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Dunn BR, Olguin SL, Davies S, Pavlik NG, Brigman JL, Hamilton D, Savage DD, Maxwell JR. Sex-specific alterations in cognitive control following moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and transient systemic hypoxia ischemia in the rat. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:640-652. [PMID: 38302722 PMCID: PMC11015983 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) continues to be a worldwide problem. Affected offspring display impaired neurodevelopment, including difficulties with executive control. Although PAE has also been associated with decreased blood flow to fetuses, the relationship between PAE and altered blood flow is not well understood. METHODS We used preclinical models of PAE, transient systemic hypoxia ischemia (TSHI), and PAE + TSHI combined to assess the effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes using translationally relevant touchscreen operant platform testing. Twenty-eight Long-Evans (Blue Spruce, Strain HsdBlu:LE) dams were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: Saccharin Control (Sham), 5% Ethanol (PAE), TSHI, or 5% Ethanol and TSHI (PAE + TSHI). Dams consumed either saccharin or 5% ethanol during gestation. TSHI was induced on Embryonic Day 19 (E19) during an open laparotomy where the uterine arteries were transiently occluded for 1 h. Pups were born normally and, after weaning, were separated by sex. A total of 80 offspring, 40 males and 40 females, were tested on the 5-Choice Continuous Performance paradigm (5C-CPT). RESULTS Female offspring were significantly impacted by TSHI, but not PAE, with an increase in false alarms and a decrease in hit rates, omissions, accuracy, and correct choice latencies. In contrast, male offspring were mildly affected by PAE, but not TSHI, showing decreases in premature responses and increases in accuracy. No significant interactions between PAE and TSHI were detected on any measure. CONCLUSION Transient systemic hypoxia ischemia impaired performance on the 5C-CPT in females, leading to a bias toward stimulus responsivity regardless of stimulus type. In contrast, TSHI did not affect male offspring, and only slight effects of PAE were seen. Together, these data suggest that TSHI in females may cause alterations in cortical structures that override alterations caused by moderate PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke R. Dunn
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sarah L. Olguin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Suzy Davies
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Nathaniel G. Pavlik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Brigman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Derek Hamilton
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Daniel D. Savage
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jessie R. Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Zhang X, Peng B, Zhang S, Wang J, Yuan X, Peled S, Chen W, Ding J, Li W, Zhang A, Wu Q, Stavrovskaya IG, Luo C, Sinha B, Tu Y, Yuan X, Li M, Liu S, Fu J, Aziz-Sultan A, Kristal BS, Alterovitz G, Du R, Zhou S, Wang X. The MT1 receptor as the target of ramelteon neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12925. [PMID: 37986632 PMCID: PMC10872556 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Novel and effective therapies for ischemic stroke are urgently needed. Here, we report that melatonin receptor 1A (MT1) agonist ramelteon is a neuroprotective drug candidate as demonstrated by comprehensive experimental models of ischemic stroke, including a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of cerebral ischemia in vivo, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures ex vivo, and cultured neurons in vitro; the neuroprotective effects of ramelteon are diminished in MT1-knockout (KO) mice and MT1-KO cultured neurons. For the first time, we report that the MT1 receptor is significantly depleted in the brain of MCAO mice, and ramelteon treatment significantly recovers the brain MT1 losses in MCAO mice, which is further explained by the Connectivity Map L1000 bioinformatic analysis that shows gene-expression signatures of MCAO mice are negatively connected to melatonin receptor agonist like Ramelteon. We demonstrate that ramelteon improves the cerebral blood flow signals in ischemic stroke that is potentially mediated, at least, partly by mechanisms of activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Our results also show that the neuroprotection of ramelteon counteracts reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress and activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. Ramelteon inhibits the mitochondrial and autophagic death pathways in MCAO mice and cultured neurons, consistent with gene set enrichment analysis from a bioinformatics perspective angle. Our data suggest that Ramelteon is a potential neuroprotective drug candidate, and MT1 is the neuroprotective target for ischemic stroke, which provides new insights into stroke therapy. MT1-KO mice and cultured neurons may provide animal and cellular models of accelerated ischemic damage and neuronal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Shenqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xiong Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Sharon Peled
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinyin Ding
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Zhang
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Irina G. Stavrovskaya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Research Foundation of The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Bharati Sinha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xiaojing Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Mingchang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianfang Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xijing Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- The Joslin Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ali Aziz-Sultan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Bruce S. Kristal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gil Alterovitz
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rose Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Rojas DB, Vizuete AFK, de Andrade VS, de Andrade RB, Gemelli T, Kim TDH, Gonçalves CA, Leipnitz G, Wannmacher CMD. Lipopolysaccharide impairs neurodevelopment and induces changes in astroglial reactivity, antioxidant defenses and bioenergetics in the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:600-614. [PMID: 37477051 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonates have an immature immune system, which increases their vulnerability to infectious agents and inflammatory insults. The administration of the immunostimulatory agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cause behavior alterations in rodents at different ages. However, the effects of LPS administration during the neonatal period and its consequences during immune system maturation remain to be elucidated. We showed here that a single intraperitoneal administration of LPS in rats on postnatal day (PND) 7 caused early and variable alterations in TNF-α, S100B and GFAP levels in the cerebral cortex, CSF and serum of the animals, indicating long-term induction of neuroinflammation and astroglial reactivity. However, on PND 21, only GFAP levels were increased by LPS. Additionally, LPS induced oxidative stress and altered energy metabolism enzymes in the cerebral cortex on PND 21, and caused neurodevelopment impairment over time. These data suggest that neuroinflammation induction during the neonatal period induces glial reactivity, oxidative stress and bioenergetic disruption that may lead to neurodevelopment impairment and cognitive deficit in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bertin Rojas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vivian Strassburger de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Tanise Gemelli
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tomas Duk Hwa Kim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Clovis Milton Duval Wannmacher
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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A Hosny S, M Abdelmenem A, Azouz T, S Kamar S, M ShamsEldeen A, A El-Shafei A. Beneficial Effect of Erythropoietin on Ameliorating Propionic Acid-Induced Autistic-Like Features in Young Rats. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:77-86. [PMID: 37970239 PMCID: PMC10644041 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs communication and social interaction. This study investigated the possible beneficial effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on experimental autistic-like behaviors induced by propionic acid (PPA). Twenty-four rats were distributed into three groups: (i) control; (ii) PPA_Gp: daily injected subcutaneously with PPA for five consecutive days; PPA+EPO-Gp: injected with PPA, then received intraperitoneal injection of EPO once daily for two weeks. Behavioral changes in the rats were assessed. Specimens from the cerebellar hemispheres were subjected to histological and ultrastructure examination, immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and calbindin-D28K, and biochemical analysis for glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. PPA-Gp showed significant behavioral impairment, with a significant depletion in GSH-px, GABA, and serotonin and a significant increase in MDA. Histological examination revealed reduced Purkinje cell count with ultrastructural degeneration, irregularly arranged nerve fibers in the molecular layer, astrogliosis, and significantly decreased calbindin-immunostaining compared to the control. EPO protected cerebellar structure, increased Purkinje cell count, improved neuronal morphology, reduced PPA-induced autistic-like features, alleviated neuronal oxidative stress, increased intercellular antioxidant levels, and suppressed inflammation. EPO provided significant protection against PPA-induced autistic features in rats, with structural preservation of Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Hosny
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Taha Azouz
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samaa S Kamar
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M ShamsEldeen
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A El-Shafei
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Gerner G, Burton VJ, Kitase Y, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Pilot Translational Precision Biobehavioral Assays for Early Detection of Motor Impairments in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1746. [PMID: 37629603 PMCID: PMC10455737 DOI: 10.3390/life13081746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutting-edge neonatal programs diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) or "high risk of CP" using validated neurobehavioral exams in combination with risk history and neuroimaging. In rat models, digital gait analyses are the gold standard adult assessment, but tools in infant rats are limited. Refinement of infant rat neurobehavioral correlates of CP will establish translational behavioral biomarkers to delineate early mechanisms of CP in both humans and rodent models of CP. OBJECTIVE To facilitate precision medicine approaches of neurodevelopmental health and integrate basic and clinical research approaches for CP, we developed and piloted a new assay of neonatal rat neurobehavior to mimic human neonate exams. METHODS Our established rat model of CP secondary to chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) that induces bilateral motor impairment reminiscent of spastic CP was used. On postnatal day 10 (P10), 5 min videos were recorded of 26 (6 sham and 20 CHORIO) animals moving freely in a cage were reviewed by an evaluator trained in the human General Movements Assessment (GMA). Non-blinded observation revealed two behaviors that differed between rat pups in each group (time spent rearing; multi-dimensional nose sweeping; and sniffing). Each video was re-coded for these criteria by an evaluator blind to group status. Differences between sham and CP groups were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U-test or Student's t-test (p < 0.05 level of significance). RESULTS Neonatal rats with CP exhibited sensorimotor impairment and decreased spatial exploration. CP rats spent significantly less time rearing (17.85 ± 1.60 s vs. 34.8 ± 2.89 s, p = 0.007) and engaged in multi-dimensional nose sweeping and sniffing (2.2 ± 0.58 episodes vs. 5.5 ± 0.96 episodes, p = 0.03) than sham controls. CONCLUSIONS These pilot findings of harmonized translational and precision biobehavioral assays provide an opportunity for increased expediency of clinical trials at the earliest stages of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Gerner
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Vera Joanna Burton
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA (S.R.); (L.L.J.)
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA (S.R.); (L.L.J.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA (S.R.); (L.L.J.)
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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6
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Kitase Y, Madurai NK, Hamimi S, Hellinger RL, Odukoya OA, Ramachandra S, Muthukumar S, Vasan V, Sevensky R, Kirk SE, Gall A, Heck T, Ozen M, Orsburn BC, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Chorioamnionitis disrupts erythropoietin and melatonin homeostasis through the placental-fetal-brain axis during critical developmental periods. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1201699. [PMID: 37546540 PMCID: PMC10398572 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1201699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Novel therapeutics are emerging to mitigate damage from perinatal brain injury (PBI). Few newborns with PBI suffer from a singular etiology. Most experience cumulative insults from prenatal inflammation, genetic and epigenetic vulnerability, toxins (opioids, other drug exposures, environmental exposure), hypoxia-ischemia, and postnatal stressors such as sepsis and seizures. Accordingly, tailoring of emerging therapeutic regimens with endogenous repair or neuro-immunomodulatory agents for individuals requires a more precise understanding of ligand, receptor-, and non-receptor-mediated regulation of essential developmental hormones. Given the recent clinical focus on neurorepair for PBI, we hypothesized that there would be injury-induced changes in erythropoietin (EPO), erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), melatonin receptor (MLTR), NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) signaling, and hypoxia inducible factors (HIF1α, HIF2α). Specifically, we predicted that EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α alterations after chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) would reflect relative changes observed in human preterm infants. Similarly, we expected unique developmental regulation after injury that would reveal potential clues to mechanisms and timing of inflammatory and oxidative injury after CHORIO that could inform future therapeutic development to treat PBI. Methods: To induce CHORIO, a laparotomy was performed on embryonic day 18 (E18) in rats with transient uterine artery occlusion plus intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Placentae and fetal brains were collected at 24 h. Brains were also collected on postnatal day 2 (P2), P7, and P21. EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α levels were quantified using a clinical electrochemiluminescent biomarker platform, qPCR, and/or RNAscope. MLT levels were quantified with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Examination of EPO, EPOR, and MLTR1 at 24 h showed that while placental levels of EPO and MLTR1 mRNA were decreased acutely after CHORIO, cerebral levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1 mRNA were increased compared to control. Notably, CHORIO brains at P2 were SIRT1 mRNA deficient with increased HIF1α and HIF2α despite normalized levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1, and in the presence of elevated serum EPO levels. Uniquely, brain levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1 shifted at P7 and P21, with prominent CHORIO-induced changes in mRNA expression. Reductions at P21 were concomitant with increased serum EPO levels in CHORIO rats compared to controls and variable MLT levels. Discussion: These data reveal that commensurate with robust inflammation through the maternal placental-fetal axis, CHORIO impacts EPO, MLT, SIRT1, and HIF signal transduction defined by dynamic changes in EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α mRNA, and EPO protein. Notably, ligand-receptor mismatch, tissue compartment differential regulation, and non-receptor-mediated signaling highlight the importance, complexity and nuance of neural and immune cell development and provide essential clues to mechanisms of injury in PBI. As the placenta, immune cells, and neural cells share many common, developmentally regulated signal transduction pathways, further studies are needed to clarify the perinatal dynamics of EPO and MLT signaling and to capitalize on therapies that target endogenous neurorepair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nethra K. Madurai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Hamimi
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ryan L. Hellinger
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - O. Angel Odukoya
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sindhu Ramachandra
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sankar Muthukumar
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Vasan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Riley Sevensky
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shannon E. Kirk
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexander Gall
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Timothy Heck
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maide Ozen
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Orsburn
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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7
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Chin EM, Kitase Y, Madurai NK, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. In utero methadone exposure permanently alters anatomical and functional connectivity: A preclinical evaluation. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1139378. [PMID: 36911026 PMCID: PMC9995894 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1139378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and children born following prenatal opioid exposure (POE) have increased risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae. Clinical studies have identified reduced gray matter volume and abnormal white matter microstructure in children with POE but impacts on whole-brain functional brain connectivity (FC) have not been reported. To define effects of POE on whole brain FC and white matter injury in adult animals, we performed quantitative whole-brain structural and functional MRI. We used an established rat model of POE in which we have previously reported impaired executive function in adult rats analogous to persistent neurocognitive symptoms described in humans with POE. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat dams received continuous methadone (12 mg/kg/day) vs. saline infusion for 28 days via osmotic mini-pumps, exposing rats to pre- and postnatal opioid until weaning. At young adult age (P60), POE and saline exposed offspring underwent in vivo MRI included diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI (fMRI). Results indicate that fractional anisotropy (FA) was decreased in adult animals with POE [n = 11] compared to animals that received saline [n = 9] in major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (p < 0.001) and external capsule (p < 0.01). This change in FA was concomitant with reduced axial diffusivity in the external capsule (p < 0.01) and increased radial diffusivity in the corpus callosum (p < 0.01). fMRI analyses reveal brainwide FC was diffusely lower in POE (p < 10-6; 10% of variance explained by group). Decreased connectivity in cortical-cortical and cortico-basal ganglia circuitry was particularly prominent with large effect sizes (Glass's Δ > 1). Taken together, these data confirm POE reduces brainwide functional connectivity as well as microstructural integrity of major white matter tracts. Altered neural circuitry, dysregulated network refinement, and diffuse network dysfunction have been implicated in executive function deficits that are common in children with POE. FC may serve as a translatable biomarker in children with POE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Chin
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nethra K. Madurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Correspondence: Lauren L. Jantzie
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8
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Robinson S, Winer JL, Kitase Y, Brigman JL, Jantzie LL. Neonatal administration of erythropoietin attenuates cognitive deficits in adult rats following placental insufficiency. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:2112-2126. [PMID: 33611820 PMCID: PMC10097461 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a principal cause of neurological disability later in life, including cognitive and behavioral deficits. Notably, cognitive impairment has greater impact on quality of life than physical disability. Survivors of preterm birth commonly have deficits of executive function. Difficulties with tasks and planning complexity correlate positively with increasing disability. To overcome these barriers for children born preterm, preclinical and clinical studies have emphasized the importance of neurorestoration. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a endogenous cytokine with multiple beneficial mechanisms of action following perinatal brain injury. While most preclinical investigations have focused on pathology and molecular mechanisms, translational studies of repair using clinically viable biobehavioral biomarkers are still lacking. Here, using an established model of encephalopathy of prematurity secondary to placental insufficiency, we tested the hypothesis that administration of EPO in the neonatal period would attenuate deficits in recognition memory and cognitive flexibility in adult rats of both sexes. We assessed cognition and executive function in two ways. First, using the classic test of novel object recognition and second, using a touchscreen platform. Touchscreen testing allows for rigorous testing of cognition and executive function in preclinical and clinical scenarios. Data show that adult rats exhibit deficits in recognition memory and cognitive flexibility following in utero placental insufficiency. Notably, neonatal treatment of EPO attenuates these deficits in adulthood and facilitates functional repair. Together, these data validate EPO neurorestoration using a clinically relevant outcome measure and support the concept that postnatal treatment following in utero injury can improve cognition and executive function through adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jesse L Winer
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan L Brigman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Newville J, Howard TA, Chavez GJ, Valenzuela CF, Cunningham LA. Persistent myelin abnormalities in a third trimester-equivalent mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:77-86. [PMID: 34825395 PMCID: PMC8799509 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal diffusion within white matter (WM) tracts has been linked to cognitive impairment in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Whether changes to myelin organization and structure underlie the observed abnormal diffusion patterns remains unknown. Using a third trimester-equivalent mouse model of alcohol exposure, we previously demonstrated acute loss of oligodendrocyte lineage cells with persistent loss of myelin basic protein and lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum (CC). Here, we tested whether these WM deficits are accompanied by changes in: (i) axial diffusion (AD) and radial diffusion (RD), (ii) myelin ultrastructure, or (iii) structural components of the node of Ranvier. METHODS Mouse pups were exposed to alcohol or air vapor for 4 h daily from postnatal day (P)3 to P15 (BEC: 160.4 ± 12.0 mg/dl; range = 128.2 to 185.6 mg/dl). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and histological analyses were performed on brain tissue isolated at P50. Diffusion parameters were measured with Paravision™ 5.1 software (Bruker) following ex vivo scanning in a 7.0 T MRI. Nodes of Ranvier were identified using high-resolution confocal imaging of immunofluorescence for Nav 1.6 (nodes) and Caspr (paranodes) and measured using Imaris™ imaging software (Bitplane). Myelin ultrastructure was evaluated by calculating the G-ratio (axonal diameter/myelinated fiber diameter) on images acquired using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Consistent with our previous study, high resolution DTI at P50 showed lower FA in the CC of alcohol-exposed mice (p = 0.0014). Here, we show that while AD (diffusion parallel to CC axons) was similar between treatment groups (p = 0.30), RD (diffusion perpendicular to CC axons) in alcohol-exposed subjects was significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.0087). In the posterior CC, where we identified the highest degree of abnormal diffusion, node of Ranvier length did not differ between treatment groups (p = 0.41); however, the G-ratio of myelinated axons was significantly higher in alcohol-exposed animals than controls (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS High resolution DTI revealed higher RD at P50 in the CC of alcohol-exposed animals, suggesting less myelination of axons, particularly in the posterior regions. In agreement with these findings, ultrastructural analysis of myelinated axons in the posterior CC showed reduced myelin thickness in alcohol-exposed animals, evidenced by a higher G-ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Newville
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Tamara A. Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Glenna J. Chavez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - C. Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Lee Anna Cunningham
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
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10
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Ochozková A, Mihalčíková L, Yamamotová A, Šlamberová R. Can prenatal methamphetamine exposure be considered a good animal model for ADHD? Physiol Res 2021; 70:S431-S440. [PMID: 35099261 PMCID: PMC8884398 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder with a heterogeneous origin with a global incidence that continues to grow. Its causes and pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. It includes a combination of persistent symptoms such as difficulty in concentration, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Maternal methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a serious problem worldwide, it can lead to behavioral changes in their offspring that have similarities with behavioral changes seen in children with ADHD. There are several types of ADHD animal models, e.g. genetic models, pharmacologically, chemically and exogenously induced models. One of the exogenously induced ADHD models is the hypoxia-induced model. Our studies, as well as those of others, have demonstrated that maternal MA exposure can lead to abnormalities in the placenta and umbilical cord that result in prenatal hypoxia as well as fetal malnutrition that can result in irreversible changes to experimental animals. Therefore, the aim the present study was to compare the cognitive impairments in MA exposure model with those in established model of ADHD - prenatal hypoxia model, to test whether MA exposure is a valid model of ADHD. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups based on their gestational exposure to MA: (1) daily subcutaneous injections of MA (5 mg/kg), (2) saline injections at the same time and volume, (3) daily 1-hr hypoxia (10 % O2), and (4) no gestational exposure (controls). Male rat offspring were tested for short-term memory in the Novel Object Recognition Test and the Object Location Test between postnatal days 35 and 40. Also their locomotor activity in both tests was measured. Based on the present results, it seems that prenatal MA exposure is not the best animal model for ADHD since it shows corresponding symptoms only in certain measures. Given our previous results supporting our hypothesis, more experiments are needed to further test possible use of prenatal MA exposure as an animal model of the ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ochozková
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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11
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Kitase Y, Chin EM, Ramachandra S, Burkhardt C, Madurai NK, Lenz C, Hoon AH, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Sustained peripheral immune hyper-reactivity (SPIHR): an enduring biomarker of altered inflammatory responses in adult rats after perinatal brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:242. [PMID: 34666799 PMCID: PMC8527679 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) is a principal risk factor for preterm birth and is the most common pathological abnormality found in the placentae of preterm infants. CHORIO has a multitude of effects on the maternal–placental–fetal axis including profound inflammation. Cumulatively, these changes trigger injury in the developing immune and central nervous systems, thereby increasing susceptibility to chronic sequelae later in life. Despite this and reports of neural–immune changes in children with cerebral palsy, the extent and chronicity of the peripheral immune and neuroinflammatory changes secondary to CHORIO has not been fully characterized. Methods We examined the persistence and time course of peripheral immune hyper-reactivity in an established and translational model of perinatal brain injury (PBI) secondary to CHORIO. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats underwent laparotomy on embryonic day 18 (E18, preterm equivalent). Uterine arteries were occluded for 60 min, followed by intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at young adult (postnatal day P60) and middle-aged equivalents (P120). Serum and PBMCs secretome chemokines and cytokines were assayed using multiplex electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Multiparameter flow cytometry was performed to interrogate immune cell populations. Results Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-5, IL-6, C–X–C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) were significantly higher in CHORIO animals compared to sham controls at P60. Notably, CHORIO PBMCs were primed. Specifically, they were hyper-reactive and secreted more inflammatory mediators both at baseline and when stimulated in vitro. While serum levels of cytokines normalized by P120, PBMCs remained primed, and hyper-reactive with a robust pro-inflammatory secretome concomitant with a persistent change in multiple T cell populations in CHORIO animals. Conclusions The data indicate that an in utero inflammatory insult leads to neural–immune changes that persist through adulthood, thereby conferring vulnerability to brain and immune system injury throughout the lifespan. This unique molecular and cellular immune signature including sustained peripheral immune hyper-reactivity (SPIHR) and immune cell priming may be a viable biomarker of altered inflammatory responses following in utero insults and advances our understanding of the neuroinflammatory cascade that leads to perinatal brain injury and later neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric M Chin
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sindhu Ramachandra
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Burkhardt
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nethra K Madurai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colleen Lenz
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander H Hoon
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Semple BD, Raghupathi R. A Pro-social Pill? The Potential of Pharmacological Treatments to Improve Social Outcomes After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2021; 12:714253. [PMID: 34489853 PMCID: PMC8417315 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.714253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of injury-induced disability in young children worldwide, and social behavior impairments in this population are a significant challenge for affected patients and their families. The protracted trajectory of secondary injury processes triggered by a TBI during early life-alongside ongoing developmental maturation-offers an extended time window when therapeutic interventions may yield functional benefits. This mini-review explores the scarce but promising pre-clinical literature to date demonstrating that social behavior impairments after early life brain injuries can be modified by drug therapies. Compounds that provide broad neuroprotection, such as those targeting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, axonal injury and/or myelination, may prevent social behavior impairments by reducing secondary neuropathology. Alternatively, targeted treatments that promote affiliative behaviors, exemplified by the neuropeptide oxytocin, may reduce the impact of social dysfunction after pediatric TBI. Complementary literature from other early life neurodevelopmental conditions such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy also provides avenues for future research in neurotrauma. Knowledge gaps in this emerging field are highlighted throughout, toward the goal of accelerating translational research to support optimal social functioning after a TBI during early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Prahran, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ramesh Raghupathi
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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13
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Youssef MI, Ma J, Chen Z, Hu WW. Potential therapeutic agents for ischemic white matter damage. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105116. [PMID: 34229025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic white matter damage (WMD) is increasingly being considered as one of the major causes of neurological disorders in older adults and preterm infants. The functional consequences of WMD triggers a progressive cognitive decline and dementia particularly in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Despite the major stride made in the pathogenesis mechanisms of ischemic WMD in the last century, effective medications are still not available. So, there is an urgent need to explore a promising approach to slow the progression or modify its pathological course. In this review, we discussed the animal models, the pathological mechanisms and the potential therapeutic agents for ischemic WMD. The development in the studies of anti-oxidants, free radical scavengers, anti-inflammatory or anti-apoptotic agents and neurotrophic factors in ischemic WMD were summarized. The agents which either alleviate oligodendrocyte damage or promote its proliferation or differentiation may have potential value for the treatment of ischemic WMD. Moreover, drugs with multifaceted protective activities or a wide therapeutic window may be optimal for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, PR China.
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China.
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14
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Sun WM, Ma CL, Xu J, He JP. Reduction in post-spinal cord injury spasticity by combination of peripheral nerve grafting and acidic fibroblast growth factor infusion in monkeys. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211022294. [PMID: 34154433 PMCID: PMC8236803 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211022294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spasticity is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury (SCI), but the existing therapies provide only limited relief and are associated with adverse reactions. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel strategy to ameliorate the spasticity induced by SCI. METHODS This nonrandomized controlled study used a repeated measurement design. The study involved four monkeys, two of which served as controls and only underwent spinal cord hemisection surgery at the T8 spine level. The other two monkeys underwent transplantation of sural nerve segments into the injured sites and long-term infusion of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF). All monkeys received postoperative exercise training and therapy. RESULTS The combined therapy substantially reduced the spasticity in leg muscle tone, patella tendon reflex, and fanning of toes. Although all monkeys showed spontaneous recovery of function over time, the recovery in the controls reached a plateau and started to decline after 11 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The combination of peripheral nerve grafting and aFGF infusion may serve as a complementary approach to reduce the signs of spasticity in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Sun
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chao-Lin Ma
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Ping He
- Center for Neural Interface Design, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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15
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Dhillon SK, Wassink G, Lear CA, Davidson JO, Gunn AJ, Bennet L. Adverse neural effects of delayed, intermittent treatment with rEPO after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep. J Physiol 2021; 599:3593-3609. [PMID: 34032286 DOI: 10.1113/jp281269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS We have previously shown that high-dose constant infusion of recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) from 30 min to 72 h after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep reduced histological injury and improved electrophysiological recovery. This study shows that a high-dose infusion of rEPO from 6 to 72 h after asphyxia did not improve EEG recovery, oligodendrocyte and neuronal survival at 1 week post-asphyxia. Of concern, intermittent rEPO boluses started 6 h after asphyxia were associated with impaired EEG recovery and bilateral cystic injury of temporal lobe intragyral white matter. Intermittent boluses of rEPO were associated with significantly increased cerebral vascular resistance and hypoperfusion, particularly after the first dose, but did not affect seizures, suggesting mismatch between perfusion and brain activity. ABSTRACT Recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) is a promising treatment for hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Disappointingly, a large randomized controlled trial in preterm infants found that prophylactic, repeated high-dose rEPO boluses started within 24 h of birth did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. We examined whether initiation of a continuous infusion of rEPO at the end of the latent phase after hypoxic-ischaemia (HI) might improve outcomes compared with intermittent bolus injections. Chronically instrumented preterm (0.7 gestation) fetal sheep received sham asphyxia or asphyxia induced by complete umbilical cord occlusion for 25 min. Six hours after asphyxia, fetuses received either a continuous infusion of rEPO (loading dose 2000 IU, infusion at 520 IU/h) from 6 to 72 h post-asphyxia or intravenous saline or 5000 IU rEPO, with repeated doses every 48 h for 5 days. Continuous infusion of rEPO did not improve EEG recovery, oligodendrocyte and neuronal survival at 1 week post-asphyxia. By contrast, intermittent rEPO boluses were associated with impaired EEG recovery and bilateral cystic injury of temporal lobe intragyral white matter in 6/8 fetuses. These studies demonstrate for the first time that initiation of intermittent rEPO boluses 6 h after HI, at a dose comparable with recent clinical trials, exacerbated neural injury. These data reinforce the importance of early initiation of many potential neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Wassink
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Joanne O Davidson
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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16
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Sanches EF, Carvalho AS, van de Looij Y, Toulotte A, Wyse AT, Netto CA, Sizonenko SV. Experimental cerebral palsy causes microstructural brain damage in areas associated to motor deficits but no spatial memory impairments in the developing rat. Brain Res 2021; 1761:147389. [PMID: 33639200 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral palsy (CP) is the major cause of motor and cognitive impairments during childhood. CP can result from direct or indirect structural injury to the developing brain. In this study, we aimed to describe brain damage and behavioural alterations during early adult life in a CP model using the combination of maternal inflammation, perinatal anoxia and postnatal sensorimotor restriction. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with 200 µg/kg LPS at embryonic days E18 and E19. Between 3 and 6 h after birth (postnatal day 0 - PND0), pups of both sexes were exposed to anoxia for 20 min. From postnatal day 2 to 21, hindlimbs of animals were immobilized for 16 h daily during their active phase. From PND40, locomotor and cognitive tests were performed using Rota-Rod, Ladder Walking and Morris water Maze. Ex-vivo MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) were used to assess macro and microstructural damage and brain volume alterations induced by the model. Myelination and expression of neuronal, astroglial and microglial markers, as well as apoptotic cell death were evaluated by immunofluorescence. RESULTS CP animals showed decreased body weight, deficits in gross (rota-rod) and fine (ladder walking) motor tasks compared to Controls. No cognitive impairments were observed. Ex-vivo MRI showed decreased brain volumes and impaired microstructure in the cingulate gyrus and sensory cortex in CP brains. Histological analysis showed increased cell death, astrocytic reactivity and decreased thickness of the corpus callosum and altered myelination in CP animals. Hindlimb primary motor cortex analysis showed increased apoptosis in CP animals. Despite the increase in NeuN and GFAP, no differences between groups were observed as well as no co-localization with the apoptotic marker. However, an increase in Iba-1+ microglia with co-localization to cleaved caspase 3 was observed. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that experimental CP induces long-term brain microstructural alterations in myelinated structures, cell death in the hindlimb primary motor cortex and locomotor impairments. Such new evidence of brain damage could help to better understand CP pathophysiological mechanisms and guide further research for neuroprotective and neurorehabilitative strategies for CP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Sanches
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A S Carvalho
- Post-graduation Program of Neuroscience, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Y van de Looij
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Biomedical Imaging - Animal Imaging and Technology (CIBM-AIT), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Toulotte
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A T Wyse
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - C A Netto
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - S V Sizonenko
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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17
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Yates N, Gunn AJ, Bennet L, Dhillon SK, Davidson JO. Preventing Brain Injury in the Preterm Infant-Current Controversies and Potential Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1671. [PMID: 33562339 PMCID: PMC7915709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality including brain damage and cerebral palsy. The development of brain injury in the preterm infant may be influenced by many factors including perinatal asphyxia, infection/inflammation, chronic hypoxia and exposure to treatments such as mechanical ventilation and corticosteroids. There are currently very limited treatment options available. In clinical trials, magnesium sulfate has been associated with a small, significant reduction in the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in early childhood but no effect on the combined outcome of death or disability, and longer-term follow up to date has not shown improved neurological outcomes in school-age children. Recombinant erythropoietin has shown neuroprotective potential in preclinical studies but two large randomized trials, in extremely preterm infants, of treatment started within 24 or 48 h of birth showed no effect on the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment or death at 2 years of age. Preclinical studies have highlighted a number of promising neuroprotective treatments, such as therapeutic hypothermia, melatonin, human amnion epithelial cells, umbilical cord blood and vitamin D supplementation, which may be useful at reducing brain damage in preterm infants. Moreover, refinements of clinical care of preterm infants have the potential to influence later neurological outcomes, including the administration of antenatal and postnatal corticosteroids and more accurate identification and targeted treatment of seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Yates
- The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- The Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.J.G.); (L.B.); (S.K.D.)
| | - Laura Bennet
- The Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.J.G.); (L.B.); (S.K.D.)
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- The Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.J.G.); (L.B.); (S.K.D.)
| | - Joanne O. Davidson
- The Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.J.G.); (L.B.); (S.K.D.)
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18
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Fleiss B, Gressens P, Stolp HB. Cortical Gray Matter Injury in Encephalopathy of Prematurity: Link to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurol 2020; 11:575. [PMID: 32765390 PMCID: PMC7381224 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm-born infants frequently suffer from an array of neurological damage, collectively termed encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP). They also have an increased risk of presenting with a neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) later in life. It is hypothesized that it is the gray matter injury to the cortex, in addition to white matter injury, in EoP that is responsible for the altered behavior and cognition in these individuals. However, although it is established that gray matter injury occurs in infants following preterm birth, the exact nature of these changes is not fully elucidated. Here we will review the current state of knowledge in this field, amalgamating data from both clinical and preclinical studies. This will be placed in the context of normal processes of developmental biology and the known pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic tactics required integration of this information so that in the future we can combine mechanism-based approaches with patient stratification to ensure the most efficacious and cost-effective clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Fleiss
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- PremUP, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- PremUP, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen B. Stolp
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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19
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The Effect of Size, Maturation, Global Asphyxia, Cerebral Ischemia, and Therapeutic Hypothermia on the Pharmacokinetics of High-Dose Recombinant Erythropoietin in Fetal Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093042. [PMID: 32344930 PMCID: PMC7247678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose human recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) is a promising potential neuroprotective treatment in preterm and full-term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). There are limited data on the pharmacokinetics of high-dose rEPO in neonates. We examined the effects of body weight, gestation age, global asphyxia, cerebral ischemia, hypothermia and exogenous rEPO on the pharmacokinetics of high-dose rEPO in fetal sheep. Near-term fetal sheep on gestation day 129 (0.87 gestation) (full term 147 days) received sham-ischemia (n = 5) or cerebral ischemia for 30 min followed by treatment with vehicle (n = 4), rEPO (n = 8) or combined treatment with rEPO and hypothermia (n = 8). Preterm fetal sheep on gestation day 104 (0.7 gestation) received sham-asphyxia (n = 1) or complete umbilical cord occlusion for 25 min followed by i.v. infusion of vehicle (n = 8) or rEPO (n = 27) treatment. rEPO was given as a loading bolus, followed by a prolonged continuous infusion for 66 to 71.5 h in preterm and near-term fetuses. A further group of preterm fetal sheep received repeated bolus injections of rEPO (n = 8). The plasma concentrations of rEPO were best described by a pharmacokinetic model that included first-order and mixed-order elimination with linear maturation of elimination with gestation age. There were no detectable effects of therapeutic hypothermia, cerebral ischemia, global asphyxia or exogenous treatment on rEPO pharmacokinetics. The increase in rEPO elimination with gestation age suggests that to maintain target exposure levels during prolonged treatment, the dose of rEPO may have to be adjusted to match the increase in size and growth. These results are important for designing and understanding future studies of neuroprotection with high-dose rEPO.
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20
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Erythropoietin induces synaptogenesis and neurite repair after hypoxia ischemia-mediated brain injury in neonatal rats. Neuroreport 2020; 30:783-789. [PMID: 31261238 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The memory dysfunction is one of the disastrous outcomes for perinatal hypoxia ischemia. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been demonstrated as a neuroprotective agent with multiple effects in a series of neurological diseases. We hypothesized that disruption of neural network including synapses and neurites would contribute to memory dysfunction induced by hypoxia ischemia. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the involvement of EPO on synaptogenesis and neurite repair following perinatal hypoxia ischemia. Using a neonatal hypoxia ischemia rat model, we found that EPO rescued hypoxia ischemia-induced decrease of synaptic proteins including Synapsin1 and PSD95 rather than GluR1 in the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, EPO reduced the expression of APP (an axonal injury marker), induced the expression of microtubule-associated protein MAP-2 (a dendritic marker), and restored axonal density after hypoxia ischemia. These changes contributed to improving electrophysiological properties of synapses and spatial memory performance. In summary, our data revealed an important role of EPO in synaptogenesis and neurite repair, providing a new insight into cellular mechanisms underlying cognitive and memory dysfunction associated with perinatal hypoxia ischemia.
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21
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Yang L, Zhao H, Cui H. Treatment and new progress of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:929-936. [PMID: 32167570 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic ischemia (HI) results in different extents of brain damage, and immature brain tissue is particularly sensitive to the stimulation of HI. Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a common and serious nervous system disease in neonates, for both full-term infants and preterm infants, and is one of the main causes of neonatal death. The surviving infants are often associated with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and other sequelae, which severely affect quality of life. For term infants, hypoxia and ischemia mainly affect gray matter, whereas in preterm infants, the white matter. However, up to now, inadequate standards and specific measures that can be used to treat hypoxic-ischemic brain injury are available. Recently, in addition to supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment, research on the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury has focused on the following aspects: hypothermia therapy, stem cell therapy, neuroprotective agents, ibuprofen, and combination therapy. In this review, we will summarize the treatment of HIBD and make suggestions for the future treatment direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hehua Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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22
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Maxwell JR, Yellowhair TR, Davies S, Rogers DA, McCarson KL, Savage DD, Jantzie LL. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Chorioamnionitis Results in Microstructural Brain Injury in a Preclinical Investigation. ANNALS OF PEDIATRIC RESEARCH 2020; 4:1031. [PMID: 33073262 PMCID: PMC7560999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) impacts 2% to 5% of infants born in the United States yearly. Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy have a five-fold increased rate of Chorioamnionitis (CHORIO). Both PAE and CHORIO cause microstructural injury to multiple brain regions including major white matter tracts. OBJECTIVE Utilizing two previously established animal models, we hypothesized that the combination of PAE+CHORIO would result in greater deficits in myelination and structural integrity than PAE alone. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pregnant Long-Evans rats voluntarily drank 5% ethanol or saccharin until Gestational Day 19 (GD). On GD19, CHORIO was induced in one group of PAE dams by a 30 min uterine artery occlusion and injection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into each amniotic sac. The remaining PAE dams and saccharin controls underwent sham surgery. Pups were born on GD22 and weaned on Postnatal Day 24 (PD). On PD28, offspring were sacrificed, and their brains examined using ex-vivo Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). RESULTS Compared to control, PAE alone did not affect offspring birth weights, mortality or any DTI measures. In contrast, PAE+CHORIO significantly reduced offspring survival and, in surviving pups, increased Radial Diffusivity (RD) in medial frontal cortex and decreased Fractional Anisotropy (FA) in medial and ventral frontal cortex and within capsular regions. CONCLUSION The combination of moderate PAE+CHORIO results in an increased mortality, concomitant with diffuse microstructural brain injury noted in young adolescent offspring at PD28. Future studies should examine the extent to which PAE exacerbates the damage caused by CHORIO alone and whether these deficits persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Suzy Davies
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Krystle L McCarson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA
| | - Daniel D Savage
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
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23
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Jantzie LL, Maxwell JR, Newville JC, Yellowhair TR, Kitase Y, Madurai N, Ramachandra S, Bakhireva LN, Northington FJ, Gerner G, Tekes A, Milio LA, Brigman JL, Robinson S, Allan A. Prenatal opioid exposure: The next neonatal neuroinflammatory disease. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 84:45-58. [PMID: 31765790 PMCID: PMC7010550 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The rates of opioid use disorder during pregnancy have more than quadrupled in the last decade, resulting in numerous infants suffering exposure to opioids during the perinatal period, a critical period of central nervous system (CNS) development. Despite increasing use, the characterization and definition of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the long-term neurodevelopmental impacts of opioid exposure commencing in utero remains incomplete. Thus, in consideration of the looming public health crisis stemming from the multitude of infants with prenatal opioid exposure entering school age, we undertook an investigation of the effects of perinatal methadone exposure in a novel preclinical model. Specifically, we examined the effects of opioids on the developing brain to elucidate mechanisms of putative neural cell injury, to identify diagnostic biomarkers and to guide clinical studies of outcome and follow-up. We hypothesized that methadone would induce a pronounced inflammatory profile in both dams and their pups, and be associated with immune system dysfunction, sustained CNS injury, and altered cognition and executive function into adulthood. This investigation was conducted using a combination of cellular, molecular, biochemical, and clinically translatable biomarker, imaging and cognitive assessment platforms. Data reveal that perinatal methadone exposure increases inflammatory cytokines in the neonatal peripheral circulation, and reprograms and primes the immune system through sustained peripheral immune hyperreactivity. In the brain, perinatal methadone exposure not only increases chemokines and cytokines throughout a crucial developmental period, but also alters microglia morphology consistent with activation, and upregulates TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA. This increase in neuroinflammation coincides with reduced myelin basic protein and altered neurofilament expression, as well as reduced structural coherence and significantly decreased fractional anisotropy on diffusion tensor imaging. In addition to this microstructural brain injury, adult rats exposed to methadone in the perinatal period have significant impairment in associative learning and executive control as assessed using touchscreen technology. Collectively, these data reveal a distinct systemic and neuroinflammatory signature associated with prenatal methadone exposure, suggestive of an altered CNS microenvironment, dysregulated developmental homeostasis, complex concurrent neural injury, and imaging and cognitive findings consistent with clinical literature. Further investigation is required to define appropriate therapies targeted at the neural injury and improve the long-term outcomes for this exceedingly vulnerable patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM.,Correspondence: Lauren L. Jantzie, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building Room 6-104A, Baltimore, MD 21287,
| | - Jessie R. Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Jessie C. Newville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Tracylyn R. Yellowhair
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nethra Madurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sindhu Ramachandra
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ludmila N. Bakhireva
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM
| | | | - Gwendolyn Gerner
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aylin Tekes
- Division of Pediatric Radiology and Pediatric Neuroradiology, Russell Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lorraine A. Milio
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jonathan L. Brigman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrea Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
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24
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Yellowhair TR, Newville JC, Noor S, Maxwell JR, Milligan ED, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. CXCR2 Blockade Mitigates Neural Cell Injury Following Preclinical Chorioamnionitis. Front Physiol 2019; 10:324. [PMID: 31001130 PMCID: PMC6454349 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimizing central nervous system (CNS) injury from preterm birth depends upon identification of the critical pathways that underlie essential neurodevelopmental and CNS pathophysiology. While chorioamnionitis (CHORIO), is a leading cause of preterm birth, the precise mechanism linking prenatal brain injury and long-term CNS injury is unknown. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and its cognate receptor, CXCR2, are implicated in a variety of uterine and neuropathologies, however, their role in CNS injury associated with preterm birth is poorly defined. To evaluate the putative efficacy of CXCR2 blockade in neural repair secondary to CHORIO, we tested the hypothesis that transient postnatal CXCR2 antagonism would reduce neutrophil activation and mitigate cerebral microstructural injury in rats. To this end, a laparotomy was performed on embryonic day 18 (E18) in Sprague Dawley rats, with uterine arteries transiently occluded for 60 min, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 μg/sac) injected into each amniotic sac. SB225002, a CXCR2 antagonist (3 mg/kg), was administered intraperitoneally from postnatal day 1 (P1)-P5. Brains were collected on P7 and P21 and analyzed with western blot, immunohistochemistry and ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results demonstrate that transient CXCR2 blockade reduced cerebral neutrophil activation (myeloperoxidase expression/MPO) and mitigated connexin43 expression, indicative of reduced neuroinflammation at P7 (p < 0.05 for all). CXCR2 blockade also reduced alpha II-spectrin calpain-mediated cleavage, improved pNF/NF ratio, and minimized Iba1 and GFAP expression consistent with improved neuronal and axonal health and reduced gliosis at P21. Importantly, DTI revealed diffuse white matter injury and decreased microstructural integrity following CHORIO as indicated by lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and elevated radial diffusivity (RD) in major white matter tracts (p < 0.05). Early postnatal CXCR2 blockade also reduced microstructural abnormalities in white matter and hippocampus at P21 (p < 0.05). Together, these data indicate that transient postnatal blockade of CXCR2 ameliorates perinatal abnormalities in inflammatory signaling, and facilitates neural repair following CHORIO. Further characterization of neuroinflammatory signaling, specifically via CXCL1/CXCR2 through the placental-fetal-brain axis, may clarify stratification of brain injury following preterm birth, and improve use of targeted interventions in this highly vulnerable patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracylyn R. Yellowhair
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jessie C. Newville
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Shahani Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jessie R. Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Erin D. Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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25
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Yellowhair TR, Noor S, Mares B, Jose C, Newville JC, Maxwell JR, Northington FJ, Milligan ED, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Chorioamnionitis in Rats Precipitates Extended Postnatal Inflammatory Lymphocyte Hyperreactivity. Dev Neurosci 2019; 40:1-11. [PMID: 30921800 PMCID: PMC6765467 DOI: 10.1159/000497273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is an important cause of perinatal brain injury (PBI). Neurological injury in extremely preterm infants often begins in utero with chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) or inflammation/infection of the placenta and concomitant placental insufficiency. Studies in humans have shown dysregulated inflammatory signaling throughout the placental-fetal brain axis and altered peripheral immune responses in children born preterm with cerebral palsy (CP). We hypothesized that peripheral immune responses would be altered in our well-established rat model of CP. Specifically, we proposed that isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would be hyperresponsive to a second hit of inflammation throughout an extended postnatal time course. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley dams underwent a laparotomy on embryonic day 18 (E18) with occlusion of the uterine arteries (for 60 min) followed by intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 μg/sac) to induce injury in utero. Shams underwent laparotomy only, with equivalent duration of anesthesia. Laparotomies were then closed, and the rat pups were born at E22. PBMCs were isolated from pups on postnatal day 7 (P7) and P21, and subsequently stimulated in vitro with LPS for 3 or 24 h. A secreted inflammatory profile analysis of conditioned media was performed using multiplex electrochemiluminescent immunoassays, and the composition of inflammatory cells was assayed with flow cytometry (FC). Results indicate that CHORIO PBMCs challenged with LPS are hyperreactive and secrete significantly more tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and C-X-C chemokine ligand 1 at P7. FC confirmed increased intracellular TNFα in CHORIO pups at P7 following LPS stimulation, in addition to increased numbers of CD11b/c immunopositive myeloid cells. Notably, TNFα secretion was sustained until P21, with increased interleukin 6, concomitant with increased expression of integrin β1, suggesting both sustained peripheral immune hyperreactivity and a heightened activation state. Taken together, these data indicate that in utero injury primes the immune system and augments enhanced inflammatory signaling. The insidious effects of primed peripheral immune cells may compound PBI secondary to CHORIO and/or placental insufficiency, and thereby render the brain susceptible to future chronic neurological disease. Further understanding of inflammatory mechanisms in PBI may yield clinically important biomarkers and facilitate individualized repair strategies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracylyn R Yellowhair
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shahani Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Brittney Mares
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Clement Jose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jessie C Newville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Frances J Northington
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erin D Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA,
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA,
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,
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26
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Chavez-Valdez R, Mottahedin A, Stridh L, Yellowhair TR, Jantzie LL, Northington FJ, Mallard C. Evidence for Sexual Dimorphism in the Response to TLR3 Activation in the Developing Neonatal Mouse Brain: A Pilot Study. Front Physiol 2019; 10:306. [PMID: 30971945 PMCID: PMC6443881 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 activation during the neonatal period produces responses linked to the origins of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although there is sexual dimorphism in neuropsychiatric disorders, it is unknown if brain responses to TLR3 activation are sex-specific. We hypothesized that poly I:C in a post-natal day (P)8 model induces a sexually dimorphic inflammatory responses. C57BL6 mice received intraperitoneal injection of poly I:C (10 mg/kg) or vehicle [normal saline (NS)] at P8. Pups were killed at 6 or 14 h for caspase 3 and 8 activity assays, NFkB ELISA, IRF3, AP1, and GFAP western blotting and cytokines/chemokines gene expression real time qRT-PCR (4–6/group). A second group of pups were killed at 24 h (P9) or 7 days (P15) after poly I:C to assess astrocytic (GFAP) and microglia (Iba1) activation in the hippocampus, thalamus and cortex using immunohistochemistry, and gene and protein expression of cytokines/chemokines using real time RT-PCR and MSD, respectively (4–6/group). Non-parametric analysis was applied. Six hours after poly I:C, caspase-3 and -8 activities in cytosolic fractions were 1.6 and 2.8-fold higher in poly I:C-treated than in NS-treated female mice, respectively, while gene expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in both sexes. After poly I:C, IRF3 nuclear translocation occurred earlier (6 h) in female mice and later (14 h) in male mice. At 14 h after poly I:C, only male mice also had increased nuclear NFκB levels (88%, p < 0.001) and GFAP expression coinciding with persistent IL-6 and FAS gene upregulation (110 and 77%, respectively; p < 0.001) and IL-10 gene downregulation (-42%, p < 0.05). At 24 h after poly I:C, IL-1β, CXCL-10, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were similarly increased in both sexes but at 7 days after exposure, CXCL-10 and INFγ were increased and IL-10 was decreased only in female mice. Accordingly, microglial activation persisted at 7 days after poly I:C in the hippocampus, thalamus and cortex of female mice. This preliminary study suggests that TLR3 activation may produce in the developing neonatal mouse brain a sexually dimorphic response with early activation of caspase-dependent pathways in female mice, activation of inflammatory cascades in both sexes, which then persists in female mice. Further well-powered studies are essential to confirm these sex-specific findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Chavez-Valdez
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amin Mottahedin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linnea Stridh
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tracylyn R Yellowhair
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurosciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurosciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Frances J Northington
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carina Mallard
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Adverse neuropsychiatric development following perinatal brain injury: from a preclinical perspective. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:198-215. [PMID: 30367160 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0222-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in young children. Recent advances in obstetrics, reproductive medicine and neonatal intensive care have resulted in significantly higher survival rates of preterm or sick born neonates, at the price of increased prevalence of neurological, behavioural and psychiatric problems in later life. Therefore, the current focus of experimental research shifts from immediate injury processes to the consequences for brain function in later life. The aetiology of perinatal brain injury is multi-factorial involving maternal and also labour-associated factors, including not only placental insufficiency and hypoxia-ischaemia but also exposure to high oxygen concentrations, maternal infection yielding excess inflammation, genetic factors and stress as important players, all of them associated with adverse long-term neurological outcome. Several animal models addressing these noxious stimuli have been established in the past to unravel the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of altered brain development. In spite of substantial efforts to investigate short-term consequences, preclinical evaluation of the long-term sequelae for the development of cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders have rarely been addressed. This review will summarise and discuss not only current evidence but also requirements for experimental research providing a causal link between insults to the developing brain and long-lasting neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Nalivaeva NN, Turner AJ, Zhuravin IA. Role of Prenatal Hypoxia in Brain Development, Cognitive Functions, and Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:825. [PMID: 30510498 PMCID: PMC6254649 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the role of prenatal hypoxia in the development of brain functions in the postnatal period and subsequent increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders in later life. Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal hypoxia in critical periods of brain formation results in significant changes in development of cognitive functions at various stages of postnatal life which correlate with morphological changes in brain structures involved in learning and memory. Prenatal hypoxia also leads to a decrease in brain adaptive potential and plasticity due to the disturbance in the process of formation of new contacts between cells and propagation of neuronal stimuli, especially in the cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, prenatal hypoxia has a significant impact on expression and processing of a variety of genes involved in normal brain function and their epigenetic regulation. This results in changes in the patterns of mRNA and protein expression and their post-translational modifications, including protein misfolding and clearance. Among proteins affected by prenatal hypoxia are a key enzyme of the cholinergic system-acetylcholinesterase, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP), both of which have important roles in brain function. Disruption of their expression and metabolism caused by prenatal hypoxia can also result, apart from early cognitive dysfunctions, in development of neurodegeneration in later life. Another group of enzymes affected by prenatal hypoxia are peptidases involved in catabolism of neuropeptides, including amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The decrease in the activity of neprilysin and other amyloid-degrading enzymes observed after prenatal hypoxia could result over the years in an Aβ clearance deficit and accumulation of its toxic species which cause neuronal cell death and development of neurodegeneration. Applying various approaches to restore expression of neuronal genes disrupted by prenatal hypoxia during postnatal development opens an avenue for therapeutic compensation of cognitive dysfunctions and prevention of Aβ accumulation in the aging brain and the model of prenatal hypoxia in rodents can be used as a reliable tool for assessment of their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia N. Nalivaeva
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Turner
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Igor A. Zhuravin
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Davidson JO, Dhillon SK, Wassink G, Zhou KQ, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Endogenous neuroprotection after perinatal hypoxia-ischaemia: the resilient developing brain. J R Soc N Z 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2018.1529685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne O. Davidson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Guido Wassink
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly Q. Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Robinson S, Conteh FS, Oppong AY, Yellowhair TR, Newville JC, Demerdash NE, Shrock CL, Maxwell JR, Jett S, Northington FJ, Jantzie LL. Extended Combined Neonatal Treatment With Erythropoietin Plus Melatonin Prevents Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:322. [PMID: 30319361 PMCID: PMC6167494 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity (PHHP) remains a global challenge. Early preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation), particularly those exposed to chorioamnionitis (CAM), are prone to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and PHHP. We established an age-appropriate, preclinical model of PHHP with progressive macrocephaly and ventriculomegaly to test whether non-surgical neonatal treatment could modulate PHHP. We combined prenatal CAM and postnatal day 1 (P1, equivalent to 30 weeks human gestation) IVH in rats, and administered systemic erythropoietin (EPO) plus melatonin (MLT), or vehicle, from P2 to P10. CAM-IVH rats developed progressive macrocephaly through P21. Macrocephaly was accompanied by ventriculomegaly at P5 (histology), and P21 (ex vivo MRI). CAM-IVH rats showed impaired performance of cliff aversion, a neonatal neurodevelopmental test. Neonatal EPO+MLT treatment prevented macrocephaly and cliff aversion impairment, and significantly reduced ventriculomegaly. EPO+MLT treatment prevented matted or missing ependymal motile cilia observed in vehicle-treated CAM-IVH rats. EPO+MLT treatment also normalized ependymal yes-associated protein (YAP) mRNA levels, and reduced ependymal GFAP-immunolabeling. Vehicle-treated CAM-IVH rats exhibited loss of microstructural integrity on diffusion tensor imaging, which was normalized in EPO+MLT-treated CAM-IVH rats. In summary, combined prenatal systemic inflammation plus early postnatal IVH caused progressive macrocephaly, ventriculomegaly and delayed development of cliff aversion reminiscent of PHHP. Neonatal systemic EPO+MLT treatment prevented multiple hallmarks of PHHP, consistent with a clinically viable, non-surgical treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Fatu S Conteh
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Akosua Y Oppong
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tracylyn R Yellowhair
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jessie C Newville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Nagat El Demerdash
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christine L Shrock
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Stephen Jett
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Frances J Northington
- Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Robinson S, Winer JL, Chan LAS, Oppong AY, Yellowhair TR, Maxwell JR, Andrews N, Yang Y, Sillerud LO, Meehan WP, Mannix R, Brigman JL, Jantzie LL. Extended Erythropoietin Treatment Prevents Chronic Executive Functional and Microstructural Deficits Following Early Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats. Front Neurol 2018; 9:451. [PMID: 29971038 PMCID: PMC6018393 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Survivors of infant traumatic brain injury (TBI) are prone to chronic neurological deficits that impose lifelong individual and societal burdens. Translation of novel interventions to clinical trials is hampered in part by the lack of truly representative preclinical tests of cognition and corresponding biomarkers of functional outcomes. To address this gap, the ability of a high-dose, extended, post-injury regimen of erythropoietin (EPO, 3000U/kg/dose × 6d) to prevent chronic cognitive and imaging deficits was tested in a postnatal day 12 (P12) controlled-cortical impact (CCI) model in rats, using touchscreen operant chambers and regional analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results indicate that EPO prevents functional injury and MRI injury after infant TBI. Specifically, subacute DTI at P30 revealed widespread microstructural damage that is prevented by EPO. Assessment of visual discrimination on a touchscreen operant chamber platform demonstrated that all groups can perform visual discrimination. However, CCI rats treated with vehicle failed to pass reversal learning, and perseverated, in contrast to sham and CCI-EPO rats. Chronic DTI at P90 showed EPO treatment prevented contralateral white matter and ipsilateral lateral prefrontal cortex damage. This DTI improvement correlated with cognitive performance. Taken together, extended EPO treatment restores executive function and prevents microstructural brain abnormalities in adult rats with cognitive deficits in a translational preclinical model of infant TBI. Sophisticated testing with touchscreen operant chambers and regional DTI analyses may expedite translation and effective yield of interventions from preclinical studies to clinical trials. Collectively, these data support the use of EPO in clinical trials for human infants with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jesse L Winer
- Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lindsay A S Chan
- Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Akosua Y Oppong
- Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Nicholas Andrews
- F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yirong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Laurel O Sillerud
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - William P Meehan
- Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebekah Mannix
- Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan L Brigman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Jantzie LL, Oppong AY, Conteh FS, Yellowhair TR, Kim J, Fink G, Wolin AR, Northington FJ, Robinson S. Repetitive Neonatal Erythropoietin and Melatonin Combinatorial Treatment Provides Sustained Repair of Functional Deficits in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:233. [PMID: 29706928 PMCID: PMC5908903 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of motor impairment for children worldwide and results from perinatal brain injury (PBI). To test novel therapeutics to mitigate deficits from PBI, we developed a rat model of extreme preterm birth (<28 weeks of gestation) that mimics dual intrauterine injury from placental underperfusion and chorioamnionitis. We hypothesized that a sustained postnatal treatment regimen that combines the endogenous neuroreparative agents erythropoietin (EPO) and melatonin (MLT) would mitigate molecular, sensorimotor, and cognitive abnormalities in adults rats following prenatal injury. On embryonic day 18 (E18), a laparotomy was performed in pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats. Uterine artery occlusion was performed for 60 min to induce placental insufficiency via transient systemic hypoxia-ischemia, followed by intra-amniotic injections of lipopolysaccharide, and laparotomy closure. On postnatal day 1 (P1), approximately equivalent to 30 weeks of gestation, injured rats were randomized to an extended EPO + MLT treatment regimen, or vehicle (sterile saline) from P1 to P10. Behavioral assays were performed along an extended developmental time course (n = 6–29). Open field testing shows injured rats exhibit hypermobility and disinhibition and that combined neonatal EPO + MLT treatment repairs disinhibition in injured rats, while EPO alone does not. Furthermore, EPO + MLT normalizes hindlimb deficits, including reduced paw area and paw pressure at peak stance, and elevated percent shared stance after prenatal injury. Injured rats had fewer social interactions than shams, and EPO + MLT normalized social drive. Touchscreen operant chamber testing of visual discrimination and reversal shows that EPO + MLT at least partially normalizes theses complex cognitive tasks. Together, these data indicate EPO + MLT can potentially repair multiple sensorimotor, cognitive, and behavioral realms following PBI, using highly translatable and sophisticated developmental testing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Akosua Y Oppong
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Fatu S Conteh
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tracylyn R Yellowhair
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Joshua Kim
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gabrielle Fink
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adam R Wolin
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Frances J Northington
- Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frances J Northington
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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