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Mottarlini F, Targa G, Rizzi B, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Developmental activity-based anorexia alters hippocampal non-genomic stress response and induces structural instability and spatial memory impairment in female rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111065. [PMID: 38901757 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111065] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive deficits. However, little is known about the rapid non-genomic stress response involvement. This study investigates the molecular, structural and behavioral signatures of the anorexic phenotype induction in female rats on stress-related mechanisms in the hippocampus. METHOD Female adolescent rats, exposed to the combination of food restriction and wheel access, i.e., the activity-based anorexia (ABA) protocol, were sacrificed in the acute phase of the pathology (postnatal day [P]42) or following a 7-day recovery period (P49). RESULTS ABA rats, in addition to body weight loss and increased wheel activity, alter their pattern of activity over days, showing increased food anticipatory activity, a readout of their motivation to engage in intense physical activity. Corticosterone plasma levels were enhanced at P42 while reduced at P49 in ABA rats. In the membrane fraction of the hippocampus, we found reduced glucocorticoid receptor levels together with reduced expression of caldesmon, n-cadherin and neuroligin-1, molecular markers of cytoskeletal stability and glutamatergic homeostasis. Accordingly, structural analyses revealed reduced dendritic spine density, a reduced number of mushroom-shaped spines, together with an increased number of thin-shaped spines. These events are paralleled by impairment in spatial memory measured in the spatial order object recognition test. These effects persisted even when body weight of ABA rats was restored. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that ABA induction orchestrates hippocampal maladaptive structural and functional plasticity, contributing to cognitive deficits, providing a putative mechanism that could be targeted in AN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Targa G, Mottarlini F, Rizzi B, Taddini S, Parolaro S, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Anorexia-Induced Hypoleptinemia Drives Adaptations in the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in the Ventral and Dorsal Hippocampus of Female Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:1171. [PMID: 38674862 PMCID: PMC11054075 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an appetite-regulating adipokine that is reduced in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-imposed starvation, and has been linked to hyperactivity, a hallmark of AN. However, it remains unknown how leptin receptor (LepR) and its JAK2-STAT3 downstream pathway in extrahypothalamic brain areas, such as the dorsal (dHip) and ventral (vHip) hippocampus, crucial for spatial memory and emotion regulation, may contribute to the maintenance of AN behaviors. Taking advantage of the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model (i.e., the combination of food restriction and physical activity), we observed reduced leptin plasma levels in adolescent female ABA rats at the acute phase of the disorder [post-natal day (PND) 42], while the levels increased over control levels following a 7-day recovery period (PND49). The analysis of the intracellular leptin pathway revealed that ABA rats showed an overall decrease of the LepR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling in dHip at both time points, while in vHip we observed a transition from hypo- (PND42) to hyperactivation (PND49) of the pathway. These changes might add knowledge on starvation-induced fluctuations in leptin levels and in hippocampal leptin signaling as initial drivers of the transition from adaptative mechanisms to starvation toward the maintenance of aberrant behaviors typical of AN patients, such as perpetuating restraint over eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Beatrice Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Sofia Taddini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Susanna Parolaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
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3
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Gallo MT, Dolci B, Fumagalli F, Brivio P, Calabrese F. Prenatal Fluoxetine Exposure Influences Glucocorticoid Receptor-Mediated Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex of Adolescent Rats Exposed to Acute Stress. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1560-1569. [PMID: 38507566 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00856] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Any deviation from the programmed processes of brain development may modify its formation and functions, thereby precipitating pathological conditions, which often become manifest in adulthood. Exposure to a challenge during crucial periods of vulnerability, such as adolescence, may reveal molecular changes preceding behavioral outcomes. Based on a previous study showing that prenatal fluoxetine (FLX) leads to the development of an anhedonic-like behavior in adult rats, we aimed to assess whether the same treatment regimen (i.e., fluoxetine during gestation; 15 mg/kg/day) influences the ability to respond to acute restraint stress (ARS) during adolescence. We subjected the rats to a battery of behavioral tests evaluating the development of various phenotypes (cognitive deficit, anhedonia, and anxiety). Furthermore, we carried out molecular analyses in the plasma and prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in stress response, and whose functions are commonly altered in neuropsychiatric conditions. Our findings confirm that prenatal manipulation did not affect behavior in adolescent rats but impaired the capability to respond properly to ARS. Indeed, we observed changes in several molecular key players of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, particularly influencing genomic effects mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor. This study highlights that prenatal FLX exposure influences the ability of adolescent male rats to respond to an acute challenge, thereby altering the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and indicates that the prenatal manipulation may prime the response to challenging events during this critical period of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Dolci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
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Rossi R, Bærentzen SL, Thomsen MB, Real CC, Wegener G, Grassi-Oliveira R, Gjedde A, Landau AM. A single dose of cocaine raises SV2A density in hippocampus of adolescent rats. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:109-117. [PMID: 36847240 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.14] [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: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cocaine is a highly addictive psychostimulant that affects synaptic activity with structural and functional adaptations of neurons. The transmembrane synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) of pre-synaptic vesicles is commonly used to measure synaptic density, as a novel approach to the detection of synaptic changes. We do not know if a single dose of cocaine suffices to affect pre-synaptic SV2A density, especially during adolescence when synapses undergo intense maturation. Here, we explored potential changes of pre-synaptic SV2A density in target brain areas associated with the cocaine-induced boost of dopaminergic neurotransmission, specifically testing if the effects would last after the return of dopamine levels to baseline. METHODS We administered cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) or saline to rats in early adolescence, tested their activity levels and removed the brains 1 hour and 7 days after injection. To evaluate immediate and lasting effects, we did autoradiography with [3H]UCB-J, a specific tracer for SV2A, in medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and dorsal and ventral areas of hippocampus. We also measured the striatal binding of [3H]GBR-12935 to test cocaine's occupancy of the dopamine transporter at both times of study. RESULTS We found a significant increase of [3H]UCB-J binding in the dorsal and ventral sections of hippocampus 7 days after the cocaine administration compared to saline-injected rats, but no differences 1 hour after the injection. The [3H]GBR-12935 binding remained unchanged at both times. CONCLUSION Cocaine provoked lasting changes of hippocampal synaptic SV2A density after a single exposure during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Rossi
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simone Larsen Bærentzen
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Majken B Thomsen
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caroline C Real
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Albert Gjedde
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anne M Landau
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Bilel S, Zamberletti E, Caffino L, Tirri M, Mottarlini F, Arfè R, Barbieri M, Beggiato S, Boccuto F, Bernardi T, Casati S, Brini AT, Parolaro D, Rubino T, Ferraro L, Fumagalli F, Marti M. Cognitive dysfunction and impaired neuroplasticity following repeated exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 in male mice. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2777-2801. [PMID: 37311647 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16164] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Psychotic disorders have been reported in long-term users of synthetic cannabinoids. This study aims at investigating the long-lasting effects of repeated JWH-018 exposure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male CD-1 mice were injected with vehicle, JWH-018 (6 mg·kg-1 ), the CB1 -antagonist NESS-0327 (1 mg·kg-1 ) or co-administration of NESS-0327 and JWH-018, every day for 7 days. After 15 or 16 days washout, we investigated the effects of JWH-018 on motor function, memory, social dominance and prepulse inhibition (PPI). We also evaluated glutamate levels in dialysates from dorsal striatum, striatal dopamine content and striatal/hippocampal neuroplasticity focusing on the NMDA receptor complex and the neurotrophin BDNF. These measurements were accompanied by in vitro electrophysiological evaluations in hippocampal preparations. Finally, we investigated the density of CB1 receptors and levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their main synthetic and degrading enzymes in the striatum and hippocampus. KEY RESULTS The repeated treatment with JWH-018 induced psychomotor agitation while reducing social dominance, recognition memory and PPI in mice. JWH-018 disrupted hippocampal LTP and decreased BDNF expression, reduced the synaptic levels of NMDA receptor subunits and decreased the expression of PSD95. Repeated exposure to JWH-018, reduced hippocampal CB1 receptor density and induced a long-term alteration in AEA and 2-AG levels and their degrading enzymes, FAAH and MAGL, in the striatum. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that repeated administration of a high dose of JWH-018 leads to the manifestation of psychotic-like symptoms accompanied by alterations in neuroplasticity and change in the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Casati
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna T Brini
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
- Zardi-Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for the Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA Centre), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
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Gallo MT, Brivio P, Dolci B, Fumagalli F, Calabrese F. Perinatal serotonergic manipulation shapes anhedonic and cognitive behaviors in a sex- and age-dependent manner: Identification of related biological functions at central and peripheral level. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:118-130. [PMID: 37595877 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor knowledge about psychiatric disorders often results in similar diagnoses for patients with different symptoms, thus limiting the effectiveness of the available medications. As suggested by several lines of evidence, to improve these shortcomings, it is essential to identify biomarkers associated with specific symptoms and to stratify patients into more homogeneous populations taking a further step toward personalized medicine. Here, we aimed to associate specific behavioral phenotypes with specific molecular alterations by employing an animal model based on the pharmacological manipulation of the serotonergic system, which mimics a condition of vulnerability to develop psychiatric disorders. In particular, we treated female and male rats with fluoxetine (FLX 15 mg/kg dissolved in drinking water) during prenatal or early postnatal life, and we evaluated different pathological-like phenotypes (cognitive deficit, anhedonia, and anxiety) by exposing the rats to a battery of behavioral tests during adolescence and adulthood. In addition, we carried out molecular analyses on specific brain areas and in the blood. Our results showed that perinatal FLX administration determined age- and sex-dependent effects, with males being more sensitive to prenatal manipulation and manifesting anhedonic-like behavior and females to early postnatal exposure, exhibiting cognitive deficits and a less anxious phenotype. Furthermore, we identified, peripherally and centrally, biological functions altered by perinatal serotonin modulation regardless of the timing of exposure and sex, and other pathways specific for the pathological-like phenotypes. The results presented here provide new insights into potential biomarkers associated with specific behavioral phenotypes that may be useful for broadening knowledge about psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Dolci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Martini P, Mingardi J, Carini G, Mattevi S, Ndoj E, La Via L, Magri C, Gennarelli M, Russo I, Popoli M, Musazzi L, Barbon A. Transcriptional Profiling of Rat Prefrontal Cortex after Acute Inescapable Footshock Stress. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030740. [PMID: 36981011 PMCID: PMC10048409 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a primary risk factor for psychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The response to stress involves the regulation of transcriptional programs, which is supposed to play a role in coping with stress. To evaluate transcriptional processes implemented after exposure to unavoidable traumatic stress, we applied microarray expression analysis to the PFC of rats exposed to acute footshock (FS) stress that were sacrificed immediately after the 40 min session or 2 h or 24 h after. While no substantial changes were observed at the single gene level immediately after the stress session, gene set enrichment analysis showed alterations in neuronal pathways associated with glia development, glia-neuron networking, and synaptic function. Furthermore, we found alterations in the expression of gene sets regulated by specific transcription factors that could represent master regulators of the acute stress response. Of note, these pathways and transcriptional programs are activated during the early stress response (immediately after FS) and are already turned off after 2 h-while at 24 h, the transcriptional profile is largely unaffected. Overall, our analysis provided a transcriptional landscape of the early changes triggered by acute unavoidable FS stress in the PFC of rats, suggesting that the transcriptional wave is fast and mild, but probably enough to activate a cellular response to acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Martini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Carini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mattevi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elona Ndoj
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca La Via
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Magri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Isabella Russo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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8
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Mottarlini F, Targa G, Bottan G, Tarenzi B, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Cortical reorganization of the glutamate synapse in the activity-based anorexia rat model: Impact on cognition. J Neurochem 2022; 161:350-365. [PMID: 35257377 PMCID: PMC9313878 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (AN) display altered neural activity, morphological, and functional connectivity in the fronto-striatal circuit. In addition, hypoglutamatergic transmission and aberrant excitability of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) observed in AN patients might underpin cognitive deficits that fuel the vicious cycle of dieting behavior. To provide a molecular mechanism, we employed the activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model, which combines the two hallmarks of AN (i.e., caloric restriction and intense physical exercise), to evaluate structural remodeling together with alterations in the glutamatergic signaling in the mPFC and their impact on temporal memory, as measured by the temporal order object recognition (TOOR) test. Our data indicate that the combination of caloric restriction and intense physical exercise altered the homeostasis of the glutamate synapse and reduced spine density in the mPFC. These events, paralleled by an impairment in recency discrimination in the TOOR test, are associated with the ABA endophenotype. Of note, after a 7-day recovery period, body weight was recovered and the mPFC structure normalized but ABA rats still exhibited reduced post-synaptic stability of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors associated with cognitive dysfunction. Taken together, these data suggest that the combination of reduced food intake and hyperactivity affects the homeostasis of the excitatory synapse in the mPFC contributing to maintain the aberrant behaviors observed in AN patients. Our findings, by identifying novel potential targets of AN, may contribute to more effectively direct the therapeutic interventions to ameliorate, at least, the cognitive effects of this psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Giorgia Bottan
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Benedetta Tarenzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
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9
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Trinoskey-Rice GE, Woon EP, Pitts EG, Gourley SL. Cocaine Elevates Calcium-Dependent Activator Protein for Secretion 2 in the Mouse Orbitofrontal Cortex. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:376-382. [PMID: 34695821 DOI: 10.1159/000519681] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2; also referred to as CADPS2) is a dense core vesicle-associated protein that promotes the activity-dependent release of neuropeptides including neurotrophins. Addictive drugs appear to prime neurotrophin release in multiple brain regions, but mechanistic factors are still being elucidated. Here, experimenters administered cocaine to adolescent mice at doses that potentiated later cocaine self-administration. Experimenter-administered cocaine elevated the CAPS2 protein content in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; but not striatum) multiple weeks after drug exposure. Meanwhile, proteins that are sensitive to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release and binding (phosphorylated protein kinase B and phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and GABAAα1 levels) did not differ between cocaine-exposed and naive mice in the OFC. This pattern is consistent with evidence that CAPS2 primes stimulated release of neurotrophins like BDNF, rather than basal levels. Thus, cocaine administered at behaviorally relevant doses elevates CAPS2 protein content in the OFC, and the effects are detected long after cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracy E Trinoskey-Rice
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ellen P Woon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Pitts
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Bilel S, Targa G, Tirri M, Maggi C, Marti M, Fumagalli F. Single Exposure to the Cathinones MDPV and α-PVP Alters Molecular Markers of Neuroplasticity in the Adult Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7397. [PMID: 34299015 PMCID: PMC8307734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones have gained popularity among young drug users and are widely used in the clandestine market. While the cathinone-induced behavioral profile has been extensively investigated, information on their neuroplastic effects is still rather fragmentary. Accordingly, we have exposed male mice to a single injection of MDPV and α-PVP and sacrificed the animals at different time points (i.e., 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h) to have a rapid readout of the effect of these psychostimulants on neuroplasticity in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, two reward-related brain regions. We found that a single, low dose of MDPV or α-PVP is sufficient to alter the expression of neuroplastic markers in the adult mouse brain. In particular, we found increased expression of the transcription factor Npas4, increased ratio between the vesicular GABA transporter and the vesicular glutamate transporter together with changes in the expression of the neurotrophin Bdnf, confirming the widespread impact of these cathinones on brain plasticity. To sum up, exposure to low dose of cathinones can impair cortical and hippocampal homeostasis, suggesting that abuse of these cathinones at much higher doses, as it occurs in humans, could have an even more profound impact on neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Coralie Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
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11
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Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Zita G, Gawliński D, Gawlińska K, Wydra K, Przegaliński E, Fumagalli F. The effects of cocaine exposure in adolescence: Behavioural effects and neuroplastic mechanisms in experimental models. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4233-4253. [PMID: 33963539 PMCID: PMC9545182 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a devastating disorder with a huge economic and social burden for modern society. Although an individual may slip into drug abuse throughout his/her life, adolescents are at higher risk, but, so far, only a few studies have attempted to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular bases of such vulnerability. Indeed, preclinical evidence indicates that psychostimulants and adolescence interact and contribute to promoting a dysfunctional brain. In this review, we have focused our attention primarily on changes in neuroplasticity brought about by cocaine, taking into account that there is much less evidence from exposure to cocaine in adolescence, compared with that from adults. This review clearly shows that exposure to cocaine during adolescence, acute or chronic, as well as contingent or non‐contingent, confers a vulnerable endophenotype, primarily, by causing changes in neuroplasticity. Given the close relationship between drug abuse and psychiatric disorders, we also discuss the translational implications providing an interpretative framework for clinical studies involving addictive as well as affective or psychotic behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Zita
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawlińska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Edmund Przegaliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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