1
|
Chvojkova M, Kolar D, Kovacova K, Cejkova L, Misiachna A, Hakenova K, Gorecki L, Horak M, Korabecny J, Soukup O, Vales K. Pro-cognitive effects of dual tacrine derivatives acting as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116821. [PMID: 38823278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116821] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease are limited. Dual compounds targeting two pathways concurrently may enable enhanced effect. The study focuses on tacrine derivatives inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and simultaneously N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Compounds with balanced inhibitory potencies for the target proteins (K1578 and K1599) or increased potency for AChE (K1592 and K1594) were studied to identify the most promising pro-cognitive compound. Their effects were studied in cholinergic (scopolamine-induced) and glutamatergic (MK-801-induced) rat models of cognitive deficits in the Morris water maze. Moreover, the impacts on locomotion in the open field and AChE activity in relevant brain structures were investigated. The effect of the most promising compound on NMDA receptors was explored by in vitro electrophysiology. The cholinergic antagonist scopolamine induced a deficit in memory acquisition, however, it was unaffected by the compounds, and a deficit in reversal learning that was alleviated by K1578 and K1599. K1578 and K1599 significantly inhibited AChE in the striatum, potentially explaining the behavioral observations. The glutamatergic antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) induced a deficit in memory acquisition, which was alleviated by K1599. K1599 also mitigated the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion in the open field. In vitro patch-clamp corroborated the K1599-associated NMDA receptor inhibitory effect. K1599 emerged as the most promising compound, demonstrating pro-cognitive efficacy in both models, consistent with intended dual effect. We conclude that tacrine has the potential for development of derivatives with dual in vivo effects. Our findings contributed to the elucidation of the structural and functional properties of tacrine derivatives associated with optimal in vivo pro-cognitive efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Chvojkova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic.
| | - David Kolar
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Kovacova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava 4 842 15, Slovak Republic
| | - Lada Cejkova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Misiachna
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, Prague 2 12843, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Hakenova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, Prague 10 100 00, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Gorecki
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove 500 05, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove 500 02, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horak
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove 500 05, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove 500 02, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove 500 05, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove 500 02, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vales
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, Prague 10 100 00, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Balkrishna A, Bhattacharya K, Shukla S, Varshney A. Neuroprotection by Polyherbal Medicine Divya-Medha-Vati Against Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Acetylcholine Activity, and Cell Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1363-1382. [PMID: 37707741 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03601-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease is associated with cognitive impairments and neuronal damages. In this study, Scopolamine, a model drug used for the generation of Alzheimer-like symptoms induced cognitive dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice. It also elevated acetylcholine esterase (AcHE) activity, and reduced antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activity in cortex tissue. Scop reduced neuronal density and increased pyknotic neurons in hippocampus tissue. In mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cells, Scop triggered a dose-dependent loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth reduction. Scop-treated Neuro2a cells showed oxidative stress and reduction in mRNA expression for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor-1 (NGF-1), and Synapsin-1 (SYN-1) genes. Mice treated with Divya-Medha-Vati (DMV), an Ayurvedic polyherbal medicine showed protection against Scop-induced cognitive impairment (Morris Water Maze Escape Latency, and Elevated Plus Maze Transfer Latency). DMV protected against Scop-induced AcHE activity, and loss of antioxidant activities in the mice brain cortex while sustaining neuronal density in the hippocampus region. In the Neuro2a cells, DMV reduced Scop-induced loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth loss. DMV protected the cells against induction of oxidative stress and promoted mRNA expression of BDNF, NGF-1, and SYN-1 genes. Phytochemical profiling of DMV showed the presence of Withanolide A, Withanolide B, Bacopaside II, Jujubogenin, Apigenin, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, and Quercetin that are associated with antioxidant and neurostimulatory activities. In conclusion, the study showed that Divya-Medha-Vati was capable of promoting neuronal health and inhibiting Alzheimer-like cognitive dysfunction through enhanced antioxidant activities and modulation of neuronal activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
- Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust, 40 Lambhill Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow, G41 1AU, UK
- Vedic Acharya Samaj Foundation Inc, NFP 21725 CR 33, Groveland, FL, 34736, USA
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
| | - Sunil Shukla
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
| | - Anurag Varshney
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Misiachna A, Svobodova B, Netolicky J, Chvojkova M, Kleteckova L, Prchal L, Novak M, Hrabinova M, Kucera T, Muckova L, Moravcova Z, Karasova JZ, Pejchal J, Blazek F, Malinak D, Hakenova K, Krausova BH, Kolcheva M, Ladislav M, Korabecny J, Pahnke J, Vales K, Horak M, Soukup O. Phenoxytacrine derivatives: Low-toxicity neuroprotectants exerting affinity to ifenprodil-binding site and cholinesterase inhibition. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116130. [PMID: 38218127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116130] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Tacrine (THA), a long withdrawn drug, is still a popular scaffold used in medicinal chemistry, mainly for its good reactivity and multi-targeted effect. However, THA-associated hepatotoxicity is still an issue and must be considered in drug discovery based on the THA scaffold. Following our previously identified hit compound 7-phenoxytacrine (7-PhO-THA), we systematically explored the chemical space with 30 novel derivatives, with a focus on low hepatotoxicity, anticholinesterase action, and antagonism at the GluN1/GluN2B subtype of the NMDA receptor. Applying the down-selection process based on in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic data, two candidates, I-52 and II-52, selective GluN1/GluN2B inhibitors thanks to the interaction with the ifenprodil-binding site, have entered in vivo pharmacodynamic studies. Finally, compound I-52, showing only minor affinity to AChE, was identified as a lead candidate with favorable behavioral and neuroprotective effects using open-field and prepulse inhibition tests, along with scopolamine-based behavioral and NMDA-induced hippocampal lesion models. Our data show that compound I-52 exhibits low toxicity often associated with NMDA receptor ligands, and low hepatotoxicity, often related to THA-based compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Misiachna
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Svobodova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Netolicky
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Chvojkova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Kleteckova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Prchal
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Novak
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Moravcova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zdarova Karasova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Blazek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - David Malinak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Hakenova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrcka Krausova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marharyta Kolcheva
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Ladislav
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jens Pahnke
- Department of Neuro-/Pathology, University of Oslo & Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karel Vales
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horak
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Antidepressant-like and memory-enhancing effects of the N-type calcium channel blocker ziconotide in rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 390:112647. [PMID: 32428635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The lack of oral or injectable formulations of ziconotide (ω-conotoxin peptide), a novel analgesic agent, limits research on potential neurobehavioral protective properties of this substance, including antidepressant-like effects. Here we expose rats to a stress paradigm that induces depression and memory impairment to assess the effects of ziconotide treatment. Ziconotide was administered intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) to rats undergoing stereotaxic surgery at a single dose (1 μg/rat) or in repeated long-term applications (dosage groups: 0.1, 0.3, and 1 μg/rat). The antidepressant activity and memory-enhancing effects of ziconotide were examined via the forced swimming test, the Morris water maze test, and the passive avoidance learning test. Behavioral results showed that long-term i.c.v. ziconotide administration significantly decreased the immobility time and delayed the latency period to immobility in a dose-dependent manner compared to controls. In the passive avoidance learning test, the latency period increased, and in the Morris water maze test, the platform location latency time decreased. A single dose of ziconotide (1 μg/rat) did not show a significant effect on memory function or depression parameters during the same tests. Animals were sacrificed immediately after behavioral testing, and both hippocampi were removed and prepared for BDNF evaluation. Hippocampal BDNF levels were significantly increased in rats receiving long-term i.c.v. ziconotide compared to controls. Our results suggest that long-term consumption of ziconotide may attenuate the severity of depression-like behavior and could be useful for preventing memory impairments in various learning models by elevating BDNF levels.
Collapse
|
5
|
Joseph E, Villalobos-Acosta DMÁ, Torres-Ramos MA, Farfán-García ED, Gómez-López M, Miliar-García Á, Fragoso-Vázquez MJ, García-Marín ID, Correa-Basurto J, Rosales-Hernández MC. Neuroprotective Effects of Apocynin and Galantamine During the Chronic Administration of Scopolamine in an Alzheimer's Disease Model. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 70:180-193. [PMID: 31768942 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most complicated neurodegenerative diseases, and several hypotheses have been associated with its development and progression, such as those involving glucose hypometabolism, the cholinergic system, calcium imbalance, inflammation, oxidative imbalance, microtubule instability, and the amyloid cascade, several of which are related to oxidative stress (free radical generation), which contributes to neuronal death. Therefore, several efforts have been made to establish a sporadic AD model that takes into account these hypotheses. One model that replicates the increase in amyloid beta (Aβ) and oxidative stress in vivo is the scopolamine model. In the present work, the chronic administration (6 weeks) of scopolamine was used to analyze the neuroprotective effects of apocynin and galantamine. The results showed that scopolamine induced cognitive impairment, which was evaluated 24 h after the final dose was administered. In addition, after scopolamine administration, the Aβ and superoxide anion levels were increased, and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) genes were overexpressed. These effects were not observed when either apocynin or galantamine was administered during the last 3 weeks of scopolamine treatment, and although the results from both molecules were related to lower Aβ production and, consequently, lower superoxide anion production, they were likely realized through different pathways. That is, both apocynin and galantamine diminished NADPH oxidase expression, but their effects on transcription factor expression differed. Moreover, experiments in silico showed that galantamine did not interact with the active site of beta secretase, whereas diapocynin, an apocynin metabolite, interacted with the beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE1) at the catalytic site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliezer Joseph
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340, México City, México
| | - Daniel Miguel Ángel Villalobos-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340, México City, México
| | - Mónica Adriana Torres-Ramos
- Unidad Periférica de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, MVS-SSA, Insurgentes sur 3877, La Fama, Tlalpan, 14269, México City, México
| | - Eunice Dalet Farfán-García
- Departamento de Fisiología y Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Modesto Gómez-López
- Laboratorio de biología molecular, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Ángel Miliar-García
- Laboratorio de biología molecular, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Manuel Jonathan Fragoso-Vázquez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Iohanan Daniel García-Marín
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340, México City, México
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, 11340, México City, México
| | - Martha Cecilia Rosales-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340, México City, México.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Novel tacrine-tryptophan hybrids: Multi-target directed ligands as potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 168:491-514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
7
|
Coppi E, Lana D, Cherchi F, Fusco I, Buonvicino D, Urru M, Ranieri G, Muzzi M, Iovino L, Giovannini MG, Pugliese AM, Chiarugi A. Dexpramipexole enhances hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in the rat. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:306-316. [PMID: 30291939 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though pharmacological approaches able to counteract age-dependent cognitive impairment have been highly investigated, drugs improving cognition and memory are still an unmet need. It has been hypothesized that sustaining energy dynamics within the aged hippocampus can boost memory storage by sustaining synaptic functioning and long term potentiation (LTP). Dexpramipexole (DEX) is the first-in-class compound able to sustain neuronal bioenergetics by interacting with mitochondrial F1Fo-ATP synthase. In the present study, for the first time we evaluated the effects of DEX on synaptic fatigue, LTP induction, learning and memory retention. We report that DEX improved LTP maintenance in CA1 neurons of acute hippocampal slices from aged but not young rats. However, we found no evidence that DEX counteracted two classic parameters of synaptic fatigue such as fEPSP reduction or the train area during the high frequency stimulation adopted to induce LTP. Interestingly, patch-clamp recordings in rat hippocampal neurons revealed that DEX dose-dependently inhibited (IC50 814 nM) the IA current, a rapidly-inactivating K+ current that negatively regulates neuronal excitability as well as cognition and memory processes. In keeping with this, DEX counteracted both scopolamine-induced spatial memory loss in rats challenged in Morris Water Maze test and memory retention in rats undergoing Novel Object Recognition. Overall, the present study discloses the ability of DEX to boost hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. In light of the good safety profile of DEX in humans, our findings may have a realistic translational potential to treatment of cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Coppi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Italy.
| | - Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Cherchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Fusco
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Buonvicino
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Urru
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ranieri
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Muzzi
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovica Iovino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Pugliese
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Chiarugi
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hescham S, Temel Y, Casaca-Carreira J, Arslantas K, Yakkioui Y, Blokland A, Jahanshahi A. A neuroanatomical analysis of the effects of a memory impairing dose of scopolamine in the rat brain using cytochrome c oxidase as principle marker. J Chem Neuroanat 2014; 59-60:1-7. [PMID: 24768696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine plays a role in mnemonic and attentional processes, but also in locomotor and anxiety-related behavior. Receptor blockage by scopolamine can therefore induce cognitive as well as motor deficits and increase anxiety levels. Here we show that scopolamine, at a dose that has previously been found to affect learning and memory performance (0.1 mg/kg i.p.), has a widespread effect on cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry in various regions of the rat brain. We found a down-regulation of cytochrome c oxidase in the nucleus basalis, in movement-related structures such as the primary motor cortex and the globus pallidus, memory-related structures such as the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex and in anxiety-related structures like the amygdala, which also plays a role in memory. However choline acetyltransferase levels were only affected in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus and both, choline acetyltransferase and c-Fos expression levels were decreased in the amygdala. These findings corroborate strong cognitive behavioral effects of this drug, but also suggest possible anxiety- and locomotor-related changes in subjects. Moreover, they present histochemical evidence that the effects of scopolamine are not ultimately restricted to cognitive parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hescham
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands.
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands
| | - João Casaca-Carreira
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands
| | - Kemal Arslantas
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Youssef Yakkioui
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; European Graduate School of Neuroscience (Euron), The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang MZ, Zhou ZZ, Yuan X, Cheng YF, Bi BT, Gong MF, Chen YP, Xu JP. Chlorbipram: A novel PDE4 inhibitor with improved safety as a potential antidepressant and cognitive enhancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 721:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
10
|
Jacobson TK, Howe MD, Schmidt B, Hinman JR, Escabí MA, Markus EJ. Hippocampal theta, gamma, and theta-gamma coupling: effects of aging, environmental change, and cholinergic activation. J Neurophysiol 2013; 109:1852-65. [PMID: 23303862 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00409.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal theta and gamma oscillations coordinate the timing of multiple inputs to hippocampal neurons and have been linked to information processing and the dynamics of encoding and retrieval. One major influence on hippocampal rhythmicity is from cholinergic afferents. In both humans and rodents, aging is linked to impairments in hippocampus-dependent function along with degradation of cholinergic function. Cholinomimetics can reverse some age-related memory impairments and modulate oscillations in the hippocampus. Therefore, one would expect corresponding changes in these oscillations and possible rescue with the cholinomimetic physostigmine. Hippocampal activity was recorded while animals explored a familiar or a novel maze configuration. Reexposure to a familiar situation resulted in minimal aging effects or changes in theta or gamma oscillations. In contrast, exploration of a novel maze configuration increased theta power; this was greater in adult than old animals, although the deficit was reversed with physostigmine. In contrast to the theta results, the effects of novelty, age, and/or physostigmine on gamma were relatively weak. Unrelated to the behavioral situation were an age-related decrease in the degree of theta-gamma coupling and the fact that physostigmine lowered the frequency of theta in both adult and old animals. The results indicate that age-related changes in gamma and theta modulation of gamma, while reflecting aging changes in hippocampal circuitry, seem less related to aging changes in information processing. In contrast, the data support a role for theta and the cholinergic system in encoding and that hippocampal aging is related to impaired encoding of new information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara K Jacobson
- Dept. of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Easton A, Douchamps V, Eacott M, Lever C. A specific role for septohippocampal acetylcholine in memory? Neuropsychologia 2012; 50:3156-68. [PMID: 22884957 PMCID: PMC3605586 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine has long been implicated in memory, including hippocampal-dependent memory, but the specific role for this neurotransmitter is difficult to identify in human neuropsychology. Here, we review the evidence for a mechanistic model of acetylcholine function within the hippocampus and consider its explanatory power for interpreting effects resulting from both pharmacological anticholinergic manipulations and lesions of the cholinergic input to the hippocampus in animals. We argue that these effects indicate that acetylcholine is necessary for some, but not all, hippocampal-dependent processes. We review recent evidence from lesion, pharmacological and electrophysiological studies to support the view that a primary function of septohippocampal acetylcholine is to reduce interference in the learning process by adaptively timing and separating encoding and retrieval processes. We reinterpret cholinergic-lesion based deficits according to this view and propose that acetylcholine reduces the interference elicited by the movement of salient locations between events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Easton
- Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Araujo JA, Greig NH, Ingram DK, Sandin J, de Rivera C, Milgram NW. Cholinesterase inhibitors improve both memory and complex learning in aged beagle dogs. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 26:143-55. [PMID: 21593569 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-110005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Similar to patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), dogs exhibit age-dependent cognitive decline, amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology, and evidence of cholinergic hypofunction. The present study sought to further investigate the role of cholinergic hypofunction in the canine model by examining the effect of the cholinesterase inhibitors phenserine and donepezil on performance of two tasks, a delayed non-matching-to-position task (DNMP) designed to assess working memory, and an oddity discrimination learning task designed to assess complex learning, in aged dogs. Phenserine (0.5 mg/kg; PO) significantly improved performance on the DNMP at the longest delay compared to wash-out and partially attenuated scopolamine-induced deficits (15 μg/kg; SC). Phenserine also improved learning on a difficult version of an oddity discrimination task compared to placebo, but had no effect on an easier version. We also examined the effects of three doses of donepezil (0.75, 1.5, and 6 mg/kg; PO) on performance of the DNMP. Similar to the results with phenserine, 1.5 mg/kg of donepezil improved performance at the longest delay compared to baseline and wash-out, indicative of memory enhancement. These results further extend the findings of cholinergic hypofunction in aged dogs and provide pharmacological validation of the canine model with a cholinesterase inhibitor approved for use in AD. Collectively, these studies support utilizing the aged dog in future screening of therapeutics for AD, as well as for investigating the links among cholinergic function, Aβ pathology, and cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Araujo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dissociation between learning and memory impairment and other sickness behaviours during simulated Mycoplasma infection in rats. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1607-16. [PMID: 21635947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate potential consequences for learning and memory, we have simulated the effects of Mycoplasma infection, in rats, by administering fibroblast-stimulating lipopepide-1 (FSL-1), a pyrogenic moiety of Mycoplasma salivarium. We measured the effects on body temperature, cage activity, food intake, and on spatial learning and memory in a Morris Water Maze. Male Sprague-Dawley rats had radio transponders implanted to measure abdominal temperature and cage activity. After recovery, rats were assigned randomly to receive intraperitoneal (I.P.) injections of FSL-1 (500 or 1000 μg kg(-1) in 1 ml kg(-1) phosphate-buffered saline; PBS) or vehicle (PBS, 1 ml kg(-1)). Body mass and food intake were measured daily. Training in the Maze commenced 18 h after injections and continued daily for four days. Spatial memory was assessed on the fifth day. In other rats, we measured concentrations of brain pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, at 3 and 18 h after injections. FSL-1 administration induced a dose-dependent fever (∼1°C) for two days, lethargy (∼78%) for four days, anorexia (∼65%) for three days and body mass stunting (∼6%) for at least four days. Eighteen hours after FSL-1 administration, when concentrations of IL-1β, but not that of IL-6, were elevated in both the hypothalamus and the hippocampus, and when rats were febrile, lethargic and anorexic, learning in the Maze was unaffected. There also was no memory impairment. Our results support emerging evidence that impaired learning and memory is not inevitable during simulated infection.
Collapse
|
14
|
Deiana S, Platt B, Riedel G. The cholinergic system and spatial learning. Behav Brain Res 2011; 221:389-411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
15
|
Terry AV, Callahan PM, Hall B, Webster SJ. Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory decline (preclinical). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 99:190-210. [PMID: 21315756 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
An unfortunate result of the rapid rise in geriatric populations worldwide is the increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that is characterized by a profound impairment of cognitive function, marked physical disability, and an enormous economic burden on the afflicted individual, caregivers, and society in general. The rise in elderly populations is also resulting in an increase in individuals with related (potentially treatable) conditions such as "Mild Cognitive Impairment" (MCI) which is characterized by a less severe (but abnormal) level of cognitive impairment and a high-risk for developing dementia. Even in the absence of a diagnosable disorder of cognition (e.g., AD and MCI), the perception of increased forgetfulness and declining mental function is a clear source of apprehension in the elderly. This is a valid concern given that even a modest impairment of cognitive function is likely to be associated with significant disability in a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Unfortunately, the currently available therapies designed to improve cognition (i.e., for AD and other forms of dementia) are limited by modest efficacy and adverse side effects, and their effects on cognitive function are not sustained over time. Accordingly, it is incumbent on the scientific community to develop safer and more effective therapies that improve and/or sustain cognitive function in the elderly allowing them to remain mentally active and productive for as long as possible. As diagnostic criteria for memory disorders evolve, the demand for pro-cognitive therapeutic agents is likely to surpass AD and dementia to include MCI and potentially even less severe forms of memory decline. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the contemporary therapeutic targets and preclinical pharmacologic approaches (with representative drug examples) designed to enhance memory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvin V Terry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Small Animal Behavior Core, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim YH, Lee Y, Kim D, Jung MW, Lee CJ. Scopolamine-induced learning impairment reversed by physostigmine in zebrafish. Neurosci Res 2010; 67:156-61. [PMID: 20298728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of scopolamine, an acetylcholine muscarinic receptor antagonist, and physostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on the learning ability and memory of zebrafish were evaluated using a passive avoidance response test. The zebrafish were trained to stay in a dark compartment to avoid a weight dropping into an acryl shuttle chamber with a central sliding door. The crossing time was increased significantly, from 30.7+/-40.8s to 179.3+/-27.3s in the training session and 179.9+/-28.0s in the test session carried out 2h later in the controls. When treatment with 200 microM scopolamine was administered for 1h prior to the training session, the crossing time did not increase. The scopolamine-induced learning deficit was ameliorated by pretreatment with 20 microM physostigmine for 1h prior to scopolamine treatment; the crossing time was similarly increased, as shown with the controls (60.9+/-11.5s, 130.9+/-27.5s, and 183.4+/-26.6s in the training session and 108.1+/-23.9s in the test session). When scopolamine treatment was administered after the training session, the crossing time in the test session was reduced significantly as compared to that noted in the third trial of the training session, which was also ameliorated by physostigmine pretreatment. These results show that scopolamine impairs both the acquisition of passive avoidance response and retention of the learned response, and that physostigmine rescues the amnesic effects of scopolamine in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Hwa Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Inha University, 253 Yong-Hyun Dong, Nam-Gu, Incheon 402-751, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
White CL, Pistell PJ, Purpera MN, Gupta S, Fernandez-Kim SO, Hise TL, Keller JN, Ingram DK, Morrison CD, Bruce-Keller AJ. Effects of high fat diet on Morris maze performance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats: contributions of maternal diet. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 35:3-13. [PMID: 19374947 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to high fat diet on the brain. Female rats were divided into high fat diet (HFD) and control diet (CD) groups 4 weeks prior to breeding and throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning, male progeny were placed on a chow diet until 8 weeks old, and then segregated into HFD or CD groups. At 20 weeks old, rats were evaluated in the Morris water maze, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were documented in the brain. In comparison to rats fed CD, cognitive decline in HFD progeny from HFD dams manifested as a decline in retention, but not acquisition, in the water maze. HFD was also associated with significant increases in 3-nitrotyrosine, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-6, and glial markers Iba-1 and GFAP, with the largest increases frequently observed in HFD animals born to HFD dams. Thus, these data collectively suggest that HFD increases oxidative and inflammatory signaling in the brain, and further indicate that maternal HFD consumption might sensitize offspring to the detrimental effects of HFD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christy L White
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Deiana S, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Riedel G. Methylthioninium chloride reverses cognitive deficits induced by scopolamine: comparison with rivastigmine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 202:53-65. [PMID: 19005644 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The cholinergic system is involved in cognition as well as in age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease (AD). Cholinergic enhancers ameliorate AD symptoms and represent the main current therapy for AD. MTC (Methylthioninium chloride), an antioxidant with metabolism-enhancing properties may be a novel candidate with pro-cognitive capacities. OBJECTIVES This study was performed: (1) to assess the pro-cognitive efficacy of MTC and establish its dose-response; (2) to compare the efficacy of MTC with rivastigmine and (3) to determine the potential for combination therapy by co-administration of MTC and rivastigmine. METHODS Spatial cognition of female NMRI mice was tested in a reference memory water maze task. Subjects received intra-peritoneal injections of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg) followed by vehicle, and/or MTC and/or rivastigmine (0.15-4 mg/kg MTC; 0.1-0.5 mg/kg rivastigmine) in mono or combination treatment. RESULTS Scopolamine treatment prevented spatial learning in NMRI female mice and the deficit was reversed by both rivastigmine and MTC in a dose-dependent manner. Mono-therapy with high doses of rivastigmine (>0.5 mg/kg) caused severe side effects but MTC was safe up to 4 mg/kg. Co-administration of sub-effective doses of both drugs acted synergistically in reversing learning deficits and scopolamine-induced memory impairments. CONCLUSIONS In our model, MTC reversed the spatial learning impairment. When combined with the ChEI rivastigmine, the effect of MTC appeared to be amplified indicating that combination therapy could potentially improve not only symptoms but also contribute beneficially to neuronal metabolism by minimising side effects at lower doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Deiana
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB252ZD, Scotland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
SK-PC-B70M from Pulsatilla koreana improves scopolamine-induced impairments of memory consolidation and spatial working memory. Brain Res 2007; 1184:254-9. [PMID: 17976545 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.09.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Revised: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/27/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that hederacolchiside-E from Pulsatilla koreana has neuroprotective effects and cognition-enhancing effects. Subsequently, in the current study, we demonstrate that oral administrations of oleanolic-glycoside saponins enriched fraction from P. koreana, designated as SK-PC-B70M, improve impairments in memory consolidation and spatial working memory by systemic injection of scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist. In a step-through avoidance task, when the rats stepped through a dark chamber in a shuttle box, an electric shock was given and then SK-PC-B70M was administered 30 min later. Twenty-four hours later, the rats were placed in an illuminated chamber. The rats with SK-PC-B70M treatments showed longer response latencies than rats with only scopolamine. Spatial working memory was measured with a trial-unique matching-to-place task in a water maze which assessed memory for place information over varying lengths of delays. Three delay lengths were used: 1 min, 5 min, and 3 h. In comparison with the control rats, the rats with scopolamine treatments took significantly longer to find the platform in the second trial with 1- and 5-min delays. The rats with both scopolamine and SK-PC-B70M had significantly less search error compared with the rats with scopolamine only. These findings indicate that SK-PC-B70M has effects on reversing impairments of memory consolidation and working memory impairments induced by scopolamine.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bekker A, Haile M, Gingrich K, Wenning L, Gorny A, Quartermain D, Blanck T. Physostigmine Reverses Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Moderate Hypoxia in Adult Mice. Anesth Analg 2007; 105:739-43. [PMID: 17717233 DOI: 10.1213/01.ane.0000265555.57472.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive changes associated with moderate hypoxia in rodents may result from the diminished functioning of central cholinergic neurotransmission. We designed this study to examine whether treatment with physostigmine (PHY), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, could improve the impairment of working memory after hypoxic hypoxia. METHODS We randomized 90 Swiss Webster, 30-35 g mice (6-8 wks) to three hypoxia groups at fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2 = 0.10 (1. no treatment; 2. PHY 0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally administered immediately before; or 3. after hypoxia), or to two room air groups (given either no treatment or PHY after an insult). An object recognition test was used to assess short-term memory function. The object recognition test exploits the tendency of mice to prefer exploring novel objects in an environment when a familiar object is also present. During the 15 min training trial, two identical objects were placed in two defined sites of the box. During the test trial performed 1 h later, one of the objects was replaced by a new object with a different shape. The time spent exploring the two objects was automatically recorded by a video camera and associated software. The performance was analyzed with ANOVA, followed by post hoc comparisons using the Newman-Keuls test when appropriate. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Untreated mice subjected to hypoxia at Fio2 = 0.1 spent significantly less time exploring a novel object on testing day 1 than did untreated mice breathing room air. Performance of the mice subjected to hypoxia, who received physostigmine after, but not before, the insult did not differ from the control group. CONCLUSION Moderate hypoxia impairs rodents' performance in a working memory task. It appears that changes are transient, because the cognitive functioning of the mice returned to the baseline level 7 days after treatment. Postinsult administration of PHY prevented deterioration of cognitive function. An increased level of acetylcholine in the central nervous system may be responsible for the improved performance of the hypoxia-treated mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Phenserine, a derivative of physostigmine, was first described as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and was shown to improve cognition in various experimental paradigms in rodents and dogs. It was clinically tested for Alzheimer's disease, with moderate success in initial Phase II studies. Phenserine deserves attention for an additional quality of action: in addition to inhibiting AChE, it modulates the amount of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in neuronal cell culture by reducing APP translation. This effect probably involves interaction of phenserine with a regulatory element in the 5'-untranslated region of the APP gene that controls APP expression. Phenserine apparently reduces translational efficiency of APP mRNA into protein, a process that may involve an interaction with iron and/or an iron-responsive element. As a consequence, phenserine reduces beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) formation in vitro and in vivo. Phenserine is also unique because of differing actions of its enantiomers: (-)-phenserine is the active enantiomer for inhibition of AChE, whereas (+)-phenserine ('posiphen') has weak activity as an AChE inhibitor and can be dosed much higher. Both enantiomers are equipotent in downregulating APP expression. (+)-Posiphen may be a promising drug, either alone or in combination with (-)-phenserine, to attenuate the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Klein
- University of Frankfurt College of Pharmacy, Biocenter N260, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Brouillette J, Young D, During MJ, Quirion R. Hippocampal gene expression profiling reveals the possible involvement ofHomer1andGABABreceptors in scopolamine-induced amnesia. J Neurochem 2007; 102:1978-1989. [PMID: 17540011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04666.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Scopolamine-treated rats are commonly used as a psychopharmacological model of memory dysfunction and have been extensively studied to establish the effectiveness of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Scopolamine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist that induces memory deficits in young subjects similar to those occurring during aging. The amnesic effect of scopolamine is well established but the molecular and cellular mechanisms that sustain its neuropharmacological action are still unclear. The present genome wide study investigates hippocampal gene expression profiling in scopolamine-treated adult rats following stimulation in a spatial memory task. Using microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR approaches, we identified several genes previously known to be associated with memory processes (Homer1, GABA(B) receptor, early growth response 1, prodynorphin, VGF nerve growth factor inducible) and multiple novel candidate genes possibly involved in cognition (including calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2, dual specificity phosphatase 5 and 6, glycophorin C) that were altered following scopolamine treatment. Moreover, we found that stable over-expression of glutamatergic components Homer1a and 1c in the hippocampus of adult rats induced by recombinant adeno-associated virus vector abolished memory improvement produced by the GABA(B) receptor antagonist SGS742 in scopolamine-treated rats. Taken together, these results reveal novel genes and mechanisms involved in scopolamine-induced amnesia, and demonstrate the involvement of both GABA and glutamate neurotransmission in this animal model of cognitive dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Brouillette
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandDepartment of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Deborah Young
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandDepartment of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew J During
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandDepartment of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rémi Quirion
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, CanadaDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandDepartment of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sams-Dodd F. Strategies to optimize the validity of disease models in the drug discovery process. Drug Discov Today 2007; 11:355-63. [PMID: 16580978 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2006.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Revised: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Models of human diseases are necessary for experimental research into the biological basis of disease and for the development of treatments. They have an enormous impact upon the success of biomedical research. However, in spite of this, a consistent system for evaluating, expressing and comparing the clinical validity of disease models is not available. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to provide a theoretical discussion of the concepts behind disease models and to develop a terminology and a framework to analyze and express the clinical validity of disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Sams-Dodd
- Bionomics Europe, Les Algorithmes, rue Jean Sapidus, Parc d'Innovation, 67400 Illkirch, France.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease have pointed to novel strategies for drug development. Animal models have contributed considerably to these advances, and will have a key role in the evaluation of therapeutics that could have the potential not just to alleviate the dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, but to modify the disease process. Here, we summarize and critically evaluate current rodent models of dementia, and discuss their role in drug discovery and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behaviour, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | | |
Collapse
|