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Jana A, Nath A, Sen P, Kundu S, Alghamdi BS, Abujamel TS, Saboor M, Woon-Khiong C, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Alam MZ, Ashraf GM. Unraveling the Endocannabinoid System: Exploring Its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38744725 PMCID: PMC11093854 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass persistent difficulties in social communication, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive facets of behavior, hobbies, or pursuits, which are often accompanied with cognitive limitations. Over the past few decades, a sizable number of studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. Preclinical rat models have proven to be extremely valuable in simulating and analyzing the roles of a wide range of established environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has also demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. In fact, the ECS has the potential to regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular pathways associated with autism, including the immune system. Moreover, the ECS has emerged as a promising target for intervention with high predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy are resent preclinical studies in rodents, which describe the onset of ASD-like symptoms after various genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the ECS, providing encouraging evidence for further exploration in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Arnab Nath
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Palash Sen
- School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Swikriti Kundu
- Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Saboor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chan Woon-Khiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Mohammad Zubair Alam
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Pinheiro EF, Cardoso PB, Luz WL, Assad N, Santos-Silva M, Leão LKR, de Moraes SAS, Passos ADC, de Jesus Oliveira Batista E, Oliveira KRHM, Gouveia A, Herculano AM. Putative Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Prevents Brain Oxidative Stress and Inhibits Aggressive-Like Behavior in Zebrafish. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:65-73. [PMID: 36576997 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aggression is a set of complex behaviors commonly described in different neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, autistim spectrum disorder, and anxiety. Previous studies have described that some changes in the redox status of the brain are closely associated with aggressive behavior in different species. In addition, the endocannabinoid system acts as a neuromodulator of the central nervous system, however, its participation in aggressive behavior needs to be elucidated. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an important model in the study of aggression, in this context, the present study investigated whether the activation of type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1r) alters the cerebral redox state and aggressive behavior in zebrafish. Materials and Methods: We performed pharmacological manipulations with the CB1r agonist (ACEA) and antagonist (AM-251) to assess the role of this receptor in aggressive behavior. Individuals were isolated in pairs, without physical contact for 24 h, treated with the drugs of interest, and after 30 minutes of pharmacokinetics, the fights were filmed for 30 min, and the individuals were identified as dominant or subordinate. Results: A consistent decrease in the strike and bite aggressive behavior was observed in the group treated with the ACEA agonist compared with that in the control and AM-251 groups. When evaluating the cerebral redox state, we observed that treatment with the ACEA agonist reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the levels of sulfhydryl groups compared with those in the control group. These results indicate that the activation of CB1r by the ACEA agonist inhibited aggressiveness and attenuated the levels of oxidative stress in both subjects (dominant or subordinate) in the treated group. Conclusion: Thus, we suggest that zebrafish is an alternative model to study common aggressive behavior disorders among species and that CB1r represent a potential target for the development of treatments for aggressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Feio Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Patrick Bruno Cardoso
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Waldo Lucas Luz
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nadyme Assad
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Santos-Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luana Ketlen Reis Leão
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Adelaide da Conceição Passos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Evander de Jesus Oliveira Batista
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri Gouveia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Knap B, Nieoczym D, Kundap U, Kusio-Targonska K, Kukula-Koch W, Turski WA, Gawel K. Zebrafish as a robust preclinical platform for screening plant-derived drugs with anticonvulsant properties-a review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1221665. [PMID: 37701853 PMCID: PMC10493295 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1221665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, selected plant sources have been explored for medicines to treat convulsions. This continues today, especially in countries with low-income rates and poor medical systems. However, in the low-income countries, plant extracts and isolated drugs are in high demand due to their good safety profiles. Preclinical studies on animal models of seizures/epilepsy have revealed the anticonvulsant and/or antiepileptogenic properties of, at least some, herb preparations or plant metabolites. Still, there is a significant number of plants known in traditional medicine that exert anticonvulsant activity but have not been evaluated on animal models. Zebrafish is recognized as a suitable in vivo model of epilepsy research and is increasingly used as a screening platform. In this review, the results of selected preclinical studies are summarized to provide credible information for the future development of effective screening methods for plant-derived antiseizure/antiepileptic therapeutics using zebrafish models. We compared zebrafish vs. rodent data to show the translational value of the former in epilepsy research. We also surveyed caveats in methodology. Finally, we proposed a pipeline for screening new anticonvulsant plant-derived drugs in zebrafish ("from tank to bedside and back again").
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Knap
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Uday Kundap
- Canada East Spine Center, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Center, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Kamila Kusio-Targonska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Lachowicz J, Szopa A, Ignatiuk K, Świąder K, Serefko A. Zebrafish as an Animal Model in Cannabinoid Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10455. [PMID: 37445631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310455] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are active substances present in plants of the Cannabis genus. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved several medicinal products containing natural cannabinoids or their synthetic derivatives for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and the alleviation of symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. In fact, cannabinoids constitute a broad group of molecules with a possible therapeutic potential that could be used in the management of much more diseases than mentioned above; therefore, multiple preclinical and clinical studies on cannabinoids have been carried out in recent years. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an animal model that has gained more attention lately due to its numerous advantages, including easy and fast reproduction, the significant similarity of the zebrafish genome to the human one, simplicity of genetic modifications, and body transparency during the early stages of development. A number of studies have confirmed the usefulness of this model in toxicological research, experiments related to the impact of early life exposure to xenobiotics, modeling various diseases, and screening tests to detect active substances with promising biological activity. The present paper focuses on the current knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in the zebrafish model, and it summarizes the results and observations from studies investigating the pharmacological effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids that were carried out in Danio rerio. The presented data support the notion that the zebrafish model is a suitable animal model for use in cannabinoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lachowicz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ignatiuk
- Scientific Circle, Department of Clincal Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Del Rio R, Serrano RG, Gomez E, Martinez JC, Edward MA, Santos RA, Diaz KS, Cohen-Cory S. Cell-autonomous and differential endocannabinoid signaling impacts the development of presynaptic retinal ganglion cell axon connectivity in vivo. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1176864. [PMID: 37252636 PMCID: PMC10213524 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1176864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis exposure during gestation evokes significant molecular modifications to neurodevelopmental programs leading to neurophysiological and behavioral abnormalities in humans. The main neuronal receptor for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the type-1 cannabinoid receptor CB1R, one of the most abundant G-protein-coupled receptors in the nervous system. While THC is the major psychoactive phytocannabinoid, endocannabinoids (eCBs) are the endogenous ligands of CB1R and are known to act as retrograde messengers to modulate synaptic plasticity at different time scales in the adult brain. Accumulating evidence indicates that eCB signaling through activation of CB1R plays a central role in neural development. During development, most CB1R localized to axons of projection neurons, and in mice eCB signaling impacts axon fasciculation. Understanding of eCB-mediated structural plasticity during development, however, requires the identification of the precise spatial and temporal dynamics of CB1R-mediated modifications at the level of individual neurons in the intact brain. Here, the cell-autonomous role of CB1R and the effects of CB1R-mediated eCB signaling were investigated using targeted single-cell knockdown and pharmacologic treatments in Xenopus. We imaged axonal arbors of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in real time following downregulation of CB1R via morpholino (MO) knockdown. We also analyzed RGC axons with altered eCB signaling following treatment with URB597, a selective inhibitor of the enzyme that degrades Anandamide (AEA), or JZL184, an inhibitor of the enzyme that blocks 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) hydrolysis, at two distinct stages of retinotectal development. Our results demonstrate that CB1R knockdown impacts RGC axon branching at their target and that differential 2-AG and AEA-mediated eCB signaling contributes to presynaptic structural connectivity at the time that axons terminate and when retinotectal synaptic connections are made. Altering CB1R levels through CB1R MO knockdown similarly impacted dendritic morphology of tectal neurons, thus supporting both pre- and postsynaptic cell-autonomous roles for CB1R-mediated eCB signaling.
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6
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Social Enhancement of Adult Neurogenesis in Zebrafish is Not Regulated by Cortisol. Neuroscience 2023; 509:51-62. [PMID: 36400322 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.007] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In Mammals adult neurogenesis is influenced by environmental conditions, and the glucocorticoid hormones (GC) play a major role in this regulation. In contrast in fish, the study of the effects of cortisol on the regulation of environmental driven adult neurogenesis has produced conflicting results. While in some species elevated cortisol levels impair cell proliferation, in others, it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation. This lack of consistency may be explained by methodological differences across studies, namely in the stimuli and/or cortisol treatments used. Here, we tested the effects of the social environment on adult neurogenesis, considering a positive and a negative social context, and different durations of cortisol exposure. We hypothesise that there is an interaction between the valence of the social environment and cortisol, such that elevated acute cortisol experienced during social interactions only have a detrimental effect on neurogenesis in negative social contexts. Therefore, fish were exposed to a positive (conspecific shoal) or negative (predator) social experience, and the interaction between the valence of the social context and cortisol exposure (acute and chronic) was tested. Our results indicate that adult neurogenesis is modulated by the social environment, with the number of newly generated cells being dependent on the valence of the social information (positive > negative). These effects were independent of cortisol, either for acute or chronic exposure, highlighting the social environment as a key factor in the modulation of cell proliferation in the adult zebrafish brain, and rejecting a role for cortisol in this modulation.
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Licitra R, Marchese M, Naef V, Ogi A, Martinelli M, Kiferle C, Fronte B, Santorelli FM. A Review on the Bioactivity of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Models: Emphasis on Neurodevelopment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081820. [PMID: 36009367 PMCID: PMC9404760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. Recently, scientific interest in cannabis has increased considerably, as its bioactive compounds have shown promising potential in the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal and neurological diseases in humans. However, the mechanisms that underlie its possible effects on neurodevelopment and nervous-system functioning remain poorly understood and need to be further investigated. Although the bulk of research on cannabis and cannabinoids is based on in vitro or rodent models, the zebrafish has now emerged as a powerful in vivo model for drug-screening studies and translational research. We here review the available literature on the use of cannabis/cannabinoids in zebrafish, and particularly in zebrafish models of neurological disorders. A critical analysis suggests that zebrafish could serve as an experimental tool for testing the bioactivity of cannabinoids, and they could thus provide important insights into the safety and efficacy of different cannabis-extract-based products. The review showed that zebrafish exhibit similar behaviors to rodents following cannabinoid exposure. The authors stress the importance of analyzing the full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids, rather than just the main ones, THC and CBD, and they offer some pointers on performing behavioral analysis in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Valentina Naef
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Marco Martinelli
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Claudia Kiferle
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
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Mueller T. The Everted Amygdala of Ray-Finned Fish: Zebrafish Makes a Case. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:321-335. [PMID: 35760049 DOI: 10.1159/000525669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala, a complex array of nuclei in the forebrain, controls emotions and emotion-related behaviors in vertebrates. Current research aims to understand the amygdala's evolution in ray-finned fish such as zebrafish because of the region's relevance for social behavior and human psychiatric disorders. Clear-cut molecular definitions of the amygdala and its evolutionary-developmental relationship to the one of mammals are critical for zebrafish models of affective disorders and autism. In this review, I argue that the prosomeric model and a focus on the olfactory system's organization provide ideal tools for discovering deep ancestral relationships between the emotional systems of zebrafish and mammals. The review's focus is on the "extended amygdala," which refers to subpallial amygdaloid territories including the central (autonomic) and the medial (olfactory) amygdala required for reproductive and social behaviors. Amphibians, sauropsids, and lungfish share many characteristics with the basic amygdala ground plan of mammals, as molecular and hodological studies have shown. Further exploration of the evolution of the amygdala in basally derived fish vertebrates requires researchers to test these "tetrapod-based" concepts. Historically, this has been a daunting task because the forebrains of basally derived fish vertebrates look very different from those of more familiar tetrapod ones. An extreme case are ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) like zebrafish because their telencephalon develops through a distinct outward-growing process called eversion. To this day, scientists have struggled to determine how the everted telencephalon compares to non-actinopterygian vertebrates. Using the teleost zebrafish as a genetic model, comparative neurologists began to establish quantifiable molecular definitions that allow direct comparisons between ray-finned fish and tetrapods. In this review, I discuss how the most recent discovery of the zebrafish amygdala ground plan offers an opportunity to identify the developmental constraints of amygdala evolution and function. In addition, I explain how the zebrafish prethalamic eminence (PThE) topologically relates to the medial amygdala proper and the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT). In fact, I consider these previously misinterpreted olfactory structures the most critical missing evolutionary links between actinopterygian and tetrapod amygdalae. In this context, I will also explain why recognizing both the PThE and the nLOT is crucial to understanding the telencephalon eversion. Recognizing these anatomical hallmarks allows direct comparisons of the amygdalae of zebrafish and mammals. Ultimately, the new concepts of the zebrafish amygdala will overcome current dogmas and reach a holistic understanding of amygdala circuits of cognition and emotion in actinopterygians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mueller
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Lal P, Kawakami K. Integrated Behavioral, Genetic and Brain Circuit Visualization Methods to Unravel Functional Anatomy of Zebrafish Amygdala. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:837527. [PMID: 35692259 PMCID: PMC9174433 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.837527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian amygdala is a complex forebrain structure consisting of a heterogeneous group of nuclei derived from the pallial and subpallial telencephalon. It plays a critical role in a broad range of behaviors such as emotion, cognition, and social behavior; within the amygdala each nucleus has a distinct role in these behavioral processes. Topological, hodological, molecular, and functional studies suggest the presence of an amygdala-like structure in the zebrafish brain. It has been suggested that the pallial amygdala homolog corresponds to the medial zone of the dorsal telencephalon (Dm) and the subpallial amygdala homolog corresponds to the nuclei in the ventral telencephalon located close to and topographically basal to Dm. However, these brain regions are broad and understanding the functional anatomy of the zebrafish amygdala requires investigating the role of specific populations of neurons in brain function and behavior. In zebrafish, the highly efficient Tol2 transposon-mediated transgenesis method together with the targeted gene expression by the Gal4-UAS system has been a powerful tool in labeling, visualizing, and manipulating the function of specific cell types in the brain. The transgenic resource combined with neuronal activity imaging, optogenetics, pharmacology, and quantitative behavioral analyses enables functional analyses of neuronal circuits. Here, we review earlier studies focused on teleost amygdala anatomy and function and discuss how the transgenic resource and tools can help unravel the functional anatomy of the zebrafish amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Lal
- Integrative Fish Biology Group, Climate and Environment Department, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Pradeep Lal
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
- Koichi Kawakami
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10
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Bailone RL, Fukushima HCS, de Aguiar LK, Borra RC. The endocannabinoid system in zebrafish and its potential to study the effects of Cannabis in humans. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:5. [PMID: 35193700 PMCID: PMC8862295 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish is considered an unprecedented animal model in drug discovery. A review of the literature presents highlights and elucidates the biological effects of chemical components found in Cannabis sativa. Particular attention is paid to endocannabinoid system (eCB) and its main receptors (CB1 and CB2). The zebrafish model is a promising one for the study of cannabinoids because of the many similarities to the human system. Despite the recent advances on the eCB system, there is still the need to elucidate some of the interactions and, thus, the zebrafish model can be used for that purpose as it respects the 3Rs concept and reduced time and costs. In view of the relevance of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as the importance of the zebrafish animal model in elucidating the biological effects of new drugs, the aim of this study was to bring to light information on the use of the zebrafish animal model in testing C. sativa-based medicines.
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11
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Son HW, Ali DW. Endocannabinoid Receptor Expression in Early Zebrafish Development. Dev Neurosci 2022; 44:142-152. [PMID: 35168237 DOI: 10.1159/000522383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely studied due to its interactions with cannabis and its role in modulating physiological responses. While most research has focused on the effects of cannabis on adult endocannabinoid systems, recent studies have begun to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in developing organisms. However, little is known about the spatial or temporal expression of these receptors during early development. This study combines reverse-transcriptase PCR with in situ hybridizations to compile a timeline of the developmental expression of six key cannabinoid receptors; cb1, cb2, trpv1, trpa1a, trpa1b, and gpr55 in zebrafish embryos, starting from as early as 6 hours post fertilization (hpf) until 3 days post fertilization. This time frame is roughly equivalent to two to ten weeks in human embryonic development. All six genes were confirmed to be expressed within this time range and share similarities with human and rodent expression. Cb1 expression was first detected between 12 and 24 hpf in the retina and CNS, and its expression increased thereafter and was more evident in the olfactory bulb, tegmentum, hypothalamus and gut. Cb2 expression was relatively high at the 6 and 24 hpf timepoints, as determined by RT-PCR, but was undetectable at other times. Trpv1 was first detected at 1 dpf in the trigeminal ganglia, Rohon-Beard neurons and lateral line, and its expression increased in the first 3 days post fertilization (dpf). Expression of trpa1a was first detected as late as 3 dpf in vagal neurons, whereas trpa1b was first detected at 1 dpf associated with trigeminal, glossopharyngeal and vagal ganglia. Expression of gpr55 was diffuse and widespread throughout the brain and head region but was undetectable elsewhere in the embryo. Thus, receptor expression was found to be enriched in the central nervous system and within sensory neurons. This work aims to serve as a foundation for further investigation on the role of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-interacting receptors in early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Won Son
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Declan William Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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12
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Licitra R, Martinelli M, Petrocchi Jasinski L, Marchese M, Kiferle C, Fronte B. In Vivo Evaluation of Cannabis sativa Full Extract on Zebrafish Larvae Development, Locomotion Behavior and Gene Expression. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121224. [PMID: 34959625 PMCID: PMC8705266 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, humans have been using Cannabis sativa for both recreational and medical purposes. Nowadays, cannabis-based products have gained scientific interest due to their beneficial effects on several syndromes and illnesses. The biological activity of cannabinoids is essentially due to the interaction with the endocannabinoid system, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a very well-known and powerful in vivo model for studying such specific interactions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different doses of a Cannabis sativa whole extract [dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] on zebrafish eggs’ hatchability, embryo post-hatching survival, larvae locomotion behavior and mRNA gene expression. The results showed the absence of toxicity, and no significant differences were observed between treatments for both embryo hatching and survival rate. In addition, larvae exposed to the cannabis extract at the highest dose [containing 1.73 nM and 22.3 nM of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively] showed an increased locomotion compared to the control and DMSO treated groups. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed that the highest dosage of cannabis induced an over-expression of cnr1 and cnr2 cannabinoid receptors. In conclusion, the exposition of zebrafish larvae to the whole extract of Cannabis sativa showed no negative effects on embryo development and survival and enhanced the larvae’s locomotor performances. These findings may open up possible Cannabis sativa applications in human pharmacology as well as in other animal sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Marco Martinelli
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | | | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Claudia Kiferle
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (B.F.)
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13
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Xu S, Zhang H, Li CZ, Lai PS, Wang G, Chan YS, Cheng SH, Chen X. Cannabidiol promotes fin regeneration and reduces apoptosis in zebrafish embryos. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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14
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Yáñez J, Folgueira M, Lamas I, Anadón R. The organization of the zebrafish pallium from a hodological perspective. J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:1164-1194. [PMID: 34697803 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We studied the connections (connectome) of the adult zebrafish pallium using carbocyanine dye tracing and ancillary anatomical methods. The everted zebrafish pallium (dorsal telencephalic area, D) is composed of several major zones (medial, lateral, dorsal, central, anterior, and posterior) distinguishable by their topography, cytoarchitecture, immunohistochemistry, and genoarchitecture. Our comprehensive study reveals poor interconnectivity between these pallial areas, especially between medial (Dm), lateral/dorsal (Dl, Dd), and posterior (Dp) regions. This suggests that the zebrafish pallium has dedicated modules for different neural processes. Pallial connections with extrapallial regions also show compartmental organization. Major extratelencephalic afferents come from preglomerular nuclei (to Dl, Dd, and Dm), posterior tuberal nucleus (to Dm), and lateral recess nucleus (to Dl). The subpallial (ventral, V) zones dorsal Vv, Vd, and Vs, considered homologues of the striatum, amygdala, and pallidum, are mainly afferent to Dl/Dd and Dp. Regarding the efferent pathways, they also appear characteristic of each pallial region. Rostral Dm projects to the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus. Dp is interconnected with the olfactory bulbs. The central region (Dc) defined here receives mainly projections from Dl-Dd and projects toward the pretectum and optic tectum, connections, which help to delimiting Dc. The connectome of the adult pallium revealed here complements extant studies on the neuroanatomical organization of the brain, and may be useful for neurogenetic studies performed during early stages of development. The connectome of the zebrafish pallium was also compared with the pallial connections reported in other teleosts, a large group showing high pallial diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Yáñez
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), University of A Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | - Mónica Folgueira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), University of A Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | - Ibán Lamas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | - Ramón Anadón
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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15
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Nixon J, Abramovici H, Cabecinha A, Martinez-Farina C, Hui J, Ellis L. Assessing the bioactivity of cannabis extracts in larval zebrafish. J Cannabis Res 2021; 3:44. [PMID: 34598738 PMCID: PMC8487145 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whole-plant cannabis extracts are consumed by the public for medical and non-medical (“recreational”) purposes but are poorly researched compared to pure cannabinoids. There is emerging evidence that cannabis extracts comprising complex mixtures of cannabinoids may have different biological effects from that of pure cannabinoids. In the current study, we sought to assess the effect of whole-plant cannabis extracts produced from different chemotypes of cannabis on the normal behavior of zebrafish larvae. Methods Three cannabis plant chemotypes were used in this study that contained either high amounts of THC, high amounts of CBD, high but equal amounts of THC and CBD, or low but equal amounts of THC and CBD. Following solvent extraction, liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was performed for the detection and quantitation of target cannabinoids. Larval zebrafish behavioral models were subsequently used to assess the effect of the four different whole-plant cannabis extracts on the normal larval behavior using the DanioVision behavioral tracking systems and software. To compare, changes in the behavior activity levels for 30 min periods were compared to controls using 2-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test. Results It was found that the whole-plant extracts that contained high levels of THC had similar effects on larval behavior, while the high CBD and low THC:CBD extracts produced distinct effects on normal larval behavior. Exposure of larvae to concentration-matched levels of THC and CBD found in the extracts revealed that a subset of the cannabis extracts tested had similar behavioral profiles to the pure cannabinoids while others did not. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to test and compare the bioactivity of different whole-plant cannabis extracts in larval zebrafish. This work will provide a framework for future studies of distinct cannabis extracts and will be useful for comparing the bioactivity of extracts from different cannabis chemotypes as well as extracts made through various heating processes. It will also act as the first stage of assessment before testing the extracts against zebrafish models of toxicity and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nixon
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Hanan Abramovici
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ashley Cabecinha
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Camilo Martinez-Farina
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Joseph Hui
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Lee Ellis
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada.
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16
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Pandelides Z, Aluru N, Thornton C, Watts HE, Willett KL. Transcriptomic Changes and the Roles of Cannabinoid Receptors and PPARγ in Developmental Toxicities Following Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:44-59. [PMID: 33892503 PMCID: PMC8285010 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human consumption of cannabinoid-containing products during early life or pregnancy is rising. However, information about the molecular mechanisms involved in early life stage Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) toxicities is critically lacking. Here, larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to measure THC- and CBD-mediated changes on transcriptome and the roles of cannabinoid receptors (Cnr) 1 and 2 and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) in developmental toxicities. Transcriptomic profiling of 96-h postfertilization (hpf) cnr+/+ embryos exposed (6 - 96 hpf) to 4 μM THC or 0.5 μM CBD showed differential expression of 904 and 1095 genes for THC and CBD, respectively, with 360 in common. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched in the THC and CBD datasets included those related to drug, retinol, and steroid metabolism and PPAR signaling. The THC exposure caused increased mortality and deformities (pericardial and yolk sac edemas, reduction in length) in cnr1-/- and cnr2-/- fish compared with cnr+/+ suggesting Cnr receptors are involved in protective pathways. Conversely, the cnr1-/- larvae were more resistant to CBD-induced malformations, mortality, and behavioral alteration implicating Cnr1 in CBD-mediated toxicity. Behavior (decreased distance travelled) was the most sensitive endpoint to THC and CBD exposure. Coexposure to the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and CBD in cnr+/+ and cnr2-/- strains caused more adverse outcomes compared with CBD alone, but not in the cnr1-/- fish, suggesting that PPARγ plays a role in CBD metabolism downstream of Cnr1. Collectively, PPARγ, Cnr1, and Cnr2 play important roles in the developmental toxicity of cannabinoids with Cnr1 being the most critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Pandelides
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Cammi Thornton
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Haley E Watts
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
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17
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Medium-throughput zebrafish optogenetic platform identifies deficits in subsequent neural activity following brief early exposure to cannabidiol and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11515. [PMID: 34075141 PMCID: PMC8169761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90902-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of legislative changes and the widespread use of cannabis as a recreational and medicinal drug, delayed effects of cannabis upon brief exposure during embryonic development are of high interest as early pregnancies often go undetected. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) until the end of gastrulation (1-10 h post-fertilization) and analyzed later in development (4-5 days post-fertilization). In order to measure neural activity, we implemented Calcium-Modulated Photoactivatable Ratiometric Integrator (CaMPARI) and optimized the protocol for a 96-well format complemented by locomotor analysis. Our results revealed that neural activity was decreased by CBD more than THC. At higher doses, both cannabinoids could dramatically reduce neural activity and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the decrease was more pronounced when CBD and THC were combined. At the receptor level, CBD-mediated reduction of locomotor activity was partially prevented using cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptor inhibitors. Overall, we report that CBD toxicity occurs via two cannabinoid receptors and is synergistically enhanced by THC exposure to negatively impact neural activity late in larval development. Future studies are warranted to reveal other cannabinoids and their receptors to understand the implications of cannabis consumption on fetal development.
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18
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Orr SA, Ahn S, Park C, Miller TH, Kassai M, Issa FA. Social Experience Regulates Endocannabinoids Modulation of Zebrafish Motor Behaviors. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:668589. [PMID: 34045945 PMCID: PMC8144649 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.668589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social status-dependent modulation of neural circuits has been investigated extensively in vertebrate and invertebrate systems. However, the effects of social status on neuromodulatory systems that drive motor activity are poorly understood. Zebrafish form a stable social relationship that consists of socially dominant and subordinate animals. The locomotor behavior patterns differ according to their social ranks. The sensitivity of the Mauthner startle escape response in subordinates increases compared to dominants while dominants increase their swimming frequency compared to subordinates. Here, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mediating these differences in motor activities. We show that brain gene expression of key ECS protein pathways are socially regulated. Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) expression significantly increased in dominants and significantly decreased in subordinates relative to controls. Moreover, brain gene expression of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) was significantly increased in subordinates relative to controls. Secondly, increasing ECS activity with JZL184 reversed swimming activity patterns in dominant and subordinate animals. JZL184 did not affect the sensitivity of the startle escape response in dominants while it was significantly reduced in subordinates. Thirdly, blockage of CB1R function with AM-251 had no effect on dominants startle escape response sensitivity, but startle sensitivity was significantly reduced in subordinates. Additionally, AM-251 did not affect swimming activities in either social phenotypes. Fourthly, we demonstrate that the effects of ECS modulation of the startle escape circuit is mediated via the dopaminergic system specifically via the dopamine D1 receptor. Finally, our empirical results complemented with neurocomputational modeling suggest that social status influences the ECS to regulate the balance in synaptic strength between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to control the excitability of motor behaviors. Collectively, this study provides new insights of how social factors impact nervous system function to reconfigure the synergistic interactions of neuromodulatory pathways to optimize motor output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Orr
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Sungwoo Ahn
- Department of Mathematics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Choongseok Park
- Department of Mathematics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Thomas H Miller
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Fadi A Issa
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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19
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Costa FV, Rosa LV, Quadros VA, de Abreu MS, Santos ARS, Sneddon LU, Kalueff AV, Rosemberg DB. The use of zebrafish as a non-traditional model organism in translational pain research: the knowns and the unknowns. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:476-493. [PMID: 33719974 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210311104408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the nervous system to detect a wide range of noxious stimuli is crucial to avoid life-threatening injury and to trigger protective behavioral and physiological responses. Pain represents a complex phenomenon, including nociception associated with cognitive and emotional processing. Animal experimental models have been developed to understand the mechanisms involved in pain response, as well as to discover novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological anti-pain therapies. Due to the genetic tractability, similar physiology, low cost, and rich behavioral repertoire, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a powerful aquatic model for modeling pain responses. Here, we summarize the molecular machinery of zebrafish to recognize painful stimuli, as well as emphasize how zebrafish-based pain models have been successfully used to understand specific molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes following different algogens and/or noxious stimuli (e.g., acetic acid, formalin, histamine, Complete Freund's Adjuvant, cinnamaldehyde, allyl isothiocyanate, and fin clipping). We also discuss recent advances in zebrafish-based studies and outline the potential advantages and limitations of the existing models to examine the mechanisms underlying pain responses from an evolutionary and translational perspective. Finally, we outline how zebrafish models can represent emergent tools to explore pain behaviors and pain-related mood disorders, as well as to facilitate analgesic therapy screening in translational pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano V Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria RS. Brazil
| | - Luiz V Rosa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria RS. Brazil
| | - Vanessa A Quadros
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria RS. Brazil
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS. Brazil
| | - Adair R S Santos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC. Brazil
| | - Lynne U Sneddon
- University of Gothenburg, Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Box 461, SE-405 30 Gothenburg. Sweden
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg. Russian Federation
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria RS. Brazil
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20
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Lucas Luz W, Santos-Silva M, Cardoso PB, Assad N, Moraes ERDS, Grisólia ABA, Braga DV, Leão LKR, de Moraes SAS, Passos ADC, Batista EDJO, Gouveia A, Oliveira KRHM, Herculano AM. Putative Activation of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Prevents Anxiety-Like Behavior, Oxidative Stress, and GABA Decrease in the Brain of Zebrafish Submitted to Acute Restraint Stress. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:598812. [PMID: 33536881 PMCID: PMC7848035 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.598812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is a well-recognized condition observed in subjects submitted to acute stress. Although the brain mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear, the available evidence indicates that oxidative stress and GABAergic dysfunction mediate the generation of stress-induced anxiety. Cannabinoids are known to be efficient modulators of behavior, given that the activation of the cannabinoid receptors type-1 (CB1 receptors) induces anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. In the present study, we aimed to describe the effects of the stimulation of the CB1 receptors on anxiety-like behavior, oxidative stress, and the GABA content of the brains of zebrafish submitted to acute restraint stress (ARS). The animals submitted to the ARS protocol presented evident anxiety-like behavior with increased lipid peroxidation in the brain tissue. The evaluation of the levels of GABA in the zebrafish telencephalon presented decreased levels of GABA in the ARS group in comparison with the control. Treatment with ACEA, a specific CB1 receptor agonist, prevented ARS-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in the zebrafish brain. ACEA treatment also prevented a decrease in GABA in the telencephalon of the animals submitted to the ARS protocol. Overall, these preclinical data strongly suggest that the CB1 receptors represent a potential target for the development of the treatment of anxiety disorders elicited by acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldo Lucas Luz
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Mateus Santos-Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Patrick Bruno Cardoso
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nadyme Assad
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Alan Barroso Araújo Grisólia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Danielle Valente Braga
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luana Ketlen Reis Leão
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Adelaide da Conceição Passos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Evander de Jesus Oliveira Batista
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Laboratory of Protozoology, Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Amauri Gouveia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Karen R H Matos Oliveira
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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21
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Díaz-Rúa A, Chivite M, Velasco C, Comesaña S, Soengas JL, Conde-Sieira M. Periprandial response of central cannabinoid system to different feeding conditions in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:1265-1276. [DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1853412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Díaz-Rúa
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Mauro Chivite
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina Velasco
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Sara Comesaña
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - José L. Soengas
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Marta Conde-Sieira
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
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22
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Díaz-Rúa A, Chivite M, Comesaña S, Velasco C, Valente LMP, Soengas JL, Conde-Sieira M. The endocannabinoid system is affected by a high-fat-diet in rainbow trout. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104825. [PMID: 32771417 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECs) is a well known contributor to the hedonic regulation of food intake (FI) in mammals whereas in fish, the knowledge regarding hedonic mechanisms that control FI is limited. Previous studies reported the involvement of ECs in FI regulation in fish since anandamide (AEA) treatment induced enhanced FI and changes of mRNA abundance of appetite-related neuropeptides through cannabinoid receptor 1 (cnr1). However, no previous studies in fish evaluated the impact of palatable food like high-fat diets (HFD) on mechanisms involved in hedonic regulation of FI including the possible involvement of ECs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding a HFD on the response of ECs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). First, we demonstrated a higher intake over 4 days of HFD compared with a control diet (CD). Then, we evaluated the postprandial response (1, 3 and 6 h) of components of the ECs in plasma, hypothalamus, and telencephalon after feeding fish with CD and HFD. The results obtained indicate that the increased FI of HFD occurred along with increased levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and AEA in plasma and in brain areas like hypothalamus and telencephalon putatively involved in hedonic regulation of FI in fish. Decreased mRNA abundance of EC receptors like cnr1, gpr55 and trpv1 suggest a feed-back counter-regulatory mechanism in response to the increased levels of EC. Furthermore, the results also suggest that neural activity players associated to FI regulation in mammals as cFOS, γ-Amino butyric acid (GABA) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) systems could be involved in the hedonic eating response to a palatable diet in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Díaz-Rúa
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Mauro Chivite
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Sara Comesaña
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina Velasco
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Luisa M P Valente
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões. Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José L Soengas
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
| | - Marta Conde-Sieira
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Spain.
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23
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Marijuana and Opioid Use during Pregnancy: Using Zebrafish to Gain Understanding of Congenital Anomalies Caused by Drug Exposure during Development. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080279. [PMID: 32784457 PMCID: PMC7460517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana and opioid addictions have increased alarmingly in recent decades, especially in the United States, posing threats to society. When the drug user is a pregnant mother, there is a serious risk to the developing baby. Congenital anomalies are associated with prenatal exposure to marijuana and opioids. Here, we summarize the current data on the prevalence of marijuana and opioid use among the people of the United States, particularly pregnant mothers. We also summarize the current zebrafish studies used to model and understand the effects of these drug exposures during development and to understand the behavioral changes after exposure. Zebrafish experiments recapitulate the drug effects seen in human addicts and the birth defects seen in human babies prenatally exposed to marijuana and opioids. Zebrafish show great potential as an easy and inexpensive model for screening compounds for their ability to mitigate the drug effects, which could lead to new therapeutics.
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24
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Porter BA, Mueller T. The Zebrafish Amygdaloid Complex - Functional Ground Plan, Molecular Delineation, and Everted Topology. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:608. [PMID: 32765204 PMCID: PMC7378821 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals and other tetrapods, a multinuclear forebrain structure, called the amygdala, forms the neuroregulatory core essential for emotion, cognition, and social behavior. Currently, higher circuits of affective behavior in anamniote non-tetrapod vertebrates (“fishes”) are poorly understood, preventing a comprehensive understanding of amygdala evolution. Through molecular characterization and evolutionary-developmental considerations, we delineated the complex amygdala ground plan of zebrafish, whose everted telencephalon has made comparisons to the evaginated forebrains of tetrapods challenging. In this radical paradigm, thirteen telencephalic territories constitute the zebrafish amygdaloid complex and each territory is distinguished by conserved molecular properties and structure-functional relationships with other amygdaloid structures. Central to our paradigm, the study identifies the teleostean amygdaloid nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT), an olfactory integrative structure that links dopaminergic telencephalic groups to the amygdala alongside redefining the putative zebrafish olfactory pallium (“Dp”). Molecular characteristics such as the distribution of substance P and the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR) indicate, that the zebrafish extended centromedial (autonomic and reproductive) amygdala is predominantly located in the GABAergic and isl1-negative territory. Like in tetrapods, medial amygdaloid (MeA) nuclei are defined by the presence of substance P immunoreactive fibers and calretinin-positive neurons, whereas central amygdaloid (CeA) nuclei lack these characteristics. A detailed comparison of lhx5-driven and vGLut2a-driven GFP in transgenic reporter lines revealed ancestral topological relationships between the thalamic eminence (EmT), the medial amygdala (MeA), the nLOT, and the integrative olfactory pallium. Thus, the study explains how the zebrafish amygdala and the complexly everted telencephalon topologically relate to the corresponding structures in mammals indicating that an elaborate amygdala ground plan evolved early in vertebrates, in a common ancestor of teleosts and tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baylee A Porter
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Urology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
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25
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Müller TE, Fontana BD, Bertoncello KT, Franscescon F, Mezzomo NJ, Canzian J, Stefanello FV, Parker MO, Gerlai R, Rosemberg DB. Understanding the neurobiological effects of drug abuse: Lessons from zebrafish models. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109873. [PMID: 31981718 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug abuse and brain disorders related to drug comsumption are public health problems with harmful individual and social consequences. The identification of therapeutic targets and precise pharmacological treatments to these neuropsychiatric conditions associated with drug abuse are urgently needed. Understanding the link between neurobiological mechanisms and behavior is a key aspect of elucidating drug abuse-related targets. Due to various molecular, biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological features, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a suitable vertebrate for modeling complex processes involved in drug abuse responses. In this review, we discuss how the zebrafish has been successfully used for modeling neurobehavioral phenotypes related to drug abuse and review the effects of opioids, cannabinoids, alcohol, nicotine, and psychedelic drugs on the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, we summarize recent advances in zebrafish-based studies and outline potential advantages and limitations of the existing zebrafish models to explore the neurochemical bases of drug abuse and addiction. Finally, we discuss how the use of zebrafish models may present fruitful approaches to provide valuable clinically translatable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talise E Müller
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Kanandra T Bertoncello
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Francini Franscescon
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Nathana J Mezzomo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Canzian
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Flavia V Stefanello
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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26
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Griffin A, Anvar M, Hamling K, Baraban SC. Phenotype-Based Screening of Synthetic Cannabinoids in a Dravet Syndrome Zebrafish Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:464. [PMID: 32390835 PMCID: PMC7193054 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a catastrophic epilepsy of childhood, characterized by cognitive impairment, severe seizures, and increased risk for sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs, emerging preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that modulation of the endocannabinoid system could be therapeutic in these patients. Preclinical research on this topic is limited as cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are designated by United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as illegal substances. In this study, we used a validated zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome, scn1lab homozygous mutants, to screen for anti-seizure activity in a commercially available library containing 370 synthetic cannabinoid (SC) compounds. SCs are intended for experimental use and not restricted by DEA designations. Primary phenotype-based screening was performed using a locomotion-based assay in 96-well plates, and a secondary local field potential recording assay was then used to confirm suppression of electrographic epileptiform events. Identified SCs with anti-seizure activity, in both assays, included five SCs structurally classified as indole-based cannabinoids JWH 018 N-(5-chloropentyl) analog, JWH 018 N-(2-methylbutyl) isomer, 5-fluoro PB-22 5-hydroxyisoquinoline isomer, 5-fluoro ADBICA, and AB-FUBINACA 3-fluorobenzyl isomer. Our approach demonstrates that two-stage phenotype-based screening in a zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome successfully identifies SCs with anti-seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliesha Griffin
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mana Anvar
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kyla Hamling
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Scott C Baraban
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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27
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Amin MR, Ahmed KT, Ali DW. Early Exposure to THC Alters M-Cell Development in Zebrafish Embryos. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8010005. [PMID: 31947970 PMCID: PMC7168183 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8010005] [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: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit recreational drugs that is often taken for medicinal purposes. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, hereafter referred to as THC), which is an agonist at the endocannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos to THC during the gastrulation phase to determine the long-term effects during development. We specifically focused on reticulospinal neurons known as the Mauthner cells (M-cell) that are involved in escape response movements. The M- cells are born during gastrulation, thus allowing us to examine neuronal morphology of neurons born during the time of exposure. After the exposure, embryos were allowed to develop normally and were examined at two days post-fertilization for M-cell morphology and escape responses. THC treated embryos exhibited subtle alterations in M-cell axon diameter and small changes in escape response dynamics to touch. Because escape responses were altered, we also examined muscle fiber development. The fluorescent labelling of red and white muscle fibers showed that while muscles were largely intact, the fibers were slightly disorganized with subtle but significant changes in the pattern of expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, there were no overt changes in the expression of nicotinic receptor subunit mRNA ascertained by qPCR. Embryos were allowed to further develop until 5 dpf, when they were examined for overall levels of movement. Animals exposed to THC during gastrulation exhibited reduced activity compared with vehicle controls. Together, these findings indicate that zebrafish exposed to THC during the gastrula phase exhibit small changes in neuronal and muscle morphology that may impact behavior and locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ruhul Amin
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Kazi T. Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-492-6094
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Sufian MS, Amin MR, Kanyo R, Allison WT, Ali DW. CB 1 and CB 2 receptors play differential roles in early zebrafish locomotor development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.206680. [PMID: 31253713 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.206680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) mediate their effects through actions on several receptors, including the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. The role played by eCBs in the development of locomotor systems is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of the eCB system in zebrafish development by pharmacologically inhibiting CB1R and CB2R (with AM251 and AM630, respectively) in either the first or second day of development. We examined the morphology of motor neurons and we determined neuromuscular outputs by quantifying the amount of swimming in 5 days post-fertilization larvae. Blocking CB2R during the first day of development resulted in gross morphological deficits and reductions in heart rate that were greater than those following treatment with the CB1R blocker AM251. Blocking CB1Rs from 0 to 24 h post-fertilization resulted in an increase in the number of secondary and tertiary branches of primary motor neurons, whereas blocking CB2Rs had the opposite effect. Both treatments manifested in reduced levels of swimming. Additionally, blocking CB1Rs resulted in greater instances of non-inflated and partially inflated swim bladders compared with AM630 treatment, suggesting that at least some of the deficits in locomotion may result from an inability to adjust buoyancy. Together, these findings indicate that the eCB system is pivotal to the development of the locomotor system in zebrafish, and that perturbations of the eCB system early in life may have detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shah Sufian
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Md Ruhul Amin
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Richard Kanyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - W Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Declan W Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9 .,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Department of Physiology, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
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29
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Carty DR, Thornton C, Gledhill JH, Willett KL. Developmental Effects of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2019; 162:137-145. [PMID: 29106691 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained much attention in the past several years for its therapeutic potential in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome. Although CBD has shown anecdotal efficacy in reducing seizure frequency, little is known regarding the potential adverse side effects of CBD on physiology, development, organogenesis, or behavior. The goal of this project was to compare the relative morphological, behavioral, and gene expression phenotypes resulting after a developmental exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD. Zebrafish were exposed from blastula through larval stage (96 h postfertilization [hpf]) to 0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5 mg/l (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 µM) THC or 0.07, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25 mg/l CBD (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 µM). Despite the similarity in THC and CBD dysmorphologies, ie, edemas, curved axis, eye/snout/jaw/trunk/fin deformities, swim bladder distention, and behavioral abnormalities, the LC50 for CBD (0.53 mg/l) was nearly 7 times lower than THC (3.65 mg/l). At 96 hpf, c-fos, dazl, and vasa were differentially expressed following THC exposure, but only c-fos expression was significantly increased by CBD. Cannabidiol was more bioconcentrated compared with THC despite higher THC water concentrations. This work supports the potential for persistent developmental impacts of cannabinoid exposure, but more studies are needed to assess latent effects and their molecular mechanisms of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Carty
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677
| | - Cammi Thornton
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677
| | - James H Gledhill
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677
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30
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Functional characterization of the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 in zebrafish larvae using behavioral analysis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2049-2058. [PMID: 30820632 PMCID: PMC6647118 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05193-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises the cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (Cnr1 and Cnr2). The function of these receptors in relation to zebrafish larval behavior is poorly understood, even though the zebrafish larva has become a versatile animal model in biomedical research. OBJECTIVES The objective of the present study is to characterize the function of Cnr1 and Cnr2 in relation to behavior in zebrafish. METHODS Behavioral analysis of zebrafish larvae was performed using a visual motor response (VMR) test, which allows locomotor activity to be determined under basal conditions and upon a dark challenge. RESULTS Treatment with the non-specific Cnr agonists WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940 resulted in a decrease in locomotion. This was observed for both basal and challenge-induced locomotion, although the potency for these two effects was different, which suggests different mechanisms of action. In addition, WIN55,212-2 increased the reaction time of the startle response after the dark challenge. Using the Cnr1 antagonist AM251 and a cnr1-/- mutant line, it was shown that the effects were mediated by Cnr1 and not Cnr2. Interestingly, administration of the antagonist AM251 alone does not have an effect on locomotion, which indicates that endogenous cannabinoid activity does not affect locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae. Upon repeated dark challenges, the WIN55,212-2 effect on the locomotor activity decreased, probably due to desensitization of Cnr1. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results show that Cnr1 activation by exogenous endocannabinoids modulates both basal and challenge-induced locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae and that these behavioral effects can be used as a readout to monitor the Cnr1 responsiveness in the zebrafish larva model system.
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31
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Social isolation impairs active avoidance performance and decreases neurogenesis in the dorsomedial telencephalon of rainbow trout. Physiol Behav 2019; 198:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Demin KA, Meshalkina DA, Kysil EV, Antonova KA, Volgin AD, Yakovlev OA, Alekseeva PA, Firuleva MM, Lakstygal AM, de Abreu MS, Barcellos LJG, Bao W, Friend AJ, Amstislavskaya TG, Rosemberg DB, Musienko PE, Song C, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models relevant to studying central opioid and endocannabinoid systems. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:301-312. [PMID: 29604314 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and opioid systems are two interplaying neurotransmitter systems that modulate drug abuse, anxiety, pain, cognition, neurogenesis and immune activity. Although they are involved in such critical functions, our understanding of endocannabinoid and opioid physiology remains limited, necessitating further studies, novel models and new model organisms in this field. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly emerging as one of the most effective translational models in neuroscience and biological psychiatry. Due to their high physiological and genetic homology to humans, zebrafish may be effectively used to study the endocannabinoid and opioid systems. Here, we discuss current models used to target the endocannabinoid and opioid systems in zebrafish, and their potential use in future translational research and high-throughput drug screening. Emphasizing the high degree of conservation of the endocannabinoid and opioid systems in zebrafish and mammals, we suggest zebrafish as an excellent model organism to study these systems and to search for the new drugs and therapies targeting their evolutionarily conserved mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Darya A Meshalkina
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elana V Kysil
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kristina A Antonova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey D Volgin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Medical Military Academy, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg A Yakovlev
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Medical Military Academy, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina A Alekseeva
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria M Firuleva
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Leonardo J G Barcellos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil; Graduate Programs in Environmental Sciences, and Bio-Experimentation, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Wandong Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ashton J Friend
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Neuroscience Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Pavel E Musienko
- Laboratory of Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Motor Physiology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Experimental Neurorehabilitation, St. Petersburg State Research Institute of Phthysiopulmonology, Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia; Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Marine Medicine Research and Development Center, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Neuroscience Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia; ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA; Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Aquatic Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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33
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Zhang Y, Magnus G, Han VZ. Cell type-specific plasticity at parallel fiber synapses onto Purkinje cells in the posterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid fish cerebellum. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:644-661. [PMID: 29668384 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00175.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that there are two morphological subtypes of Purkinje cells (PCs)-fan-shaped Purkinje cells (fPCs) and multipolar Purkinje cells (mPCs)-in the posterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid fish cerebellum, but whether these cell types are also functionally distinct is unknown. Here, we have used electrophysiological and pharmacological tools in a slice preparation to demonstrate that pairing parallel fiber (PF) and climbing fiber (CF) inputs at a low frequency induces long-term depression (LTD) in fPCs but long-term potentiation (LTP) in mPCs. The induction of plasticity in both cell types required postsynaptic Ca2+ and type 1α metabotropic glutamate receptors. However, the LTD in fPCs was inducted via a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II cascade, whereas LTP induction in mPCs required calcineurin. Moreover, the LTD in fPCs and LTP in mPCs were accompanied by changes to the corresponding paired-pulse ratios and their coefficients of variation, suggesting presynaptic modes of expression for the plasticity at PF terminals for both cell types. Hence, the synaptic plasticity at PF synapses onto PCs in the posterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid cerebellum is cell type specific, with both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms contributing to its induction and expression. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Much has been learnt about the cerebellar long-term depression (LTD) in the cortex. More recent work has shown that long-term potentiation (LTP) is equally important for cerebellar motor learning. Here we report for the first time that plasticity in the mormyrid cerebellum is cell type specific, e.g., following the conventional pairing of parallel and climbing fiber inputs in an in vitro preparation leads to LTD in one Purkinje cell subtype and LTP in another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Xijing Hospital , Xi'an , China.,Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
| | - Gerhard Magnus
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
| | - Victor Z Han
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
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Imperatore R, D'Angelo L, Safari O, Motlagh HA, Piscitelli F, de Girolamo P, Cristino L, Varricchio E, di Marzo V, Paolucci M. Overlapping Distribution of Orexin and Endocannabinoid Receptors and Their Functional Interaction in the Brain of Adult Zebrafish. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:62. [PMID: 30104964 PMCID: PMC6077257 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypocretins/Orexins neuropeptides are known to regulate numerous physiological functions, such as energy homeostasis, food intake, sleep/wake cycle, arousal and wakefulness, in vertebrates. Previous studies on mice have revealed an intriguing orexins/endocannabinoids (ECs) signaling interaction at both structural and functional levels, with OX-A behaving as a strong enhancer of 2-arachydonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) biosynthesis. In this study, we describe, for the first time in the brain of zebrafish, the anatomical distribution and co-expression of orexin (OX-2R) and endocannabinoid (CB1R) receptors, suggesting a functional interaction. The immunohistochemical colocalization of these receptors by confocal imaging in the dorsal and ventral telencephalon, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SC), thalamus, hypothalamus, preoptic area (PO) and cerebellum, is reported. Moreover, biochemical quantification of 2-AG levels by LC-MS supports the occurrence of OX-A-induced 2-AG biosynthesis in the zebrafish brain after 3 h of OX-A intraperitoneal (i.p.; 3 pmol/g) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.; 0.3 pmol/g) injection. This effect is likely mediated by OX-2R as it is counteracted by i.p./i.c.v administration of OX-2R antagonist (SB334867, 10 pmol/g). This study provides compelling morphological and functional evidence of an OX-2R/CB1R signaling interaction in the brain of adult zebrafish, suggesting the use of this well-established vertebrate animal model for the study of complex and phylogenetically conserved physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Imperatore
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy.,Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Omid Safari
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Ahmadniaye Motlagh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Cristino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ettore Varricchio
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Vincenzo di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marina Paolucci
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
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Neeley B, Overholt T, Artz E, Kinsey SG, Marsat G. Selective and Context-Dependent Social and Behavioral Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Weakly Electric Fish. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2018; 91:214-227. [PMID: 30045017 DOI: 10.1159/000490171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid (CB) receptors are widespread in the nervous system and influence a variety of behaviors. Weakly electric fish have been a useful model system in the study of the neural basis of behavior, but we know nothing of the role played by the CB system. Here, we determine the overall behavioral effect of a nonselective CB receptor agonist, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the weakly electric fish Apte-ronotus leptorhynchus. Using various behavioral paradigms involving social stimuli, we show that THC decreases locomotor behavior, as in many species, and influences communication and social behavior. Across the different experiments, we found that the propensity to emit communication signals (chirps) and seek social interactions was affected in a context-dependent manner. We explicitly tested this hypothesis by comparing the behavioral effects of THC injection in fish placed in a novel versus a familiar social and physical environment. THC-injected fish were less likely to chirp than control fish in familiar situations but not in novel ones. The tendency to be in close proximity to other fish was affected only in novel environments, with control fish clustering more than THC-injected ones. By identifying behaviors affected by CB agonists, our study can guide further comparative and neurophysiological studies of the role of the CB system using a weakly electric fish as a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Neeley
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Tyler Overholt
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Emily Artz
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Steven G Kinsey
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.,Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Gary Marsat
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.,Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Achenbach JC, Hill J, Hui JPM, Morash MG, Berrue F, Ellis LD. Analysis of the Uptake, Metabolism, and Behavioral Effects of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Larvae. Zebrafish 2018; 15:349-360. [PMID: 29634460 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cannabis sativa plant contains numerous phytocannabinoids and terpenes with known or potential biological activity. For decades, plant breeders have been breeding the Cannabis plant to control for a desired ratio of the major cannabinoids. A high-throughput in vivo model to understand the relationship between the chemical composition of different strains and their therapeutic potential then becomes of value. Measuring changes in the behavioral patterns of zebrafish larvae is an established model with which to test the biological activity of neuroactive compounds. However, there is currently little information regarding the uptake kinetics and metabolism of compounds by larvae. In this study, we chose to compare the uptake kinetics and metabolism of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) alone or in combination with their effects on larval behavior. We have shown that both compounds have distinct behavioral patterns and concentration response profiles. Additionally, the uptake kinetics observed for each compound appears to correlate with the change in behavior observed in the behavioral assays. When combinations of THC and CBD were tested there were shifts in both the behavioral activity and the uptake kinetics of each compound compared with when they were tested alone. Finally, the THC/CBD-derived metabolites detected in the larvae are similar to those found in mammalian systems. This study thus provides a model for further testing of additional cannabinoids and potentially plant extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Achenbach
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
| | - Jessica Hill
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
| | - Joseph P M Hui
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
| | - Michael G Morash
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
| | - Fabrice Berrue
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
| | - Lee D Ellis
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, National Research Council of Canada , Halifax, Canada
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Krug RG, Lee HB, El Khoury LY, Sigafoos AN, Petersen MO, Clark KJ. The endocannabinoid gene faah2a modulates stress-associated behavior in zebrafish. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190897. [PMID: 29304078 PMCID: PMC5756047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to orchestrate appropriate physiological and behavioral responses to stress is important for survival, and is often dysfunctional in neuropsychiatric disorders that account for leading causes of global disability burden. Numerous studies have shown that the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter system is able to regulate stress responses and could serve as a therapeutic target for the management of these disorders. We used quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions to show that genes encoding enzymes that synthesize (abhd4, gde1, napepld), enzymes that degrade (faah, faah2a, faah2b), and receptors that bind (cnr1, cnr2, gpr55-like) endocannabinoids are expressed in zebrafish (Danio rerio). These genes are conserved in many other vertebrates, including humans, but fatty acid amide hydrolase 2 has been lost in mice and rats. We engineered transcription activator-like effector nucleases to create zebrafish with mutations in cnr1 and faah2a to test the role of these genes in modulating stress-associated behavior. We showed that disruption of cnr1 potentiated locomotor responses to hyperosmotic stress. The increased response to stress was consistent with rodent literature and served to validate the use of zebrafish in this field. Moreover, we showed for the first time that disruption of faah2a attenuated the locomotor responses to hyperosmotic stress. This later finding suggests that FAAH2 may be an important mediator of stress responses in non-rodent vertebrates. Accordingly, FAAH and FAAH2 modulators could provide distinct therapeutic options for stress-aggravated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall G. Krug
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Neurobiology of Disease Track), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Han B. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Neurobiology of Disease Track), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Louis Y. El Khoury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Ashley N. Sigafoos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Morgan O. Petersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Karl J. Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wolkers CPB, Menescal-de-Oliveira L, Hoffmann A. Cannabinoid system of dorsomedial telencephalon modulates behavioral responses to noxious stimulation in the fish Leporinus macrocephalus. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:504-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Oltrabella F, Melgoza A, Nguyen B, Guo S. Role of the endocannabinoid system in vertebrates: Emphasis on the zebrafish model. Dev Growth Differ 2017; 59:194-210. [PMID: 28516445 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCBs), named after the plant Cannabis sativa, comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands known as "endocannabinoids", and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of these ligands, as well as putative transporters for these ligands. ECBs proteins and small molecules have been detected in early embryonic stages of many vertebrate models. As a result, cannabinoid receptors and endogenous as well as exogenous cannabinoids influence development and behavior in many vertebrate species. Understanding the precise mechanisms of action for the eCBs will provide an invaluable guide towards elucidation of vertebrate development and will also help delineate how developmental exposure to marijuana might impact health and cognitive/executive functioning in adulthood. Here we review the developmental roles of the eCBs in vertebrates, focusing our attention on the zebrafish model. Since little is known regarding the eCBs in zebrafish, we provide new data on the expression profiles of eCBs genes during development and in adult tissue types of this model organism. We also highlight exciting areas for future investigations, including the synaptic regulation of eCBs, its role in reward and addiction, and in nervous system development and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Oltrabella
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA
| | - Adam Melgoza
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA.,Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720-3104, USA
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA.,Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158-2811, USA
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40
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Cannabinoid modulation of zebrafish fear learning and its functional analysis investigated by c-Fos expression. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 153:18-31. [PMID: 27965084 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that zebrafish fear learning proceeds in the same way as reported for rodents. However, in zebrafish fear learning it is possible to substitute the use of electric shocks as unconditioned stimulus and utilize the inborn fear responses to the alarm substance Schreckstoff, instead. The skin extract Schreckstoff elicits typical fear reactions such as preferred bottom dwelling, swimming in a tighter shoal, erratic movements and freezing. This natural fear behavior can be transferred from Schreckstoff to any other sensory stimulus by associative conditioning (fear learning). We presented Schreckstoff simultaneously with a red light stimulus and tested the effectiveness of fear learning during memory retrieval. The two brain regions known to be relevant for learning in zebrafish are the medial and the lateral pallium of the dorsal telencephalon, both containing rich expressions of the endocannabinoid receptor CB1. To test the influence of the zebrafish endocannabinoid system on fear acquisition learning, an experimental group of ten fish was pretreated with the CB1 receptor agonist THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol; 100nM for 1h). We found that CB1 activation significantly inhibited acquisition of fear learning, possibly by impairing stimulus encoding processes in pallial areas. This was supported by analyzes of c-Fos expression in the brains of experimental animals. Schreckstoff exposure during fear acquisition learning and memory retrieval during red light presentation increased the number of labelled cells in pallial structures, but in no other brain region investigated (e.g. striatum, thalamus, and habenula). THC administration before fear conditioning significantly decreased c-Fos expression in these structures to a level similar to the control group without Schreckstoff experience, suggesting that Schreckstoff induced fear learning requires brain circuits restricted mainly to pallial regions of the dorsal telencephalon.
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Martella A, Sepe RM, Silvestri C, Zang J, Fasano G, Carnevali O, De Girolamo P, Neuhauss SCF, Sordino P, Di Marzo V. Important role of endocannabinoid signaling in the development of functional vision and locomotion in zebrafish. FASEB J 2016; 30:4275-4288. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600602r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martella
- Endocannabinoid Research GroupInstitute of Biomolecular Chemistry Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Pozzuoli Italy
| | - Rosa M. Sepe
- Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Endocannabinoid Research GroupInstitute of Biomolecular Chemistry Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Pozzuoli Italy
| | - Jingjing Zang
- Institute of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Giulia Fasano
- Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- §Department of Life and Environment SciencesPolytechnic University of Marche Ancona Italy
| | - Paolo De Girolamo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni AnimaliUniverstity of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | | | - Paolo Sordino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research GroupInstitute of Biomolecular Chemistry Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Pozzuoli Italy
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Chiarlone A, Börner C, Martín-Gómez L, Jiménez-González A, García-Concejo A, García-Bermejo ML, Lorente M, Blázquez C, García-Taboada E, de Haro A, Martella E, Höllt V, Rodríguez R, Galve-Roperh I, Kraus J, Guzmán M. MicroRNA let-7d is a target of cannabinoid CB1 receptor and controls cannabinoid signaling. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:345-52. [PMID: 27179908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor, the molecular target of endocannabinoids and cannabis active components, is one of the most abundant metabotropic receptors in the brain. Cannabis is widely used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Despite the ever-growing fundamental roles of microRNAs in the brain, the possible molecular connections between the CB1 receptor and microRNAs are surprisingly unknown. Here, by using reporter gene constructs that express interaction sequences for microRNAs in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, we show that CB1 receptor activation enhances the expression of several microRNAs, including let-7d. This was confirmed by measuring hsa-let-7d expression levels. Accordingly, knocking-down CB1 receptor in zebrafish reduced dre-let-7d levels, and knocking-out CB1 receptor in mice decreased mmu-let-7d levels in the cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Conversely, knocking-down let-7d increased CB1 receptor mRNA expression in zebrafish, SH-SY5Y cells and primary striatal neurons. Likewise, in primary striatal neurons chronically exposed to a cannabinoid or opioid agonist, a let-7d-inhibiting sequence facilitated not only cannabinoid or opioid signaling but also cannabinoid/opioid cross-signaling. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence for a bidirectional link between the CB1 receptor and a microRNA, namely let-7d, and thus unveil a new player in the complex process of cannabinoid action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarlone
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine Börner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Laura Martín-Gómez
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ada Jiménez-González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Adrián García-Concejo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Mar Lorente
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Blázquez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Taboada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amador de Haro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martella
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Volker Höllt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Raquel Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jürgen Kraus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain.
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Tran S, Chatterjee D, Facciol A, Gerlai R. Concentration, population, and context-dependent effects of AM251 in zebrafish. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1445-54. [PMID: 26883874 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The function of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1-R) is poorly understood in zebrafish, and numerous inconsistent effects have been reported on it in the literature. OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study is to determine whether differences in the reported effects of CB1-R antagonism on anxiety-like behavioural responses, dopaminergic and serotonergic responses are due to concentration, context-dependent and/or population (genotype-related) effects. METHOD Two genetically distinct populations of zebrafish (AB and short fin (SF)) were treated with different concentrations of AM251 (0, 0.1, 1mg/L), and behavioural responses were quantified under two different contexts: one, following habituation and two, subsequently in a novel environment. The levels of dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyindole acetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were quantified from whole-brain tissue. RESULTS We demonstrate that a 60-min exposure to AM251 (0, 0.1, 1mg/L) does not alter behavioural performance following habituation in either populations. However, when subsequently transferred to a novel environment, zebrafish that were pre-treated with the highest dose of AM251 (1mg/L) exhibited increased anxiety-like behavioural responses including elevated absolute turn angle, freezing and bottom dwelling. We found that exposure to the highest dose of AM251 (1mg/L) for 60min increased serotonin in fish of both populations tested. In contrast, exposure to 0.1mg/L AM251 decreased, whereas to 1mg/L AM251 increased dopamine, DOPAC and 5-HIAA in fish of both populations. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a genotype-independent effect of AM251 but imply that the inconsistent findings obtained after pharmacological blockade of CB1-Rs in zebrafish may be due to a combination of concentration- and environmental context-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tran
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 3359 Mississauga Road North, DV 1022D, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Diptendu Chatterjee
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, CC4004, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Amanda Facciol
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, CC4004, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 3359 Mississauga Road North, DV 1022D, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, CC4004, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Liu LY, Alexa K, Cortes M, Schatzman-Bone S, Kim AJ, Mukhopadhyay B, Cinar R, Kunos G, North TE, Goessling W. Cannabinoid receptor signaling regulates liver development and metabolism. Development 2016; 143:609-22. [PMID: 26884397 PMCID: PMC4760316 DOI: 10.1242/dev.121731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid (EC) signaling mediates psychotropic effects and regulates appetite. By contrast, potential roles in organ development and embryonic energy consumption remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that genetic or chemical inhibition of cannabinoid receptor (Cnr) activity disrupts liver development and metabolic function in zebrafish (Danio rerio), impacting hepatic differentiation, but not endodermal specification: loss of cannabinoid receptor 1 (cnr1) and cnr2 activity leads to smaller livers with fewer hepatocytes, reduced liver-specific gene expression and proliferation. Functional assays reveal abnormal biliary anatomy and lipid handling. Adult cnr2 mutants are susceptible to hepatic steatosis. Metabolomic analysis reveals reduced methionine content in Cnr mutants. Methionine supplementation rescues developmental and metabolic defects in Cnr mutant livers, suggesting a causal relationship between EC signaling, methionine deficiency and impaired liver development. The effect of Cnr on methionine metabolism is regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factors (Srebfs), as their overexpression rescues Cnr mutant liver phenotypes in a methionine-dependent manner. Our work describes a novel developmental role for EC signaling, whereby Cnr-mediated regulation of Srebfs and methionine metabolism impacts liver development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Y Liu
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristen Alexa
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mauricio Cortes
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Andrew J Kim
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bani Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Gastroenterology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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Perathoner S, Cordero-Maldonado ML, Crawford AD. Potential of zebrafish as a model for exploring the role of the amygdala in emotional memory and motivational behavior. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:445-62. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Perathoner
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB); University of Luxembourg; Belvaux Luxembourg
| | | | - Alexander D. Crawford
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB); University of Luxembourg; Belvaux Luxembourg
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Ruhl T, Moesbauer K, Oellers N, von der Emde G. The endocannabinoid system and associative learning and memory in zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2015; 290:61-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Krug RG, Clark KJ. Elucidating cannabinoid biology in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Gene 2015; 570:168-79. [PMID: 26192460 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The number of annual cannabinoid users exceeds 100,000,000 globally and an estimated 9% of these individuals will suffer from dependency. Although exogenous cannabinoids, like those contained in marijuana, are known to exert their effects by disrupting the endocannabinoid system, a dearth of knowledge exists about the potential toxicological consequences on public health. Conversely, the endocannabinoid system represents a promising therapeutic target for a plethora of disorders because it functions to endogenously regulate a vast repertoire of physiological functions. Accordingly, the rapidly expanding field of cannabinoid biology has sought to leverage model organisms in order to provide both toxicological and therapeutic insights about altered endocannabinoid signaling. The primary goal of this manuscript is to review the existing field of cannabinoid research in the genetically tractable zebrafish model-focusing on the cannabinoid receptor genes, cnr1 and cnr2, and the genes that produce enzymes for synthesis and degradation of the cognate ligands anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol. Consideration is also given to research that has studied the effects of exposure to exogenous phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids that are known to interact with cannabinoid receptors. These results are considered in the context of either endocannabinoid gene expression or endocannabinoid gene function, and are integrated with findings from rodent studies. This provides the framework for a discussion of how zebrafish may be leveraged in the future to provide novel toxicological and therapeutic insights in the field of cannabinoid biology, which has become increasingly significant given recent trends in cannabis legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall G Krug
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Mayo Graduate School, Neurobiology of Disease Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Wolkers CPB, Barbosa Junior A, Menescal-de-Oliveira L, Hoffmann A. Acute administration of a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist impairs stress-induced antinociception in fish. Physiol Behav 2015; 142:37-41. [PMID: 25656689 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of the pre-treatment with AM251 (a cannabinoid type I receptor (CB1) selective antagonist) on the stress-induced antinociception promoted by restraint in the fish Leporinus macrocephalus. The application of 3 and 5 min of restraint stress promoted an inhibition of the behavioural response to the subcutaneous injection of 3% formaldehyde (increase in locomotor activity), suggesting the activation of an antinociceptive system. The acute intraperitoneal administration of AM251 (3 mg·kg(-1)) impaired this antinociceptive response induced by 3 and 5 min of restraint stress. The fish treated with AM251 before the application of restraint stress presented an increase in locomotor activity after the subcutaneous injection of formaldehyde, similar to fish not exposed to restraint, suggesting that the stress-induced antinociception promoted by restraint in fish is probably mediated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors. The results presented in this paper suggest the participation of the endocannabinoid system in nociception modulation in fish, supporting the hypothesis that an endogenous antinociceptive system activated by restraint stress is present in fish and that the modulation of antinociception by the CB1 receptor is evolutionary well-conserved across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Patrícia Bejo Wolkers
- School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Physiology Department, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Zip Code 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Augusto Barbosa Junior
- School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Physiology Department, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Zip Code 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Leda Menescal-de-Oliveira
- School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Physiology Department, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Zip Code 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Anette Hoffmann
- School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Physiology Department, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Zip Code 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Dasmahapatra AK, Khan IA. Gene-specific disruption of endocannabinoid receptor 1 (cnr1a) by ethanol probably leads to the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) phenotypes in Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes) embryogenesis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 167:90-100. [PMID: 25251458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the probable roles played by cannabinoid (CB) receptors in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) induction in Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes). Searching of public databases (GenBank, Ensembl) indicated that the Japanese rice fish genome includes three human ortholog CB receptor genes (cnr1a, cnr1b and cnr2). Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and whole mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) techniques were used to analyze the expression of these cnr genes during Japanese rice fish embryogenesis and also in response to developmental ethanol exposure. qPCR analyses showed that the expression of all three CB receptor genes were developmentally regulated and only cnr2 showed maternal expression. The mRNA concentrations of these genes were found to be enhanced after 3 dpf and attained maximal levels either prior to or after hatching. WMISH technique indicated that all three cnr genes were expressed in the head region of hatchlings. During development, ethanol selectively attenuated the expression of cnr1a mRNA only. Blocking of cnr1a mRNA by CB1 receptor antagonists rimonabant (10-20 μM) or AM251 (0.2-1 μM) 0-2 dpf were unable to induce any FASD-related phenotypic features in embryos or in hatchlings. However, continuous exposure of the embryos (0-6 dpf) to AM251 (1 μM) was able to reduce the hatching efficiency of the embryos. Our data indicated that in Japanese rice fish, ethanol disrupted the expression of only cnr1a in a concentration-dependent manner that induced delay in hatching and might be responsible for the development of FASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asok K Dasmahapatra
- National Center for Natural Product Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA; Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Product Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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Ganz J, Kroehne V, Freudenreich D, Machate A, Geffarth M, Braasch I, Kaslin J, Brand M. Subdivisions of the adult zebrafish pallium based on molecular marker analysis. F1000Res 2014; 3:308. [PMID: 25713698 PMCID: PMC4335597 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.5595.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The telencephalon shows a remarkable structural diversity among vertebrates. In particular, the everted telencephalon of ray-finned fishes has a markedly different morphology compared to the evaginated telencephalon of all other vertebrates. This difference in development has hampered the comparison between different areas of the pallium of ray-finned fishes and the pallial nuclei of all other vertebrates. Various models of homology between pallial subdivisions in ray-finned fishes and the pallial nuclei in tetrapods have been proposed based on connectional, neurochemical, gene expression and functional data. However, no consensus has been reached so far. In recent years, the analysis of conserved developmental marker genes has assisted the identification of homologies for different parts of the telencephalon among several tetrapod species. Results: We have investigated the gene expression pattern of conserved marker genes in the adult zebrafish (
Danio rerio) pallium to identify pallial subdivisions and their homology to pallial nuclei in tetrapods. Combinatorial expression analysis of
ascl1a,
eomesa,
emx1,
emx2,
emx3, and Prox1 identifies four main divisions in the adult zebrafish pallium. Within these subdivisions, we propose that Dm is homologous to the pallial amygdala in tetrapods and that the dorsal subdivision of Dl is homologous to part of the hippocampal formation in mouse. We have complemented this analysis be examining the gene expression of
emx1,
emx2 and
emx3 in the zebrafish larval brain. Conclusions: Based on our gene expression data, we propose a new model of subdivisions in the adult zebrafish pallium and their putative homologies to pallial nuclei in tetrapods. Pallial nuclei control sensory, motor, and cognitive functions, like memory, learning and emotion. The identification of pallial subdivisions in the adult zebrafish and their homologies to pallial nuclei in tetrapods will contribute to the use of the zebrafish system as a model for neurobiological research and human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ganz
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany ; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Volker Kroehne
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Dorian Freudenreich
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Anja Machate
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Michaela Geffarth
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Ingo Braasch
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Jan Kaslin
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany ; Present address: Faculty of Medicine, Nursing Health Sciences Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Michael Brand
- Biotechnology Center, and DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
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