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Marszalek-Grabska M, Walczak K, Gawel K, Wicha-Komsta K, Wnorowska S, Wnorowski A, Turski WA. Kynurenine emerges from the shadows – Current knowledge on its fate and function. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Too LK, Mitchell A. Brains, bacteria and behaviors: the role of interferon-gamma in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal meningitis. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:125-126. [PMID: 32788465 PMCID: PMC7818887 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.286968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lay Khoon Too
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Bosch Institute and School of Medical Sciences; Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Kiryk A, Janusz A, Zglinicki B, Turkes E, Knapska E, Konopka W, Lipp HP, Kaczmarek L. IntelliCage as a tool for measuring mouse behavior - 20 years perspective. Behav Brain Res 2020; 388:112620. [PMID: 32302617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1980s, we have witnessed the rapid development of genetically modified mouse models of human diseases. A large number of transgenic and knockout mice have been utilized in basic and applied research, including models of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the biological function of mutated genes, modern techniques are critical to detect changes in behavioral phenotypes. We review the IntelliCage, a high-throughput system that is used for behavioral screening and detailed analyses of complex behaviors in mice. The IntelliCage was introduced almost two decades ago and has been used in over 150 studies to assess both spontaneous and cognitive behaviors. We present a critical analysis of experimental data that have been generated using this device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kiryk
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Janusz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Zglinicki
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emir Turkes
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Witold Konopka
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hans-Peter Lipp
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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Larkin PB, Sathyasaikumar KV, Notarangelo FM, Funakoshi H, Nakamura T, Schwarcz R, Muchowski PJ. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 make separate, tissue-specific contributions to basal and inflammation-induced kynurenine pathway metabolism in mice. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1860:2345-2354. [PMID: 27392942 PMCID: PMC5808460 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, the majority of the essential amino acid tryptophan is degraded via the kynurenine pathway (KP). Several KP metabolites play distinct physiological roles, often linked to immune system functions, and may also be causally involved in human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia and cancer. Pharmacological manipulation of the KP has therefore become an active area of drug development. To target the pathway effectively, it is important to understand how specific KP enzymes control levels of the bioactive metabolites in vivo. METHODS Here, we conducted a comprehensive biochemical characterization of mice with a targeted deletion of either tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the two initial rate-limiting enzymes of the KP. These enzymes catalyze the same reaction, but differ in biochemical characteristics and expression patterns. We measured KP metabolite levels and enzyme activities and expression in several tissues in basal and immune-stimulated conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although our study revealed several unexpected downstream effects on KP metabolism in both knockout mice, the results were essentially consistent with TDO-mediated control of basal KP metabolism and a role of IDO in phenomena involving stimulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Larkin
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Korrapati V Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francesca M Notarangelo
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hiroshi Funakoshi
- Center for Advanced Research and Education (CARE), Asahikawa Medical University, 1-1-1- Higashinijo Midorigaoka, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | | | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul J Muchowski
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; The Taube-Koret Center for Huntington's Disease Research, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Too LK, Mitchell AJ, McGregor IS, Hunt NH. Antibody-induced neutrophil depletion prior to the onset of pneumococcal meningitis influences long-term neurological complications in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 56:68-83. [PMID: 26965652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During pneumococcal meningitis, clearance of bacteria by recruited neutrophils is crucial for host protection. However, these innate immune mechanisms are often insufficient and treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent death. Despite this antibiotic treatment, approximately half of all survivors suffer lifelong neurological problems. There is growing evidence indicating the harmful effects of neutrophils on CNS integrity. Therefore, the present study investigated the roles of neutrophils in the acute inflammatory response and the resulting long-term neuropsychological effects in murine pneumococcal meningitis. Long-term behavioural and cognitive functions in mice were measured using an automated IntelliCage system. Neutrophil depletion with antibody 1A8 as adjunctive therapy was shown to remarkably impair survival in meningitic C57BL/6J mice despite antibiotic (ceftriaxone) treatment. This was accompanied by increased bacterial load in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and an increase in IL-1β, but decrease in TNF, within the CSF at 20h after bacterial inoculation. In the longer term, the surviving neutrophil-depleted post-meningitic (PM) mice displayed reduced diurnal hypolocomotion compared to PM mice treated with an isotype antibody. However, they showed nocturnal hyperactivity, and greater learning impairment in a patrolling task that is believed to depend upon an intact hippocampus. The data thus demonstrate two important mechanisms: 1. Neutrophil extravasation into the CNS during pneumococcal meningitis influences the pro-inflammatory response and is central to control of the bacterial load, an increase in which may lead to death. 2. Neutrophil-mediated changes in the acute inflammatory response modulate the neuropsychological sequelae in mice that survive pneumococcal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay Khoon Too
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Bosch Institute and School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Iain S McGregor
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas H Hunt
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Bosch Institute and School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Too LK, Li KM, Suarna C, Maghzal GJ, Stocker R, McGregor IS, Hunt NH. Deletion of TDO2, IDO-1 and IDO-2 differentially affects mouse behavior and cognitive function. Behav Brain Res 2016; 312:102-17. [PMID: 27316339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan, an amino acid involved in routine energy metabolism, is a key modulator of sickness behaviors associated with inflammatory states and also plays roles in some psychiatric disorders. Tissue concentrations of tryptophan are regulated primarily by the enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), IDO2 and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO, encoded by TDO2). Altered IDO1 and TDO activities have been linked to the perturbed serotonergic neurotransmission that may underlie certain psychopathologies. Here we assessed mice genetically modified to be deficient in IDO1, IDO2 or TDO2 for their behavior and cognitive function using an automated home cage system, the IntelliCage™. A well-established behavioural and cognitive test battery was applied during two periods (Runs 1 and 2, "R1" and "R2") separated by one month. Various tryptophan-related neurochemicals also were measured in brain extracts. IDO1(-/-) mice displayed remarkable reductions of early diurnal exploration in the IntelliCage and this persisted in R2. In contrast, early diurnal hyperactivity was observed in IDO2(-/-) mice in both R1 and R2. TDO2(-/-) mice displayed increased diurnal and nocturnal exploration, but only in R2. Cognitive assessment suggested enhanced reference memory in IDO2(-/-) mice in a complex patrolling task, while TDO deficiency was associated with enhanced performance in complex patrolling and discrimination reversal tasks. Neurochemical measures showed attenuated brain serotonin levels in IDO1(-/-) mice and augmented tryptophan and serotonin levels in TDO2(-/-) animals, respectively. No neurochemical alterations were detected in IDO2(-/-) mice. Taken together, these findings reveal complex and dissimilar patterns of behavioral and cognitive changes induced by knockout of three different tryptophan-metabolizing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay Khoon Too
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Bosch Institute and School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kong M Li
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Cacang Suarna
- Vascular Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, 2010, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Ghassan J Maghzal
- Vascular Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, 2010, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Roland Stocker
- Vascular Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, 2010, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas H Hunt
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Bosch Institute and School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Dantzer R. Role of the Kynurenine Metabolism Pathway in Inflammation-Induced Depression: Preclinical Approaches. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 31:117-138. [PMID: 27225497 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Physically ill patients with chronic inflammation often present with symptoms of depression. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated depression has benefited from preclinical studies on the mechanisms of sickness and clinical studies on the symptoms of sickness and depression that develop in patients treated with immunotherapy. Sickness behavior develops when the immune system is activated by pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns. It is a normal biological response to infection and cell injury. It helps the organism to mobilize its immune and metabolic defenses to fight the danger. Depression emerges on the background of sickness when the inflammatory response is too intense and long lasting or the resolution process is deficient. The transition from sickness to depression is mediated by activation of the kynurenine metabolism pathway that leads to the formation of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites including quinolinic acid, an agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. The neuroimmune processes and molecular factors that have been identified in the studies of inflammation-associated depression represent potential new targets for the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of major depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Hölter SM, Garrett L, Einicke J, Sperling B, Dirscherl P, Zimprich A, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabě de Angelis M, Wurst W. Assessing Cognition in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:331-358. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470942390.mo150068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine M. Hölter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Lillian Garrett
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Jan Einicke
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Bettina Sperling
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Petra Dirscherl
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Annemarie Zimprich
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Experimental Genetics; Munich Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research; Neuherberg Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Developmental Genetics; Munich Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases; Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy); Munich Germany
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Coutinho LG, Christen S, Bellac CL, Fontes FL, Souza FRSD, Grandgirard D, Leib SL, Agnez-Lima LF. The kynurenine pathway is involved in bacterial meningitis. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:169. [PMID: 25274277 PMCID: PMC4189685 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-014-0169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial meningitis (BM) is characterized by an intense host inflammatory reaction, which contributes to the development of brain damage and neuronal sequelae. Activation of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) has been reported in various neurological diseases as a consequence of inflammation. Previously, the KP was shown to be activated in animal models of BM, and the association of the SNP AADAT + 401C/T (kynurenine aminotransferase II - KAT II) with the host immune response to BM has been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the KP during BM in humans by assessing the concentrations of KYN metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of BM patients and their relationship with the inflammatory response compared to aseptic meningitis (AM) and non-meningitis (NM) groups. METHODS The concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA) and anthranilic acid (AA) were assessed by HPLC from CSF samples of patients hospitalized in the Giselda Trigueiro Hospital in Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). The KYN/TRP ratio was used as an index of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity, and cytokines were measured using a multiplex cytokine assay. The KYNA level was also analyzed in relation to AADAT + 401C/T genotypes. RESULTS In CSF from patients with BM, elevated levels of KYN, KYNA, AA, IDO activity and cytokines were observed. The cytokines INF-γ and IL-1Ra showed a positive correlation with IDO activity, and TNF-α and IL-10 were positively correlated with KYN and KYNA, respectively. Furthermore, the highest levels of KYNA were associated with the AADAT + 401 C/T variant allele. CONCLUSION This study suggests a downward modulatory effect of the KP on CSF inflammation during BM.
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