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Jabra S, Rietsche M, Muellerleile J, O'Leary A, Slattery DA, Deller T, Fellenz M. Sex- and cycle-dependent changes in spine density and size in hippocampal CA2 neurons. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12252. [PMID: 38806649 PMCID: PMC11133407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62951-x] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones affect structural and functional plasticity in the rodent hippocampus. However, hormone levels not only differ between males and females, but also fluctuate across the female estrous cycle. While sex- and cycle-dependent differences in dendritic spine density and morphology have been found in the rodent CA1 region, but not in the CA3 or the dentate gyrus, comparable structural data on CA2, i.e. the hippocampal region involved in social recognition memory, is so far lacking. In this study, we, therefore, used wildtype male and female mice in diestrus or proestrus to analyze spines on dendritic segments from identified CA2 neurons. In basal stratum oriens, we found no differences in spine density, but a significant shift towards larger spine head areas in male mice compared to females. Conversely, in apical stratum radiatum diestrus females had a significantly higher spine density, and females in either cycle stage had a significant shift towards larger spine head areas as compared to males, with diestrus females showing the larger shift. Our results provide further evidence for the sexual dimorphism of hippocampal area CA2, and underscore the importance of considering not only the sex, but also the stage of the estrous cycle when interpreting morphological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Jabra
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Rietsche
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Muellerleile
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Straße 10, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Straße 10, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Deller
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Fellenz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Gore IR, Gould E. Developmental and adult stress: effects of steroids and neurosteroids. Stress 2024; 27:2317856. [PMID: 38563163 PMCID: PMC11046567 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2317856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, exposure to early life adversity has profound implications for susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Studies in rodents have shown that stress experienced during early postnatal life can have lasting effects on brain development. Glucocorticoids and sex steroids are produced in endocrine glands and the brain from cholesterol; these molecules bind to nuclear and membrane-associated steroid receptors. Unlike other steroids that can also be made in the brain, neurosteroids bind specifically to neurotransmitter receptors, not steroid receptors. The relationships among steroids, neurosteroids, and stress are multifaceted and not yet fully understood. However, studies demonstrating altered levels of progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and their neuroactive metabolites in both developmental and adult stress paradigms strongly suggest that these molecules may be important players in stress effects on brain circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the influence of developmental and adult stress on various components of the brain, including neurons, glia, and perineuronal nets, with a focus on sex steroids and neurosteroids. Gaining an enhanced understanding of how early adversity impacts the intricate systems of brain steroid and neurosteroid regulation could prove instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets for stress-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha R Gore
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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3
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Zucon Bacelar AC, Momesso NR, Pederro FHM, Gonçalves A, Ervolino E, Chaves-Neto AH, Biguetti CC, Matsumoto MA. Aged and induced-premature ovarian failure mouse models affect diestrus profile and ovarian features. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284887. [PMID: 38064437 PMCID: PMC10707698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones exert a wide influence on several systems of the human body, especially in women, who undergo intense changes in the trans and postmenopausal periods. Different experimental models are used to mimic these conditions; however, the impact on hormonal profile may be different. This study aimed to analyze and compare vaginal cytology of different post-estropausal mice models, along with their microscopical ovarian features. Forty-six C57BL/6J female mice with the ages of 4, 6 and 18 months at the beginning of the experiment, weighing about 25-28 grams, constituted five groups: NC-(negative control) animals with no treatment, OVX-SHAM-sham ovariectomized, OVX-ovariectomized, VCD-medicated with 160 mg/kg/day of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide via IP for 20 consecutive days, and Aged-senescent mice under physiological estropause. Euthanasia was performed at different periods for the removal of the ovaries, and after diestrus was confirmed by vaginal cytology for 10 consecutive days. For daily vaginal cytology, morphological and histomorphometric microscopic analyzes were performed. Aged mice presented significant increased neutrophils when compared to VCD group, as well as increased cornified epithelial cells when compared to OVX mice, and also increased nucleated epithelial cells when compared to VCD and OVX. NC and OVX-SHAM ovaries presented innumerous follicles at different stages of development, while VCD showed marked follicular atresia, depleted of primordial or developing follicles and a predominance of interstitial cells. The ovaries of aged mice were predominantly constituted by corpus luteum degenerated into corpus albicans, with rare antral follicles. All analyzed models led to different permanent diestrus profiles caused by each model, as indicated by ovarian features. This should be carefully considered when choosing a post-estropausal experimental model, in order to better correlate this challenging phase of female's life with physiological/pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Zucon Bacelar
- Department of Diagnostics and Surgery, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba, School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nataira Regina Momesso
- Department of Diagnostics and Surgery, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba, School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Haddad Martim Pederro
- Department of Basic Sciences, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alaíde Gonçalves
- Department of Basic Sciences, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilson Ervolino
- Department of Basic Sciences, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Cristina Biguetti
- School of Podiatric Medicine, The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Rio Grande Valley, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mariza Akemi Matsumoto
- Department of Basic Sciences, São Paulo State University—Unesp, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Gomez-Perales EL, Brake WG. The role of progesterone in memory bias during spatial navigation in females. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13197. [PMID: 36165431 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rats can use several memory systems to navigate a maze toward a reward. Two of these are place memory and response memory and female rats can be biased to predominantly use one over another. Both progesterone and estrogens have been shown to alter memory bias. Although the effects of estrogens have been well documented, the effects of progesterone remain somewhat unexplored. Mechanisms through which progesterone may be acting to exert its effects are reviewed here. Converging evidence suggests that the actions of progesterone differ depending on the presence of estrogens, frequently acting in opposition to estrogens when administered together. The hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and prefrontal cortex are likely involved, as is the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone. There is a need for more research on progesterone and memory bias, especially considering current formulations of hormonal contraceptives include progestins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn L Gomez-Perales
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Wayne G Brake
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Rasia-Filho AA, Calcagnotto ME, von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Introduction: What Are Dendritic Spines? ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:1-68. [PMID: 37962793 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are cellular specializations that greatly increase the connectivity of neurons and modulate the "weight" of most postsynaptic excitatory potentials. Spines are found in very diverse animal species providing neural networks with a high integrative and computational possibility and plasticity, enabling the perception of sensorial stimuli and the elaboration of a myriad of behavioral displays, including emotional processing, memory, and learning. Humans have trillions of spines in the cerebral cortex, and these spines in a continuum of shapes and sizes can integrate the features that differ our brain from other species. In this chapter, we describe (1) the discovery of these small neuronal protrusions and the search for the biological meaning of dendritic spines; (2) the heterogeneity of shapes and sizes of spines, whose structure and composition are associated with the fine-tuning of synaptic processing in each nervous area, as well as the findings that support the role of dendritic spines in increasing the wiring of neural circuits and their functions; and (3) within the intraspine microenvironment, the integration and activation of signaling biochemical pathways, the compartmentalization of molecules or their spreading outside the spine, and the biophysical properties that can affect parent dendrites. We also provide (4) examples of plasticity involving dendritic spines and neural circuits relevant to species survival and comment on (5) current research advancements and challenges in this exciting research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Rasmusson AM, Novikov O, Brown KD, Pinna G, Pineles SL. Pleiotropic endophenotypic and phenotype effects of GABAergic neurosteroid synthesis deficiency in posttraumatic stress disorder. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 25:100359. [PMID: 36909842 PMCID: PMC10004350 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PTSD is associated with deficits in synthesis of progesterone metabolites such as allopregnanolone and pregnanolone that potently facilitate gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) effects at GABAA receptors. These neurosteroids modulate neuronal firing rate, regional brain connectivity, and activation of amygdala-mediated autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and behavioral reactions to unconditioned and conditioned threat. They also play critical roles in learning and memory processes such as extinction and extinction retention and inhibit toll-like receptor activation of intracellular pro-inflammatory pathways. Deficient synthesis of these neurosteroids thus may contribute to individually variable PTSD clinical phenotypes encompassing symptom severity, capacity for PTSD recovery, and vulnerability to common PTSD-comorbidities such as major depression, chronic pain, alcohol and nicotine dependence, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, reproductive disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Rasmusson
- VA National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Olga Novikov
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Psychiatry Residency Program, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kayla D Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Behavioral Neurosciences Ph.D. Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Suzanne L Pineles
- VA National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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8
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Long-term effect of neonatal antagonism of ionotropic glutamate receptors on dendritic spines and cognitive function in rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 119:102054. [PMID: 34839003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.102054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the hippocampus where mediates its actions by activating glutamate receptors. The activation of these receptors is essential for the maintenance and dynamics of dendritic spines and plasticity that correlate with learning and memory processes during neurodevelopment and adulthood. We studied in adults the effect of blocking ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDAR, AMPAR, and KAR) functions at neonatal age (PD1-PD15) with their respective antagonists D-AP5, GYKI-53655 and UBP-302. We first evaluated memory using a new object recognition test in adults. Second, we evaluated the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin and actin with immunohistochemistry in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus and, finally, the number of dendritic spines and their dynamics using Golgi-Cox staining. We found that ionotropic glutamate receptor function blockade at neonatal age causes a reduction in short and long-term memory in adulthood and a reduction in the expression of synaptophysin and actin protein levels in the hippocampus regions studied. This blockade also reduced the number of dendritic spines and modified dendritic dynamics in the CA1 region. The antagonism of the three types of ionotropic glutamate receptors reduced the mushrooms and bifurcated types of spines and increased the thin spines. The number of stubby spines was reduced by D-AP5, increased by UPB-302, and not affected by GYKI-53655. Our results indicate that the blockade of neonatal ionotropic glutamate receptors produces alterations that persist until adulthood.
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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Zeidman P, Harris T, Razi A, Pletzer B. Spectral dynamic causal modelling in healthy women reveals brain connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle. Commun Biol 2021; 4:954. [PMID: 34376799 PMCID: PMC8355156 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02447-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal menstrual cycle studies allow to investigate the effects of ovarian hormones on brain organization. Here, we use spectral dynamic causal modelling (spDCM) in a triple network model to assess effective connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle within and between the default mode, salience and executive control networks (DMN, SN, and ECN). Sixty healthy young women were scanned three times along their menstrual cycle, during early follicular, pre-ovulatory and mid-luteal phase. Related to estradiol, right before ovulation the left insula recruits the ECN, while the right middle frontal gyrus decreases its connectivity to the precuneus and the DMN decouples into anterior/posterior parts. Related to progesterone during the mid-luteal phase, the insulae (SN) engage to each other, while decreasing their connectivity to parietal ECN, which in turn engages the posterior DMN. When including the most confident connections in a leave-one out cross-validation, we find an above-chance prediction of the left-out subjects' cycle phase. These findings corroborate the plasticity of the female brain in response to acute hormone fluctuations and may help to further understand the neuroendocrine interactions underlying cognitive changes along the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Peter Zeidman
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - TiAnni Harris
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Adeel Razi
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
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10
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Rasia-Filho AA, Guerra KTK, Vásquez CE, Dall’Oglio A, Reberger R, Jung CR, Calcagnotto ME. The Subcortical-Allocortical- Neocortical continuum for the Emergence and Morphological Heterogeneity of Pyramidal Neurons in the Human Brain. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:616607. [PMID: 33776739 PMCID: PMC7991104 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.616607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cortical and subcortical areas integrate emotion, memory, and cognition when interpreting various environmental stimuli for the elaboration of complex, evolved social behaviors. Pyramidal neurons occur in developed phylogenetic areas advancing along with the allocortex to represent 70-85% of the neocortical gray matter. Here, we illustrate and discuss morphological features of heterogeneous spiny pyramidal neurons emerging from specific amygdaloid nuclei, in CA3 and CA1 hippocampal regions, and in neocortical layers II/III and V of the anterolateral temporal lobe in humans. Three-dimensional images of Golgi-impregnated neurons were obtained using an algorithm for the visualization of the cell body, dendritic length, branching pattern, and pleomorphic dendritic spines, which are specialized plastic postsynaptic units for most excitatory inputs. We demonstrate the emergence and development of human pyramidal neurons in the cortical and basomedial (but not the medial, MeA) nuclei of the amygdala with cells showing a triangular cell body shape, basal branched dendrites, and a short apical shaft with proximal ramifications as "pyramidal-like" neurons. Basomedial neurons also have a long and distally ramified apical dendrite not oriented to the pial surface. These neurons are at the beginning of the allocortex and the limbic lobe. "Pyramidal-like" to "classic" pyramidal neurons with laminar organization advance from the CA3 to the CA1 hippocampal regions. These cells have basal and apical dendrites with specific receptive synaptic domains and several spines. Neocortical pyramidal neurons in layers II/III and V display heterogeneous dendritic branching patterns adapted to the space available and the afferent inputs of each brain area. Dendritic spines vary in their distribution, density, shapes, and sizes (classified as stubby/wide, thin, mushroom-like, ramified, transitional forms, "atypical" or complex forms, such as thorny excrescences in the MeA and CA3 hippocampal region). Spines were found isolated or intermingled, with evident particularities (e.g., an extraordinary density in long, deep CA1 pyramidal neurons), and some showing a spinule. We describe spiny pyramidal neurons considerably improving the connectional and processing complexity of the brain circuits. On the other hand, these cells have some vulnerabilities, as found in neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease and in temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A. Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kétlyn T. Knak Guerra
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Escobar Vásquez
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aline Dall’Oglio
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Roman Reberger
- Medical Engineering Program, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cláudio R. Jung
- Institute of Informatics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Carvajal-Flores FN, Díaz A, Flores-Gómez GD, de la Cruz F, Flores G. Phenylbutyrate ameliorates prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens neural atrophy as well as synaptophysin and GFAP stress in aging mice. Synapse 2020; 74:e22177. [PMID: 32531811 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports on brain aging suggest that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes contribute to aging. Interestingly, sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) is an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Several reports have suggested the effect of PBA on learning and memory processes, however there are no studies of the effect of this inhibitor of histone deacetylase on aging. Consequently, in the present study, the effect of PBA was studied in 18-month-old mice. The animals were administered PBA for 2 months after locomotor activity treatment and Morris water maze tests were performed. The Golgi-Cox staining technique and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and synaptophysin were performed for the morphological procedures. The administration of PBA improves learning and memory according to the Morris water maze test compared to vehicle-treated animals, which had unchanged locomotor activity. Using Golgi-Cox staining, dendritic length and the number of dendritic spines were measured in limbic regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), prefrontal cortex (PFC) layer 3, and the CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus. In addition, PBA increased the number of dendritic spines in the PFC, NAcc, and CA1 subregions of the hippocampus with an increase in dendritic length only in the CA1 region. Moreover, PBA reduced the levels of the GFAP and increased the levels of synaptophysin in the studied regions. Thus, PBA can be a useful pharmacological tool to prevent or delay synaptic plasticity damage and cognitive impairment caused by age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfonso Díaz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Gabriel D Flores-Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Cholula, Mexico
| | - Fidel de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico
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