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Nittari G, Roy P, Martinelli I, Bellitto V, Tomassoni D, Traini E, Tayebati SK, Amenta F. Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease: An Overview. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3331. [PMID: 38137552 PMCID: PMC10741199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the IT15 gene. This neurodegenerative disorder is caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion mutation in the widely expressed huntingtin (HTT) protein. HD is characterized by the degeneration of basal ganglia neurons and progressive cell death in intrinsic neurons of the striatum, accompanied by dementia and involuntary abnormal choreiform movements. Animal models have been extensively studied and have proven to be extremely valuable for therapeutic target evaluations. They reveal the hallmark of the age-dependent formation of aggregates or inclusions consisting of misfolded proteins. Animal models of HD have provided a therapeutic strategy to treat HD by suppressing mutant HTT (mHTT). Transgenic animal models have significantly increased our understanding of the molecular processes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the HD behavioral phenotype. Since effective therapies to cure or interrupt the course of the disease are not yet available, clinical research will have to make use of reliable animal models. This paper reviews the main studies of rodents as HD animal models, highlighting the neurological and behavioral differences between them. The choice of an animal model depends on the specific aspect of the disease to be investigated. Toxin-based models can still be useful, but most experimental hypotheses depend on success in a genetic model, whose choice is determined by the experimental question. There are many animal models showing similar HD symptoms or pathologies. They include chemical-induced HDs and genetic HDs, where cell-free and cell culture, lower organisms (such as yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish), rodents (mice, rats), and non-human primates are involved. These models provide accessible systems to study molecular pathogenesis and test potential treatments. For developing more effective pharmacological treatments, better animal models must be available and used to evaluate the efficacy of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Bellitto
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Enea Traini
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
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Zhuo C, Tian H, Chen G, Ping J, Yang L, Li C, Zhang Q, Wang L, Mac X, Li R, Sun Y, Song X, Chen L. Low-dose lithium mono- and adjunctive therapies improve MK-801-induced cognitive impairment and schizophrenia-like behavior in mice - Evidence from altered prefrontal lobe Ca 2+ activity. J Affect Disord 2023:S0165-0327(23)00709-7. [PMID: 37244539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated lithium either as monotherapy or in combination with anti-psychotic agents to improve cognition in murine models of schizophrenia. METHODS Visualization of Ca2+ activity in the prefrontal cortex was used to characterize brain neural activity. Novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and fear conditioning (FCT) tests were used to characterize cognitive performance; while pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field test (OFT) were used to characterize schizophrenia-like behavior. RESULTS A 28-day course of low-dose lithium (human equivalent dose of 250 mg/day) combined with moderate-dose quetiapine (human equivalent dose of 600 mg/day) improved Ca2+ ratio by 70.10 %, PPI by 69.28 %, NOR by 70.09 %, MWM by 71.28 %, FCT by 68.56 %, EPM by 70.95 % and OFT by 75.23 % compared to the results of positive controls. Unexpectedly, moderate-dose lithium (human equivalent dose of 500 mg/day) used either as monotherapy or as an adjunct with quetiapine worsened Ca2+ activity, PPI, MWM, FCT, EPM, and OPT. LIMITATIONS Our study cannot explain the contrasting positive and negative effects of low-dose and moderate-dose lithium, respectively, when used either as monotherapies or as adjuncts. Further studies, especially Western blotting, may reveal molecular mechanisms of action. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose lithium (human equivalent dose of 250 mg/day) combined with moderate-dose quetiapine (human equivalent dose of 600 mg/day) provided the best improvements. Furthermore, benefits persisted for 14 days post-treatment. Our data provide directions for further research of therapeutic alternatives to mitigate schizophrenia-related cognopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjun Zhuo
- Animal Micro-imaging Center (AMC) of TJ4CH-WZ7PH Joint Mental Health Institute, Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China; Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China; Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Psychiatric Transformation Research Key Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Hongjun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Guangdong Chen
- Animal Micro-imaging Center (AMC) of TJ4CH-WZ7PH Joint Mental Health Institute, Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jing Ping
- Animal Micro-imaging Center (AMC) of TJ4CH-WZ7PH Joint Mental Health Institute, Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mac
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Ranli Li
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Psychiatric Transformation Research Key Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Langlang Chen
- Animal Micro-imaging Center (AMC) of TJ4CH-WZ7PH Joint Mental Health Institute, Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Zhang Y, Cui H, Mei H, Yang L, Xin C. Effect of Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Rats on Behavioral Parameters and Expression of CDK8 in the Brain Tissue. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 174:13-17. [PMID: 36449110 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05638-5] [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: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral changes in newborn 3-day-old rats (n=44) with modeled hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) were observed, and the expression of CDK8 in brain tissues was detected to clarify the significance of CDK8. In 30 min, 3 h, and 3 days after HIBI, the left (ischemic) hemisphere was taken for examination. In 3 days after HIBI, the rat pups were examined in the behavioral tests. In rat pups with HIBI, changes of CDK8 expression were detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR and changes in the righting reflex and forelimb grip strength test (p<0.05) were revealed in comparison with sham-operated animals. The expression of CDK8 increased 30 min after HIBI and decreased in 3 h and 3 days. Hypoxia and ischemia of the left brain may affect locomotion, but not sensation. Since CDK8 is involved in the immune response after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia, this kinase can be used as an early diagnostic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- Department of Pediatric, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - H Cui
- Department of Pediatric, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - H Mei
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - L Yang
- Department of Pediatric, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Xin
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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Differential Cellular Balance of Olfactory and Vomeronasal Epithelia in a Transgenic BACHD Rat Model of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147625. [PMID: 35886975 PMCID: PMC9316117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. For neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD), early diagnosis is essential to treat patients and delay symptoms. Impaired olfaction, as observed as an early symptom in Parkinson´s disease, may also constitute a key symptom in HD. However, there are few reports on olfactory deficits in HD. Therefore, we aimed to investigate, in a transgenic rat model of HD: (1) whether general olfactory impairment exists and (2) whether there are disease-specific dynamics of olfactory dysfunction when the vomeronasal (VNE) and main olfactory epithelium (MOE) are compared. Methods. We used male rats of transgenic line 22 (TG22) of the bacterial artificial chromosome Huntington disease model (BACHD), aged 3 days or 6 months. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and macrophage activity were examined with immunohistochemistry in the VNE and MOE. Results. No differences were observed in cellular parameters in the VNE between the groups. However, the MOE of the 6-month-old HD animals showed a significantly increased number of mature olfactory receptor neurons. Other cellular parameters were not affected. Conclusions. The results obtained in the TG22 line suggest a relative stability in the VNE, whereas the MOE seems at least temporarily affected.
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Kurat S, Heinrich P, Molnar-Kasza A, Loeffler T, Flunkert S, Hutter-Paier B. Homozygosity of BACHD rats not only causes strong behavioral deficits in young female rats but also a reduced breeding success. Brain Res 2021; 1761:147396. [PMID: 33662341 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147396] [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: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is known to be a purely genetic disease based on an expansion of a CAG base triplet repeat in the coding region of the Huntingtin gene. Some years ago, researchers were able to introduce the extensive full-length gene sequence of the mutant huntingtin gene into a rodent model. The resulting BACHD rat is already well characterized for behavioral deficits. So far, all analyses in this preclinical rat model were performed in male hemizygous animals. As homozygosity of transgenic models often causes an amplification of the phenotype and female HD patients present a stronger phenotype compared to men, we established a homozygous breeding colony and tested 2 and 5 months old homozygous male and female BACHD rats in a behavioral test battery. The tests included the grip strength test, Rota Rod, elevated plus maze, passive avoidance, and Barnes maze test. Our results show strong deficits in young female homozygous BACHD rats including increased body weight, motor deficits, muscle weakness, reduced anxiety and hypoactivity, as well as learning and memory deficits. Analysis of male homozygous BACHD rats showed only weak disease symptoms, similar compared to male hemizygous BACHD rats of already published studies. Evaluation of the breeding success showed that homozygous BACHD have a reduced number of pups at the time of birth that even decreases until weaning. Our results suggest that the phenotype of homozygous male BACHD rats barely differs from already published results of hemizygous BACHD rats while female homozygous BACHD rats display strong and early alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kurat
- QPS Austria GmbH, Neuropharmacology, Parkring 12, 8074 Grambach, Austria.
| | - Petra Heinrich
- QPS Austria GmbH, Neuropharmacology, Parkring 12, 8074 Grambach, Austria.
| | - Agnes Molnar-Kasza
- QPS Austria GmbH, Neuropharmacology, Parkring 12, 8074 Grambach, Austria.
| | - Tina Loeffler
- QPS Austria GmbH, Neuropharmacology, Parkring 12, 8074 Grambach, Austria.
| | - Stefanie Flunkert
- QPS Austria GmbH, Neuropharmacology, Parkring 12, 8074 Grambach, Austria.
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