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Erickson CA, Shaffer RC, Will M, Schmitt LM, Horn P, Hirst K, Pedapati EV, Ober N, Tumuluru RV, Handen BL, Beversdorf DQ. Brief Report: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Proof-of-Concept Study of Minocycline in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06132-1. [PMID: 38102393 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Minocycline is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor 9 (MMP9) inhibitor tetracycline antibiotic with known anti-inflammatory properties. In preclinical animal models of ASD, minocycline has demonstrated potential positive effects on phenotypes that may have relevance to ASD. We conducted the first placebo-controlled study of minocycline in ASD. This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial employed four week treatment periods with a two week washout period. Twenty-four 12-22 year olds (mean age 17.4 years; range 12.9-22.5 years) with ASD were enrolled. Overall minocycline was well tolerated. No minocycline-associated clinical changes were noted with treatment on any performance or clinician or caregiver completed measures were noted. We hypothesize that either minocycline does not have potential therapeutic effects in ASD or our project was underpowered to define potential subject subgroups who may potentially respond positively to this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Rebecca C Shaffer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Meredith Will
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lauren M Schmitt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Paul Horn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kathy Hirst
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole Ober
- Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - Benjamin L Handen
- Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Psychology, and Education Departments, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - David Q Beversdorf
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Radiology, Neurology, and Psychological Sciences, William and Nancy Thompson Endowed Chair in Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Jiang J, Yang M, Tian M, Chen Z, Xiao L, Gong Y. Intertwined associations between oxytocin, immune system and major depressive disorder. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114852. [PMID: 37163778 PMCID: PMC10165244 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prominent psychiatric disorder with a high prevalence rate. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already high prevalence of MDD. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients are unresponsive to conventional treatments, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Oxytocin, an endogenous neuropeptide, has emerged as a promising candidate with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Oxytocin has been shown to alleviate emotional disorders by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the central immune system. The dysfunction of the immune system has been strongly linked to the onset and progression of depression. The central immune system is believed to be a key target of oxytocin in ameliorating emotional disorders. In this review, we examine the evidence regarding the interactions between oxytocin, the immune system, and depressive disorder. Moreover, we summarize and speculate on the potential roles of the intertwined association between oxytocin and the central immune system in treating emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxian Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Gong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Maejima Y, Yokota S, Ono T, Yu Z, Yamachi M, Hidema S, Nollet KE, Nishimori K, Tomita H, Yaginuma H, Shimomura K. Identification of oxytocin expression in human and murine microglia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110600. [PMID: 35842075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus. In addition to its role in parturition and lactation, oxytocin mediates social behavior and pair bonding. The possibility of using oxytocin to modify behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, is of clinical interest. Microglia are tissue-resident macrophages with roles in neurogenesis, synapse pruning, and immunological mediation of brain homeostasis. Recently, oxytocin was found to attenuate microglial secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, but the source of this oxytocin was not established. This prompted us to investigate whether microglia themselves were the source. METHODS We examined oxytocin expression in human and murine brain tissue in both sexes using immunohistochemistry. Oxytocin mRNA expression and secretion were examined in isolated murine microglia from wild type and oxytocin-knockout mice. Also, secretion of oxytocin and cytokines was measured in cultured microglia (MG6) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS We identified oxytocin expression in microglia of human brain tissue, cultured microglia (MG6), and primary murine microglia. Furthermore, LPS stimulation increased oxytocin mRNA expression in primary murine microglia and MG6 cells, and oxytocin secretion as well. A positive correlation between oxytocin and IL-1β, IL-10 secretion emerged, respectively. CONCLUSION This may be the first demonstration of oxytocin expression in microglia. Functionally, oxytocin might regulate inflammatory cytokine release from microglia in a paracrine/autocrine manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Shoko Yokota
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Ono
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamachi
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kenneth E Nollet
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yaginuma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
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The Role of Oxytocin in Abnormal Brain Development: Effect on Glial Cells and Neuroinflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233899. [PMID: 36497156 PMCID: PMC9740972 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal period is critical for brain development and determinant for long-term brain trajectory. Yet, this time concurs with a sensitivity and risk for numerous brain injuries following perinatal complications such as preterm birth. Brain injury in premature infants leads to a complex amalgam of primary destructive diseases and secondary maturational and trophic disturbances and, as a consequence, to long-term neurocognitive and behavioral problems. Neuroinflammation is an important common factor in these complications, which contributes to the adverse effects on brain development. Mediating this inflammatory response forms a key therapeutic target in protecting the vulnerable developing brain when complications arise. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the perinatal period, and its importance for lactation and social bonding in early life are well-recognized. Yet, novel functions of OT for the developing brain are increasingly emerging. In particular, OT seems able to modulate glial activity in neuroinflammatory states, but the exact mechanisms underlying this connection are largely unknown. The current review provides an overview of the oxytocinergic system and its early life development across rodent and human. Moreover, we cover the most up-to-date understanding of the role of OT in neonatal brain development and the potential neuroprotective effects it holds when adverse neural events arise in association with neuroinflammation. A detailed assessment of the underlying mechanisms between OT treatment and astrocyte and microglia reactivity is given, as well as a focus on the amygdala, a brain region of crucial importance for socio-emotional behavior, particularly in infants born preterm.
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Gonzalez A, Hammock EAD. Oxytocin and microglia in the development of social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210059. [PMID: 35858111 PMCID: PMC9272152 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a well-established regulator of social behaviour. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, regulate brain development and maintenance in health and disease. Oxytocin and microglia interact: microglia appear to regulate the oxytocin system and are, in turn, regulated by oxytocin, which appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. Both microglia and oxytocin are regulated in sex-specific ways. Oxytocin and microglia may work together to promote experience-dependent circuit refinement through multiple developmental-sensitive periods contributing to individual differences in social behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Friuli M, Eramo B, Valenza M, Scuderi C, Provensi G, Romano A. Targeting the Oxytocinergic System: A Possible Pharmacological Strategy for the Treatment of Inflammation Occurring in Different Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10250. [PMID: 34638587 PMCID: PMC8508899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation represents a central feature of different human pathologies including neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. The epidemiologic relevance of such disorders justifies the increasing interest in further understanding the mechanisms underpinning the inflammatory process occurring in such chronic diseases to provide potential novel pharmacological approaches. The most common and effective therapies for controlling inflammation are glucocorticoids; however, a variety of other molecules have been demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory potential, including neuropeptides. In recent years, the oxytocinergic system has seen an explosion of scientific studies, demonstrating its potential to contribute to a variety of physiological processes including inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to understand the role of oxytocin in the modulation of inflammation occurring in different chronic diseases. The criterion we used to select the diseases was based on the emerging literature showing a putative involvement of the oxytocinergic system in inflammatory processes in a variety of pathologies including neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and obesity. The evidence reviewed here supports a beneficial role of oxytocin in the control of both peripheral and central inflammatory response happening in the aforementioned pathologies. Although future studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanistic details underlying such regulation, this review supports the idea that the modulation of the endogenous oxytocinergic system might represent a new potential pharmacological approach for the treatment of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Friuli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Barbara Eramo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology of Toxicology, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
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7
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Wang Y, Pan Q, Tian R, Wen Q, Qin G, Zhang D, Chen L, Zhang Y, Zhou J. Repeated oxytocin prevents central sensitization by regulating synaptic plasticity via oxytocin receptor in a chronic migraine mouse model. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:84. [PMID: 34315403 PMCID: PMC8314458 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central sensitization is one of the characters of chronic migraine (CM). Aberrant synaptic plasticity can induce central sensitization. Oxytocin (OT), which is a hypothalamic hormone, plays an important antinociceptive role. However, the antinociceptive effect of OT and the underlying mechanism in CM remains unclear. Therefore, we explored the effect of OT on central sensitization in CM and its implying mechanism, focusing on synaptic plasticity. METHODS A CM mouse model was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG). Von Frey filaments and radiant heat were used to measure the nociceptive threshold. Repeated intranasal OT and intraperitoneal L368,899, an oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonist, were administered to investigate the effect of OT and the role of OTR. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos were measured to assess central sensitization. N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B)-regulated synaptic-associated proteins and synaptic plasticity were explored by western blot (WB), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Golgi-Cox staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the OTR expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) of CM mouse was significantly increased, and OTR was colocalized with the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) in neurons. Repeated intranasal OT alleviated the NTG-induced hyperalgesia and prevented central sensitization in CM mouse. Additionally, the OT treatment inhibited the overexpression of phosphorylated NR2B and synaptic-associated proteins including PSD-95, synaptophysin-1 (syt-1), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (snap25) in the TNC of CM mouse and restored the abnormal synaptic structure. The protective effect of OT was prevented by L368,899. Furthermore, the expression of adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1)/ protein kinase A (PKA)/ phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB) pathway was depressed by OT and restored by L368,899. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that repeated intranasal OT eliminates central sensitization by regulating synaptic plasticity via OTR in CM. The effect of OT has closely associated with the down-regulation of AC1/PKA/pCREB signaling pathway, which is activated in CM model. Repeated intranasal OT may be a potential candidate for CM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.,Department of Neurology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Qi Pan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruimin Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianwen Wen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangcheng Qin
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dunke Zhang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Yang CY, Hung YC, Cheng KH, Ling P, Hsu KS. Loss of CC2D1A in Glutamatergic Neurons Results in Autistic-Like Features in Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2021-2039. [PMID: 34132974 PMCID: PMC8608959 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01072-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in Coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A (CC2D1A) cause autosomal recessive intellectual disability, sometimes comorbid with other neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seizures. We recently reported that conditional deletion of Cc2d1a in glutamatergic neurons of the postnatal mouse forebrain leads to impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. However, the pathogenic origin of the autistic features of CC2D1A deficiency remains elusive. Here, we confirmed that CC2D1A is highly expressed in the cortical zones during embryonic development. Taking advantage of Cre-LoxP-mediated gene deletion strategy, we generated a novel line of Cc2d1a conditional knockout (cKO) mice by crossing floxed Cc2d1a mice with Emx1-Cre mice, in which CC2D1A is ablated specifically in glutamatergic neurons throughout all embryonic and adult stages. We found that CC2D1A deletion leads to a trend toward decreased number of cortical progenitor cells at embryonic day 12.5 and alters the cortical thickness on postnatal day 10. In addition, male Cc2d1a cKO mice display autistic-like phenotypes including self-injurious repetitive grooming and aberrant social interactions. Loss of CC2D1A also results in decreased complexity of apical dendritic arbors of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) layer V pyramidal neurons and increased synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in the mPFC. Notably, chronic treatment with minocycline rescues behavioral and morphological abnormalities, as well as E/I changes, in male Cc2d1a cKO mice. Together, these findings indicate that male Cc2d1a cKO mice recapitulate autistic-like phenotypes of human disorder and suggest that minocycline has both structural and functional benefits in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Hung
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hsiang Cheng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ling
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
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Miyanishi K, Sato A, Kihara N, Utsunomiya R, Tanaka J. Synaptic elimination by microglia and disturbed higher brain functions. Neurochem Int 2020; 142:104901. [PMID: 33181238 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells in normal mature brains have long been considered to be cells that are resting until pathological events take place, activating the microglial cells. However, it is currently well known that the microglia that have resting ramified morphology in normal mature brains move actively in the brain parenchyma and phagocytose synapses, thus forming and maintaining neural circuits. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of microglia in mature brains, with special reference to phagocytosis of synapses and higher brain functions. Phagocytic elimination of synapses by microglia may affect the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, termed the E/I balance. When impaired synaptic elimination by microglia leads to disturbed E/I balance, various problems may follow in brain functions: in memory and cognitive functions, sleep, movement, social behaviors, and thinking. In addition to the roles of microglia in normal developing and mature brains, impaired microglial phagocytosis functions also correlate with disturbances to these higher brain functions that are caused by neurological, mental, and developmental disorders; Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Miyanishi
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Arisa Sato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Nanako Kihara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ryo Utsunomiya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Junya Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
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Caruso A, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML. Ultrasonic vocalizations as a fundamental tool for early and adult behavioral phenotyping of Autism Spectrum Disorder rodent models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:31-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hidema S, Kikuchi S, Takata R, Yanai T, Shimomura K, Horie K, Nishimori K. Single administration of resveratrol improves social behavior in adult mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2207-2214. [PMID: 32698690 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1794783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol present in grapes, the skin of peanuts, and several other plants with many health benefits. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be linked to neural and synaptic development impairments. The present study aimed to analyze the preventive effects of RSV on the development of ASD-like behavior, using oxytocin receptor gene knockout (Oxtr-KO) and valproic acid-induced ASD (VPA-ASD) model mice. Genetic deficiencies in Oxtr are suggested to be involved in ASD etiology. Twenty-four hours after a single RSV injection to the Oxtr-KO mice, the social impairments caused by OXTR deficiency were ameliorated. RSV also improved social impairments in the VPA-ASD mice. Administration of RSV up-regulated silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) gene and early growth response factor 3 (Egr3) gene expressions in the amygdala of the Oxtr-KO mice. Our data suggest that RSV may have therapeutic effects on ASD with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Shohei Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryoji Takata
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yanai
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kengo Horie
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
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Xu C, Sellgren CM, Fatouros-Bergman H, Piehl F, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Brinkmalm A, Santillo AF, Lundgren S, Cervenka S, Engberg G, Erhardt S. CSF levels of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 and synaptotagmin-1 in first-episode psychosis subjects. IBRO Rep 2020; 8:136-142. [PMID: 32490278 PMCID: PMC7262376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem studies consistently show evidence of reduced synaptic protein levels in patients with schizophrenia. Clinically high-risk subjects show a steeper decrease in grey matter thickness and in vitro modeling using patient-derived cells implicate excessive synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment as a part of the schizophrenia pathophysiology. However, it is unclear to what extent synapse elimination is present during various stages of the disease, which is of clinical importance as in a real-world setting most subjects received their first-episode psychosis (FEP) diagnosis not until their mid-twenties. In the present study, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the two pre-synaptic proteins synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) and synaptotagmin-1 (SYT-1), both of which are increased in conditions of ongoing synaptic degeneration, in 44 FEP subjects (mean age 29.9 years) and 21 healthy controls (25.9 years) using immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry. Neither protein was found to differ between healthy controls and patients, and they showed no correlation with symptom ratings, cognitive performance or antipsychotic medication. Additional studies in high-risk subjects in the early prodromal phase will be needed to address if excessive synapse destruction occurs before the development of overt psychotic symptoms.
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Key Words
- BACS-SC, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia Symbol Coding
- BMI, body mass index
- BVMT-R, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised
- CGI, Clinical Global Impression
- CPT-IP, Continuous Performance Test-Identical Pairs
- DUP, duration of untreated psychosis
- FEP, first-episode psychosis
- GAF, Global Assessment of Functioning
- HC, healthy controls
- HVLT-R, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised
- LNS, Letter-Number Span
- MSCEIT, Mayer–Salovey– Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test
- NAB: MAZES, Neuropsychological Assessment Battery: Mazes
- PANSS, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
- SNAP-25
- SYT-1
- Schizophrenia
- Synapse pruning
- TMT, Trail Making Test
- WMS-III, Wechsler Memory Scale-3rd Edition
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengai Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Fatouros-Bergman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Alexander Frizell Santillo
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sofia Lundgren
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Simon Cervenka
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | - Göran Engberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Horie K, Inoue K, Suzuki S, Adachi S, Yada S, Hirayama T, Hidema S, Young LJ, Nishimori K. Oxytocin receptor knockout prairie voles generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing show reduced preference for social novelty and exaggerated repetitive behaviors. Horm Behav 2019; 111:60-69. [PMID: 30713102 PMCID: PMC6506400 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral neuroendocrinology has benefited tremendously from the use of a wide range of model organisms that are ideally suited for particular questions. However, in recent years the ability to manipulate the genomes of laboratory strains of mice has led to rapid advances in our understanding of the role of specific genes, circuits and neural populations in regulating behavior. While genome manipulation in mice has been a boon for behavioral neuroscience, the intensive focus on the mouse restricts the diversity in behavioral questions that can be investigated using state-of-the-art techniques. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has great potential for efficiently generating mutants in non-traditional animal models and consequently to reinvigorate comparative behavioral neuroendocrinology. Here we describe the efficient generation of oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) mutant prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and describe initial behavioral phenotyping focusing on behaviors relevant to autism. Oxtr mutant male voles show no disruption in pup ultrasonic vocalization, anxiety as measured by the open field test, alloparental behavior, or sociability in the three chamber test. Mutants did however show a modest elevation in repetitive behavior in the marble burying test, and an impairment in preference for social novelty. The ability to efficiently generate targeted mutations in the prairie vole genome will greatly expand the utility of this model organism for discovering the genetic and circuit mechanisms underlying complex social behaviors, and serves as a proof of principle for expanding this approach to other non-traditional model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Saki Adachi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Saori Yada
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, USA; Center for Social Neural Networks, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Miyagi, Japan.
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14
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Yang L, Jin P, Wang X, Zhou Q, Lin X, Xi S. Fluoride activates microglia, secretes inflammatory factors and influences synaptic neuron plasticity in the hippocampus of rats. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:108-120. [PMID: 30273629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have reported that highly fluoridated drinking water may significantly decrease the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of exposed children. It is thought that synaptic plasticity is the basis of learning and memory skills in developing children. However, the effect on synaptic plasticity by activated microglia induced via fluoride treatment is less clear. Our previous research showed that fluoride ions activated microglia which then released pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, hippocampal-dependent memory status was evaluated in rat models sub-chronically exposed to fluoride in their drinking water. Microglial activation in the hippocampus was examined using immunofluorescence staining and the expression of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), Long-term potentiation (LTP) and the expression of Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methy-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR2 as well as N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit NMDAR2β of exposed rats. We found that fluoride exposure activated microglia and increased the expression of DAP12 and TREM2, as well as promoted pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion via ERK/MAPK and P38/MAPK signal pathways. Furthermore fluoride depressed LTP and decreased PSD-95 protein levels as well as expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors GluR2 and NMDAR2β. We concluded that the role of fluoride on synaptic plasticity may be associated with neuroinflammation induced by microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
| | - Peiyu Jin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
| | - Xiaoli Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Arsenic Biological Effect and Poisoning, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, PR China.
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15
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Mitochondria, Oxytocin, and Vasopressin: Unfolding the Inflammatory Protein Response. Neurotox Res 2018; 36:239-256. [PMID: 30259418 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine and immune signaling pathways are activated following insults such as stress, injury, and infection, in a systemic response aimed at restoring homeostasis. Mitochondrial metabolism and function have been implicated in the control of immune responses. Commonly studied along with mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely linked to cellular inflammatory responses. It is also accepted that cells experiencing mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induce response pathways in order to cope with protein-folding dysregulation, in homeostatic responses referred to as the unfolded protein responses (UPRs). Recent reports indicate that the UPRs may play an important role in immune responses. Notably, the homeostasis-regulating hormones oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are also associated with the regulation of inflammatory responses and immune function. Intriguingly, OXT and AVP have been linked with ER unfolded protein responses (UPRER), and can impact ROS production and mitochondrial function. Here, we will review the evidence for interactions between these various factors and how these neuropeptides might influence mitochondrial processes.
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16
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Molecular Mechanisms of Oxytocin Signaling at the Synaptic Connection. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:4864107. [PMID: 30057594 PMCID: PMC6051047 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4864107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of oxytocin signaling is associated with the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Synaptic dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders are becoming increasingly known, and their pathogenic mechanisms could be a target of potential therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the role of oxytocin and its receptor in synapse structure, function, and neuron connectivity. An early alteration in oxytocin signaling may disturb neuronal maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences. At the molecular level, neurodevelopmental disorders include alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement and neuritogenesis resulting in a diversity of synaptopathies. The presence of oxytocin receptors in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes and the direct effects of oxytocin on neuronal excitability by regulating the activity of ion channels in the cell membrane implicate that alterations in oxytocin signaling could be involved in synaptopathies. The ability of oxytocin to modulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and certain parameters of cytoskeletal arrangement is discussed in the present review.
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17
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Errant gardeners: glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:658-670. [PMID: 28931944 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The final stage of brain development is associated with the generation and maturation of neuronal synapses. However, the same period is also associated with a peak in synapse elimination - a process known as synaptic pruning - that has been proposed to be crucial for the maturation of remaining synaptic connections. Recent studies have pointed to a key role for glial cells in synaptic pruning in various parts of the nervous system and have identified a set of critical signalling pathways between glia and neurons. At the same time, brain imaging and post-mortem anatomical studies suggest that insufficient or excessive synaptic pruning may underlie several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Here, we review current data on the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms of glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and outline their potential contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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18
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Lee AS, Azmitia EC, Whitaker-Azmitia PM. Developmental microglial priming in postmortem autism spectrum disorder temporal cortex. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 62:193-202. [PMID: 28159644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia can shift into different complex morphologies depending on the microenvironment of the central nervous system (CNS). The distinct morphologies correlate with specific functions and can indicate the pathophysiological state of the CNS. Previous postmortem studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed neuroinflammation in ASD indicated by increased microglial density. These changes in the microglia density can be accompanied by changes in microglia phenotype but the individual contribution of different microglia phenotypes to the pathophysiology of ASD remains unclear. Here, we used an unbiased stereological approach to quantify six structurally and functionally distinct microglia phenotypes in postmortem human temporal cortex, which were immuno-stained with Iba1. The total density of all microglia phenotypes did not differ between ASD donors and typically developing individual donors. However, there was a significant decrease in ramified microglia in both gray matter and white matter of ASD, and a significant increase in primed microglia in gray matter of ASD compared to typically developing individuals. This increase in primed microglia showed a positive correlation with donor age in both gray matter and white of ASD, but not in typically developing individuals. Our results provide evidence of a shift in microglial phenotype that may indicate impaired synaptic plasticity and a chronic vulnerability to exaggerated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Lee
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Efrain C Azmitia
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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19
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Mizoguchi Y, Monji A. Microglial Intracellular Ca 2+ Signaling in Synaptic Development and its Alterations in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:69. [PMID: 28367116 PMCID: PMC5355421 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, difficulties with language and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Microglia are resident innate immune cells which release many factors including proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) when they are activated in response to immunological stimuli. Recent in vivo imaging has shown that microglia sculpt and refine the synaptic circuitry by removing excess and unwanted synapses and be involved in the development of neural circuits or synaptic plasticity thereby maintaining the brain homeostasis. BDNF, one of the neurotrophins, has various important roles in cell survival, neurite outgrowth, neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity and the maintenance of neural circuits in the CNS. Intracellular Ca2+ signaling is important for microglial functions including ramification, de-ramification, migration, phagocytosis and release of cytokines, NO and BDNF. BDNF induces a sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation through the upregulation of the surface expression of canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels in rodent microglia. BDNF might have an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of microglial activation and TRPC3 could play important roles in not only inflammatory processes but also formation of synapse through the modulation of microglial phagocytic activity in the brain. This review article summarizes recent findings on emerging dual, inflammatory and non-inflammatory, roles of microglia in the brain and reinforces the importance of intracellular Ca2+ signaling for microglial functions in both normal neurodevelopment and their potential contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University Saga, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University Saga, Japan
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Oxytocin Signaling in the Early Life of Mammals: Link to Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated with ASD. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:239-268. [PMID: 28812269 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays a role in various functions including endocrine and immune functions but also parent-infant bonding and social interactions. It might be considered as a main neuropeptide involved in mediating the regulation of adaptive interactions between an individual and his/her environment. Recently, a critical role of oxytocin in early life has been revealed in sensory processing and multi-modal integration that are essential for normal postnatal neurodevelopment. An early alteration in the oxytocin-system may disturb its maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences such as autism spectrum disorders. Here, we will synthesize the existing literature on the development of the oxytocin system and its role in the early postnatal life of mammals (from birth to weaning) in a normal or pathological context. Oxytocin is required in critical windows of time that play a pivotal role and that should be considered for therapeutical interventions.
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Nakagawa Y, Chiba K. Involvement of Neuroinflammation during Brain Development in Social Cognitive Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 358:504-15. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.234476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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