 PMCID: PMC10213425 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1151833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease patients is thought to be associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides and tau proteins. However, inconsistent reports of cognitive deficits in pre-clinical studies have raised questions about the link between amyloid-beta and cognitive decline. One possible explanation may be that studies reporting memory deficits often involve behavioral assessments that entail a high stress component. In contrast, in tasks without a high stress component transgenic mice do not consistently show declines in memory. The glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis of aging and the vicious cycle of stress framework suggest that stress exacerbates dementia progression by initiating a cycle of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and subsequent brain deterioration. Using the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of amyloidosis, we assessed whether stressor exposure prior to testing differentially impaired cognitive performance of aged male and female mice. As part of a larger study, mice performed a delayed match-to-position (DMTP) or a 3-choice serial-reaction time (3CSRT) task. Unexpectedly, these mice did not exhibit cognitive declines during aging. Therefore, at 73 and 74 weeks of age, we exposed mice to a predator odor or forced swim stressor prior to testing to determine if stress revealed cognitive deficits. We predicted stressor exposure would decrease performance accuracy more robustly in transgenic vs. non-transgenic mice. Acute stressor exposure increased accuracy in the DMTP task, but not in the 3CSRT task. Our data suggest that acute stressor exposure prior to testing does not impair cognitive performance in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana M. DiMarco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Breanna N. Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Alena V. Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul L. Soto
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Senesi M, Lewis V, Adlard PA, Finkelstein DI, Kim JH, Collins SJ. Tailored behavioural tests reveal early and progressive cognitive deficits in M1000 prion disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106075. [PMID: 36914075 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are pathogenically linked to the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) misfolding into abnormal conformers (PrPSc), with PrPSc accumulation underpinning both transmission and neurotoxicity. Despite achieving this canonical understanding, however fundamental questions remain incompletely resolved, including the level of pathophysiological overlap between neurotoxic and transmitting species of PrPSc and the temporal profiles of their propagation. To further investigate the likely time of occurrence of significant levels of neurotoxic species during prion disease development, the well characterised in vivo M1000 murine model was employed. Following intracerebral inoculation, detailed serial cognitive and ethological testing at specified time points suggested subtle transition to early symptomatic disease from ∼50% of the overall disease course. In addition to observing a chronological order for impaired behaviours, different behavioural tests also showed distinctive profiles of evolving cognitive impairments with the Barnes maze demonstrating a relatively simple linear worsening of spatial learning and memory over an extended period while in contrast a conditioned fear memory paradigm previously untested in murine prion disease demonstrated more complex alterations during disease progression. These observations support the likely production of neurotoxic PrPSc from at least just prior to the mid-point of murine M1000 prion disease and illustrate the likely need to tailor the types of behavioural testing across the time course of disease progression for optimal detection of cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Senesi
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Victoria Lewis
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul A Adlard
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David I Finkelstein
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Steven J Collins
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Lin L, Li C, Li T, Zheng J, Shu Y, Zhang J, Shen Y, Ren D. Plant‐derived peptides for the improvement of Alzheimer's disease: Production, functions, and mechanisms. FOOD FRONTIERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/fft2.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Like Lin
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry and Materials Science National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Cong Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry and Materials Science National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Tingting Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry and Materials Science National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Jingyi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry and Materials Science National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Yu Shu
- College of Food Science and Technology Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Yehua Shen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry and Materials Science National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi China
| | - Difeng Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Beijing Forestry University Beijing China
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Prenatal Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Affects Hippocampus-Related Cognitive Functions in the Adolescent Rat Offspring: Focus on Specific Markers of Neuroplasticity. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020692. [PMID: 36840014 PMCID: PMC9963541 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to THC (pTHC) derails the neurodevelopmental trajectories towards a vulnerable phenotype for impaired emotional regulation and limbic memory. Here we aimed to investigate pTHC effect on hippocampus-related cognitive functions and markers of neuroplasticity in adolescent male offspring. Wistar rats were exposed to THC (2 mg/kg) from gestational day 5 to 20 and tested for spatial memory, object recognition memory and reversal learning in the reinforce-motivated Can test and in the aversion-driven Barnes maze test; locomotor activity and exploration, anxiety-like behaviour, and response to natural reward were assessed in the open field, elevated plus maze, and sucrose preference tests, respectively. The gene expression levels of NMDA NR1-2A subunits, mGluR5, and their respective scaffold proteins PSD95 and Homer1, as well as CB1R and the neuromodulatory protein HINT1, were measured in the hippocampus. pTHC offspring exhibited deficits in spatial and object recognition memory and reversal learning, increased locomotor activity, increased NR1-, decreased NR2A- and PSD95-, increased mGluR5- and Homer1-, and augmented CB1R- and HINT1-hippocampal mRNA levels. Our data shows that pTHC is associated with specific impairment in spatial cognitive processing and effectors of hippocampal neuroplasticity and suggests novel targets for future pharmacological challenges.
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Delacoux M, Guenther A. Stressfulness of the design influences consistency of cognitive measures and their correlation with animal personality traits in wild mice (Mus musculus). Anim Cogn 2023; 26:997-1009. [PMID: 36737560 PMCID: PMC10066096 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Individual variation in cognition is being increasingly recognized as an important evolutionary force but contradictory results so far hamper a general understanding of consistency and association with other behaviors. Partly, this might be caused by external factors imposed by the design. Stress, for example, is known to influence cognition, with mild stress improving learning abilities, while strong or chronic stress impairs them. Also, there might be intraspecific variation in how stressful a given situation is perceived. We investigated two personality traits (stress coping and voluntary exploration), spatial learning with two mazes, and problem-solving in low- and high-stress tests with a group of 30 female wild mice (Mus musculus domesticus). For each test, perceived stress was assessed by measuring body temperature change with infrared thermography, a new non-invasive method that measures skin temperature as a proxy of changes in the sympathetic system activity. While spatial learning and problem-solving were found to be repeatable traits in mice in earlier studies, none of the learning measures were significantly repeatable between the two stress conditions in our study, indicating that the stress level impacts learning. We found correlations between learning and personality traits; however, they differed between the two stress conditions and between the cognitive tasks, suggesting that different mechanisms underlie these processes. These findings could explain some of the contradictory findings in the literature and argue for very careful design of cognitive test setups to draw evolutionary implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Delacoux
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany. .,Department for Collective Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78464, Constance, Germany. .,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78464, Constance, Germany.
| | - Anja Guenther
- Department for Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
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Tichanek F. Psychiatric-Like Impairments in Mouse Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:14-25. [PMID: 35000108 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) suffer from diverse neuropsychiatric issues, including memory impairments, apathy, depression, or anxiety. These neuropsychiatric aspects contribute per se to the reduced quality of life and worse prognosis. However, the extent to which SCA-related neuropathology directly contributes to these issues remains largely unclear. Behavioral profiling of various SCA mouse models can bring new insight into this question. This paper aims to synthesize recent findings from behavioral studies of SCA patients and mouse models. The role of SCA neuropathology for shaping psychiatric-like impairments may be exemplified in mouse models of SCA1. These mice evince robust cognitive impairments which are shaped by both the cerebellar as well as out-of-cerebellar pathology. Although emotional-related alternations are also present, they seem to be less robust and more affected by the specific distribution and character of the neuropathology. For example, cerebellar-specific pathology seems to provoke behavioral disinhibition, leading to seemingly decreased anxiety, whereas complex SCA1 neuropathology induces anxiety-like phenotype. In SCA1 mice with complex neuropathology, some of the psychiatric-like impairments are present even before marked cerebellar degeneration and ataxia and correlate with hippocampal atrophy. Similarly, complete or partial deletion of the implicated gene (Atxn1) leads to cognitive dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior, respectively, without apparent ataxia and cerebellar degeneration. Altogether, these findings collectively suggest that the neuropsychiatric issues have a biological basis partially independent of the cerebellum. As some neuropsychiatric issues may stem from weakening the function of the implicated gene, therapeutic reduction of its expression by molecular approaches may not necessarily mitigate the neuropsychiatric issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
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40
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Chiavellini P, Lehmann M, Canatelli Mallat M, Zoller JA, Herenu CB, Morel GR, Horvath S, Goya RG. Hippocampal DNA Methylation, Epigenetic Age, and Spatial Memory Performance in Young and Old Rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:2387-2394. [PMID: 35917578 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans and rats, aging is associated with a progressive deterioration of spatial learning and memory. These functional alterations are correlated with morphological and molecular changes in the hippocampus. Here, we assessed age-related changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) landscape in the rat hippocampus and the correlation of spatial memory with hippocampal DNAm age in 2.6- and 26.6-month-old rats. Spatial memory performance was assessed with the Barnes maze test. To evaluate learning ability and spatial memory retention, we assessed the time spent by animals in goal sector 1 (GS1) and 3 (GS3) when the escape box was removed. The rat pan-tissue clock was applied to DNAm data from hippocampal tissue. An enrichment pathway analysis revealed that neuron fate commitment, brain development, and central nervous system development were processes whose underlying genes were enriched in hypermethylated CpGs in the old rats. In the old rat hippocampi, the methylation levels of CpG proximal to transcription factors associated with genes Pax5, Lbx1, Nr2f2, Hnf1b, Zic1, Zic4, Hoxd9; Hoxd10, Gli3, Gsx1 and Lmx1b, and Nipbl showed a significant regression with spatial memory performance. Regression analysis of different memory performance indices with hippocampal DNAm age was significant. These results suggest that age-related hypermethylation of transcription factors related to certain gene families, such as Zic and Gli, may play a causal role in the decline in spatial memory in old rats. Hippocampal DNAm age seems to be a reliable index of spatial memory performance in young and old rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Chiavellini
- Institute for Biochemical Research (INIBIOLP)-Histology B and Pathology B, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianne Lehmann
- Institute for Biochemical Research (INIBIOLP)-Histology B and Pathology B, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Martina Canatelli Mallat
- Institute for Biochemical Research (INIBIOLP)-Histology B and Pathology B, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Joseph A Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Claudia B Herenu
- Institute for Experimental Pharmacology (IFEC), School of Chemical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Gustavo R Morel
- Institute for Biochemical Research (INIBIOLP)-Histology B and Pathology B, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rodolfo G Goya
- Institute for Biochemical Research (INIBIOLP)-Histology B and Pathology B, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Critical Care Research (CCR), Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA
- Vitality in Aging Research Group (VIA), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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41
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Broadbelt T, Mutlu-Smith M, Carnicero-Senabre D, Saido TC, Saito T, Wang SH. Impairment in novelty-promoted memory via behavioral tagging and capture before apparent memory loss in a knock-in model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22298. [PMID: 36566248 PMCID: PMC9789965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with cognitive impairments and age-dependent memory deficits which have been studied using genetic models of AD. Whether the processes for modulating memory persistence are more vulnerable to the influence of amyloid pathology than the encoding and consolidation of the memory remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether early amyloid pathology would affect peri-learning novelty in promoting memory, through a process called behavioral tagging and capture (BTC). AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice and wild-type littermates were trained in an appetitive delayed matching-to-place (ADMP) task which allows for the assessment of peri-learning novelty in facilitating memory. The results show that novelty enabled intermediate-term memory in wild-type mice, but not in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice in adulthood. This effect preceded spatial memory impairment in the ADMP task seen in middle age. Other memory tests in the Barnes maze, Y-maze, novel object or location recognition tasks remained intact. Together, memory modulation through BTC is impaired before apparent deficits in learning and memory. Relevant biological mechanisms underlying BTC and the implication in AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha Broadbelt
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Menekse Mutlu-Smith
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Daniel Carnicero-Senabre
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK ,grid.5515.40000000119578126Present Address: Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Department of Biochemistry and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols UAM-CSIC, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- grid.474690.8Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- grid.260433.00000 0001 0728 1069Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, 467-8601 Japan
| | - Szu-Han Wang
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
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42
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Virtual Reality Water Maze Navigation in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Reading Disability: an Exploratory Study. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40817-022-00132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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43
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Souza KA, Powell A, Allen GC, Earnest DJ. Development of an age-dependent cognitive index: relationship between impaired learning and disturbances in circadian timekeeping. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:991833. [PMID: 36438000 PMCID: PMC9682238 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.991833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical quantitative models of cognitive performance are necessary for translation from basic research to clinical studies. In rodents, non-cognitive factors are a potential influence on testing outcome and high variability in behavior requires multiple time point testing for better assessment of performance in more sophisticated tests. Thus, these models have limited translational value as most human cognitive tests characterize cognition using single digit scales to distinguish between impaired and unimpaired function. To address these limitations, we developed a cognitive index for learning based on previously described scores for strategies used by mice to escape the Barnes maze. We compared the cognitive index and circadian patterns of light-dark entrainment in young (4-6 months), middle-aged (13-14 months), and aged (18-24 months) mice as cognitive changes during aging are often accompanied by pronounced changes in sleep-wake cycle. Following continuous analysis of circadian wheel-running activity (30-40 days), the same cohorts of mice were tested in the Barnes maze. Aged mice showed significant deficits in the learning and memory portions of the Barnes maze relative to young and middle-aged animals, and the cognitive index was positively correlated to the memory portion of the task (probe) in all groups. Significant age-related alterations in circadian entrainment of the activity rhythm were observed in the middle-aged and aged cohorts. In middle-aged mice, the delayed phase angle of entrainment and increased variability in the daily onsets of activity preceded learning and memory deficits observed in aged animals. Interestingly, learning-impaired mice were distinguished by a positive relationship between the extent of Barnes-related cognitive impairment and variability in daily onsets of circadian activity. While it is unclear whether changes in the sleep-wake cycle or other circadian rhythms play a role in cognitive impairment during aging, our results suggest that circadian rhythm perturbations or misalignment may nevertheless provide an early predictor of age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karienn A. Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Andrew Powell
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Gregg C. Allen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - David J. Earnest
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
- Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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44
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Chaudry O, Ndukwe K, Xie L, Figueiredo-Pereira M, Serrano P, Rockwell P. Females exhibit higher GluA2 levels and outperform males in active place avoidance despite increased amyloid plaques in TgF344-Alzheimer's rats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19129. [PMID: 36352024 PMCID: PMC9646806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23801-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is most prevalent in females. While estrogen provides neuroprotection in females, sex mediated differences in the development of AD pathology are not fully elucidated. Therefore, comparing events between sexes in early-stage AD pathology may reveal more effective therapeutic targets of intervention. To address sex differences, we analyzed early-stage 9-month male and female TgF344-AD (Tg-AD) rats, an AD model carrying the APPswe and Presenilin 1 (PS1ΔE9) mutations that develops progressive age-dependent AD pathology similar to humans. Tg-AD females significantly outperformed Tg-AD males in the active place avoidance (aPAT) test that assesses hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory. However, comparisons between Tg-AD male or female rats and their WT counterparts showed significant deficits for female but not male rats. Nevertheless, Tg-AD females experienced significantly less hippocampal neuronal loss with higher GluA2 subunit levels than Tg-AD males. Unexpectedly, Tg-AD females displayed higher levels of hippocampal amyloid plaques than Tg-AD males. Thus, we propose that GluA2 may provide a neuroprotective function for Tg-AD females in our rat model by mitigating cognitive impairment independently of amyloid plaques. Elucidating this protective mechanism in AD could lead to new targets for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Chaudry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelechi Ndukwe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, The Graduate Center CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Sciences, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Peter Serrano
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Rockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA.
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45
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Kandeda AK, Nodeina S, Mabou ST. An aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini protects against kainate-induced status epilepticus and amnesia: evidence for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intervention. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2581-2602. [PMID: 35916986 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common drug-resistant epilepsy. To cure epilepsy, drugs must target the mechanisms at the origin of seizures. Thus, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the antiepileptic- and anti-amnesic-like effects of an aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini against kainate-induced status epilepticus in mice, and possible mechanisms of action. Mice were divided into 7 groups and treated as follows: normal group or kainate group received po distilled water (10 mL/kg), four test groups received Syzygium cumini (28.8, 72, 144, and 288 mg/kg, po), and the positive control group treated intraperitoneally (ip) with sodium valproate (300 mg/kg). An extra group of normal mice was treated with piracetam (200 mg/kg, po). Treatments were administered 60 min before the induction of status epilepticus with kainate (15 mg/kg, ip), and continued daily throughout behavioral testing. Twenty-four hours after the induction, T-maze and Morris water maze tasks were successively performed. The animals were then sacrificed and some markers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were estimated in the hippocampus. The extract significantly prevented status epilepticus and mortality. In the T-maze, the aqueous extract markedly increased the time spent and the number of entries in the discriminated arm. In the Morris water maze, the extract significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant during the retention phase. Furthermore, the aqueous extract induced a significant reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini has antiepileptic- and anti-amnesic-like effects, likely mediated in part by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Kavaye Kandeda
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Saleh Nodeina
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Symphorien Talom Mabou
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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46
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Terstege DJ, Durante IM, Epp JR. Brain-wide neuronal activation and functional connectivity are modulated by prior exposure to repetitive learning episodes. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:907707. [PMID: 36160680 PMCID: PMC9501867 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.907707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory storage and retrieval are shaped by past experiences. Prior learning and memory episodes have numerous impacts on brain structure from micro to macroscale. Previous experience with specific forms of learning increases the efficiency of future learning. It is less clear whether such practice effects on one type of memory might also have transferable effects to other forms of memory. Different forms of learning and memory rely on different brain-wide networks but there are many points of overlap in these networks. Enhanced structural or functional connectivity caused by one type of learning may be transferable to another type of learning due to overlap in underlying memory networks. Here, we investigated the impact of prior chronic spatial training on the task-specific functional connectivity related to subsequent contextual fear memory recall in mice. Our results show that mice exposed to prior spatial training exhibited decreased brain-wide activation compared to control mice during the retrieval of a context fear memory. With respect to functional connectivity, we observed changes in several network measures, notably an increase in global efficiency. Interestingly, we also observed an increase in network resilience based on simulated targeted node deletion. Overall, this study suggests that chronic learning has transferable effects on the functional connectivity networks of other types of learning and memory. The generalized enhancements in network efficiency and resilience suggest that learning itself may protect brain networks against deterioration.
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47
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Protocol for three alternative paradigms to test spatial learning and memory in mice. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101500. [PMID: 35776637 PMCID: PMC9249832 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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48
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Améndola L, Weary D, Zobel G. Effects of personality on assessments of anxiety and cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104827. [PMID: 35970418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individual variation in responses to commonly used tests of anxiety and spatial memory is often reported. While this variation is frequently considered to be 'noise', evidence suggests that it is, at least partially, related to consistent individual differences in behavioral responses (i.e., personality). The same tests used to assess anxiety are often used to profile personality traits, but personality differences are rarely considered when testing treatment differences in anxiety. Focusing on the rat literature, we describe fundamental principles involved in anxiety and spatial memory tests and we discuss how personality differences and housing conditions can influence behavioral responses in these tests. We propose that an opportunity exists to increase stress resiliency in environmentally sensitive individuals by providing environmental enrichment. We conclude by discussing different approaches to incorporating personality measures into the design and analysis of future studies; given the potential that variation masks research outcomes, we suggest that a strategy which considers the individual and its housing can contribute to improving research reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Améndola
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Daniel Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Gosia Zobel
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
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49
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Yu WS, Aquili L, Wong KH, Lo ACY, Chan LLH, Chan YS, Lim LW. Transcorneal electrical stimulation enhances cognitive functions in aged and 5XFAD mouse models. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:249-265. [PMID: 35751874 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a major burden on global health for which there are no effective treatments. The use of noninvasive visual stimulation to ameliorate cognitive deficits is a novel concept that may be applicable for treating dementia. In this study, we investigated the effects of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) on memory enhancement using two mouse models, in aged mice and in the 5XFAD model of Alzheimer's disease. After 3 weeks of TES treatment, mice were subjected to Y-maze and Morris water maze tests to assess hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Immunostaining of the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice was also performed to examine the effects of TES on amyloid plaque pathology. The results showed that TES improved the performance of both aged and 5XFAD mice in memory tests. TES also reduced hippocampal plaque deposition in male, but not female, 5XFAD mice. Moreover, TES significantly reversed the downregulated level of postsynaptic protein 95 in the hippocampus of male 5XFAD mice, suggesting the effects of TES involve a postsynaptic mechanism. Overall, these findings support further investigation of TES as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction and mechanistic studies of TES effects in other dementia models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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50
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Plekanchuk VS, Prokudina OI, Ryazanova MA. Social behavior and spatial orientation in rat strains with genetic predisposition to catatonia (GC) and stereotypes (PM). Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:281-289. [PMID: 35733816 PMCID: PMC9164122 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various psychopathologies, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression, are associated with abnormalities in social behavior and learning. One of the syndromes that may also take place in these disorders is catatonia. Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome in which motor excitement, stereotypy, stuporous state, including the phenomenon of “waxy flexibility” (catalepsy), can be observed. Rats with genetic catatonia (GC) and pendulum-like movements (PM) of the anterior half of the body have physiological and behavioral changes similar to those observed in schizophrenia and depression in humans and can be considered as incomplete experimental models of these pathologies. The social behavior of the GC and PM rats has not been previously studied, and the cognitive abilities of animals of these strains are also insufficiently studied. To determine whether the GC and PM rats have changes in social behavior and spatial learning, behavioral phenotyping was performed in the residentintruder test, three-chamber test, Barnes maze test. Some deviations in social behavior, such as increased offensive aggression in PM rats in the resident-intruder test, increased or decreased social interactions depending on the environment in different tests in GC, were shown. In addition, principal component analysis revealed a negative association between catatonic freezing and the socialization index in the three-chamber test. Decreased locomotor activity of GС rats can adversely affect the performance of tasks on spatial memory. It has been shown that PM rats do not use a spatial strategy in the Barnes maze, which may indicate impairment of learning and spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. S. Plekanchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
| | - O. I. Prokudina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - M. A. Ryazanova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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