1
|
Hao R, Gao X, Lu Q, Zhao T, Lu X, Zhang F, Pei Y, Lang J, Liu H, Song J, Zhang Z. CUMS induces depressive-like behaviors and cognition impairment by activating the ERS-NLRP3 signaling pathway in mice. J Affect Disord 2024:S0165-0327(24)01662-8. [PMID: 39378914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), as a primary defense mechanism against stress, is closely related to mental disorders, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. This research seeks to explore the influence of ERS-nucleotide-bound oligomerized domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling on mice's depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. DESIGN AND METHOD We carried out a study on 32 male C57BL/6J mice to investigate how chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can give rise to depressive-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction, randomly dividing them into control, model, inhibitor, and agonist groups. We utilized ELISA to quantify dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. Using Nissl and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, we assessed the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons and cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the changes in ERS and inflammation-related pathways in the hippocampus. RESULTS CUMS could induce ERS and activate NLRP3 inflammasome, causing neuronal damage and histopathological changes, eventually leading to depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice. The abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome could be restored by ERS blocker 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA), thus reducing neuronal damage, and ameliorating depressive-like behaviors and cognitive disorder in mice. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a previously unknown link between ERS and NLRP3 inflammasome in CUMS mice. The ERS-NLRP3 signaling pathway may be activated by CUMS, potentially resulting in mice exhibiting depressive-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction. Theoretical foundations for elucidating the pathogenesis of depression, as well as its prevention and treatment, will be established through the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Hao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Weihui, Henan 453100, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Xiaolei Gao
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Qi Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Weihui, Henan 453100, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Xinxin Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Fuping Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Physical Diagnostics and Treatment Technology for the Mental and Neurological Diseases, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Yanjiao Pei
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Jiqing Lang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Physical Diagnostics and Treatment Technology for the Mental and Neurological Diseases, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Jinggui Song
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Henan Mental Hospital), Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Physical Diagnostics and Treatment Technology for the Mental and Neurological Diseases, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China.
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Weihui, Henan 453100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
da Costa Rodrigues K, da Conceição Oliveira M, Dos Santos BF, de Campos Domingues NL, Fronza MG, Savegnago L, Wilhelm EA, Luchese C. Mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like action of orally administered 5-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (MTDZ) in male and female mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06647-0. [PMID: 39008059 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE The compound 5-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (MTDZ) has recently been shown to inhibit in vitro acetylcholinesterase activity, reduce cognitive damage, and improve neuropsychic behavior in mice, making it a promising molecule to treat depression. OBJECTIVES This study investigated the antidepressant-like action of MTDZ in mice and its potential mechanisms of action. RESULTS Molecular docking assays were performed and suggested a potential inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) by MTDZ. The toxicity study revealed that MTDZ displayed no signs of toxicity, changes in oxidative parameters, or alterations to biochemistry markers, even at a high dose of 300 mg/kg. In behavioral tests, MTDZ administration reduced immobility behavior during the forced swim test (FST) without adjusting the climbing parameter, suggesting it has an antidepressant effect. The antidepressant-like action of MTDZ was negated with the administration of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1A/1B, and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, implying the involvement of serotonergic pathways. Moreover, the antidepressant-like action of MTDZ was linked to the NO system, as L-arginine pretreatment inhibited its activity. The ex vivo assays indicated that MTDZ normalized ATPase activity, potentially linking this behavior to its antidepressant-like action. MTDZ treatment restricted MAO-A activity in the cerebral cortices and hippocampi of mice, proposing a selective inhibition of MAO-A associated with the antidepressant-like effect of the compound. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that MTDZ may serve as a promising antidepressant agent due to its selective inhibition of MAO-A and the involvement of serotonergic and NO pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karline da Costa Rodrigues
- Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Meliza da Conceição Oliveira
- Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Fuzinato Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Organic Catalysis and Biocatalysis, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Gallio Fronza
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology (GPN), Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology (GPN), Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jia C, Gill WD, Lovins C, Brown RW, Hagg T. Astrocyte focal adhesion kinase reduces passive stress coping by inhibiting ciliary neurotrophic factor only in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100621. [PMID: 38516563 PMCID: PMC10955429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been implicated in stress responses and produce ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), which we have shown in the mouse medial amygdala (MeA) to promote passive stress coping response only in females. Pharmacological inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) upregulates CNTF expression. Here, we found that inducible knockout of FAK in astrocytes or systemic treatment with an FAK inhibitor increased passive coping behavior, i.e., immobility, in an acute forced swim stress test in female, but not male, mice. Strikingly, four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) did not further increase passive coping in female astrocytic FAK knockout mice, whereas it exacerbated it in female wildtype mice and male mice of both genotypes. These data suggest that astrocyte FAK inhibition is required for chronic stress-induced passive coping in females. Indeed, CUS reduced phospho-FAK and increased CNTF in the female MeA. Progesterone treatment after ovariectomy activated amygdala FAK and alleviated ovariectomy-induced passive coping in wildtype, but not astrocytic FAK knockout females. This suggests that progesterone-mediated activation of FAK in astrocytes reduces female stress responses. Finally, astrocytic FAK knockout or FAK inhibitor treatment increased CNTF expression in the MeA of both sexes, although not in the hippocampus. As mentioned, MeA CNTF promotes stress responses only in females, which may explain the female-specific role of astrocytic FAK inhibition. Together, this study reveals a novel female-specific progesterone-astrocytic FAK pathway that counteracts CNTF-mediated stress responses and points to opportunities for developing treatments for stress-related disorders in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - W. Drew Gill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jankovic M, Spasojevic N, Ferizovic H, Stefanovic B, Virijevic K, Vezmar M, Dronjak S. Sex-Related and Brain Regional Differences of URB597 Effects on Modulation of MAPK/PI3K Signaling in Chronically Stressed Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1495-1506. [PMID: 37725215 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Gender differences exist in depression incidence and antidepressant efficacy. In addition to the neurotransmission theory of depression, inflammation and disrupted signaling pathways play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Endocannabinoids offer a novel approach to treat inflammatory and emotional disorders like depression. URB597, a FAAH inhibitor, reduces endocannabinoids breakdown. In this study, URB597 effects were investigated on the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K) signaling in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The results show that CUS induces depression-like behaviors, and the URB597 exhibited antidepressant-like effects inboth sexes. URB597 reduced the CUS-induced NLRP3 and IL-1β increase in the hippocampus and mPFC of both sexes. URB597 increased the reduced pERK1/2 levels in the mPFC of both sexes and hippocampus of CUS males. URB597 also prevented the increase in p38 phosphorylation after chronic stress in the mPFC of both sexes and in the hippocampus of the females. The CUS suppressed the downstream Akt phosphorylation in the mPFC and hippocampi of both sexes. URB597 produced an up-regulation of the pAkt in the hippocampus of the CUS animals but did not affect the pAkt in the mPFC. These data demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in the neural cell signaling, and in the effects of endocannabinoids, and indicated these dimorphisms are region-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milica Jankovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Spasojevic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Harisa Ferizovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kristina Virijevic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Vezmar
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sladjana Dronjak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O.B. 522 - 090, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Loizeau V, Durieux L, Mendoza J, Wiborg O, Barbelivien A, Lecourtier L. Behavioural characteristics and sex differences of a treatment-resistant depression model: Chronic mild stress in the Wistar-Kyoto rat. Behav Brain Res 2024; 457:114712. [PMID: 37838247 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114712] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Depression affects 20% of the general population and is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with a strong female prevalence. Current pharmacotherapies have significant limitations, and one third of patients are unresponsive. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) were recently proposed as a model to study antidepressant resistance. However, sex differences and interindividual vulnerability to stress are yet unexplored in this model. We aimed to investigate these in the context of the behavioural impact of CMS in the sucrose preference test, elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swim test (FST), open field test and daily locomotor activity rhythms, in male and female WKY rats exposed or not to a 4-week CMS protocol. CMS-exposed animals were clustered through K-means into subgroups based on the EPM and FST results. In both sexes, one subgroup behaved similarly to non-stressed animals and was labelled stress-non vulnerable; the second exhibited less open arms exploration in the EPM and higher immobility in the FST and was named stress-vulnerable. Vulnerable males presented phase delay in daily locomotor activity following CMS, but no significant rhythm could be determined in females. CMS-exposed males of both groups showed hyperlocomotion in reaction to novelty and slower weight gain through the course of CMS, while CMS-exposed females showed smaller sucrose intake. Unexpectedly, CMS did not affect sucrose preference. Our findings strengthen the view that in models of psychiatric pathologies based on stress exposure it is important to consider the effect of sex and to differentiate the non vulnerable and vulnerable subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Loizeau
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Durieux
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jorge Mendoza
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (INCI), CNRS, UPR 3212, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Barbelivien
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fawzi SF, Michel HE, Menze ET, Tadros MG, George MY. Clotrimazole ameliorates chronic mild stress-induced depressive-like behavior in rats; crosstalk between the HPA, NLRP3 inflammasome, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111354. [PMID: 38103406 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111354] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a major emotional disorder that has a detrimental effect on quality of life. The chronic mild stress (CMS)-depression model was adopted in rats to evaluate the neurotherapeutic effect of Clotrimazole (CLO) and investigate the possible mechanisms of its antidepressant action via its impact on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the stress hormone, cortisol. It was found that azole antifungals affect steroidogenesis and the HPA axis. Behavioral, histopathological, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways were assessed. Serum cortisol, inflammasome biomarkers, hippocampal NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-18, and the canonical Wnt/β-catenin neurogenesis biomarkers, Wnt3a, and non-phosphorylated β-catenin levels were also determined. Different stressors were applied for 28 days to produce depressive-like symptoms, and CLO was administered at a daily dose of 30 mg/kg body weight. Subsequently, behavioral and biochemical tests were carried out to assess the depressive-like phenotype in rats. Stressed rats showed increased immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), decreased grooming time in the splash test (ST), increased serum cortisol levels, increased inflammasome biomarkers, and decreased neurogenesis. However, administration of CLO produced significant antidepressant-like effects in rats, which were accompanied by a significant decrease in immobility time in FST, an increase in grooming time in ST, a decrease in serum cortisol level, a decrease in inflammasome biomarkers, and an increase in neurogenesis biomarkers. The antidepressant mechanism of CLO involves the HPA axis and the anti-inflammatory effect, followed by neurogenesis pathway activation. Therefore, CLO may have the potential to be a novel antidepressant candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia F Fawzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haidy E Michel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esther T Menze
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariane G Tadros
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mina Y George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim M, Kim W, Chung C. The neural basis underlying female vulnerability to depressive disorders. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:297-308. [PMID: 38023591 PMCID: PMC10653660 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2276815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are more prevalent and severe in women; however, our knowledge of the underlying factors contributing to female vulnerability to depression remains limited. Additionally, females are notably underrepresented in studies seeking to understand the mechanisms of depression. Various animal models of depression have been devised, but only recently have females been included in research. In this comprehensive review, we aim to describe the sex differences in the prevalence, pathophysiology, and responses to drug treatment in patients with depression. Subsequently, we highlight animal models of depression in which both sexes have been studied, in the pursuit of identifying models that accurately reflect female vulnerability to depression. We also introduce explanations for the neural basis of sex differences in depression. Notably, the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens have exhibited sex differences in previous studies. Furthermore, other brain circuits involving the dopaminergic center (ventral tegmental area) and the serotonergic center (dorsal raphe nucleus), along with their respective projections, have shown sex differences in relation to depression. In conclusion, our review covers the critical aspects of sex differences in depression, with a specific focus on female vulnerability in humans and its representation in animal models, including the potential underlying mechanisms. Employing suitable animal models that effectively represent female vulnerability would benefit our understanding of the sex-dependent pathophysiology of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minsoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woonhee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - ChiHye Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dandi Ε, Theotokis P, Petri MC, Sideropoulou V, Spandou E, Tata DA. Environmental enrichment initiated in adolescence restores the reduced expression of synaptophysin and GFAP in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats in a sex-specific manner. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22422. [PMID: 37796476 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22422] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at investigating whether environmental enrichment (EE) initiated in adolescence can alter chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-associated changes in astroglial and synaptic plasticity markers in male and female rats. To this end, we studied possible alterations in hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and synaptophysin (SYN) in CUS rats previously housed in EE. Wistar rats on postnatal day (PND) 23 were housed for 10 weeks in standard housing (SH) or enriched conditions. On PND 66, animals were exposed to CUS for 4 weeks. SYN and GFAP expressions were evaluated in CA1 and CA3 subfields and dentate gyrus (DG). CUS reduced the expression of SYN in all hippocampal areas, whereas lower GFAP expression was evident only in CA1 and CA3. The reduced expression of SYN in DG and CA3 was evident to male SH/CUS rats, whereas the reduced GFAP expression in CA1 and CA3 was limited to SH/CUS females. EE housing increased the hippocampal expression of both markers and protected against CUS-associated decreases. Our findings indicate that the decreases in the expression of SYN and GFAP following CUS are region and sex-specific and underline the neuroprotective role of EE against these CUS-associated changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Εvgenia Dandi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Christina Petri
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vaia Sideropoulou
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Spandou
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despina A Tata
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma J, Wang R, Chen Y, Wang Z, Dong Y. 5-HT attenuates chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment in mice through intestinal flora disruption. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:23. [PMID: 36737776 PMCID: PMC9896737 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays an important role in the development of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 5-HT on cognitive function, learning and memory induced by chronic unforeseeable mild stress stimulation (CUMS) in female mice. CUMS mice and TPH2 KO mice were used in the study. Lactococcus lactis E001-B-8 fungus powder was orally administered to mice with CUMS. METHODS We used the open field test, Morris water maze, tail suspension test and sucrose preference test to examine learning-related behaviours. In addition, AB-PAS staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting and microbial sequencing were employed to address our hypotheses. RESULTS The effect of CUMS was more obvious in female mice than in male mice. Compared with female CUMS mice, extracellular serotonin levels in TPH2 KO CUMS mice were significantly reduced, and cognitive dysfunction was aggravated. Increased hippocampal autophagy levels, decreased neurotransmitter levels, reduced oxidative stress damage, increased neuroinflammatory responses and disrupted gut flora were observed. Moreover, L. lactis E001-B-8 significantly improved the cognitive behaviour of mice. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that L. lactis E001-B-8 but not FLX can alleviate rodent depressive and anxiety-like behaviours in response to CUMS, which is associated with the improvement of 5-HT metabolism and modulation of the gut microbiome composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxing Ma
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Ran Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Zixu Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Yulan Dong
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Markov DD, Novosadova EV. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression: Possible Sources of Poor Reproducibility and Latent Variables. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1621. [PMID: 36358321 PMCID: PMC9687170 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mood disorders worldwide. A lack of understanding of the exact neurobiological mechanisms of depression complicates the search for new effective drugs. Animal models are an important tool in the search for new approaches to the treatment of this disorder. All animal models of depression have certain advantages and disadvantages. We often hear that the main drawback of the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression is its poor reproducibility, but rarely does anyone try to find the real causes and sources of such poor reproducibility. Analyzing the articles available in the PubMed database, we tried to identify the factors that may be the sources of the poor reproducibility of CUMS. Among such factors, there may be chronic sleep deprivation, painful stressors, social stress, the difference in sex and age of animals, different stress susceptibility of different animal strains, handling quality, habituation to stressful factors, various combinations of physical and psychological stressors in the CUMS protocol, the influence of olfactory and auditory stimuli on animals, as well as the possible influence of various other factors that are rarely taken into account by researchers. We assume that careful inspection of these factors will increase the reproducibility of the CUMS model between laboratories and allow to make the interpretation of the obtained results and their comparison between laboratories to be more adequate.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rostevanov IS, Betesh-Abay B, Nassar A, Rubin E, Uzzan S, Kaplanski J, Biton L, Azab AN. Montelukast induces beneficial behavioral outcomes and reduces inflammation in male and female rats. Front Immunol 2022; 13:981440. [PMID: 36148246 PMCID: PMC9487911 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.981440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulative data links inflammation and immune dysregulation to the pathophysiology of mental disorders; little is known regarding leukotrienes’ (LTs) involvement in this process. Circumstantial evidence suggests that treatment with leukotriene modifying agents (LTMAs) such as montelukast (MTK) may induce adverse neuropsychiatric events. Further methodic evaluation is warranted. Objective This study aims to examine behavioral effects, as well as inflammatory mediator levels of chronic MTK treatment in male and female rats. Methods Depression-like phenotypes were induced by exposing male and female rats to a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) protocol for four weeks. Thereafter, rats were treated (intraperitoneally) once daily, for two weeks, with either vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide 0.2 ml/rat) or 20 mg/kg MTK. Following treatment protocols, behavioral tests were conducted and brain regions were evaluated for inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and prostaglandin (PG) E2. Results Overall, MTK did not invoke negative behavioral phenotypes (except for an aggression-inducing effect in males). Numerous positive behavioral outcomes were observed, including reduction in aggressive behavior in females and reduced manic/hyperactive-like behavior and increased sucrose consumption (suggestive of antidepressant-like effect) in males. Furthermore, in control males, MTK increased IL-6 levels in the hypothalamus and TNF-α in the frontal cortex, while in control females it generated a robust anti-inflammatory effect. In females that were subjected to CUMS, MTK caused a prominent reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 in brain regions, whereas in CUMS-subjected males its effects were inconsistent. Conclusion Contrary to prior postulations, MTK may be associated with select beneficial behavioral outcomes. Additionally, MTK differentially affects male vs. female rats in respect to brain inflammatory mediators, plausibly explaining the dissimilar behavioral phenotypes of sexes under MTK treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ira S. Rostevanov
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Batya Betesh-Abay
- Department of Nursing, School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ahmad Nassar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Elina Rubin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sarit Uzzan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jacob Kaplanski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Linoy Biton
- Department of Nursing, School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Abed N. Azab
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Nursing, School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Abed N. Azab,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lamontagne SJ, Wash SIJ, Irwin SH, Zucconi KE, Olmstead MC. Effects of dopamine modulation on chronic stress-induced deficits in reward learning. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:736-753. [PMID: 35396630 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anhedonia is characteristically preceded by chronic stress, likely involving downstream effects of glucocorticoid alterations on dopamine (DA) function. To elucidate the neural underpinnings of this interaction, we examined whether acute pharmacological modulation of DA alters reward learning after chronic mild stress (CMS). Forty-eight male Wistar rats were exposed to a 21-day CMS regime (n = 48 no stress controls) before completing the probabilistic reward task (PRT), a well-validated cross-species test of reward learning. We first examined whether stress-induced reward dysfunction could be restored by systemic injections of low-dose amisulpride (AMI), which increases DA transmission via D2-like autoreceptor blockade. Then, we investigated region-specific effects through bilateral infusions of quinpirole (QUIN), a D2-like receptor agonist, into either the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Blunted reward learning in CMS animals was reversed by acute AMI administration, but this treatment did not alter reward learning in the no stress group. Elevated adrenal gland weight, a proxy for stress reactivity, predicted lower reward learning in the untreated CMS group. This effect was extinguished following AMI treatment. These findings might be attributed to significantly higher D2 receptor density in the NAcc of high stress reactive animals. To this end, NAcc QUIN infusions potentiated reward learning relative to mPFC QUIN infusions in CMS rats, but there was no effect in no stress control rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that DA modulation reverses stress-induced reward dysfunction, even among the most stress-reactive animals. The effect might depend on D2-like receptor activation in the mesolimbic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Lamontagne
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, USA.
| | - Sarah I J Wash
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, USA
| | - Samantha H Irwin
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, USA
| | - Kate E Zucconi
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, USA
| | - Mary C Olmstead
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, USA
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gołyszny M, Zieliński M, Paul-Samojedny M, Filipczyk Ł, Pałasz A, Obuchowicz E. Escitalopram alters the hypothalamic OX system but does not affect its up-regulation induced by early-life stress in adult rats. Neurosci Res 2022; 180:58-71. [PMID: 35219722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized that there is a relationship between the orexinergic system (OX) alterations and changes elicited by escitalopram or venlafaxine in adult rats subjected to maternal separation (MS). This animal model of childhood adversity induces long-lasting consequences in adult physiology and behavior. Male Wistar rats from the control and MS groups were injected with escitalopram or venlafaxine (10 mg/kg) IP from postnatal day (PND) 69-89. Adult rats were subjected to behavioral assessment, estimation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and analysis of the OX system (quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry) in the hypothalamus and amygdala. MS caused anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, endocrine stress-related response, and up-regulation of the OX system in the hypothalamus. Escitalopram, but not venlafaxine, increased the activity of hypothalamic OX system in the control rats and both drugs had no effect on OXs in the MS group. The disturbed signaling of the OX pathway may be significant for harmful long-term consequences of early-life stress. Our data show that the normal brain and brain altered by MS respond differently to escitalopram. Presumably, anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects of this drug do not depend on the activity of hypothalamic OX system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Gołyszny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, Katowice 40-752, Poland.
| | - Michał Zieliński
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| | - Monika Paul-Samojedny
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, Sosnowiec 41-200, Poland
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Selection of the Male or Female Sex in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Animal Models of Depression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2602276. [PMID: 35813234 PMCID: PMC9262579 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2602276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a serious public health problem and an important factor leading to disease-related disability. Influenced by many factors, such as psychological, hormonal, and genetic factors, the incidence rate of depression in females is approximately two times that in males. However, in preclinical neuroscience research, the selection of the animals' sex for use in depression models has been controversial. At present, in most preclinical studies, the animals generally chosen in depression models have been male rodents rather than female rodents. It remains doubtful whether the data obtained from male animals can be generalized to female animals. The performance of female animals in preclinical studies of depression has been inconclusive. Based on a review of a large number of original studies in the PubMed database, it was found that although male rodents are more commonly used in the study of depression, the use of female animals also shows good modeling of depression and has its advantages. The influence of the animals' sex in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model needs further research.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pitzer C, Kurpiers B, Eltokhi A. Sex Differences in Depression-Like Behaviors in Adult Mice Depend on Endophenotype and Strain. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:838122. [PMID: 35368297 PMCID: PMC8969904 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.838122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression affects women nearly twice as frequently as men. In contrast, rodent models of depression have shown inconsistent results regarding sex bias, often reporting more depression-like behaviors in males. This sex discrepancy in rodents modeling depression may rely on differences in the baseline activity of males and females in depression-related behavioral tests. We previously showed that the baseline despair and anhedonia behaviors, major endophenotypes of depression, are not sex biased in young adolescent wild-type mice of C57BL/6N, DBA/2, and FVB/N strains. Since the prevalence of depression in women peaks in their reproductive years, we here investigated sex differences of the baseline depression-like behaviors in adult mice using these three strains. Similar to the results in young mice, no difference was found between adult male and female mice in behavioral tests measuring despair in both tail suspension and forced swim tests, and anhedonia in the sucrose preference test. We then extended our study and tested apathy, another endophenotype of depression, using the splash test. Adult male and female mice showed significantly different results in the baseline apathy-like behaviors depending on the investigated strain. This study dissects the complex sex effects of different depression endophenotypes, stresses the importance of considering strain, and puts forward a hypothesis of the inconsistency of results between different laboratories investigating rodent models of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pitzer
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Claudia Pitzer,
| | - Barbara Kurpiers
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Ahmed Eltokhi,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sex Differences in Anxiety and Depression: What Can (and Cannot) Preclinical Studies Tell Us? SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the gender perspective in scientific research and sex differences in biological studies on emotional disorders have become increasingly important. However, sex bias in basic research on anxiety and depression is still far from being covered. This review addresses the study of sex differences in the field of anxiety and depression using animal models that consider this issue so far. What can preclinical studies tell us and what are their main limitations? First, we describe the behavioral tests most frequently used in preclinical research to assess depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors in rodents. Then, we analyze the main findings, strengths, and weaknesses of rodent models of anxiety and depression, dividing them into three main categories: sex chromosome complement-biased sex differences; gonadal hormone-biased sex differences; environmental-biased sex differences. Regardless of the animal model used, none can reproduce all the characteristics of such complex and multifactorial pathologies as anxiety and depressive disorders; however, each animal model contributes to elucidating the bases that underlie these disorders. The importance is highlighted of considering sex differences in the responses that emerge from each model.
Collapse
|
17
|
Gonçalves BSM, Mariotti FFN, Ponsone G, Soares TAA, Perão PCBG, Mônico-Neto M, Cariste LM, Maluf A, Nascimento GDSS, Antunes HKM, Céspedes IC, Viana MDB, Le Sueur-Maluf L. High and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones induce an anxiogenic effect, which can be modulated under stress conditions: Evidence from an assisted reproductive rodent model. Horm Behav 2022; 137:105087. [PMID: 34826650 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of endogenous ovarian hormones are conditions commonly experienced by women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Additionally, infertility-associated stress and treatment routines are factors that together may have a highly negative impact on female emotionality, which can be aggravated when several cycles of ART are needed to attempt pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high and fluctuating levels of gonadal hormones induced by repeated ovarian stimulation on the stress response in rodents. To mimic the context of ART, female rats were exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) paradigm for four weeks. During this time, three cycles of ovarian stimulation (superovulation) (150 IU/Kg of PMSG and 75 IU/Kg of hCG) were applied, with intervals of two estrous cycles between them. The rats were distributed into four groups: Repeated Superovulation/UCMS; Repeated Superovulation/No Stress; Saline/UCMS; and Saline/No Stress. Anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors were evaluated in a light-dark transition box and by splash test, respectively. Corticosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and biometric parameters were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-way Generalized Linear Model (GzLM). Our results showed that repeated ovarian stimulation exerts by itself an expressive anxiogenic effect. Surprisingly, when high and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones were combined with chronic stress, anxiety-like behavior was no longer observed, and a depressive-like state was not detected. Our findings suggest that females subjected to emotional overload induced by repeated ovarian stimulation and chronic stress seem to trigger the elaboration of adaptive coping strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giovana Ponsone
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos Mônico-Neto
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Moro Cariste
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Auro Maluf
- Departamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11070-102 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Isabel Cristina Céspedes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena de Barros Viana
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Le Sueur-Maluf
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Female-specific role of ciliary neurotrophic factor in the medial amygdala in promoting stress responses. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100435. [PMID: 35146079 PMCID: PMC8819478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is produced by astrocytes which have been implicated in regulating stress responses. We found that CNTF in the medial amygdala (MeA) promotes despair or passive coping, i.e., immobility in an acute forced swim stress, in female mice, while having no effect in males. Neutralizing CNTF antibody injected into the MeA of wildtype females reduced activation of downstream STAT3 (Y705) 24 and 48 h later. In concert, the antibody reduced immobility in the swim test in females and only after MeA injection, but not when injected in the central or basolateral amygdala. Antibody injected into the male MeA did not affect immobility. These data reveal a unique role of CNTF in female MeA in promoting despair or passive coping behavior. Moreover, 4 weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) increased immobility in the swim test and reduced sucrose preference in wildtype CNTF+/+, but not CNTF−/− littermate, females. Following CUS, 10 min of restraint stress increased plasma corticosterone levels only in CNTF+/+ females. In males, the CUS effects were present in both genotypes. Further, CUS increased CNTF expression in the MeA of female, but not male, mice. CUS did not alter CNTF in the female hippocampus, hypothalamus and bed nucleus of stria terminalis. This suggests that MeA CNTF has a female-specific role in promoting CUS-induced despair or passive coping, behavioral anhedonia and neuroendocrine responses. Compared to CNTF+/+ mice, CNTF−/− mice did not show differences in CUS-induced anxiety-like behavior and sensorimotor gating function as measured by elevated T-Maze, open field and pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response. Together, this study reveals a novel CNTF-mediated female-specific mechanism in stress responses and points to opportunities for developing treatments for stress-related disorders in women. CNTF in the MeA promotes despair or passive coping behavior in female mice only. Chronic stress upregulates CNTF in female but not male MeA. CNTF contributes to chronic stress-induced despair or passive coping, anhedonia and neuroendocrine responses in females only. CNTF does not affect anxiety-like behavior and sensorimotor gating function. These data reveal a novel CNTF-mediated female-specific mechanism in stress responses.
Collapse
|
19
|
Pannu A, Sharma PC, Thakur VK, Goyal RK. Emerging Role of Flavonoids as the Treatment of Depression. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121825. [PMID: 34944471 PMCID: PMC8698856 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most frequently observed psychological disorders, affecting thoughts, feelings, behavior and a sense of well-being in person. As per the WHO, it is projected to be the primitive cause of various other diseases by 2030. Clinically, depression is treated by various types of synthetic medicines that have several limitations such as side-effects, slow-onset action, poor remission and response rates due to complicated pathophysiology involved with depression. Further, clinically, patients cannot be given the treatment unless it affects adversely the job or family. In addition, synthetic drugs are usually single targeted drugs. Unlike synthetic medicaments, there are many plants that have flavonoids and producing action on multiple molecular targets and exhibit anti-depressant action by affecting multiple neuronal transmissions or pathways such as noradrenergic, serotonergic, GABAnergic and dopaminergic; inhibition of monoamine oxidase and tropomyosin receptor kinase B; simultaneous increase in nerve growth and brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Such herbal drugs with flavonoids are likely to be useful in patients with sub-clinical depression. This review is an attempt to analyze pre-clinical studies, structural activity relationship and characteristics of reported isolated flavonoids, which may be considered for clinical trials for the development of therapeutically useful antidepressant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arzoo Pannu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India;
| | - Prabodh Chander Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India;
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Centre, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, India
- Correspondence: (V.K.T.); (R.K.G.); Tel.: +91-9825719111 (V.K.T.)
| | - Ramesh K. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India;
- Correspondence: (V.K.T.); (R.K.G.); Tel.: +91-9825719111 (V.K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guan Y, Wang J, Wu X, Song L, Wang Y, Gong M, Li B. Quercetin reverses chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior in vivo by involving nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2. Brain Res 2021; 1772:147661. [PMID: 34529966 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is a flavonoid compound rich in many natural plants with a wide range of pharmacological effects and nutritional value. Although previous studies have initially shown the antidepressant effect of quercetin in some models. However, the exact mechanism of the antidepressant effect of quercetin on the depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is still unclear or has not been clearly elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of quercetin in vivo on a CUMS-induced depression model that is closest to human depression, and to explore its mechanism of action around nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related signaling pathways, for the first time. Our results demonstrated that CUMS for 21 consecutive days caused significant decreases in the sucrose preference, and the horizontal score and vertical score in the open field test of mice respectively by 22.6%, 34.4%, and 66.6% (all P < 0.01), and a significant increase in the immobility time during the forced swimming test by 110.5% (P < 0.01), but fortunately, after chronic oral administration of high dose quercetin at 40 mg/kg, the abnormalities of the above indicators were significantly reversed by 26.2%, 40.1%, 152.7%, 43.5% (all P < 0.01). Further western blot analysis showed that CUMS caused the phosphorylation or expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins in the hippocampus of mice to significantly down-regulate by 60.0%, 72.1%, 90.0% and 50.1% (all P < 0.01), while after chronic oral administration of high dose quercetin at 40 mg/kg, the abnormalities of these proteins were significantly up-regulated by 85.8%, 182.0%, 325.1% and 60.3% (all P < 0.01). In addition, CUMS also caused significant reduction in the levels of antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s transferase (GST) in the mice hippocampus by 51.3%, 40.3% (both P < 0.01), while after chronic oral administration of high dose quercetin at 40 mg/kg, the abnormalities of the above indicators were significantly reversed by 69.2% and 49.5% (both P < 0.01), as well as significant elevation in the levels of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammation medium nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 156.4%, 255.4% and 72.7% (all P < 0.01), while after chronic oral administration of high dose quercetin at 40 mg/kg, the abnormalities of the above indicators were significantly reversed by 45.9%, 26.8% and 55.2% (all P < 0.01). The medium dose of quercetin (20 mg/kg) only reversed some of the above indicators, while the low dose of quercetin (10 mg/kg) had no reversal effect on the above indicators. Collectively, the present study confirmed for the first time that quercetin weakened CUMS-induced depression in vivo, and its mechanism was at least partially attributable to the upregulation of hippocampal Nrf2 and the inhibition of iNOS, thereby correcting the central inflammatory response, and the imbalance between oxidation and antioxidant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Guan
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Junming Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lingling Song
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanmei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Mingzhu Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Bingyin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cahill B, Poelker-Wells S, Prather JF, Li Y. A Glimpse Into the Sexual Dimorphisms in Major Depressive Disorder Through Epigenetic Studies. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:768571. [PMID: 34744641 PMCID: PMC8564393 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.768571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is an umbrella term used to describe a mood disorder with a broad spectrum of symptoms including a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and deficits in social behavior. Epigenetic research bridges the environmental and genetic landscape and has the potential to exponentially improve our understanding of such a complex disorder. Depression is also a sexually dimorphic disorder and variations exist within epigenetic modification sites between sexes. These sex-specific mediators may impact behavioral symptomology and could serve as therapeutic targets for treatments to improve behavioral deficits. This mini review will focus on the social behavior perspective of depression and specifically explore the sexually different epigenetic modifications on depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Branden Cahill
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Samuel Poelker-Wells
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Jonathan F Prather
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Daniels S, Lemaire D, Lapointe T, Limebeer C, Parker L, Leri F. Effects of inescapable stress on responses to social incentive stimuli and modulation by escitalopram. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3239-3247. [PMID: 34328518 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stress is a well-known risk factor for anhedonia, and its impacts on social reward functions may be mitigated by its controllability. Moreover, there are questions about the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on improving social hedonic functioning deficits characteristic of major depression. OBJECTIVES The current study in male Sprague-Dawley rats investigated the effects of uncontrollable stress on responses to social incentive stimuli and possible modulation by the SSRI escitalopram (ESC). METHODS The effects of inescapable foot-shocks on preferential responses to a conspecific, and to a compartment that was previously paired with the presence of a conspecific, were assessed in a Y-apparatus in rats that received 0, 5, or 10 mg/kg ESC. RESULTS Although inescapable foot-shock exposure did not significantly alter the investigation of the conspecific, it did impair the response to the social-paired compartment and, importantly, this impairment was reversed by ESC. CONCLUSION These results indicate that psychophysical stress can negatively impact reactivity to learned social rewards and that SSRI administration can have positive therapeutic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Daniels
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Danielle Lemaire
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Thomas Lapointe
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Cheryl Limebeer
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Linda Parker
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Francesco Leri
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Labaka A, Gómez-Lazaro E, Goñi-Balentziaga O, Pérez-Tejada J, Vegas O, Garmendia L. Venlafaxine reduces the striatal il6/il10 ratio and increases hippocampal GR expression in female mice subjected to chronic social instability stress. Stress 2021; 24:561-571. [PMID: 33769212 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1895111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression and antidepressant treatment is more frequent in females. Moreover, neuroinflammatory changes related to affective disorders differ in accordance with sex. Despite this evidence, female populations have been largely omitted from preclinical experiments studying antidepressants. The aim of this work is to analyze the potential restorative effect of venlafaxine on an animal model of depression. Female CD1 mice were subjected to chronic social instability (CSI) stress for 7 weeks, and were administered venlafaxine during the last 3 weeks of the stress period. Behavioral and physiological parameters were then analyzed. Stressed mice showed a decreased sucrose preference and increased whisking behavior, and had a lower body weight, higher plasma corticosterone levels and increased hypothalamic GR expression. They also had lower levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and NA and a higher KYN/TRYP ratio in the hippocampus. Moreover, CSI increased striatal IL-6 mRNA expression levels. Venlafaxine treatment reduced the striatal IL-6/IL-10 ratio and increased hippocampal GR expression, although it did not reverse stress-induced behavioral changes. In conclusion, seven weeks of exposure to CSI produced depressive-like alterations in female mice. The venlafaxine treatment regimen was found to have a modest anti-inflammatory effect in the striatum and increased hippocampal GR mRNA, although it failed to redress stress-induced behavioral disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainitze Labaka
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Nursing II, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eneritz Gómez-Lazaro
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Joana Pérez-Tejada
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
- Oncologic Center (Onkologikoa), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Oscar Vegas
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
- Biodonostia Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Larraitz Garmendia
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu F, Dong YY, Lei G, Zhou Y, Liu P, Dang YH. HINT1 Is Involved in the Chronic Mild Stress Elicited Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Through the PKC ε/ALDH-2/4HNE Pathway in Prefrontal Cortex of Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:690344. [PMID: 34177485 PMCID: PMC8219906 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.690344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe, highly heterogeneous, and life-threatening psychiatric disease which affects up to 21% of the population worldwide. A new hypothesis suggests that the mitochondrial dysfunction causing oxidative stress (OS) and dysregulation of apoptosis in brain might be one of the key pathophysiological factors in MDD. Histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1 (HINT1), which was first supposed to be protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, has been gradually demonstrated to be involved in diverse neuropsychiatric diseases. It still remains elusive that how HINT1 involves in depression. The present study utilized a rat model exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) to explore the involvement of HINT1 in depression. Face validity, construct validity and predictive validity of CMS model were comprehensive evaluated in this study. Behavioral tests including sucrose preference test, open field test, and elevated plus maze and forced swimming test revealed that stressed rats displayed elevated level of anxiety and depression compared with the controls. CMS rats showed a significant decrease of superoxide dismutase, and a marked increase malondialdehyde levels in prefrontal cortex (PFC). We also found the CMS rats had elevated expression of HINT1, decreased levels of phosphorylated-PKC ε and aldehyde dehydrogenase-two (ALDH-2), and accumulated 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) in PFC. Moreover, CMS increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and decreased the level of Bcl-2 in PFC. The alterations in behavior and molecule were prevented by antidepressant venlafaxine. These results demonstrated that HINT1 was involved in the CMS elicited OS and apoptosis in PFC, probably through the PKC ε/ALDH-2/4HNE pathway. The results suggest that the suppression of HINT1 might have potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying-Ying Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Lei
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong-Hui Dang
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nair BB, Khant Aung Z, Porteous R, Prescott M, Glendining KA, Jenkins DE, Augustine RA, Silva MSB, Yip SH, Bouwer GT, Brown CH, Jasoni CL, Campbell RE, Bunn SJ, Anderson GM, Grattan DR, Herbison AE, Iremonger KJ. Impact of chronic variable stress on neuroendocrine hypothalamus and pituitary in male and female C57BL/6J mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12972. [PMID: 33896057 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress exerts multiple negative effects on the physiology and health of an individual. In the present study, we examined hypothalamic, pituitary and endocrine responses to 14 days of chronic variable stress (CVS) in male and female C57BL/6J mice. In both sexes, CVS induced a significant decrease in body weight and enhanced the acute corticosterone stress response, which was accompanied by a reduction in thymus weight only in females. However, single-point blood measurements of basal prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, growth hormone and corticosterone levels taken at the end of the CVS were not different from those of controls. Similarly, pituitary mRNA expression of Fshb, Lhb, Prl and Gh was unchanged by CVS, although Pomc and Tsh were significantly elevated. Within the adrenal medulla, mRNA for Th, Vip and Gal were elevated following CVS. Avp transcript levels within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were increased by CVS; however, levels of Gnrh1, Crh, Oxt, Sst, Trh, Ghrh, Th and Kiss1 remained unchanged. Oestrous cycles were lengthened slightly by CVS and ovarian histology revealed a reduction in the number of preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea. Taken together, these observations indicate that 14 days of CVS induces an up-regulation of the neuroendocrine stress axis and creates a mild disruption of female reproductive function. However, the lack of changes in other neuroendocrine axes controlling anterior and posterior pituitary secretion suggest that most neuroendocrine axes are relatively resilient to CVS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betina B Nair
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zin Khant Aung
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert Porteous
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Prescott
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kelly A Glendining
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Danielle E Jenkins
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rachael A Augustine
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mauro S B Silva
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Siew H Yip
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gregory T Bouwer
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Colin H Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christine L Jasoni
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen J Bunn
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kawa L, Arborelius UP, Hökfelt T, Risling M. Sex-Specific Differences in Rodents Following a Single Primary Blast Exposure: Focus on the Monoamine and Galanin Systems. Front Neurol 2020; 11:540144. [PMID: 33178100 PMCID: PMC7593658 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.540144] [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: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Most blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI) are mild in severity and culpable for the lingering and persistent neuropsychological complaints in affected individuals. There is evidence that the prevalence of symptoms post-exposure may be sex-specific. Our laboratory has focused on changes in the monoamine and the neuropeptide, galanin, systems in male rodents following primary bTBI. In this study, we aimed to replicate these findings in female rodents. Brainstem sections from the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) were processed for in situ hybridisation at 1 and 7 days post-bTBI. We investigated changes in the transcripts for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase two (TPH2) and galanin. Like in males, we found a transient increase in TH transcript levels bilaterally in the female LC. Changes in TPH2 mRNA were more pronounced and extensive in the DRN of females compared to males. Galanin mRNA was increased bilaterally in the LC and DRN, although this increase was not apparent until day 7 in the LC. Serum analysis revealed an increase in corticosterone, but only in exposed females. These changes occurred without any visible signs of white matter injury, cell death, or blood–brain barrier breakdown. Taken together, in the apparent absence of visible structural damage to the brain, the monoamine and galanin systems, two key players in emotional regulation, are activated deferentially in males and females following primary blast exposure. These similarities and differences should be considered when developing and evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for bTBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizan Kawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ulf P Arborelius
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mårten Risling
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Xanthotoxin affects depression-related behavior and neurotransmitters content in a sex-dependent manner in mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 399:112985. [PMID: 33144177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate xanthotoxin's influence on male and female Swiss mice's depression-like behaviors and investigate the potential mechanism of this effect. Naturally derived furanocoumarin (the Apiaceae family), xanthotoxin, administered acutely (12.5 mg/kg), diminished the immobility level in the forced swim test only in males. The immobility level was lower in females than males, which may be associated with a higher serotonin level in the female prefrontal cortex. A dose-dependent increase of serotonin and noradrenaline was reported in the reverse-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography in the female prefrontal cortex but not in the hippocampus. We suggest that xanthotoxin may exert antidepressant properties and affect males and females differently. The increasing level of serotonin in the male and female prefrontal cortex may underlie this effect.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kokras N, Krokida S, Varoudaki TZ, Dalla C. Do corticosterone levels predict female depressive-like behavior in rodents? J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:324-331. [PMID: 32640495 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is often linked to the neurobiology of depression, though the presence and type of this dysregulation is not a consistent finding. Meanwhile, significant sex differences exist regarding depression and the HPA axis. Animal models of depression simulate certain aspects of the human disease and aim to advance our knowledge regarding its neurobiology and discover new antidepressant treatments. Most animal models of depression induce a depressive-like phenotype taking advantage of stressful experimental conditions, that also increase corticosterone, the main stress hormone in rodents. In this review we present inconsistent results in male and female rodents regarding the interaction between the depressive-like behavioral phenotype and corticosterone. In commonly used models, the female depressive-like phenotype in rodents seems significantly less dependent on the stress hormone corticosterone, whereas the male behavioral response is more evident and associates with variations of corticosterone. Further research and clarification of this sex-dependent interaction will have significant ramifications on the improvement of the validity of animal models of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stephanie Krokida
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theoni Zoi Varoudaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dong Y, Wang X, Zhou Y, Zheng Q, Chen Z, Zhang H, Sun Z, Xu G, Hu G. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis imbalance and inflammation contribute to sex differences in separation- and restraint-induced depression. Horm Behav 2020; 122:104741. [PMID: 32165183 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Whether social contact contributes to the underlying mechanisms of depression and the observed sex differences is unclear. In this study, we subjected young male and female mice to separation- and restraint-induced stress for 4 weeks and assessed behaviors, neurotransmitter levels, hormones, and inflammatory cytokines. Results showed that, compared with controls, male mice exposed to stress displayed significant decreases in body weight and sucrose preference after 1 week. In the fourth week, they exhibited a higher degree of anxiety (open field test) and depressive-like behavior (forced swim test). Moreover, the males showed significant decreases in monoamine neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine in striatum, and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in serum. In contrast, females showed persistent loss of weight during stress and displayed significant decreases in sucrose preference after stress. Importantly, the females but not males showed activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with significantly higher levels adrenocorticotropic hormone. Additionally, mRNA level of c-fos and AVP showed there was significant interaction between stress and sex. Finally, we conclude that an imbalance of the HPA axis and inflammation might be important contributors to sex differences in separation/restraint-induced depressive behavior and that changes might be mediated by c-fos and AVP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinfeng Dong
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xuyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiaomu Zheng
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhiling Sun
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guihua Xu
- Department of Medical Care, School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Khayum MA, Moraga-Amaro R, Buwalda B, Koole M, den Boer JA, Dierckx RAJO, Doorduin J, de Vries EFJ. Ovariectomy-induced depressive-like behavior and brain glucose metabolism changes in female rats are not affected by chronic mild stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104610. [PMID: 32088632 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The increased incidence of depression in women going through peri-menopause suggests that fluctuations in estrogen levels may increase the risk of developing depression. Nonetheless, this psychiatric disorder is likely to be multifactorial and consequently an additional trigger may be needed to induce depression in this population. Stress could be such a trigger. We therefore investigated the effect of ovarian estrogen depletion and chronic mild stress (CMS) on depressive-like behavior and brain metabolism in female rats. Approximately 2 and 9 weeks after estrogen depletion by ovariectomy, behavioral changes were assessed in the open-field test and the forced swim test, and brain metabolism was measured with [18F]FDG PET imaging. A subset of animals was subjected to a 6-weeks CMS protocol starting 17 days after ovariectomy. Short-term estrogen depletion had a significant effect on brain metabolism in subcortical areas, but not on behavior. Differences in depressive-like behavior were only found after prolonged estrogen depletion, leading to an increased immobility time in the forced swim test. Prolonged estrogen depletion also resulted in an increase in glucose metabolism in frontal cortical areas and hippocampus, whereas a decrease glucose metabolism was found in temporal cortical areas, hypothalamus and brainstem. Neither short-term nor prolonged estrogen depletion caused anxiety-like behavior. Changes in body weight, behavior and brain glucose metabolism were not significantly affected by CMS. In conclusion, ovarian estrogen depletion resulted in changes in brain metabolism and depressive-like behavior, but these changes were not enhanced by CMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Khayum
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R Moraga-Amaro
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - B Buwalda
- Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Koole
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J A den Boer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; PRA-Health Sciences, Van Swietenlaan, 9728 NZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R A J O Dierckx
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J Doorduin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - E F J de Vries
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
de Abreu MS, Giacomini ACVV, Genario R, Rech N, Carboni J, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Demin KA, Leonard BE, Vlok M, Harvey BH, Piato A, Barcellos LJG, Kalueff AV. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches for psychiatric disorders: Re-appraisal and insights from zebrafish models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 193:172928. [PMID: 32289330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute and chronic stressors are common triggers of human mental illnesses. Experimental animal models and their cross-species translation to humans are critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches can be efficient in treating these disorders. Here, we analyze human, rodent and zebrafish (Danio rerio) data to compare the impact of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies of stress-related psychopathologies. Emphasizing the likely synergism and interplay between pharmacological and environmental factors in mitigating daily stress both clinically and in experimental models, we argue that environmental enrichment emerges as a promising complementary therapy for stress-induced disorders across taxa. We also call for a broader use of novel model organisms, such as zebrafish, to study such treatments and their potential interplay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Nathália Rech
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Júlia Carboni
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Brian E Leonard
- University College Galway, Pharmacology Department, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marli Vlok
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Angelo Piato
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo J G Barcellos
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Bio-Experimentation, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Palumbo MC, Dominguez S, Dong H. Sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation after chronic unpredictable stress. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01586. [PMID: 32154650 PMCID: PMC7177572 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to stress, mediated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elicits sex differences in endocrine, neurological, and behavioral responses. However, the sex-specific factors that confer resilience or vulnerability to stress and stress-associated psychiatric disorders remain largely unknown. The evident sex differences in stress-related disease prevalence suggest the underlying differences in the neurobiological underpinnings of HPA axis regulation. METHOD Here, we used a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model to investigate the behavioral and biochemical responses of the HPA axis in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were tested in the open field and forced swim test to examine anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured after behavior and CUS, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and cytosolic and nuclear fractions of binding protein FKBP51 expression were taken to measure function and regulation of the stress response. RESULTS Our results indicate increased depressive-like behavior in males and females which correlated with increased corticosterone levels following CUS. However, females displayed more anxiety-like behaviors with and without CUS. Interestingly, we found trends toward dysregulation of GR protein expression in CUS females, and an increase in the GR inhibitory protein, FKBP51, in the cytosol of CUS males but not females. CONCLUSION These results suggest biochemical alterations to the HPA axis regulation which may elicit a glucocorticoid resistance in females after chronic stress and may contribute to the sex-biased vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Palumbo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sky Dominguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sex differences in depressive-like behaviour may relate to imbalance of microglia activation in the hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:188-197. [PMID: 31181346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As is reported, the incidence and prevalence of depression are higher in women than in men, but the cause of this sex difference remains elusive. Although recent studies implicated that over-activated microglia played a crucial role in depression, whether hippocampal microglia associates with the sex difference of depressive-like behaviours is intriguing. In the present study, both male and female mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. Behavioural tests were performed to evaluate depressive-like phenotypes, while several microglia-related biomarkers and neurotrophic factor in hippocampi were detected to analyse sex difference. As a result, CUMS interfered with the body weight gain, sucrose preference and spontaneous activity in mice of both sexes. However, this effect tended to be more impressive in females. Generally, hippocampal microglia were activated regardless of sex, but the expressions of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors induced by CUMS were sex-specific. Chronic stress increased hippocampal iNOS and IL-1β mRNA levels only in male mice, while upregulated TNF-α mRNA just in females. Meanwhile, the expressions of hippocampal IL-10, Arg-1 and IL-1ra were all downregulated in CUMS females rather than males. In addition, though the ratios of the pro- vs. anti-inflammatory cytokines elevated after the stress paradigm in both sexes, we noticed more remarkable trends in female mice regarding TNF-α/IL-10 and iNOS/Arg-1. This discovery suggested that females were inclined to be more pro-inflammatory after stress. Afterwards, we observed that the expressions of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in hippocampus decreased greater in female compared to male mice when facing stress stimulations. Furthermore, the depressive-like behaviours were correlated to BDNF mRNA quantities in both sex mice, and there was also a sex-specific relationship between BDNF and hippocampal microglia-related inflammatory biomarkers. Collectively, our study speculated that the imbalance of microglial pro- and anti-inflammatory states as well as the BDNF-TrkB-dependent pathway in hippocampus is involved in the depressive-like behaviours. The "microglia-neuroinflammation-BDNF" interconnection may be a fundamental mechanism for sex differences in depression.
Collapse
|
34
|
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsivity to an acute novel stress in female rats subjected to the chronic mild stress paradigm. Brain Res 2019; 1723:146402. [PMID: 31446015 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm is the most frequently investigated animal model for major depression. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis participates in the generation of depressive symptomatology. We examined whether the depression-like state induced by CMS is associated with immediate changes in HPA axis activation in response to a novel acute stress and whether this response could be modified by hormonal status. Adult female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and received estrogen or vehicle pellets. After 2 weeks, rats were subjected to CMS (or control) conditions for 2.5 or 4.5 weeks. Rats were subsequently subjected to restraint stress for 1 h, and plasma corticosterone (CT) levels were determined before (2:00 p.m.) and after acute stress induction (3:00 and 4:00 p.m.). CT levels and FOS expression were measured in the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN (PaMP), central (CeA) and medial amygdala (MeA) and ventral subiculum of the hippocampus (vSub). Plasma CT levels in animals treated with 6.5 weeks of estrogen were elevated before and 1 h after restraint stress induction. Results indicate that the estrogen chronicity and CMS exposure impacted CT secretion. Neuronal PaMP, CeA, MeA and vSub activity decreased after 4.5 weeks of CMS in all groups. No differences were detected between CMS and non-CMS groups. These data suggest that the HPA central hyporesponsiveness observed in the experimental groups subjected to a longer protocol period was independent to CMS paradigm and estrogen treatment restored partially its activity. These data suggest that additional stressors could be responsible for the observed alterations of the HPA axis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Stress-induced disturbances along the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis and implications for mental health: Does sex matter? Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 54:100772. [PMID: 31302116 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Women are roughly twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, especially major depression and generalized anxiety. Accumulating evidence suggest that microbes inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (the gut microbiota) interact with the host brain and may play a key role in the pathogenesis of mental illnesses. Here, the possibility that sexually dimorphic alterations along the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis could play a role in promoting this female bias of mood and anxiety disorders will be discussed. This review will also analyze the idea that gut microbes and sex hormones influence each other, and that this reciprocal crosstalk may come to modulate inflammatory players along the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis and influence behavior in a sex-dependent way.
Collapse
|
36
|
Ma L, Xu Y, Wang G, Li R. What do we know about sex differences in depression: A review of animal models and potential mechanisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:48-56. [PMID: 30165122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that women are more susceptible to depression than men. Sex differences in depression have been associated with social, cultural, as well as biological factors. In spite of extensive preclinical studies in animal models for depression that have been used for understanding the mechanisms of the disease as well as for new drug development, a substantive lack of attention on sex-specific phenotypes in depression might mask the effect of sex on the outcome. In this review article, we summarize findings on the influence of sex on behavior in the most commonly used animal models for depression. We also discuss the potential underlying mechanisms of such sex-dependent variation in the phenotype, particularly in the neuroendocrine system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ma
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yong Xu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Rena Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100012, China; Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Morano R, Hoskins O, Smith BL, Herman JP. Loss of Environmental Enrichment Elicits Behavioral and Physiological Dysregulation in Female Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 12:287. [PMID: 30740046 PMCID: PMC6357926 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress drives behavioral and physiological changes associated with numerous psychiatric disease states. In rodents, the vast majority of chronic stress models involve imposition of external stressors, whereas in humans stress is often driven by internal cues, commonly associated with a sense of loss. We previously exposed groups of rats to environmental enrichment (EE) for a protracted period (1 month), followed by removal of enrichment (ER), to induce an experience of loss in male rats. ER enhanced immobility in the forced swim test (FST), led to hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis hypoactivity, and caused hyperphagia relative to continuously enriched (EE), single-housed (Scon) and pair-housed (Pcon) groups, most of which were reversible by antidepressant treatment (Smith et al., 2017). Here, we have applied the same approach to study enrichment loss in female rats. Similar to the males, enrichment removal in females led to an increase in the time spent immobile in the FST and increased daytime food intake compared to the single and pair-housed controls. Unlike males, ER females showed decreased sucrose preference, and showed estrus cycle-dependent HPA axis hyperactivity to an acute restraint stress. The increase in passive coping (immobility), anhedonia-like behavior in the sucrose preference test and HPA axis dysregulation suggest that enrichment removal produces a loss phenotype in females that differs from that seen in males, which may be more pronounced in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Morano
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Olivia Hoskins
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Brittany L Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nandam LS, Brazel M, Zhou M, Jhaveri DJ. Cortisol and Major Depressive Disorder-Translating Findings From Humans to Animal Models and Back. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:974. [PMID: 32038323 PMCID: PMC6987444 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global problem for which current pharmacotherapies are not completely effective. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction has long been associated with MDD; however, the value of assessing cortisol as a biological benchmark of the pathophysiology or treatment of MDD is still debated. In this review, we critically evaluate the relationship between HPA axis dysfunction and cortisol level in relation to MDD subtype, stress, gender and treatment regime, as well as in rodent models. We find that an elevated cortisol response to stress is associated with acute and severe, but not mild or atypical, forms of MDD. Furthermore, the increased incidence of MDD in females is associated with greater cortisol response variability rather than higher baseline levels of cortisol. Despite almost all current MDD treatments influencing cortisol levels, we could find no convincing relationship between cortisol level and therapeutic response in either a clinical or preclinical setting. Thus, we argue that the absolute level of cortisol is unreliable for predicting the efficacy of antidepressant treatment. We propose that future preclinical models should reliably produce exaggerated HPA axis responses to acute or chronic stress a priori, which may, or may not, alter baseline cortisol levels, while also modelling the core symptoms of MDD that can be targeted for reversal. Combining genetic and environmental risk factors in such a model, together with the interrogation of the resultant molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes, promises a new mechanistic understanding of MDD and focused therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. Sanjay Nandam
- Mental Health Unit, Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: L. Sanjay Nandam, ; Dhanisha J. Jhaveri,
| | - Matthew Brazel
- Mental Health Unit, Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Mei Zhou
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dhanisha J. Jhaveri
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: L. Sanjay Nandam, ; Dhanisha J. Jhaveri,
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Heck AL, Handa RJ. Sex differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis' response to stress: an important role for gonadal hormones. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:45-58. [PMID: 30111811 PMCID: PMC6235871 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a neuroendocrine network that controls hormonal responses to internal and external challenges in an organism's environment, exhibits strikingly sex-biased activity. In adult female rodents, acute HPA function following a stressor is markedly greater than it is in males, and this difference has largely been attributed to modulation by the gonadal hormones testosterone and estradiol. These gonadal hormones are produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and have been shown to determine sex differences in adult HPA function after acute stress via their activational and organizational effects. Although these actions of gonadal hormones are well supported, the possibility that sex chromosomes similarly influence HPA activity is unexplored. Moreover, questions remain regarding sex differences in the activity of the HPA axis following chronic stress and the underlying contributions of gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in the neuroendocrine response to stress, as well as outstanding questions regarding this sex bias. Although it primarily focuses on the rodent literature, a brief discussion of sex differences in the human HPA axis is also included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Heck
- 0000 0004 1936 8083grid.47894.36Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
| | - Robert J. Handa
- 0000 0004 1936 8083grid.47894.36Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Vieira JO, Duarte JO, Costa-Ferreira W, Crestani CC. Influence of pre-existing hypertension on neuroendocrine and cardiovascular changes evoked by chronic stress in female rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 97:111-119. [PMID: 30015006 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated neuroendocrine, autonomic, and cardiovascular changes evoked by daily exposure to the same type of stressor (homotypic) or different aversive stressor stimuli (heterotypic) in 60-days-old female normotensive Wistar rats and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Both strains of rats were exposed for 10 consecutive days to either the homotypic stressor repeated restraint stress (RRS) or the heterotypic stressor chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). As expected, SHR had higher baseline blood pressure values and impaired baroreflex activity in relation to normotensive animals. Besides, SHR presented higher plasma corticosterone levels and decreased thymus weight. Both RRS and CUS increased baseline plasma corticosterone concentration and decreased body weight gain in both normotensive and SHR rats. In addition, both stress protocols caused hypertrophy of adrenal glands in normotensive rats. Regarding the cardiovascular effects, RRS increased basal heart rate in both rat strains, which was mediated by an increase in sympathetic tone to the heart. Besides, RRS increased baroreflex-mediated tachycardia in SHR animals, while CUS increased cardiac parasympathetic activity and pacemaker activity in normotensive rats. Taken together, these results indicate a stress type-specific effect, as identified by a vulnerability of both strains to the deleterious cardiovascular effects evoked by the homotypic stressor and a resilience to the impact of the heterotypic stressor. Vulnerability of hypertensive rats was evidenced by the absence of CUS-evoked adaptive cardiovascular responses and an increase of baroreflex tachycardia in SHR animals subjected to RRS. The somatic and HPA axis changes were overall independent of the chronic stress regimen and pre-existing hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas O Vieira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li J, Yang R, Xia K, Wang T, Nie B, Gao K, Chen J, Zhao H, Li Y, Wang W. Effects of stress on behavior and resting-state fMRI in rats and evaluation of Telmisartan therapy in a stress-induced depression model. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:337. [PMID: 30333002 PMCID: PMC6192217 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of depression and its effective therapeutic treatment have not been clearly identified. Using behavioral phenotyping and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (r-fMRI), we investigated the behavioral impact and cerebral alterations of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in the rat. We also evaluated the efficacy of telmisartan therapy in this rodent model of depression. METHODS Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups: a control group(C group), a stress group(S group), a stress + telmisartan(0.5 mg/kg)group (T-0.5 mg/kg group) and a stress + telmisartan(1 mg/kg) group (T-1 mg/kg group). A behavioral battery, including an open field test (OFT), a sucrose preference test (SPT), and an object recognition test (ORT), as well as r-fMRI were conducted after 4 weeks of CUMS and telmisartan therapy. The r-fMRI data were analyzed using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) approach. The group differences in the behavior and r-fMRI test results as well as the correlations between these 2 approaches were examined. RESULTS CUMS reduced the number of rearings and the total moved distance in OFT, the sucrose preference in SPT, and novel object recognition ability in ORT. The telmisartan treatment (1 mg/kg) significantly improved B-A/B + A in the ORT and improved latency scores in the OFT and SPT. The S group exhibited a decreased ReHo in the motor cortex and pons, but increased ReHo in the thalamus, visual cortex, midbrain, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and olfactory cortex compared to the C group. Telmisartan (1 mg/kg)reversed or attenuated the stress-induced changes in the motor cortex, midbrain, thalamus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, visual cortex, and olfactory cortex. A negative correlation was found between OFT rearing and ReHo values in the thalamus. Two positive correlations were found between ORT B-A and the ReHo values in the olfactory cortexand pons. CONCLUSIONS Telmisartan may be an effective complementary drug for individuals with depression who also exhibit memory impairments. Stress induced widespread regional alterations in the cerebrum in ReHo measures while telmissartan can reverse part of theses alterations. These data lend support for future research on the pathology of depression and provide a new insight into the effects of telmisartan on brain function in depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junling Li
- 0000 0004 0369 153Xgrid.24696.3fSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China ,0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Ran Yang
- 0000 0004 0632 3409grid.410318.fCardiovascular department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Kai Xia
- 0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Tian Wang
- 0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Binbin Nie
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Kuo Gao
- 0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Jianxin Chen
- 0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Huihui Zhao
- 0000 0001 1431 9176grid.24695.3cBeijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yubo Li
- 0000 0004 0632 3409grid.410318.fInstitute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Wei Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bogi E, Belovicova K, Csatlosova K, Dubovicky M. Animal models of maternal depression for monitoring neurodevelopmental changes occurring in dams and offspring. Interdiscip Toxicol 2018; 10:35-39. [PMID: 30123034 PMCID: PMC6096864 DOI: 10.1515/intox-2017-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illness affecting about 20% of the population. Depressive disorder as a biochemical phenomenon, was first recognized in the mid-20th century of research, however the etiology of this disease is still not well understood. Although the need to investigate depressive disorders has emerged from the needs of clinical practice, there are many preclinical studies, which brought new insights into this field of research. During experimental work it was crucial to develop appropriate animal models, where the neurohumoral mechanism was similar to humans. In the past decades, several animal models of maternal depression have been developed. We describe the three most popular rodent models of maternal depression which are based on 1. stress prior to gestation, 2. prenatal stress and 3. early life stress. The above-mentioned animal models appear to fulfill many criteria for a relevant animal model of depression; they alter the regulation of the HPA, induce signs of depression-like behavior and several antidepressant treatments can reverse the state induced by maternal stress. Although, they are not able to model all aspects of maternal depression, they are useful models for monitoring neurodevelopmental changes occurring in dams and offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Bogi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Kristína Belovicova
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic
| | - Kristína Csatlosova
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Dubovicky
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Burrage E, Marshall KL, Santanam N, Chantler PD. Cerebrovascular dysfunction with stress and depression. Brain Circ 2018; 4:43-53. [PMID: 30276336 PMCID: PMC6126243 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion through a dense network of cerebral microvessels is critical for the perseveration of normal brain function. Regulation of the cerebral blood flow has to ensure adequate delivery of nutrients and oxygen with moment-to-moment adjustments to avoid both hypo- and hyper-perfusion of the brain tissue. Even mild impairments of cerebral blood flow regulation can have significant implications on brain function. Evidence suggests that chronic stress and depression elicits multifaceted functional impairments to the cerebral microcirculation, which plays a critical role in brain health and the pathogenesis of stress-related cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular events. Identifying the functional and structural changes to the brain that are induced by stress is crucial for achieving a realistic understanding of how related illnesses, which are highly disabling and with a large economic cost, can be managed or reversed. This overview discusses the stress-induced alterations in neurovascular coupling with specific attention to cerebrovascular regulation (endothelial dependent and independent vasomotor function, microvessel density). The pathophysiological consequences of cerebral microvascular dysfunction with stress and depression are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Burrage
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kent L. Marshall
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Paul D. Chantler
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Vieira JO, Duarte JO, Costa-Ferreira W, Morais-Silva G, Marin MT, Crestani CC. Sex differences in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and behavioral changes evoked by chronic stressors in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:426-437. [PMID: 28823849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the physiological, somatic and behavioral changes evoked by daily exposure to the same type of stressor (homotypic) or different aversive stressor stimuli (heterotypic) in male and female rats. For this, adult Wistar rats were subjected to a 10days regimen of repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic stressor) or chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic stressor). Effects evoked by CVS included: (i) adrenal hypertrophy and decreased body weight gain in male animals, (ii) a sympathetically-mediated increase in basal heart rate in males, and (iii) a rise in plasma corticosterone concentration and anxiogenic effects in female animals. The homotypic stressor RRS also induced an increase in plasma corticosterone and anxiogenic effects in females, decreased body weight gain in males and evoked a sympathetically-mediated increase in heart rate in both sexes. Changes in cardiovascular function and autonomic activity evoked by both stressors were followed by impairment of baroreflex activity in males, but not female animals. Both chronic stressors evoked changes in blood pressure responsiveness to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents in both sexes. Taken together, these results indicate that regardless of chronic stress regimen males are more vulnerable to somatic effects of chronic stressors, while females appear to be more susceptible to neuroendocrine and behavioral changes. Present findings also indicate that females are selectively vulnerable to cardiovascular and autonomic changes evoked by homotypic stressors. Nevertheless, homotypic and heterotypic stressors similarly affect cardiovascular function and autonomic activity in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas O Vieira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josiane O Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Costa-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gessynger Morais-Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T Marin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil; Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
German-Ponciano LJ, Rosas-Sánchez GU, Rivadeneyra-Domínguez E, Rodríguez-Landa JF. Advances in the Preclinical Study of Some Flavonoids as Potential Antidepressant Agents. SCIENTIFICA 2018; 2018:2963565. [PMID: 29623232 PMCID: PMC5829422 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2963565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are phenolic compounds found commonly in plants that protect them against the negative effects of environmental insults. These secondary metabolites have been widely studied in preclinical research because of their biological effects, particularly as antioxidant agents. Diverse flavonoids have been studied to explore their potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system, including anxiety and depression. The present review discusses advances in the study of some flavonoids as potential antidepressant agents. We describe their behavioral, physiological, and neurochemical effects and the apparent mechanism of action of their preclinical antidepressant-like effects. Natural flavonoids produce antidepressant-like effects in validated behavioral models of depression. The mechanism of action of these effects includes the activation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurotransmitter systems and an increase in the production of neural factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. Additionally, alterations in the function of tropomyosin receptor kinase B and activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A have been reported. In conclusion, preclinical research supports the potential antidepressant effects of some natural flavonoids, which opens new possibilities of evaluating these substances to develop complementary therapeutic alternatives that could ameliorate symptoms of depressive disorders in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- León Jesús German-Ponciano
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER, Mexico
| | - Gilberto Uriel Rosas-Sánchez
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Francisco Rodríguez-Landa
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Foyet HSH, Tchinda Deffo S, Koagne Yewo P, Antioch I, Zingue S, Asongalem EA, Kamtchouing P, Ciobica A. Ficus sycomorus extract reversed behavioral impairment and brain oxidative stress induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress in rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:502. [PMID: 29179735 PMCID: PMC5704586 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress, regardless of its nature is nowadays recognized as one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases, such as mood and anxiety disorders. The brain compared with other organs is more vulnerable to oxidative damage mainly due to its high rate of oxygen consumption, abundant lipid content, and relative insufficiency of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, the identification of neural mechanisms underlying resistance and vulnerability to stress is of crucial importance in understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and in developing new treatments, since the existing ones are for several reasons subject to increasing limitations. This study was aimed to assess the effects of hydromethanolic extract of Ficus sycomorus stem bark on depression, anxiety and memory impairment induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) in rats. METHODS These effects were studied using anxiety-related behavior, depression-related behavior, anhedonia-like behavior and the Y maze task. Sucrose test was performed twice (before and after UCMS) to assess anhedonia in rats. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the extract were performed. The antioxidant activities of the extract were assessed using total glutathione (GSH) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (lipid peroxidation) in the rat temporal lobe homogenates. RESULTS The extract of F. sycomorus in a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly increased the sucrose consumption and the swimming time which had been reduced by the unpredictable chronic mild stress (p < 0.001). The extract also significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the latency time in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. In the elevated plus-maze, the extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the time and the number of entries into the closed arms. The treatment with the extracts also significantly increased alternation in the Y-maze (p < 0.01 for 100 mg/kg). The extract significantly increased the total GSH content and reduced MDA level in rat temporal lobe. For the LC-MS analysis, the major compound in the extract was a flavonoid with formula C22H28O14. CONCLUSIONS F. sycomorus reversed the harmful effects of UCMS on mood and behaviors in rats and it possesses an antidepressant property that is at least in part mediated through the oxidative pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Serge Tchinda Deffo
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Maroua, Cameroon, P.O. Box: 55, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Pascaline Koagne Yewo
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Maroua, Cameroon, P.O. Box: 55, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Iulia Antioch
- Department of Research, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Blvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Stéphane Zingue
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Maroua, Cameroon, P.O. Box: 55, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Acha Asongalem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Kamtchouing
- Department of Animal Biology and physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Research, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Blvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kokras N, Dalla C. Preclinical sex differences in depression and antidepressant response: Implications for clinical research. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:731-736. [PMID: 27870451 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Women suffer from depression and anxiety disorders more often than men, and as a result they receive antidepressants to a greater extent. Sex differences in antidepressant response in humans have been modestly studied, and results have been controversial. At the same time, preclinical studies on animal models of depression and antidepressant response have provided insights with regard to sex differences that could be useful for the design and interpretation of future clinical trials. This Mini-Review discusses such sex-differentiated findings with regard to the presentation of depression, endophenotypes, and antidepressant response. In particular, men and women differ in symptomatology of depression, and animal models of depression have revealed sex differences in behavioral indices. However, although in experimental studies behavioral indices and models are adjusted to identify sex differences properly, this is not the case in the use of depression rating scales in clinical studies. Accordingly, preclinical studies highlight the importance of sex differences at the baseline behavioral response and the underlying mechanisms that often converge after antidepressant treatment. This is also a neglected issue in human studies. Finally, preclinical research suggests that, in the quest for potential biomarkers for depression, sex should be an important factor to consider. Careful consideration of sex differences in preclinical research could facilitate and ameliorate the design and quality of clinical studies for disease biomarkers and novel fast-acting antidepressants that are so essential for both men and women suffering from depression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xu Y, Ma L, Jiang W, Li Y, Wang G, Li R. Study of Sex Differences in Duloxetine Efficacy for Depression in Transgenic Mouse Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:344. [PMID: 29163055 PMCID: PMC5671501 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidences show sex differences in risk of developing depressive disorders as well as effect of antidepressants in depression treatment. However, whether such a sex-dependent risk of depression and efficacy of antidepressants is dependent on endogenous estrogen level remain elusive. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms of sex differences in antidepressant duloxetine. In the present study, we used genetic knockout or overexpression estrogen-synthesizing enzyme aromatase (Ar) gene as models for endogenous estrogen deficiency and elevation endogenous estrogen, respectively, to examine the anti-depressive efficacy of duloxetine in males and females by force swimming test (FST). We also measured the sex-specific effect of duloxetine on dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) metabolisms in frontal cortex and hippocampus (HPC). Elevation of brain endogenous estrogen in male and female mice showed a reduction of immobility time in FST compared to control mice. Estrogen deficiency in females showed poor response to duloxetine treatment compared to sex-matched wildtype (WT) or aromatase transgenic mice. In contrast, male mice with estrogen deficiency showed same anti-depressive response to duloxetine treatments as aromatase transgenic mice. Our data showed that the sex different effect of endogenous estrogen on duloxetine-induced anti-depressive behavioral change is associated with brain region-specific changes of dopamine (DA) and 5-HT system. Endogenous estrogen exerts antidepressant effects in both males and females. Lacking of endogenous estrogen reduced antidepressive effect of duloxetine in females only. The endogenous estrogen level alters 5-HT system in female mainly, while both DA and 5-HT metabolisms were regulated by endogenous estrogen levels after duloxetine administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rena Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Marco EM, Ballesta JA, Irala C, Hernández MD, Serrano ME, Mela V, López-Gallardo M, Viveros MP. Sex-dependent influence of chronic mild stress (CMS) on voluntary alcohol consumption; study of neurobiological consequences. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 152:68-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
50
|
Wang CH, Gu JY, Zhang XL, Dong J, Yang J, Zhang YL, Ning QF, Shan XW, Li Y. Venlafaxine ameliorates the depression-like behaviors and hippocampal S100B expression in a rat depression model. Behav Brain Funct 2016; 12:34. [PMID: 27931233 PMCID: PMC5146825 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-016-0116-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence has indicated that S100B may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. No published study has examined the effect of the antidepressant drug venlafaxine on S100B in animal models of depression. This study investigated S100B expression in the hippocampus and assessed the effect of venlafaxine on S100B mRNA level and protein expression in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Methods Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, 0, 5 and 10 mg venlafaxine groups. The venlafaxine groups were exposed to CUMS from day 2 to day 43. Venlafaxine 0, 5 and 10 mg/kg were then administered from day 23 to day 43. We performed behavioral assessments with weight change, open-field and sucrose preference, and analyzed S100B protein expression and mRNA level in the hippocampus. Results The CUMS led to a decrease in body weight, locomotor activity and sucrose consumption, but venlafaxine treatment (10 mg) reversed these CUMS-induced decreases Also, CUMS increased S100B protein expression and mRNA level in the hippocampus, but venlafaxine treatment (10 mg) significantly decreased S100B protein expression and mRNA level, which were significantly lower than the other treatment groups, without significant difference between the 10 mg venlafaxine and the control groups. Conclusions Our findings showed that venlafaxine treatment (10 mg) may improve the depression-like behaviors and decrease over-expression of S100B protein and mRNA in the hippocampus in a rat model of depression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12993-016-0116-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jing-Yang Gu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jiao Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Standard Technological Co. Ltd. (Xinxiang Institute for New Medicine), Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,Xinjiang Hongda Food & Beverage Co. Ltd., Xinjiang, 043102, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying-Li Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Qiu-Fen Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Shan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent, Public Health College, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|