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Han M, Zeng D, Tan W, Chen X, Bai S, Wu Q, Chen Y, Wei Z, Mei Y, Zeng Y. Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:159-173. [PMID: 38767484 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Han
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Deyang Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuyuan Bai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Mei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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2
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Martins LA, Schiavo A, Paz LV, Xavier LL, Mestriner RG. Neural underpinnings of fine motor skills under stress and anxiety: A review. Physiol Behav 2024; 282:114593. [PMID: 38782244 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114593] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive examination of how stress and anxiety affect motor behavior, particularly focusing on fine motor skills and gait adaptability. We explore the role of several neurochemicals, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine, in modulating neural plasticity and motor control under these affective states. The review highlights the importance of developing therapeutic strategies that enhance motor performance by leveraging the interactions between key neurochemicals. Additionally, we investigate the complex interplay between emotional-cognitive states and sensorimotor behaviors, showing how stress and anxiety disrupt neural integration, leading to impairments in skilled movements and negatively impacting quality of life. Synthesizing evidence from human and rodent studies, we provide a detailed understanding of the relationships among stress, anxiety, and motor behavior. Our findings reveal neurophysiological pathways, behavioral outcomes, and potential therapeutic targets, emphasizing the intricate connections between neurobiological mechanisms, environmental factors, and motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Athaydes Martins
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Neuroscience, Motor Behavior, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECORE-CNPq), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aniuska Schiavo
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Neuroscience, Motor Behavior, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECORE-CNPq), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lisiê Valéria Paz
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Neuroscience, Motor Behavior, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECORE-CNPq), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Neuroscience, Motor Behavior, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECORE-CNPq), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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3
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Lima OJF, Ribeiro JDS, Vasconcelos JDC, Ferraz MFI, Silva CEDMTDRE, Barros WMA, Vieira GR, David MCMM, Matos RJB. Environmental enrichment changes the effects of prenatal and postnatal undernutrition on memory, anxiety traits, Bdnf and TrkB expression in the hippocampus of male adult rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 460:114817. [PMID: 38122904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114817] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors such as undernutrition and environmental enrichment can promote changes in the molecular and behavioural mechanisms related to cognition. Herein, we investigated the effect of enriched environment stimulation in rats that were malnourished in the pre- and postnatal periods on changes in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor in the hippocampus, as well as on anxiety traits and memory. Early undernutrition promoted weight reduction, increased the risk analysis, reduced permanence in the open arm of the elevated plus-maze and induced a reduction in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B. However, exposure to an enriched environment from 30 to 90 days' old maintained the malnourished phenotype, leading to weight reduction in the control group. In addition, the enriched environment did not alter the risk assessment in the undernourished group, but it did increase the frequency of labyrinth entries. Sixty-day exposure to the enriched environment resulted in a reversal in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B in the hippocampus of malnourished rats and favoured of long-term memory in the object recognition test in the open-field. These results suggest that an enriched environment may have a protective effect in adult life by inducing changes in long-term memory and anxiety traits in animals that were undernourished in early life. Furthermore, reversing these effects of undernutrition involves mechanisms linked to the molecular signalling of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odair José Farias Lima
- Physical Education and Sports Science Nucleus, Academic Center of Vitória, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Waleska Maria Almeida Barros
- Multicenter Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Academic Center of Vitória, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Ramos Vieira
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
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Lonstein JS, Vitale EM, Olekanma D, McLocklin A, Pence N, Bredewold R, Veenema AH, Johnson AW, Burt SA. Anxiety, aggression, reward sensitivity, and forebrain dopamine receptor expression in a laboratory rat model of early-life disadvantage. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22421. [PMID: 37860907 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22421] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite early-life disadvantage (ELD) in humans being a highly heterogenous construct, it consistently predicts negative neurobehavioral outcomes. The numerous environmental contributors and neural mechanisms underlying ELD remain unclear, though. We used a laboratory rat model to evaluate the effects of limited resources and/or heavy metal exposure on mothers and their adult male and female offspring. Dams and litters were chronically exposed to restricted (1-cm deep) or ample (4-cm deep) home cage bedding postpartum, with or without lead acetate (0.1%) in their drinking water from insemination through 1-week postweaning. Restricted-bedding mothers showed more pup-directed behaviors and behavioral fragmentation, while lead-exposed mothers showed more nestbuilding. Restricted bedding-raised male offspring showed higher anxiety and aggression. Either restricted bedding or lead exposure impaired goal-directed performance in a reinforcer devaluation task in females, whereas restricted bedding alone disrupted it in males. Lead exposure, but not limited bedding, also reduced sucrose reward sensitivity in a progressive ratio task in females. D1 and D2 receptor mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were each affected by the early-life treatments and differently between the sexes. Most notably, adult males (but not females) exposed to both early-life treatments had greatly increased D1 receptor mRNA in the NAc core. These results illuminate neural mechanisms through which ELD threatens neurobehavioral development and highlight forebrain dopamine as a factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Lonstein
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Erika M Vitale
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Doris Olekanma
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew McLocklin
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Nathan Pence
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander W Johnson
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - S Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Schiavo A, Martins LA, Wearick-Silva LE, Orso R, Xavier LL, Mestriner RG. Can anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory predict the extremes of skilled walking performance in mice? An exploratory, preliminary study. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1059029. [PMID: 36926582 PMCID: PMC10011164 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1059029] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Skilled walking is influenced by memory, stress, and anxiety. While this is evident in cases of neurological disorders, memory, and anxiety traits may predict skilled walking performance even in normal functioning. Here, we address whether spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior can predict skilled walking performance in mice. Methods A cohort of 60 adult mice underwent a behavioral assessment including general exploration (open field), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze), working and spatial memory (Y-maze and Barnes maze), and skilled walking performance (ladder walking test). Three groups were established based on their skilled walking performance: superior (SP, percentiles ≥75), regular (RP, percentiles 74-26), and inferior (IP, percentiles ≤25) performers. Results Animals from the SP and IP groups spent more time in the elevated plus maze closed arms compared to the RP group. With every second spent in the elevated plus maze closed arms, the probability of the animal exhibiting extreme percentiles in the ladder walking test increased by 1.4%. Moreover, animals that spent 219 s (73% of the total time of the test) or more in those arms were 4.67 times more likely to exhibit either higher or lower percentiles of skilled walking performance. Discussion We discuss and conclude anxiety traits may influence skilled walking performance in facility-reared mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniuska Schiavo
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Athaydes Martins
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luís Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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6
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Cubillos S, Engmann O, Brancato A. BDNF as a Mediator of Antidepressant Response: Recent Advances and Lifestyle Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214445. [PMID: 36430921 PMCID: PMC9698349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional antidepressants are widely employed in several psychiatric and neurologic disorders, yet the mechanisms underlying their delayed and partial therapeutic effects are only gradually being understood. This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the interplay between antidepressant treatment and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signaling. In addition, the impact of nutritional, environmental and physiological factors on BDNF and the antidepressant response is outlined. This review underlines the necessity to include information on lifestyle choices in testing and developing antidepressant treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Cubillos
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Olivia Engmann
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Per2 Expression Regulates the Spatial Working Memory of Mice through DRD1-PKA-CREB Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4292-4303. [PMID: 35508866 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Several individuals worldwide show cognitive impairment due to various reasons, including a prolonged lifespan and an altered lifestyle. Various causes, such as broken circadian rhythms and dopamine-related factors, have been proposed to be involved in the development of cognitive impairment. However, the underlying pathways remain elusive. Humans with circadian misalignment often face cognitive impairments, and animals with mutations in circadian rhythm-related genes display impaired cognitive functions. To analyze this in detail, this study aimed to investigate the pathways potentially involved in cognitive impairment using Period2 (Per2) transgenic animals. Spatial working memory performance in Per2 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice was assessed using the Barnes maze and Y-maze. The dopamine-related protein expression levels in the hippocampus were measured by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Per2 KO mice exhibited impaired spatial working memory, and the expression levels of dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1), protein kinase A (PKA), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were higher in Per2 KO mice than in control mice. Additionally, DRD1 expression levels were inversely proportional to those of PER2. Thus, memory tests were again conducted after administration of the DRD1 antagonist SCH-23390. Per2 KO mice recovered from memory impairment, and the levels of PKA and CREB decreased after treatment. The effects of Aβ on memory in Per2 mice were also investigated, and we found the increased Aβ levels did not influence the memory performance of Per2 mice after SCH-23390 treatment. These results indicate that Per2 expression levels might influence spatial working memory performance via DRD1-PKA-CREB-dependent signaling.
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Martins LA, Schiavo A, Xavier LL, Mestriner RG. The Foot Fault Scoring System to Assess Skilled Walking in Rodents: A Reliability Study. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:892010. [PMID: 35571280 PMCID: PMC9100421 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.892010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The foot fault scoring system of the ladder rung walking test (LRWT) is used to assess skilled walking in rodents. However, the reliability of the LRWT foot fault score has not been properly addressed. This study was designed to address this issue. Two independent and blinded raters analyzed 20 rats and 20 mice videos. Each video was analyzed twice by the same rater (80 analyses per rater). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Kappa coefficient were employed to check the accuracy of agreement and reliability in the intra- and inter-rater analyses of the LRWT outcomes. Excellent intra- and inter-rater agreements were found for the forelimb, hindlimb, and both limbs combined in rats and mice. The agreement level was also excellent for total crossing time, total time stopped, and the number of stops during the walking path. Rating individual scores in the foot fault score system (0–6) ranged from satisfactory to excellent, in terms of the intraclass correlation indexes. Moreover, we showed that experienced and inexperienced raters can obtain reliable results if supervised training is provided. We concluded that the LRWT is a reliable and useful tool to study skilled walking in rodents and can help researchers address walking-related neurobiological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Athaydes Martins
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aniuska Schiavo
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Research Group (NEUROPLAR), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Régis Gemerasca Mestriner, , orcid.org/0000-0001-9837-1691
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Gondora N, Pople CB, Tandon G, Robinson M, Solomon E, Beazely MA, Mielke JG. Chronic early-life social isolation affects NMDA and TrkB receptor expression in a sex-specific manner. Neurosci Lett 2021; 760:136016. [PMID: 34111511 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exposing mammals to adverse social environments early in life can affect brain development in ways that alter adult behaviour. For example, chronic, early-life social isolation (CELSI) has been found to cause novelty-induced hyperactivity, impaired pre-pulse inhibition, and enhanced anxiety-related behaviour. Although the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the embedding of CELSI have not been fully elucidated, evidence suggests changes in the level of excitatory neurotransmission and neurotrophic factor signalling may be quite important. Since much of the work in this area has focused upon mRNA-level analyses, and has shown variable responses across both brain region and animal sex, our study aimed to explore the impact of CELSI on the expression of two important plasticity-related proteins (Tropomyosin receptor kinase B and the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor) in the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus of both male and female rats. We observed that the expression of both proteins was clearly changed by CELSI, but that the effect occurred in a sex (but not region) specific manner. Our results support the growing view that early-life adversity can cause structural changes reasonably associated with adult behaviour, and emphasise that the study of such changes benefits from a sex-based analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyasha Gondora
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria Street S, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Christopher B Pople
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Gorvie Tandon
- School of Nursing, York University, 400 Keele Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Morgan Robinson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria Street S, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Eden Solomon
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Michael A Beazely
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria Street S, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - John G Mielke
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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10
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Lee VK, David JM, Huerkamp MJ. Micro- and Macroenvironmental Conditions and Stability of Terrestrial Models. ILAR J 2020; 60:120-140. [PMID: 33094820 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental variables can have profound effects on the biological responses of research animals and the outcomes of experiments dependent on them. Some of these influences are both predictable and unpredictable in effect, many are challenging to standardize, and all are influenced by the planning and conduct of experiments and the design and operation of the vivarium. Others are not yet known. Within the immediate environment where the research animal resides, in the vivarium and in transit, the most notable of these factors are ambient temperature, relative humidity, gaseous pollutant by-products of animal metabolism and physiology, dust and particulates, barometric pressure, electromagnetic fields, and illumination. Ambient temperatures in the animal housing environment, in particular those experienced by rodents below the thermoneutral zone, may introduce degrees of stress and thermoregulatory compensative responses that may complicate or invalidate study measurements across a broad array of disciplines. Other factors may have more subtle and specific effects. It is incumbent on scientists designing and executing experiments and staff responsible for animal husbandry to be aware of, understand, measure, systematically record, control, and account for the impact of these factors on sensitive animal model systems to ensure the quality and reproducibility of scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa K Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John M David
- Translational Medicine Department, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J Huerkamp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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11
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Cantara SI, Blas-Machado U, Zhao X, Moore RH, Schroeder JP, Lee VK. Comparative Effects of 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Corncob Bedding on Cage Ammonia Levels, Behavior, and Respiratory Pathology of Male C57BL/6 and 129S1/Svlm Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:695-702. [PMID: 32878682 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Corncob is a common bedding material used in laboratory rodents, but little is known about differences in the effects of the 2 available sizes on rodent models and health. This study compared the effects of these 2 corncob bedding sizes on cage ammonia levels, behavior, and respiratory pathology in mice. We hypothesized that the beddings would not differ significantly in their effects on these parameters. Two strains of male mice (C57BL/6 and 129S1/Svlm) were housed in static, filter-top cages containing 1 of the 2 bedding types for the duration of the study (12 wk). Intracage ammonia was measured during 1 wk of the study on days 0, 3, 5, and 7. Behavior was evaluated by using circadian rhythm, open field, and Morris water-maze tests. Animals were euthanized with injectable euthanasia solution to collect respiratory and ocular tissues for histopathologic lesion scoring. Animals that were euthanized immediately upon arrival from the vendor served as negative controls. Bedding size did not significantly affect behavior or ammonia levels. Average intracage ammonia levels on day 7 were 525 ppm for 1/4-in. bedding and 533 ppm for 1/8-in. bedding. Regardless of the bedding size, lesions noted in both strains of mice were of similar incidence and severity, were limited to the nose, and consisted of minimal to mild suppurative rhinitis. The eyes, trachea, and lungs were not affected. In conclusion, 1/4-in. and 1/8-in. corncob beddings have comparable effects on cage ammonia levels and the behavior and respiratory pathology in male mice of the strains tested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uriel Blas-Machado
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Xiwen Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Renee H Moore
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jason P Schroeder
- Emory Integrated Core Facilities, Rodent Behavioral Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vanessa K Lee
- Division of Animal Resources, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Tractenberg SG, Orso R, Creutzberg KC, Malcon LMC, Lumertz FS, Wearick-Silva LE, Viola TW, Riva MA, Grassi-Oliveira R. Vulnerable and resilient cognitive performance related to early life stress: The potential mediating role of dopaminergic receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex of adult mice. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:13-27. [PMID: 31907967 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to early life stress (ELS) is known to have pronounced effects on the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, not all individuals exposed to ELS manifest the same neurobiological and cognitive phenotypes when adults. Dopamine signaling could be a key factor in understanding the effects of stress on PFC-related cognitive function. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the differential effects of ELS on cognitive performance of adult mice and the dopaminergic receptors expression in the PFC. METHODS BALB/c males were exposed to the maternal separation (MS) procedure and their cognitive performance on the eight-arm radial maze (8-RAM) were assessed during adulthood. For molecular-level assessments, we performed mRNA expression analyses for dopamine receptors-DRD1, DRD2, DRD3-and Hers1 expression in the medial PFC. RESULTS While MS produced an overall impairment on 8-RAM, the stressed animals could be divided in two groups based on their performance: those with impaired cognitive performance (vulnerable to maternal separation, V-MS) and those without any impairment (resilient to maternal separation, R-MS). V-MS animals showed increased DRD1 and DRD2 expression in comparison with other groups. Errors on 8-RAM were also positively correlated with DRD1 and DRD2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a potential role of the dopaminergic system in the programming mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability and resilience related to ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo G Tractenberg
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kerstin C Creutzberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiza M C Malcon
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Lumertz
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thiago W Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Psychology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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13
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Smith PJ. Pathways of Prevention: A Scoping Review of Dietary and Exercise Interventions for Neurocognition. Brain Plast 2019; 5:3-38. [PMID: 31970058 PMCID: PMC6971820 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-190083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) represent an increasingly urgent public health concern, with an increasing number of baby boomers now at risk. Due to a lack of efficacious therapies among symptomatic older adults, an increasing emphasis has been placed on preventive measures that can curb or even prevent ADRD development among middle-aged adults. Lifestyle modification using aerobic exercise and dietary modification represents one of the primary treatment modalities used to mitigate ADRD risk, with an increasing number of trials demonstrating that exercise and dietary change, individually and together, improve neurocognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults. Despite several optimistic findings, examination of treatment changes across lifestyle interventions reveals a variable pattern of improvements, with large individual differences across trials. The present review attempts to synthesize available literature linking lifestyle modification to neurocognitive changes, outline putative mechanisms of treatment improvement, and discuss discrepant trial findings. In addition, previous mechanistic assumptions linking lifestyle to neurocognition are discussed, with a focus on potential solutions to improve our understanding of individual neurocognitive differences in response to lifestyle modification. Specific recommendations include integration of contemporary causal inference approaches for analyzing parallel mechanistic pathways and treatment-exposure interactions. Methodological recommendations include trial multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) design approaches that leverage individual differences for improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Primary), Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine (Secondary), Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences (Secondary), Duke University, NC, USA
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