1
|
Girotti M, Bulin SE, Carreno FR. Effects of chronic stress on cognitive function - From neurobiology to intervention. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 33:100670. [PMID: 39295772 PMCID: PMC11407068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to chronic stress contributes considerably to the development of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictive behavior. Unfortunately, unlike mood-related symptoms, cognitive impairments are not effectively treated by available therapies, a situation in part resulting from a still incomplete knowledge of the neurobiological substrates that underly cognitive domains and the difficulty in generating interventions that are both efficacious and safe. In this review, we will present an overview of the cognitive domains affected by stress with a specific focus on cognitive flexibility, behavioral inhibition, and working memory. We will then consider the effects of stress on neuronal correlates of cognitive function and the factors which may modulate the interaction of stress and cognition. Finally, we will discuss intervention strategies for treatment of stress-related disorders and gaps in knowledge with emerging new treatments under development. Understanding how cognitive impairment occurs during exposure to chronic stress is crucial to make progress towards the development of new and effective therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Girotti
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Sarah E Bulin
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Flavia R Carreno
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marino N, Bedeschi M, Vaccari ME, Cambiaghi M, Tesei A. Glitches in the brain: the dangerous relationship between radiotherapy and brain fog. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1328361. [PMID: 38515789 PMCID: PMC10956129 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1328361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Up to approximately 70% of cancer survivors report persistent deficits in memory, attention, speed of information processing, multi-tasking, and mental health functioning, a series of symptoms known as "brain fog." The severity and duration of such effects can vary depending on age, cancer type, and treatment regimens. In particular, every year, hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide undergo radiotherapy (RT) for primary brain tumors and brain metastases originating from extracranial tumors. Besides its potential benefits in the control of tumor progression, recent studies indicate that RT reprograms the brain tumor microenvironment inducing increased activation of microglia and astrocytes and a consequent general condition of neuroinflammation that in case it becomes chronic could lead to a cognitive decline. Furthermore, radiation can induce endothelium reticulum (ER) stress directly or indirectly by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) activating compensatory survival signaling pathways in the RT-surviving fraction of healthy neuronal and glial cells. In particular, the anomalous accumulation of misfolding proteins in neuronal cells exposed to radiation as a consequence of excessive activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) could pave the way to neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, exposure of cells to ionizing radiation was also shown to affect the normal proteasome activity, slowing the degradation rate of misfolded proteins, and further exacerbating ER-stress conditions. This compromises several neuronal functions, with neuronal accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins with a consequent switch from proteasome to immunoproteasome that increases neuroinflammation, a crucial risk factor for neurodegeneration. The etiology of brain fog remains elusive and can arise not only during treatment but can also persist for an extended period after the end of RT. In this review, we will focus on the molecular pathways triggered by radiation therapy affecting cognitive functions and potentially at the origin of so-called "brain fog" symptomatology, with the aim to define novel therapeutic strategies to preserve healthy brain tissue from cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Marino
- Bioscience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Martina Bedeschi
- Bioscience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Melania Elettra Vaccari
- Bioscience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Cambiaghi
- Bioscience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Tesei
- Bioscience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faralli A, Fucà E, Lazzaro G, Menghini D, Vicari S, Costanzo F. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in neurogenetic syndromes: new treatment perspectives for Down syndrome? Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1328963. [PMID: 38456063 PMCID: PMC10917937 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1328963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective review aims to explore the potential neurobiological mechanisms involved in the application of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Down syndrome (DS), the leading cause of genetically-based intellectual disability. The neural mechanisms underlying tDCS interventions in genetic disorders, typically characterized by cognitive deficits, are grounded in the concept of brain plasticity. We initially present the neurobiological and functional effects elicited by tDCS applications in enhancing neuroplasticity and in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance, both associated with cognitive improvement in the general population. The review begins with evidence on tDCS applications in five neurogenetic disorders, including Rett, Prader-Willi, Phelan-McDermid, and Neurofibromatosis 1 syndromes, as well as DS. Available evidence supports tDCS as a potential intervention tool and underscores the importance of advancing neurobiological research into the mechanisms of tDCS action in these conditions. We then discuss the potential of tDCS as a promising non-invasive strategy to mitigate deficits in plasticity and promote fine-tuning of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in DS, exploring implications for cognitive treatment perspectives in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Faralli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Costanzo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cambiaghi M, Cordaro M, Dossena S, Cuzzocrea S, Buffelli M. Editorial: Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: Physiological and molecular evidence. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1128205. [PMID: 36814991 PMCID: PMC9939818 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1128205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cambiaghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy,*Correspondence: Marco Cambiaghi ✉
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Dossena
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Buffelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun W, Kang X, Dong X, Zeng Z, Zou Q, Su M, Zhang K, Liu G, Yu G. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on postpartum depression: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:990162. [PMID: 36874857 PMCID: PMC9976935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.990162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex combination of physiological, emotional, and behavioral alterations associated with postpartum chemical, social, and psychological variations. It does harm to the relationship between family members that could potentially last for years. However, standard depression treatments are not ideal for PPD, and the outcomes of these treatments are debatable. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging technology that could provide patients with PPD with a safe and non-pharmacological treatment. tDCS can relieve depression by directly stimulating the prefrontal cortex through the excitatory effect of the anode. It may also ease depression indirectly by promoting the production and release of the neurotransmitter GABA. The mechanism of tDCS makes it an ideal therapeutic approach to treat PPD, although it has not been widely used, and its effect has not been evaluated systematically and effectively. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted involving 240 tDCS-naive patients with PPD, who will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive routine clinical treatment and care with active tDCS, and the other group will receive routine clinical treatment and care with sham tDCS. Each group of patients will receive a 3-week intervention during which they will receive 20 min of active or sham tDCS 6 days per week. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale will be administered before the intervention as a baseline and on each weekend throughout the intervention phase. Before and after the intervention, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule will be evaluated. Side effects and abnormal reactions will be recorded during each treatment. As antidepressants are banned in the study, the results will not be affected by drugs and will therefore be more accurate. Nonetheless, this experiment will be conducted in a single center as a small sample experiment. Therefore, future studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of tDCS in treating PPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xizhen Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangli Dong
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zijian Zeng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing Zou
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meixiang Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Medical and Technology Research, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guanxiu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pilloni G, Charvet LE, Bikson M, Palekar N, Kim MJ. Potential of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease: Optimizing Trials Toward Clinical Use. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:391-400. [PMID: 35796264 PMCID: PMC9262447 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.4.391] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and well-tolerated noninvasive method for stimulating the brain that is rapidly developing into a treatment method for various neurological and psychiatric conditions. In particular, there is growing evidence of a therapeutic role for tDCS in ameliorating or delaying the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We provide a brief overview of the current development and application status of tDCS as a nonpharmacological therapeutic method for AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), summarize the levels of evidence, and identify the improvements needed for clinical applications. We also suggest future directions for large-scale controlled clinical trials of tDCS in AD and MCI, and emphasize the necessity of identifying the mechanistic targets to facilitate clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Pilloni
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leigh E Charvet
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Nikhil Palekar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Min-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Early Application of Ipsilateral Cathodal-tDCS in a Mouse Model of Brain Ischemia Results in Functional Improvement and Perilesional Microglia Modulation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040588. [PMID: 35454177 PMCID: PMC9027610 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early stroke therapeutic approaches rely on limited options, further characterized by a narrow therapeutic time window. In this context, the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the acute phases after brain ischemia is emerging as a promising non-invasive tool. Despite the wide clinical application of tDCS, the cellular mechanisms underlying its positive effects are still poorly understood. Here, we explored the effects of cathodal tDCS (C-tDCS) 6 h after focal forelimb M1 ischemia in Cx3CR1GFP/+ mice. C-tDCS improved motor functionality of the affected forelimb, as assessed by the cylinder and foot-fault tests at 48 h, though not changing the ischemic volume. In parallel, histological analysis showed that motor recovery is associated with decreased microglial cell density in the area surrounding the ischemic core, while astrocytes were not affected. Deeper analysis of microglia morphology within the perilesional area revealed a shift toward a more ramified healthier state, with increased processes’ complexity and a less phagocytic anti-inflammatory activity. Taken together, our findings suggest a positive role for early C-tDCS after ischemia, which is able to modulate microglia phenotype and morphology in parallel to motor recovery.
Collapse
|
8
|
Starosta M, Cichoń N, Saluk-Bijak J, Miller E. Benefits from Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082149. [PMID: 35456245 PMCID: PMC9030945 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is an acute neurovascular central nervous system (CNS) injury and one of the main causes of long-term disability and mortality. Post-stroke rehabilitation as part of recovery is focused on relearning lost skills and regaining independence as much as possible. Many novel strategies in neurorehabilitation have been introduced. This review focuses on current evidence of the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), in post-stroke rehabilitation. Moreover, we present the effects of specific interventions, such as low-frequency or high-frequency rTMS therapy, on motor function, cognitive function, depression, and aphasia in post-stroke patients. Collected data suggest that high-frequency stimulation (5 Hz and beyond) produces an increase in cortical excitability, whereas low-frequency stimulation (≤1 Hz) decreases cortical excitability. Accumulated data suggest that rTMS is safe and can be used to modulate cortical excitability, which may improve overall performance. Side effects such as tingling sensation on the skin of the skull or headache are possible. Serious side effects such as epileptic seizures can be avoided by adhering to international safety guidelines. We reviewed clinical studies that present promising results in general recovery and stimulating neuroplasticity. This article is an overview of the current rTMS state of knowledge related to benefits in stroke, as well as its cellular and molecular mechanisms. In the stroke rehabilitation literature, there is a key methodological problem of creating double-blinding studies, which are very often impossible to conduct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Starosta
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Milionowa 14, 93-113 Lodz, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Natalia Cichoń
- Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Saluk-Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Miller
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Milionowa 14, 93-113 Lodz, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu Y, Kappen M, Peremans K, De Bundel D, Van Eeckhaut A, Van Laeken N, De Vos F, Dobbeleir A, Saunders JH, Baeken C. Accelerated HF-rTMS Modifies SERT Availability in the Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex: A Canine [ 11C]DASB Study on the Serotonergic System. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061531. [PMID: 35329857 PMCID: PMC8950510 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is thought to partly exert its antidepressant action through the serotonergic system. Accelerated rTMS may have the potential to result in similar but faster onset of clinical improvement compared to the classical daily rTMS protocols, but given that delayed clinical responses have been reported, the neurobiological effects of accelerated paradigms remain to be elucidated including on this neurotransmitter system. This sham-controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of accelerated high frequency rTMS (aHF-rTMS) over the left frontal cortex on the serotonin transporter (SERT) in healthy beagle dogs. A total of twenty-two dogs were randomly divided into three unequal groups: five active stimulation sessions (five sessions in one day, n = 10), 20 active stimulation sessions (five sessions/day for four days, n = 8), and 20 sham stimulation sessions (five sessions/day for four days, n = 4). The SERT binding index (BI) was obtained at baseline, 24 h post stimulation protocol, one month, and three months post stimulation by a [11C]DASB PET scan. It was found that one day of active aHF-rTMS (five sessions) did not result in significant SERT BI changes at any time point. For the 20 sessions of active aHF-rTMS, one month after stimulation the SERT BI attenuated in the sgACC. No significant SERT BI changes were found after 20 sessions of sham aHF-rTMS. A total of four days of active aHF-rTMS modified sgACC SERT BI one month post-stimulation, explaining to some extent the delayed clinical effects of accelerated rTMS paradigms found in human psychopathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.K.); (C.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Othopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (K.P.); (A.D.); (J.H.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mitchel Kappen
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Kathelijne Peremans
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Othopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (K.P.); (A.D.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.D.B.); (A.V.E.)
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.D.B.); (A.V.E.)
| | - Nick Van Laeken
- Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.V.L.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Filip De Vos
- Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.V.L.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Andre Dobbeleir
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Othopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (K.P.); (A.D.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Jimmy H. Saunders
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Othopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (K.P.); (A.D.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.K.); (C.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZBrussel), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duran JM, Sierra RO, Corredor K, Cardenas FP. Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation on the prefrontal cortex applied after reactivation attenuates fear memories and prevent reinstatement after extinction. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 145:213-221. [PMID: 34929471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, pharmacological strategies targeting reconsolidation after memory retrieval have shown promising efforts to attenuate persistent memories and overcome fear recovery. However, most reconsolidation inhibiting agents have not been approved for human testing. While non-invasive neuromodulation can be considered an alternative approach to pharmacological treatments, there is a lack of evidence about the efficacy of these technologies when modifying memory traces via reactivation/reconsolidation mechanism. OBJECTIVE In this study, we evaluate the effect of cathodal (c-tDCS) and anodal (a-DCS) transcranial direct current stimulation applied after memory reactivation and extinction in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: one sham group, one anodal tDCS group, and one cathodal tDCS group (500 μA, 20 min). Reconsolidation and extinction of fear memories were evaluated using a contextual fear conditioning. RESULTS Our results showed that c-tDCS and a-tDCS after memory reactivation can attenuate mild fear memories. However, only c-tDCS stimulation prevented both fear expression under strong fear learning and fear recovery after a reinstatement protocol without modification of learning rate or extinction retrieval. Nevertheless, the remote memories were resistant to modification through this type of neuromodulation. Our results are discussed considering the interaction between intrinsic excitability promoted by learning and memory retrieval and the electric field applied during tDCS. CONCLUSION These results point out some of the boundary conditions influencing the efficacy of tDCS in fear attenuation and open new ways for the development of noninvasive interventions aimed to control fear-related disorders via reconsolidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Duran
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.
| | | | - Karen Corredor
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia
| | - Fernando P Cardenas
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dysfunction of the serotonergic system in the brain of synapsin triple knockout mice is associated with behavioral abnormalities resembling synapsin-related human pathologies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110135. [PMID: 33058959 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Synapsins (Syns) are a family of phosphoproteins associated with synaptic vesicles (SVs). Their main function is to regulate neurotransmitter release by maintaining a reserve pool of SVs at the presynaptic terminal. Previous studies reported that the deletion of one or more Syn genes in mice results in an epileptic phenotype and autism-related behavioral abnormalities. Here we aimed at characterizing the behavioral phenotype and neurobiological correlates of the deletion of Syns in a Syn triple knockout (TKO) mouse model. Wild type (WT) and TKO mice were tested in the open field, novelty suppressed feeding, light-dark box, forced swim, tail suspension and three-chamber sociability tests. Using in vivo electrophysiology, we recorded the spontaneous activity of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. Levels of 5-HT and DA in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of WT and TKO mice were also assessed using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. TKO mice displayed hyperactivity and impaired social and anxiety-like behavior. Behavioral dysfunctions were accompanied by reduced firing activity of DRN 5-HT, but not VTA DA, neurons. TKO mice also showed increased responsiveness of DRN 5-HT-1A autoreceptors, measured as a reduced dose of the 5-HT-1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT necessary to inhibit DRN 5-HT firing activity by 50%. Finally, hippocampal 5-HT levels were lower in TKO than in WT mice. Overall, Syns deletion in mice leads to a reduction in DRN 5-HT firing activity and hippocampal 5-HT levels along with behavioral alterations reminiscent of human neuropsychiatric conditions associated with Syn dysfunction.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tanaka T, Isomura Y, Kobayashi K, Hanakawa T, Tanaka S, Honda M. Electrophysiological Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Neural Activity in the Rat Motor Cortex. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:495. [PMID: 32714126 PMCID: PMC7340144 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique that modulates the neuronal membrane potential. We have previously documented a sustainable increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the rat striatum of cathodal tDCS, suggesting that cathodal tDCS enhances the neuronal excitability of the cortex. In the present study, we investigated changes in neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex induced by tDCS at the point beneath the stimulus electrode in anesthetized rats in vivo. Multiunit recordings were performed to examine changes in neuronal activity before and after the application of tDCS. In the cathodal tDCS group, multiunit activity (indicating the collective firing rate of recorded neuronal populations) increased in the cerebral cortex. Both anodal and cathodal tDCS increased the firing rate of isolated single units in the cerebral cortex. Significant differences in activity were observed immediately following stimulation and persisted for more than an hour after stimulation. The primary finding of this study was that both anodal and cathodal tDCS increased in vivo neuronal activity in the rat cerebral cortex underneath the stimulus electrode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Japan.,Department of Information Medicine, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Isomura
- Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Hanakawa
- Department of Information Medicine, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.,Department of Advanced Neuroimaging, Integrative Brain Imaging Centre, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Psychology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Manabu Honda
- Department of Information Medicine, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| |
Collapse
|