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de Souza Aranha Garcia-Gomes M, Yamamoto PK, Massironi SMG, Galvis-Alonso OY, Mejia J, Zanatto DA, Alexandre-Ribeiro SR, Ienne S, Mori CMC. Alteration of hippocampal Egr3, GABA A receptors, Il-1β, Il6 and Ccl3 expression in audiogenic tremor mice after seizure. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108962. [PMID: 36356419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a protective role in the brain; however, in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, overactivated neuroinflammation, along with overexpression of inflammatory mediators, can cause neuronal tissue damage, which can trigger seizures due to loss of ionic or neurotransmitter homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, early growth response factor 3 (Egr3), and GABA A receptors in the hippocampus of naive audiogenic mutant tremor mice, and stimulated tremor mice after a seizure. Gene expression of Il-1β, Il-6, Tnf-α, Ccl2, Ccl3, Egr3, Gabra1, and Gabra4 from hippocampal samples of naive and stimulated tremor mice were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Relative to resistant mice, Ccl3 gene expression was increased and Il6 was decreased in the hippocampus of naïve tremor mice. Thirty minutes after a seizure, Ccl3 and Il-1β mRNA expression were decreased (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0034, respectively) while Il6 was increased (p = 0.0052) in stimulated tremor mice, relative to naïve animals. In addition, Egr3, Gabra1, and Gabra4 mRNA expression was decreased in the hippocampus of naive tremor mice, relative to resistant mice, which increased 30 minutes after a seizure (p = 0.0496; p = 0.0447, and p = 0.0011, respectively), relative to naïve animals. In conclusion, overexpression of Ccl3 in the hippocampus of naive tremor mice, followed by downregulation soon after seizure in stimulated tremor mice, could be involved in changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in epilepsy. Il-1β may be involved in hippocampal downregulation of GABA A receptors of naive tremor mice, characterizing an important mechanism in audiogenic seizures triggering. Hippocampal alterations of proinflammatory cytokines, Egr3, and GABA A receptors in tremor mice reinforce them as an alternative tool to modeling temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Kenzo Yamamoto
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jorge Mejia
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dennis Albert Zanatto
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Susan Ienne
- Core Facility for Scientific Research - University of São Paulo (CEFAP-USP/GENIAL (Genome Investigation and Analysis Laboratory), Brazil
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Lazarini-Lopes W, Silva-Cardoso GK, Leite-Panissi CRA, Garcia-Cairasco N. Increased TRPV1 Channels and FosB Protein Expression Are Associated with Chronic Epileptic Seizures and Anxiogenic-like Behaviors in a Preclinical Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020416. [PMID: 35203625 PMCID: PMC8962263 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsies are neurological disorders characterized by chronic seizures and their related neuropsychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety. The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel has been implicated in the modulation of seizures and anxiety-like behaviors in preclinical models. Here, we investigated the impact of chronic epileptic seizures in anxiety-like behavior and TRPV1 channels expression in a genetic model of epilepsy, the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain. WARs were submitted to audiogenic kindling (AK), a preclinical model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and behavioral tests were performed in the open-field (OF), and light-dark box (LDB) tests 24 h after AK. WARs displayed increased anxiety-like behavior and TRPV1R expression in the hippocampal CA1 area and basolateral amygdala nucleus (BLA) when compared to control Wistar rats. Chronic seizures increased anxiety-like behaviors and TRPV1 and FosB expression in limbic and brainstem structures involved with epilepsy and anxiety comorbidity, such as the hippocampus, superior colliculus, and periaqueductal gray matter. Therefore, these results highlight previously unrecognized alterations in TRPV1 expression in brain structures involved with TLE and anxiogenic-like behaviors in a genetic model of epilepsy, the WAR strain, supporting an important role of TRPV1 in the modulation of neurological disorders and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Lazarini-Lopes
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
| | - Gleice Kelli Silva-Cardoso
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Philosophy, Science, and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil; (G.K.S.-C.); (C.R.A.L.-P.)
| | - Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Philosophy, Science, and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil; (G.K.S.-C.); (C.R.A.L.-P.)
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine and Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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3
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Chronic cannabidiol (CBD) administration induces anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic effects in a genetic model of epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 119:107962. [PMID: 33887676 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a marijuana compound implicated in epilepsy treatment in animal models and pharmacoresistant patients. However, little is known about chronic CBD administration's effects in chronic models of seizures, especially regarding its potential antiepileptogenic effects. In the present study, we combined a genetic model of epilepsy (the Wistar Audiogenic Rat strain - WARs), a chronic protocol of seizures (the audiogenic kindling - AuK), quantitative and sequential behavioral analysis (neuroethology), and microscopy imaging to analyze the effects of chronic CBD administration in a genetic model of epilepsy. The acute audiogenic seizure is characterized by tonic-clonic seizures and intense brainstem activity. However, during the AuK WARs can develop limbic seizures associated with the recruitment of forebrain and limbic structures. Here, chronic CBD administration, twice a day, attenuated brainstem, tonic-clonic seizures, prevented limbic recruitment, and suppressed limbic (kindled) seizures, suggesting CBD antiepileptogenic effects. Additionally, CBD prevented chronic neuronal hyperactivity, suppressing FosB immunostaining in the brainstem (inferior colliculus and periaqueductal gray matter) and forebrain (basolateral amygdala nucleus and piriform cortex), structures associated with tonic-clonic and limbic seizures, respectively. Chronic seizures increased cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) immunostaining in the hippocampus and the BLA, while CBD administration prevented changes in CB1R expression induced by the AuK. The neuroethological analysis provided details about CBD's protective effects against brainstem and limbic seizures associated with FosB expression. Our results strongly suggest chronic CBD anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic effects associated with reduced chronic neuronal activity and modulation of CB1R expression. We also support the chronic use of CBD for epilepsies treatments.
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Kulikov AA, Nasluzova EV, Dorofeeva NA, Glazova MV, Lavrova EA, Chernigovskaya EV. Pifithrin-α Inhibits Neural Differentiation
of Newborn Cells in the Subgranular Zone of the Dentate Gyrus at
Initial Stages of Audiogenic Kindling in Krushinsky–Molodkina Rat
Strain. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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5
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Lazarini-Lopes W, Do Val-da Silva RA, da Silva-Júnior RMP, Cunha AOS, Garcia-Cairasco N. Cannabinoids in Audiogenic Seizures: From Neuronal Networks to Future Perspectives for Epilepsy Treatment. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:611902. [PMID: 33643007 PMCID: PMC7904685 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.611902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and Cannabis-derived compounds have been receiving especial attention in the epilepsy research scenario. Pharmacological modulation of endocannabinoid system's components, like cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R) and their bindings, are associated with seizures in preclinical models. CB1R expression and functionality were altered in humans and preclinical models of seizures. Additionally, Cannabis-derived compounds, like cannabidiol (CBD), present anticonvulsant activity in humans and in a great variety of animal models. Audiogenic seizures (AS) are induced in genetically susceptible animals by high-intensity sound stimulation. Audiogenic strains, like the Genetically Epilepsy Prone Rats, Wistar Audiogenic Rats, and Krushinsky-Molodkina, are useful tools to study epilepsy. In audiogenic susceptible animals, acute acoustic stimulation induces brainstem-dependent wild running and tonic-clonic seizures. However, during the chronic protocol of AS, the audiogenic kindling (AuK), limbic and cortical structures are recruited, and the initially brainstem-dependent seizures give rise to limbic seizures. The present study reviewed the effects of pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system in audiogenic seizure susceptibility and expression. The effects of Cannabis-derived compounds in audiogenic seizures were also reviewed, with especial attention to CBD. CB1R activation, as well Cannabis-derived compounds, induced anticonvulsant effects against audiogenic seizures, but the effects of cannabinoids modulation and Cannabis-derived compounds still need to be verified in chronic audiogenic seizures. The effects of cannabinoids and Cannabis-derived compounds should be further investigated not only in audiogenic seizures, but also in epilepsy related comorbidities present in audiogenic strains, like anxiety, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Lazarini-Lopes
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel A Do Val-da Silva
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui M P da Silva-Júnior
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandra O S Cunha
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Becari C, Pereira GL, Oliveira JAC, Polonis K, Garcia-Cairasco N, Costa-Neto CM, Pereira MGAG. Epilepsy Seizures in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats After Acoustic Stimulation: Role of Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:588477. [PMID: 33424536 PMCID: PMC7787150 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.588477] [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: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a common comorbidity observed in individuals with epilepsy. Growing evidence suggests that lower blood pressure is associated with reduced frequency and severity of seizures. In this study, we sought to investigate whether the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which is a critical regulator of blood pressure, is involved in the pathogenesis of audiogenic epilepsy-related seizures in a hypertensive rat model. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were given RAS inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) antagonist, for 7 days prior to inducing epileptic seizures by acoustic stimulation. After the pretreatment phase, blood pressure (BP) of SHRs normalized as expected, and there was no difference in systolic and diastolic BP between the pretreated SHRs and normotensive rat group (Wistar). Next, treated and untreated SHRs (a high BP control) were individually subjected to acoustic stimuli twice a day for 2 weeks. The severity of tonic–clonic seizures and the severity of temporal lobe epilepsy seizures (product of forebrain recruitment) were evaluated by the mesencephalic severity index (Rossetti et al. scale) and the limbic index (Racine’s scale), respectively. Seizures were observed in both untreated (a high BP control) SHRs and in SHRs treated with AT1R antagonist and ACE inhibitor. There was no statistical difference in the mesencephalic severity and limbic index between these groups. Our results demonstrate that SHRs present seizure susceptibility with acoustic stimulation. Moreover, although RAS inhibitors effectively reduce blood pressure in SHR, they do not prevent developing epileptic seizures upon acoustic stimulation in SHR. In conclusion, our study shows that RAS is an unlikely link between hypertension and susceptibility to epileptic seizures induced by acoustic stimulation in SHRs, which is in contrast with the anticonvulsant effect of losartan in other animal models of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Becari
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Giorgia Lemes Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - José A C Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Katarzyna Polonis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Claudio M Costa-Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marilia G A G Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
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7
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Lazarini-Lopes W, da Silva-Júnior RMP, Servilha-Menezes G, Do Val-da Silva RA, Garcia-Cairasco N. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1R) Expression in Limbic Brain Structures After Acute and Chronic Seizures in a Genetic Model of Epilepsy. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:602258. [PMID: 33408620 PMCID: PMC7779524 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.602258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is related to several physiological processes, associated to the modulation of brain excitability, with impact in the expression of susceptibility and control of epileptic seizures. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is widely expressed in the brain, especially in forebrain limbic structures. Changes in CB1R expression are associated with epileptic seizures in animal models and humans. The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain is a genetic model of epilepsy capable of mimicking tonic-clonic and limbic seizures in response to intense sound stimulation. The WAR strain presents several behavioral and physiological alterations associated with seizure susceptibility, but the ECS has never been explored in this strain. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize CB1R expression in forebrain limbic structures important to limbic seizure expression in WARs. We used a detailed anatomical analysis to assess the effects of acute and chronic audiogenic seizures on CB1R expression in several layers and regions of hippocampus and amygdala. WARs showed increased CB1R immunostaining in the inner molecular layer of the hippocampus, when compared to control Wistar rats. Acute and chronic audiogenic seizures increased CB1R immunostaining in several regions of the dorsal hippocampus and amygdala of WARs. Also, changes in CB1R expression in the amygdala, but not in the hippocampus, were associated with limbic recruitment and limbic seizure severity in WARs. Our results suggest that endogenous alterations in CB1R immunostaining in WARs could be associated with genetic susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. We also demonstrated CB1R neuroplastic changes associated with acute and chronic seizures in the amygdala and hippocampus. Moreover, the present study brings important information regarding CB1R and seizure susceptibility in a genetic model of seizures and supports the relationship between ECS and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Lazarini-Lopes
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rui M P da Silva-Júnior
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Servilha-Menezes
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Raquel A Do Val-da Silva
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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8
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Inflammatory markers in the hippocampus after audiogenic kindling. Neurosci Lett 2020; 721:134830. [PMID: 32044393 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Here, we investigated the participation of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the spread of repeated audiogenic seizures from brainstem auditory structures to limbic areas, including the hippocampus. We used Wistar Audiogenic Rats (WARs) and Wistars submitted to the audiogenic kindling protocol with a loud broad-band noise. We measured pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitrate levels in the hippocampus of stimulated animals. Our results show that all WARs developed audiogenic seizures that evolved to limbic seizures whereas seizure-resistant controls did not present any seizures. However, regardless of seizure severity, we did not observe differences in the pro inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-α or in the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the hippocampi of audiogenic and resistant animals. We also did not find any differences in nitrate content. Our data indicate that the spread of seizures during the audiogenic kindling is not dependent on hippocampal release of cytokines or oxidative stress, but the severity of brainstem seizures will be higher in animals with higher levels of cytokines and the oxidative stress marker, nitrate.
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9
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Lazarini-Lopes W, Do Val-da Silva RA, da Silva-Júnior RMP, Leite JP, Garcia-Cairasco N. The anticonvulsant effects of cannabidiol in experimental models of epileptic seizures: From behavior and mechanisms to clinical insights. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:166-182. [PMID: 31954723 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by the presence of seizures and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Despite the number of antiepileptic drugs, one-third of patients did not have their seizures under control, leading to pharmacoresistance epilepsy. Cannabis sativa has been used since ancient times in Medicine for the treatment of many diseases, including convulsive seizures. In this context, Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis, has been a promising compound for treating epilepsies due to its anticonvulsant properties in animal models and humans, especially in pharmacoresistant patients. In this review, we summarize evidence of the CBD anticonvulsant activities present in a great diversity of animal models. Special attention was given to behavioral CBD effects and its translation to human epilepsies. CBD anticonvulsant effects are associated with a great variety of mechanisms of action such as endocannabinoid and calcium signaling. CBD has shown effectiveness in the clinical scenario for epilepsies, but its effects on epilepsy-related comorbidities are scarce even in basic research. More detailed and complex behavioral evaluation about CBD effects on seizures and epilepsy-related comorbidities are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Lazarini-Lopes
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Raquel A Do Val-da Silva
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rui M P da Silva-Júnior
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - João P Leite
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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10
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Cunha AOS, Moradi M, de Deus JL, Ceballos CC, Benites NM, de Barcellos Filho PCG, de Oliveira JAC, Garcia-Cairasco N, Leão R. Alterations in brainstem auditory processing, the acoustic startle response and sensorimotor gating of startle in Wistar audiogenic rats (WAR), an animal model of reflex epilepsies. Brain Res 2020; 1727:146570. [PMID: 31811837 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146570] [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: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
While acute audiogenic seizures in response to acoustic stimulus appear as an alteration in sensory-motor processing in the brainstem, the repetition of the stimulus leads to the spread of epileptic activity to limbic structures. Here, we investigated whether animals of the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain, genetically selected by inbreeding for seizure susceptibility, would have alterations in their auditory response, assessed by the auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and sensory-motor gating, measured as pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), which could be related to their audiogenic seizures susceptibility or severity. We did not find differences between the amplitudes and latencies of ABR waves in response to clicks for WARs when compared to Wistars. Auditory gain and symmetry between ears were also similar. However, hearing thresholds in response to some tones were lower and amplitudes of wave II were larger in WARs. WARs had smaller acoustic startle reflex amplitudes and the percentages of startle inhibited by an acoustic prepulse were higher for WARs than for Wistars. However, no correlation was found between these alterations and brainstem-dependent seizure severity or limbic seizure frequency during audiogenic kindling. Our data show that while WARs present moderate alterations in primary auditory processing, the sensory motor gating measured in startle/PPI tests appears to be more drastically altered. The observed changes might be correlated with audiogenic seizure susceptibility but not seizures severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marzieh Moradi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Junia Lara de Deus
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cesar Celis Ceballos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Nikollas Moreira Benites
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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11
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Rosal Lustosa Í, Soares JI, Biagini G, Lukoyanov NV. Neuroplasticity in Cholinergic Projections from the Basal Forebrain to the Basolateral Nucleus of the Amygdala in the Kainic Acid Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225688. [PMID: 31766245 PMCID: PMC6887742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The amygdala is a cerebral region whose function is compromised in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Patients with TLE present cognitive and emotional dysfunctions, of which impairments in recognizing facial expressions have been clearly attributed to amygdala damage. However, damage to the amygdala has been scarcely addressed, with the majority of studies focusing on the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to evaluate epilepsy-related plasticity of cholinergic projections to the basolateral nucleus (BL) of the amygdala. Adult rats received kainic acid (KA) injections and developed status epilepticus. Weeks later, they showed spontaneous recurrent seizures documented by behavioral observations. Changes in cholinergic innervation of the BL were investigated by using an antibody against the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). In KA-treated rats, it was found that (i) the BL shrunk to 25% of its original size (p < 0.01 vs. controls, Student’s t-test), (ii) the density of vesicular acetylcholine transporter-immunoreactive (VAChT-IR) varicosities was unchanged, (iii) the volumes of VAChT-IR cell bodies projecting to the BL from the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca, ventral pallidum, and subcommissural part of the substantia innominata were significantly increased (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). These results illustrate significant changes in the basal forebrain cholinergic cells projecting to the BL in the presence of spontaneous recurrent seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ítalo Rosal Lustosa
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Joana I. Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Programa Doutoral em Neurociências, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Nikolai V. Lukoyanov
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (N.V.L.)
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Cunha AOS, Ceballos CC, de Deus JL, Pena RFDO, de Oliveira JAC, Roque AC, Garcia-Cairasco N, Leão RM. Intrinsic and synaptic properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain, a genetic model of epilepsy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10412. [PMID: 29991737 PMCID: PMC6039528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28725-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the many studies focusing on epilepsy, a lot of the basic mechanisms underlying seizure susceptibility are mainly unclear. Here, we studied cellular electrical excitability, as well as excitatory and inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission of CA1 pyramidal neurons from the dorsal hippocampus of a genetic model of epilepsy, the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WARs) in which limbic seizures appear after repeated audiogenic stimulation. We examined intrinsic properties of neurons, as well as EPSCs evoked by Schaffer-collateral stimulation in slices from WARs and Wistar parental strain. We also analyzed spontaneous IPSCs and quantal miniature inhibitory events. Our data show that even in the absence of previous seizures, GABAergic neurotransmission is reduced in the dorsal hippocampus of WARs. We observed a decrease in the frequency of IPSCs and mIPSCs. Moreover, mIPSCs of WARs had faster rise times, indicating that they probably arise from more proximal synapses. Finally, intrinsic membrane properties, firing and excitatory neurotransmission mediated by both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are similar to the parental strain. Since GABAergic inhibition towards CA1 pyramidal neurons is reduced in WARs, the inhibitory network could be ineffective to prevent the seizure-dependent spread of hyperexcitation. These functional changes could make these animals more susceptible to the limbic seizures observed during the audiogenic kindling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesar Celis Ceballos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Department of Physics, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Júnia Lara de Deus
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Felipe de Oliveira Pena
- Department of Physics, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Carlos Roque
- Department of Physics, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Maurício Leão
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Umeoka EH, Eiras MC, Viana IG, Giorgi VS, Bueno A, Damasceno DC, Garcia-Cairasco N, Navarro PA. Maternal reproductive performance and fetal development of the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 65:87-94. [PMID: 29927665 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1483443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain is an animal model for epilepsy studies, the chronic multifactorial disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The animals of this strain are genetically predisposed to sound-induced seizures, called audiogenic seizures, and have been used for many years in studies to understand the mechanisms involved in the epilepsies and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities, as well as the screening of potential anti-convulsant agents. Nevertheless, little is known about the reproductive characteristics of these animals. The main goal of this study was to characterize the female reproductive performance and the fetal growth of WARs in comparison to the Wistar rats, obtaining important information for physiology and behavioral studies, as well as for the preservation of the strain. The results indicated few differences between WAR and Wistar regarding the female reproductive performance. There was no significant difference in the number of pregnant females by mating, number of live births per female, number of cells per blastocyst, and several characteristics related to reproductive performance, such as pre- and post-implantation losses. However, significant differences were observed in birth weight and weight gain until weaning, with WAR animals presenting a body weight below Wistar at birth and reduced body weight gain during the lactation period. In addition, the WAR females showed lower body weight on the day 20 of pregnancy and a larger number of corpora lutea, when compared with those of Wistar animals. Thus, we conclude that although Wistar and WAR strains have few differences in their reproductive performance, which might impact future physiological life challenges or others experimentally induced procedures, it still is a very viable strain regarding reproduction. Abbreviations: CONCEA: National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation; GEPR: genetically epilepsy-prone rats; WAR: Wistar Audiogenic Rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo H Umeoka
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil.,b Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil.,c Department of Physiology , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Matheus C Eiras
- d Department of Genetics , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Iara G Viana
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Vanessa S Giorgi
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Aline Bueno
- e Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology Postgraduate Course , Botucatu Medical School, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP , Botucatu, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Débora C Damasceno
- e Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology Postgraduate Course , Botucatu Medical School, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP , Botucatu, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- b Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil.,c Department of Physiology , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Paula A Navarro
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo , Brazil
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14
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Delfino-Pereira P, Bertti-Dutra P, de Lima Umeoka EH, de Oliveira JAC, Santos VR, Fernandes A, Marroni SS, Del Vecchio F, Garcia-Cairasco N. Intense olfactory stimulation blocks seizures in an experimental model of epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 79:213-224. [PMID: 29346088 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There are reports of patients whose epileptic seizures are prevented by means of olfactory stimulation. Similar findings were described in animal models of epilepsy, such as the electrical kindling of amygdala, where olfactory stimulation with toluene (TOL) suppressed seizures in most rats, even when the stimuli were 20% above the threshold to evoke seizures in already kindled animals. The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain is a model of tonic-clonic seizures induced by acute acoustic stimulation, although it also expresses limbic seizures when repeated acoustic stimulation occurs - a process known as audiogenic kindling (AK). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not the olfactory stimulation with TOL would interfere on the behavioral expression of brainstem (acute) and limbic (chronic) seizures in the WAR strain. For this, animals were exposed to TOL or saline (SAL) and subsequently exposed to acoustic stimulation in two conditions that generated: I) acute audiogenic seizures (only one acoustic stimulus, without previous seizure experience before of the odor test) and II) after AK (20 acoustic stimuli [2 daily] before of the protocol test). We observed a decrease in the seizure severity index of animals exposed only to TOL in both conditions, with TOL presented 20s before the acoustic stimulation in both protocols. These findings were confirmed by behavioral sequential analysis (neuroethology), which clearly indicated an exacerbation of clusters of specific behaviors such as exploration and grooming (self-cleaning), as well as significant decrease in the expression of brainstem and limbic seizures in response to TOL. Thus, these data demonstrate that TOL, a strong olfactory stimulus, has anticonvulsant properties, detected by the decrease of acute and AK seizures in WARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polianna Delfino-Pereira
- Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universiy of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Campus Universitário S/N, 4° Andar, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Poliana Bertti-Dutra
- Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universiy of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Campus Universitário S/N, 4° Andar, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14048-900, Brazil; Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Henrique de Lima Umeoka
- Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universiy of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Campus Universitário S/N, 4° Andar, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14048-900, Brazil; Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Cortes de Oliveira
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Victor Rodrigues Santos
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Artur Fernandes
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil; Genetics Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Simone Saldanha Marroni
- Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universiy of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Campus Universitário S/N, 4° Andar, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14048-900, Brazil; Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Flávio Del Vecchio
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universiy of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Campus Universitário S/N, 4° Andar, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14048-900, Brazil; Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Prédio Central, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil.
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Lee Y, Rodriguez OC, Albanese C, Santos VR, Cortes de Oliveira JA, Donatti ALF, Fernandes A, Garcia-Cairasco N, N'Gouemo P, Forcelli PA. Divergent brain changes in two audiogenic rat strains: A voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging comparison of the genetically epilepsy prone rat (GEPR-3) and the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR). Neurobiol Dis 2017; 111:80-90. [PMID: 29274430 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustically evoked seizures (e.g., audiogenic seizures or AGS) are common in models of inherited epilepsy and occur in a variety of species including rat, mouse, and hamster. Two models that have been particularly well studied are the genetically epilepsy prone rat (GEPR-3) and the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strains. Acute and repeated AGS, as well as comorbid conditions, displays a close phenotypic overlap in these models. Whether these similarities arise from convergent or divergent structural changes in the brain remains unknown. Here, we examined the brain structure of Sprague Dawley (SD) and Wistar (WIS) rats, and quantified changes in the GEPR-3 and WAR, respectively. Brains from adult, male rats of each strain (n=8-10 per group) were collected, fixed, and embedded in agar and imaged using a 7 tesla Bruker MRI. Post-acquisition analysis included voxel-based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and manual volumetric tracing. In the VBM analysis, GEPR-3 displayed volumetric changes in brainstem structures known to be engaged by AGS (e.g., superior and inferior colliculus, periaqueductal grey) and in forebrain structures (e.g., striatum, septum, nucleus accumbens). WAR displayed volumetric changes in superior colliculus, and a broader set of limbic regions (e.g., hippocampus, amygdala/piriform cortex). The only area of significant overlap in the two strains was the midline cerebellum: both GEPR-3 and WAR showed decreased volume compared to their control strains. In the DTI analysis, GEPR-3 displayed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum, posterior commissure and commissure of the inferior colliculus (IC). WAR displayed increased FA only in the commissure of IC. These data provide a biological basis for further comparative and mechanistic studies in the GEPR-3 and WAR models, as well as provide additional insight into commonalities in the pathways underlying AGS susceptibility and behavioral comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichien Lee
- Preclinical Research Imaging Laboratory, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olga C Rodriguez
- Preclinical Research Imaging Laboratory, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chris Albanese
- Preclinical Research Imaging Laboratory, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - José Antônio Cortes de Oliveira
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Ferreira Donatti
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Artur Fernandes
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Laboratory of Epigenetics and Reproduction, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory (LNNE), Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Prosper N'Gouemo
- Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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16
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Poletaeva II, Surina NM, Kostina ZA, Perepelkina OV, Fedotova IB. The Krushinsky-Molodkina rat strain: The study of audiogenic epilepsy for 65years. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:130-141. [PMID: 26228091 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The more recent history and main experimental data for the Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) audiogenic rat strain are presented. The strain selection started in late 1940. Now this strain is inbred, and two new strains are maintained in a laboratory in parallel. These strains originated from KM×Wistar hybrids and were bred (starting from 2000) for no-seizure and intense audiogenic seizure phenotypes, respectively. The experimental evidences of audiogenic seizure physiology were accumulated in parallel with (and usually ahead of) data on other audiogenic-prone strains. The peculiar feature of the KM strain is its vulnerability to brain hemorrhages. Thus, the KM strain is used not only as a genetic model of seizure states, but also as a model of blood flow disturbances in the brain. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Poletaeva
- Lomonossov Moscow State University, Biology Department, Laboratory for Physiology and Genetics of Behavior, Leninskie Gory, 1, Build. 12, Moscow 119992, Russia.
| | - N M Surina
- Lomonossov Moscow State University, Biology Department, Laboratory for Physiology and Genetics of Behavior, Leninskie Gory, 1, Build. 12, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Z A Kostina
- Lomonossov Moscow State University, Biology Department, Laboratory for Physiology and Genetics of Behavior, Leninskie Gory, 1, Build. 12, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - O V Perepelkina
- Lomonossov Moscow State University, Biology Department, Laboratory for Physiology and Genetics of Behavior, Leninskie Gory, 1, Build. 12, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - I B Fedotova
- Lomonossov Moscow State University, Biology Department, Laboratory for Physiology and Genetics of Behavior, Leninskie Gory, 1, Build. 12, Moscow 119992, Russia
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Wistar audiogenic rats display abnormal behavioral traits associated with artificial selection for seizure susceptibility. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:243-249. [PMID: 26440280 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from different animal models has contributed to the understanding of the bidirectional comorbidity associations between the epileptic condition and behavioral abnormalities. A strain of animals inbred to enhance seizure predisposition to high-intensity sound stimulation, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR), underwent several behavioral tests: forced swim test (FST), open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), elevated plus maze (EPM), social preference (SP), marble burying test (MBT), inhibitory avoidance (IAT), and two-way active avoidance (TWAA). The choice of tests aimed to investigate the correlation between underlying circuits believed to be participating in both WAR's innate susceptibility to sound-triggered seizures and the neurobiological substrates associated with test performance. Comparing WAR with its Wistar counterpart (i.e., resistant to audiogenic seizures) showed that WARs present behavioral despair traits (e.g., increased FST immobility) but no evidence of anhedonic behavior (e.g., increased sucrose consumption in SPT) or social impairment (e.g., no difference regarding juvenile exploration in SP). In addition, tests suggested that WARs are unable to properly evaluate degrees of aversiveness (e.g., performance on OFT, EPM, MBT, IAT, and TWAA). The particularities of the WAR model opens new venues to further untangle the neurobiology underlying the co-morbidity of behavioral disorders and epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
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Garcia-Cairasco N, Umeoka EHL, Cortes de Oliveira JA. The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain and its contributions to epileptology and related comorbidities: History and perspectives. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:250-273. [PMID: 28506440 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the context of modeling epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities, we review the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR), first introduced to the neuroscience international community more than 25years ago. The WAR strain is a genetically selected reflex model susceptible to audiogenic seizures (AS), acutely mimicking brainstem-dependent tonic-clonic seizures and chronically (by audiogenic kindling), temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Seminal neuroethological, electrophysiological, cellular, and molecular protocols support the WAR strain as a suitable and reliable animal model to study the complexity and emergent functions typical of epileptogenic networks. Furthermore, since epilepsy comorbidities have emerged as a hot topic in epilepsy research, we discuss the use of WARs in fields such as neuropsychiatry, memory and learning, neuroplasticity, neuroendocrinology, and cardio-respiratory autonomic regulation. Last, but not least, we propose that this strain be used in "omics" studies, as well as with the most advanced molecular and computational modeling techniques. Collectively, pioneering and recent findings reinforce the complexity associated with WAR alterations, consequent to the combination of their genetically-dependent background and seizure profile. To add to previous studies, we are currently developing more powerful behavioral, EEG, and molecular methods, combined with computational neuroscience/network modeling tools, to further increase the WAR strain's contributions to contemporary neuroscience in addition to increasing knowledge in a wide array of neuropsychiatric and other comorbidities, given shared neural networks. During the many years that the WAR strain has been studied, a constantly expanding network of multidisciplinary collaborators has generated a growing research and knowledge network. Our current and major wish is to make the WARs available internationally to share our knowledge and to facilitate the planning and execution of multi-institutional projects, eagerly needed to contribute to paradigm shifts in epileptology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo H L Umeoka
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Vinogradova LV. Audiogenic kindling and secondary subcortico-cortical epileptogenesis: Behavioral correlates and electrographic features. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:142-153. [PMID: 26148984 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human epilepsy is usually considered to result from cortical pathology, but animal studies show that the cortex may be secondarily involved in epileptogenesis, and cortical seizures may be triggered by extracortical mechanisms. In the audiogenic kindling model, recurrent subcortical (brainstem-driven) seizures induce secondary epileptic activation of the cortex. The present review focuses on behavioral and electrographic features of the subcortico-cortical epileptogenesis: (1) behavioral expressions of traditional and mild paradigms of audiogenic kindling produced by full-blown (generalized) and minimal (focal) audiogenic seizures, respectively; (2) electrographic manifestations of secondary epileptic activation of the cortex - cortical epileptic discharge and cortical spreading depression; and (3) persistent individual asymmetry of minimal audiogenic seizures and secondary cortical events produced by their repetition. The characteristics of audiogenic kindling suggest that this model represents a unique experimental approach to studying cortical epileptogenesis and network aspects of epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila V Vinogradova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Ahmadi M, Dufour JP, Seifritz E, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J, Saab BJ. The PTZ kindling mouse model of epilepsy exhibits exploratory drive deficits and aberrant activity amongst VTA dopamine neurons in both familiar and novel space. Behav Brain Res 2017; 330:1-7. [PMID: 28506618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent seizures that define epilepsy are often accompanied by psychosocial problems and cognitive deficits with incompletely understood aetiology. We therefore used the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling model of epilepsy in mice to examine potential seizure-associated neuropathologies, focusing on motivation, memory and novel-environment-induced activation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. In addition to recurrent seizures, we found that PTZ kindling led to a strong suppression of novelty-driven exploration while largely sparing fear-driven exploration. The deficits in exploratory drive may be relevant for other cognitive impairments since reduced unassisted rearing in a learning arena correlated with poorer spatial memory of object location. Using c-Fos immunofluorescence as a marker of neuronal activity, we observed that dopamine neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of PTZ kindled mice demonstrate hyperactivity at baseline and hypoactivity in response to a novel environment compared to saline-injected cagemate controls. These data extend previous findings of PTZ kindling-mediated disruptions of hippocampal processes important for novel environment recognition and learning by demonstrating PTZ kindling also induces motivational deficits that are associated with reduced stimulus-evoked activation of VTA dopamine neurons. More broadly, these data help understand the aetiology of complex behavioural changes in the PTZ kindling model, and may assist in the development of superior diagnoses and treatments for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Ahmadi
- Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders, DPPP, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, August-Forel-Strasse 7, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, PO Box: 14115-331, 1411713116, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jean-Philippe Dufour
- Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders, DPPP, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, August-Forel-Strasse 7, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders, DPPP, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, August-Forel-Strasse 7, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Pesychosomatics (DPPP), Psychiatric Hospital, Universit of Zurich, Lengstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, PO Box: 14115-331, 1411713116, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bechara J Saab
- Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders, DPPP, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, August-Forel-Strasse 7, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Pesychosomatics (DPPP), Psychiatric Hospital, Universit of Zurich, Lengstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Totola LT, Takakura AC, Oliveira JAC, Garcia-Cairasco N, Moreira TS. Impaired central respiratory chemoreflex in an experimental genetic model of epilepsy. J Physiol 2016; 595:983-999. [PMID: 27633663 DOI: 10.1113/jp272822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS It is recognized that seizures commonly cause apnoea and oxygen desaturation, but there is still a lack in the literature about the respiratory impairments observed ictally and in the post-ictal period. Respiratory disorders may involve changes in serotonergic transmission at the level of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). In this study, we evaluated breathing activity and the role of serotonergic transmission in the RTN with a rat model of tonic-clonic seizures, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR). We conclude that the respiratory impairment in the WAR could be correlated to an overall decrease in the number of neurons located in the respiratory column. ABSTRACT Respiratory disorders may involve changes in serotonergic neurotransmission at the level of the chemosensitive neurons located in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Here, we investigated the central respiratory chemoreflex and the role of serotonergic neurotransmission in the RTN with a rat model of tonic-clonic seizures, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR). We found that naive or kindled WARs have reduced resting ventilation and ventilatory response to hypercapnia (7% CO2 ). The number of chemically coded (Phox2b+ /TH- ) RTN neurons, as well as the serotonergic innervation to the RTN, was reduced in WARs. We detected that the ventilatory response to serotonin (1 mm, 50 nl) within the RTN region was significantly reduced in WARs. Our results uniquely demonstrated a respiratory impairment in a genetic model of tonic-clonic seizures, the WAR strain. More importantly, we demonstrated an overall decrease in the number of neurons located in the ventral respiratory column (VRC), as well as a reduction in serotonergic neurons in the midline medulla. This is an important step forward to demonstrate marked changes in neuronal activity and breathing impairment in the WAR strain, a genetic model of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo T Totola
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Antonio C Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Cunha AOS, de Oliveira JAC, Almeida SS, Garcia-Cairasco N, Leão RM. Inhibition of long-term potentiation in the schaffer-CA1 pathway by repetitive high-intensity sound stimulation. Neuroscience 2015; 310:114-27. [PMID: 26391920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
High-intensity sound can induce seizures in susceptible animals. After repeated acoustic stimuli changes in behavioural seizure repertoire and epileptic EEG activity might be seen in recruited limbic and forebrain structures, a phenomenon known as audiogenic kindling. It is postulated that audiogenic kindling can produce synaptic plasticity events leading to the spread of epileptogenic activity to the limbic system. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated if long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal Schaffer-CA1 synapses and spatial navigation memory are altered by a repeated high-intensity sound stimulation (HISS) protocol, consisting of one-minute 120 dB broadband noise applied twice a day for 10 days, in normal Wistar rats and in audiogenic seizure-prone rats (Wistar Audiogenic Rats - WARs). After HISS all WARs exhibited midbrain seizures and 50% of these animals developed limbic recruitment, while only 26% of Wistar rats presented midbrain seizures and none of them had limbic recruitment. In naïve animals, LTP in hippocampal CA1 neurons was induced by 50- or 100-Hz high-frequency stimulation of Schaffer fibres in slices from both Wistar and WAR animals similarly. Surprisingly, HISS suppressed LTP in CA1 neurons in slices from Wistar rats that did not present any seizure, and inhibited LTP in slices from Wistar rats with only midbrain seizures. However HISS had no effect on LTP in CA1 neurons from slices of WARs. Interestingly HISS did not alter spatial navigation and memory in both strains. These findings show that repeated high-intensity sound stimulation prevent LTP of Schaffer-CA1 synapses from Wistar rats, without affecting spatial memory. This effect was not seen in hippocampi from audiogenic seizure-prone WARs. In WARs the link between auditory stimulation and hippocampal LTP seems to be disrupted which could be relevant for the susceptibility to seizures in this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O S Cunha
- Department of Physiology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - J A C de Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - S S Almeida
- Departament of Psychology, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - N Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil.
| | - R M Leão
- Department of Physiology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil.
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Vismer MS, Forcelli PA, Skopin MD, Gale K, Koubeissi MZ. The piriform, perirhinal, and entorhinal cortex in seizure generation. Front Neural Circuits 2015; 9:27. [PMID: 26074779 PMCID: PMC4448038 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2015.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding neural network behavior is essential to shed light on epileptogenesis and seizure propagation. The interconnectivity and plasticity of mammalian limbic and neocortical brain regions provide the substrate for the hypersynchrony and hyperexcitability associated with seizure activity. Recurrent unprovoked seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy, and limbic epilepsy is the most common type of medically-intractable focal epilepsy in adolescents and adults that necessitates surgical evaluation. In this review, we describe the role and relationships among the piriform (PIRC), perirhinal (PRC), and entorhinal cortex (ERC) in seizure-generation and epilepsy. The inherent function, anatomy, and histological composition of these cortical regions are discussed. In addition, the neurotransmitters, intrinsic and extrinsic connections, and the interaction of these regions are described. Furthermore, we provide evidence based on clinical research and animal models that suggest that these cortical regions may act as key seizure-trigger zones and, even, epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta S Vismer
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Mark D Skopin
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University Washington, DC, USA
| | - Karen Gale
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mohamad Z Koubeissi
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University Washington, DC, USA
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24
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Poletaeva I, Surina N, Ashapkin V, Fedotova I, Merzalov I, Perepelkina O, Pavlova G. Maternal methyl-enriched diet in rat reduced the audiogenic seizure proneness in progeny. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 127:21-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Curia G, Lucchi C, Vinet J, Gualtieri F, Marinelli C, Torsello A, Costantino L, Biagini G. Pathophysiogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: is prevention of damage antiepileptogenic? Curr Med Chem 2014; 21:663-88. [PMID: 24251566 PMCID: PMC4101766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867320666131119152201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is frequently associated with hippocampal sclerosis, possibly caused by a primary brain injury that occurred a long time before the appearance of neurological symptoms. This type of epilepsy is characterized by refractoriness to drug treatment, so to require surgical resection of mesial temporal regions involved in seizure onset. Even this last therapeutic approach may fail in giving relief to patients. Although prevention of hippocampal damage and epileptogenesis after a primary event could be a key innovative approach to TLE, the lack of clear data on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to TLE does not allow any rational therapy. Here we address the current knowledge on mechanisms supposed to be involved in epileptogenesis, as well as on the possible innovative treatments that may lead to a preventive approach. Besides loss of principal neurons and of specific interneurons, network rearrangement caused by axonal sprouting and neurogenesis are well known phenomena that are integrated by changes in receptor and channel functioning and modifications in other cellular components. In particular, a growing body of evidence from the study of animal models suggests that disruption of vascular and astrocytic components of the blood-brain barrier takes place in injured brain regions such as the hippocampus and piriform cortex. These events may be counteracted by drugs able to prevent damage to the vascular component, as in the case of the growth hormone secretagogue ghrelin and its analogues. A thoroughly investigation on these new pharmacological tools may lead to design effective preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - G Biagini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Laboratorio di Epilettologia Sperimentale, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Kandratavicius L, Balista PA, Lopes-Aguiar C, Ruggiero RN, Umeoka EH, Garcia-Cairasco N, Bueno-Junior LS, Leite JP. Animal models of epilepsy: use and limitations. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:1693-705. [PMID: 25228809 PMCID: PMC4164293 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s50371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures that affects millions of people worldwide. Comprehension of the complex mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and seizure generation in temporal lobe epilepsy and other forms of epilepsy cannot be fully acquired in clinical studies with humans. As a result, the use of appropriate animal models is essential. Some of these models replicate the natural history of symptomatic focal epilepsy with an initial epileptogenic insult, which is followed by an apparent latent period and by a subsequent period of chronic spontaneous seizures. Seizures are a combination of electrical and behavioral events that are able to induce chemical, molecular, and anatomic alterations. In this review, we summarize the most frequently used models of chronic epilepsy and models of acute seizures induced by chemoconvulsants, traumatic brain injury, and electrical or sound stimuli. Genetic models of absence seizures and models of seizures and status epilepticus in the immature brain were also examined. Major uses and limitations were highlighted, and neuropathological, behavioral, and neurophysiological similarities and differences between the model and the human equivalent were considered. The quest for seizure mechanisms can provide insights into overall brain functions and consciousness, and animal models of epilepsy will continue to promote the progress of both epilepsy and neurophysiology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmyla Kandratavicius
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Priscila Alves Balista
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Cleiton Lopes-Aguiar
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Naime Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Henrique Umeoka
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Joao Pereira Leite
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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27
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Pereira MGAG, Souza LL, Becari C, Duarte DA, Camacho FRB, Oliveira JAC, Gomes MD, Oliveira EB, Salgado MCO, Garcia-Cairasco N, Costa-Neto CM. Angiotensin II-independent angiotensin-(1-7) formation in rat hippocampus: involvement of thimet oligopeptidase. Hypertension 2013; 62:879-85. [PMID: 24041943 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.01613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The involvement and relevance of the renin-angiotensin system have been established clearly in cardiovascular diseases, and renin-angiotensin system involvement has also been investigated extensively in the central nervous system. Angiotensin II acts classically by binding to the AT1 and AT2 receptors. However, other pathways within the renin-angiotensin system have been described more recently, such as one in which angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) binds to the receptor Mas. In the central nervous system specifically, it has been reported that this heptapeptide is involved in learning and memory processes that occur in central limbic regions, such as the hippocampus. Therefore, this prompted us to investigate the possible role of the Ang-(1-7)-receptor Mas pathway in epileptic seizures, which are also known to recruit limbic areas. In the present study, we show that Ang-(1-7) is the main metabolite of angiotensin I in rat hippocampi, and, strikingly, that thimet oligopeptidase is the main enzyme involved in the generation of Ang-(1-7). Furthermore, elevations in the levels of thimet oligopeptidase, Ang-(1-7), and of receptor Mas transcripts are observed in chronically stimulated epileptic rats, which suggest that the thimet oligopeptidase-Ang-(1-7)-receptor Mas axis may have a functional relevance in the pathophysiology of these animals. In summary, our data, which describe a new preferential biochemical pathway for the generation of Ang-(1-7) in the central nervous system and an increase in the levels of various elements of the related thimet oligopeptidase-Ang-(1-7)-receptor Mas pathway, unveil potential new roles of the renin-angiotensin system in central nervous system pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia G A G Pereira
- Faculty of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil. or or
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Neurodegenerative Changes in Rat Hippocampal Fields during the Development of Pentylenetetrazole Kindling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-013-9777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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de Freitas RL, Bolognesi LI, Twardowschy A, Corrêa FMA, Sibson NR, Coimbra NC. Neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological approaches to postictal antinociception-related prosencephalic neurons: the role of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Brain Behav 2013; 3:286-301. [PMID: 23785660 PMCID: PMC3683288 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have suggested the involvement of the hippocampus in the elaboration of epilepsy. There is evidence that suggests the hippocampus plays an important role in the affective and motivational components of nociceptive perception. However, the exact nature of this involvement remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the dorsal hippocampus (dH) in the organization of postictal analgesia. In a neuroanatomical study, afferent connections were found from the somatosensory cortex, the medial septal area, the lateral septal area, the diagonal band of Broca, and the dentate gyrus to the dH; all these areas have been suggested to modulate convulsive activity. Outputs to the dH were also identified from the linear raphe nucleus, the median raphe nucleus (MdRN), the dorsal raphe nucleus, and the locus coeruleus. All these structures comprise the endogenous pain modulatory system and may be involved either in postictal pronociception or antinociception that is commonly reported by epileptic patients. dH-pretreatment with cobalt chloride (1.0 mmol/L CoCl2/0.2 μL) to transiently inhibit local synapses decreased postictal analgesia 10 min after the end of seizures. Pretreatment of the dH with either atropine or mecamylamine (1.0 μg/0.2 μL) attenuated the postictal antinociception 30 min after seizures, while the higher dose (5.0 μg/0.2 μL) decreased postictal analgesia immediately after the end of seizures. These findings suggest that the dH exerts a critical role in the organization of postictal analgesia and that muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptor-mediated mechanisms in the dH are involved in the elaboration of antinociceptive processes induced by generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Leonardo de Freitas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP) Av. dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil ; Institute for Neuroscience and Behaviour, Campus Universitarius of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo (USP) Av. dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-901, Brazil
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Tejada J, Costa KM, Bertti P, Garcia-Cairasco N. The epilepsies: complex challenges needing complex solutions. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 26:212-28. [PMID: 23146364 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that epilepsies are complex syndromes due to their multi-factorial origins and manifestations. Different mathematical and computational descriptions use appropriate methods to address nonlinear relationships, chaotic behaviors and emergent properties. These theoretical approaches can be divided into two major categories: descriptive, such as flowcharts, graphs and other statistical analyses, and explicative, which include both realistic and abstract models. Although these modeling tools have brought great advances, a common framework to guide their design, implementation and evaluation, with the goal of future integration, is still needed. In the current review, we discuss two examples of complexity analysis that can be performed with epilepsy data: behavioral sequences of temporal lobe seizures and alterations in an experimental cellular model. We also highlight the importance of the creation of model repositories for the epileptology field and encourage the development of mathematical descriptions of complex systems, together with more accurate simulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Tejada
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Restini C, Reis R, Costa-Neto C, Garcia-Cairasco N, Cortes-de-Oliveira J, Bendhack L. Role of endothelium on the abnormal Angiotensin-mediated vascular functions in epileptic rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/jbpc.2012.32019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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32
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Pro-epileptic effects of the cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716 in a model of audiogenic epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2011; 96:250-6. [PMID: 21733658 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system and its CB1 receptors are suggested to provide endogeneous protection against seizures. The present study examines whether CB1 receptors contribute to resistance to seizures and kindling epileptogenesis in a model of audiogenic epilepsy. Three groups of Wistar rats were used: rats unsusceptible to audiogenic seizures, rats with acquired resistance to audiogenic seizures and rats with reproducible audiogenic running seizures. Chronic treatment with the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 (5 daily dosing of 30mg/kg) did not change innate resistance to audiogenic seizures in non-epileptic rats but reverted acquired seizure resistance in rats which lost their epileptic sensitivity with repeated testing. In the latter rats, audiogenic running seizures reappeared for at least two weeks after the end of treatment. In rats with reproducible seizure response, acutely, SR lengthened audiogenic seizures due to prolongation or appearance, de novo, of post-running limbic clonus without any effect on running seizure per se. This limbic component mimicked audiogenic kindling and indicated propagation of sound-induced brainstem seizure to the limbic forebrain. After chronic SR administration the incidence of the limbic clonus remained to be increased for at least two weeks. The present study supports the hypothesis about a role of CB1 receptors in endogeneous anticonvulsive mechanisms of the brain.
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Gitaí DLG, Fachin AL, Mello SS, Elias CF, Bittencourt JC, Leite JP, Passos GADS, Garcia-Cairasco N, Paçó-Larson ML. The non-coding RNA BC1 is down-regulated in the hippocampus of Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain after audiogenic kindling. Brain Res 2010; 1367:114-21. [PMID: 20974111 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify molecular pathways involved in audiogenic seizures in the epilepsy-prone Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR). For this, we used a suppression-subtractive hybridization (SSH) library from the hippocampus of WARs coupled to microarray comparative gene expression analysis, followed by Northern blot validation of individual genes. We discovered that the levels of the non-protein coding (npc) RNA BC1 were significantly reduced in the hippocampus of WARs submitted to repeated audiogenic seizures (audiogenic kindling) when compared to Wistar resistant rats and to both naive WARs and Wistars. By quantitative in situ hybridization, we verified lower levels of BC1 RNA in the GD-hilus and significant signal ratio reduction in the stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale of hippocampal CA3 subfield of audiogenic kindled animals. Functional results recently obtained in a BC1⁻/⁻ mouse model and our current data are supportive of a potential disruption in signaling pathways, upstream of BC1, associated with the seizure susceptibility of WARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leite Goes Gitaí
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Gitaí DLG, Martinelli HN, Valente V, Pereira MGAG, Oliveira JAC, Elias CF, Bittencourt JC, Leite JP, Costa-Neto CM, Garcia-Cairasco N, Paçó-Larson ML. Increased expression of GluR2-flip in the hippocampus of the Wistar audiogenic rat strain after acute and kindled seizures. Hippocampus 2010; 20:125-33. [PMID: 19330849 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) is an epileptic-prone strain developed by genetic selection from a Wistar progenitor based on the pattern of behavioral response to sound stimulation. Chronic acoustic stimulation protocols of WARs (audiogenic kindling) generate limbic epileptogenesis, confirmed by ictal semiology, amygdale, and hippocampal EEG, accompanied by hippocampal and amygdala cell loss, as well as neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG). In an effort to identify genes involved in molecular mechanisms underlying epileptic process, we used suppression-subtractive hybridization to construct normalized cDNA library enriched for transcripts expressed in the hippocampus of WARs. The most represented gene among the 133 clones sequenced was the ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit II (GluR2), a member of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleopropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. Although semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis shows that the hippocampal levels of the GluR2 subunits do not differ between naïve WARs and their Wistar counterparts, we observed that the expression of the transcript encoding the splice-variant GluR2-flip is increased in the hippocampus of WARs submitted to both acute and kindled audiogenic seizures. Moreover, using in situ hybridization, we verified upregulation of GluR2-flip mainly in the CA1 region, among the hippocampal subfields of audiogenic kindled WARs. Our findings on differential upregulation of GluR2-flip isoform in the hippocampus of WARs displaying audiogenic seizures is original and agree with and extend previous immunohistochemical for GluR2 data obtained in the Chinese P77PMC audiogenic rat strain, reinforcing the association of limbic AMPA alterations with epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leite Góes Gitaí
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Cyto-, axo- and dendro-architectonic changes of neurons in the limbic system in the mouse pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2010; 89:43-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2009.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Suzuki H, Katayama K, Takenaka M, Amakasu K, Saito K, Suzuki K. A spontaneous mutation of theWwoxgene and audiogenic seizures in rats with lethal dwarfism and epilepsy. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2009; 8:650-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Doretto MC, Cortes-de-Oliveira JA, Rossetti F, Garcia-Cairasco N. Role of the superior colliculus in the expression of acute and kindled audiogenic seizures in Wistar audiogenic rats. Epilepsia 2009; 50:2563-74. [PMID: 19490050 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of the superior colliculus (SC) in seizure expression is controversial and appears to be dependent upon the epilepsy model. This study shows the effect of disconnection between SC deep layers and adjacent tissues in the expression of acute and kindling seizures. METHODS Subcollicular transections, ablation of SC superficial and deep layers, and ablation of only the cerebral cortex were evaluated in the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR) strain during acute and kindled audiogenic seizures. The audiogenic seizure kindling protocol started 4 days after surgeries, with two acoustic stimuli per day for 10 days. Acute audiogenic seizures were evaluated by a categorized seizure severity midbrain index (cSI) and kindled seizures by a severity limbic index (LI). RESULTS All subcollicular transections reaching the deep layers of the SC abolished audiogenic seizures or significantly decreased cSI. In the unlesioned kindled group, a reciprocal relationship between limbic and brainstem pattern of seizures was seen. The increased number of stimuli provoked an audiogenic kindling phenomenon. Ablation of the entire SC (ablation group) or of the cerebral cortex only (ctx-operated group) hampered the acquisition of limbic behaviors. There was no difference in cSI and LI between the ctx-operated and ablation groups, but there was a difference between ctx-operated and the unlesioned kindled group. There was also no difference in cSI between SC deep layer transection and ablation groups. Results of histologic analyses were similar for acute and kindled audiogenic seizure groups. CONCLUSIONS SC deep layers are involved in the expression of acute and kindled audiogenic seizure, and the cerebral cortex is essential for audiogenic kindling development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Doretto
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Puzzling challenges in contemporary neuroscience: insights from complexity and emergence in epileptogenic circuits. Epilepsy Behav 2009; 14 Suppl 1:54-63. [PMID: 18835370 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain is a complex system that, in the normal condition, has emergent properties like those associated with activity-dependent plasticity in learning and memory, and in pathological situations, manifests abnormal long-term phenomena like the epilepsies. Data from our laboratory and from the literature were classified qualitatively as sources of complexity and emergent properties from behavior to electrophysiological, cellular, molecular, and computational levels. We used such models as brainstem-dependent acute audiogenic seizures and forebrain-dependent kindled audiogenic seizures. Additionally we used chemical or electrical experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy that induce status epilepticus with behavioral, anatomical, and molecular sequelae such as spontaneous recurrent seizures and long-term plastic changes. Current computational neuroscience tools will help the interpretation, storage, and sharing of the exponential growth of information derived from those studies. These strategies are considered solutions to deal with the complexity of brain pathologies such as the epilepsies.
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Garcia-Cairasco N. Learning about brain physiology and complexity from the study of the epilepsies. Braz J Med Biol Res 2009; 42:76-86. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2009000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Guedes RCA, de Oliveira JAC, Amâncio-Dos-Santos A, García-Cairasco N. Sexual differentiation of cortical spreading depression propagation after acute and kindled audiogenic seizures in the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR). Epilepsy Res 2008; 83:207-14. [PMID: 19101119 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2007] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Brain excitability diseases like epilepsy constitute one factor that influences brain electrophysiological features. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a phenomenon that can be altered by changes in brain excitability. CSD propagation was presently characterized in adult male and female rats from a normal Wistar strain and from a genetically audiogenic seizure-prone strain, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR), both previously submitted (RAS(+)), or not (RAS(-)), to repetitive acoustic stimulation, to provoke audiogenic kindling in the WAR-strain. A gender-specific change in CSD-propagation was found. Compared to seizure-resistant animals, in the RAS(-) condition, male and female WARs, respectively, presented CSD-propagation impairment and facilitation, characterized, respectively, by lower and higher propagation velocities (P<0.05). In contraposition, in the RAS(+) condition, male and female WARs displayed, respectively, higher and lower CSD-propagation rates, as compared to the corresponding controls. In some Wistar and WAR females, we determined estrous cycle status on the day of the CSD-recording as being either estrous or diestrous; no cycle-phase-related differences in CSD-propagation velocities were detected. In contrast to other epilepsy models, such as Status Epilepticus induced by pilocarpine, despite the CSD-velocity reduction, in no case was CSD propagation blocked in WARs. The results suggest a gender-related, estrous cycle-phase-independent modification in the CSD-susceptibility of WAR rats, both in the RAS(+) and RAS(-) situation.
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Vinogradova LV. Audiogenic kindling in Wistar and WAG/Rij rats: Kindling-prone and kindling-resistant subpopulations. Epilepsia 2008; 49:1665-74. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hanaya R, Koning E, Ferrandon A, Nehlig A. The role of the inherited genetic background on the consequences of lithium-pilocarpine status epilepticus: study in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg and Wistar audiogenic rats. Neurobiol Dis 2008; 31:451-8. [PMID: 18638555 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility of rats with genetically inherited epilepsy to the genesis and consequences of secondary temporal lobe epilepsy is unknown. Here, we induced lithium-pilocarpine status epilepticus (SE) in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) or in Wistar audiogenic sensitive (AS) rats. Wistar AS needed less pilocarpine than GAERS and Non-Epileptic Rats (NERs) to develop SE. Sixty six, 40 and 5% of Wistar AS, GAERS and NERs, respectively, died within 24 h after SE. In GAERS, SE prevented the occurrence of absence seizures for 5 days. Thereafter a limited number of absence seizures with low amplitude and short duration were recorded. Wistar AS developed limbic epilepsy within 9 days after SE while GAERS and NERs needed 36-39 days to develop spontaneous motor seizures. Neuronal loss consecutive to SE was similar in the three strains and particularly marked in limbic forebrain and parahippocampal cortices. In conclusion, the development of focal limbic epilepsy in GAERS largely impairs the expression of absence seizures. The genetic background underlying the expression of audiogenic seizures sensitizes strongly the rats to a further insult and compromises their survival.
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Modulation of B1 and B2 kinin receptors expression levels in the hippocampus of rats after audiogenic kindling and with limbic recruitment, a model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 8:200-5. [PMID: 18182227 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Revised: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Epileptic seizures are hypersynchronous, paroxystic and abnormal neuronal discharges. Epilepsies are characterized by diverse mechanisms involving alteration of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission that result in hyperexcitability of the central nervous system (CNS). Enhanced neuronal excitability can also be achieved by inflammatory processes, including the participation of cytokines, prostaglandins or kinins, molecules known to be involved in either triggering or in the establishment of inflammation. Multiple inductions of audiogenic seizures in the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR) strain are a model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), due to the recruitment of limbic areas such as hippocampus and amygdala. In this study we investigated the modulation of the B1 and B2 kinin receptors expression levels in neonatal WARs as well as in adult WARs subjected to the TLE model. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1 beta) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were also evaluated, as well as cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Our results showed that the B1 and B2 kinin receptors mRNAs were up-regulated about 7- and 4-fold, respectively, in the hippocampus of kindled WARs. On the other hand, the expressions of the IL-1 beta, IL-10 and COX-2 were not related to the observed increase of expression of kinin receptors. Based on those results we believe that the B1 and B2 kinin receptors have a pivotal role in this model of TLE, although their participation is not related to an inflammatory process. We believe that kinin receptors in the CNS may act in seizure mechanisms by participating in a specific kininergic neurochemical pathway.
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Tilelli CQ, Del Vecchio F, Fernandes A, Garcia-Cairasco N. Different types of status epilepticus lead to different levels of brain damage in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2005; 7:401-10. [PMID: 16140590 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Revised: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/10/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated a possible correlation between behavior during status epilepticus (SE) and underlying brain damage. Adult rats were electrically stimulated in the left amygdala to induce SE, which was stopped 2 hours later. We observed two different types of SE: (1) typical SE (TSE), with facial automatisms, neck and forelimb myoclonus, rearing and falling, and tonic-clonic seizures; (2) ambulatory SE (ASE), with facial automatisms, neck myoclonus, and concomitant ambulatory behavior. TSE was behaviorally more severe than ASE (P<0.05). Histology revealed neuronal loss in several brain areas. There was a positive correlation between SE type and amount of injured areas 24 hours and 14 days after SE (P<0.01). The areas more affected were piriform cortex and hippocampal formation. We suggest quality of seizures during SE may be considered in further SE studies, as our results indicate its influence on the severity of brain damage following this paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Queixa Tilelli
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Mesquita F, Aguiar JF, Oliveira JA, Garcia-Cairasco N, Varanda WA. Electrophysiological properties of cultured hippocampal neurons from Wistar Audiogenic Rats. Brain Res Bull 2005; 65:177-83. [PMID: 15763185 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2003] [Accepted: 01/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to analyze the electrophysiological properties of cultured hippocampal neurons from a particular epileptic rat strain, called Wistar Audiogenic Rats (WAR). The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record both active and passive membrane responses in an attempt to detect alterations in their characteristics in relation to controls from Wistar rats. Neurons from WARs show a significant reduction in the magnitude of the inhibitory GABAergic currents ( approximately 45%), in spite of maintaining a normal level of the excitatory glutamatergic currents. In addition, the magnitude of potassium currents, measured at +80 mV, is reduced by about 30% in comparison to controls. Surprisingly, we also found important changes in the passive cellular properties in WAR neurons such as membrane potential (-50.0 mV in WARs and -63.1 mV in controls) and input resistance (647 MOmega in WARs and 408 MOmega in controls). The changes described here, could be the basis of the neurophysiological and behavioral alterations present in these hyperexcitable animals, contributing to a better understanding of epileptogenesis in this particular animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Mesquita
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, UFMT, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa, s/n 78060-900 Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
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Raisinghani M, Faingold CL. Evidence for the perirhinal cortex as a requisite component in the seizure network following seizure repetition in an inherited form of generalized clonic seizures. Brain Res 2005; 1048:193-201. [PMID: 15919063 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.04.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Revised: 04/22/2005] [Accepted: 04/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Perirhinal cortex (PRh) is strongly implicated in neuronal networks subserving forebrain-driven partial onset seizures, but whether PRh plays a role in generalized onset seizures is unclear. The moderate seizure severity substrain of genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s) exhibits generalized onset clonic audiogenic seizures (AGS), but following repetitive AGS (AGS kindling), an additional behavior, facial and forelimb (F&F) clonus emerges immediately following generalized clonus. F&F clonus is thought to be driven from forebrain structures. The present in vivo study used PRh focal blockade or extracellular PRh neuronal recording with simultaneous behavioral observations to examine the role played by PRh in AGS neuronal networks before and after AGS kindling in GEPR-3s. Bilateral microinjection of an NMDA receptor antagonist [2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid, AP7 (0.2-7.5 nmol/side)] into PRh did not affect generalized clonus before or after AGS kindling. However, complete and reversible blockade of only the F&F clonic seizure behavior was induced by AP7 (1 and 7.5 nmol) in AGS-kindled GEPR-3s. Significant increases in PRh neuronal responses to acoustic stimuli occurred after AGS kindling. Tonic PRh neuronal firing patterns appeared during generalized clonus before and after AGS kindling. During F&F clonus, burst firing, an indicator of increased excitability, appeared in PRh neurons. These neurophysiological and microinjection findings support a critical role of PRh in generation of this AGS kindling-induced convulsive behavior. These data are the first indication that PRh participates importantly in the neuronal network for AGS as a result of AGS kindling and demonstrate a previously unknown involvement of PRh in generalized onset seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Raisinghani
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, PO Box 19629, Springfield, IL 62794-9629, USA
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Raisinghani M, Faingold CL. Neurons in the amygdala play an important role in the neuronal network mediating a clonic form of audiogenic seizures both before and after audiogenic kindling. Brain Res 2005; 1032:131-40. [PMID: 15680951 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that neuronal network nuclei for behaviorally different forms of audiogenic seizure (AGS) exhibit similarities and important differences. The amygdala is involved differentially in tonic AGS as compared to clonic AGS networks. The role of the lateral amygdala (LAMG) undergoes major changes after AGS repetition (AGS kindling) in tonic forms of AGS. The present study examined the role of LAMG in a clonic form of AGS [genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s)] before and after AGS kindling using bilateral microinjection and chronic neuronal recordings. AGS kindling in GEPR-3s results in facial and forelimb (F&F) clonus, and this behavior could be blocked following bilateral microinjection of a NMDA antagonist (2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate) without affecting generalized clonus. Higher AP7 doses blocked both generalized clonus and F&F clonus. LAMG neurons in GEPR-3s exhibited only onset type neuronal responses both before and after AGS kindling, unlike LAMG neurons in normal rats and a tonic form of AGS. A significantly greater LAMG neuronal firing rate occurred after AGS kindling at high acoustic intensities. The latency of LAMG neuronal firing increased significantly after AGS kindling. Burst firing occurred during wild running and generalized clonic behaviors before and after AGS kindling. Burst firing also occurred during F&F clonus after AGS kindling. These findings indicate that LAMG neurons play a critical role in the neuronal network for generalized clonus as well as F&F clonus in GEPR-3s, both before and after AGS kindling, which contrasts markedly with the role of LAMG in tonic AGS.
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MESH Headings
- 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate/analogs & derivatives
- 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate/pharmacology
- Acoustic Stimulation/methods
- Action Potentials/drug effects
- Action Potentials/physiology
- Action Potentials/radiation effects
- Amygdala/cytology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Behavior, Animal/radiation effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
- Epilepsy, Reflex/genetics
- Epilepsy, Reflex/physiopathology
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology
- Female
- Kindling, Neurologic/physiology
- Male
- Microinjections/methods
- Nerve Net/physiology
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/physiology
- Neurons/radiation effects
- Rats
- Rats, Mutant Strains
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Raisinghani
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19629, Springfield, IL 62794-9629, United States
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Garcia-Cairasco N, Rossetti F, Oliveira JAC, Furtado MDA. Neuroethological study of status epilepticus induced by systemic pilocarpine in Wistar audiogenic rats (WAR strain). Epilepsy Behav 2004; 5:455-63. [PMID: 15256181 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2004.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2003] [Revised: 04/13/2004] [Accepted: 04/16/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The administration of pilocarpine (PILO) is widely recognized as resulting in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy; it is characterized by induction of status epilepticus (SE) and spontaneous recurrent seizures after a latent period. We provide in this work a neuroethological description of the SE induced by PILO. Behavioral evaluations were made in Wistar Audiogenic Rats (WARs) and Wistar resistant (R) animals. The experimental group (R) and WARs were pretreated with methyl scopolamine (1mg/kg ip) and injected with PILO (R animals, 340-380 mg/kg ip; WARs, 240-280 mg/kg ip). Among R animals, 36% developed SE, and among WARs, 53%. The control group (R animals and WARs) was injected only with methyl scopolamine plus saline. The ETHOMATIC method was used for evaluation of seizures. Sequences included in the analysis were chosen using (1) fixed observation windows and (2) behavioral triggers. The R group showed that the threshold for seizure is variable, so seizure onset and behavioral evolution were better described using behavioral triggers than fixed observation windows. The observation windows selected in similar duration intervals do not characterize the seizures. Sequential analysis in the WAR group showed high mortality after SE and greater susceptibility to PILO, compared with R animals. We conclude that with neuroethological tools it is possible to better map the sequence and evolution of SE induced by PILO compared to only using behavioral and arbitrary seizure severity scales. This sequence is faster and stronger in severity when WARs are compared with R animals. Although the WARs underwent an evolution of SE in some way equivalent to that of R animals, some rats presented tonic-clonic convulsions after PILO injection, very similar to acute audiogenic seizures, a brainstem-dependent model. The current data also point to the PILO-plus-WAR combination as a suitable protocol to study the genetic-epilepsy connection in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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