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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hanley BA, Moloney RA, Hirst JJ. Prenatal Stress Induces Translational Disruption Associated with Myelination Deficits. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:290-308. [PMID: 37004512 DOI: 10.1159/000530282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions to neurodevelopment are known to be linked to behavioral disorders in childhood and into adulthood. The fetal brain is extremely vulnerable to stimuli that alter inhibitory GABAergic pathways and critical myelination processes, programing long-term neurobehavioral disruption. The maturation of the GABAergic system into the major inhibitory pathway in the brain and the development of oligodendrocytes into mature cells capable of producing myelin are integral components of optimal neurodevelopment. The current study aimed to elucidate prenatal stress-induced mechanisms that disrupt these processes and to delineate the role of placental pathways in these adverse outcomes. Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2 h/day on gestational age (GA) 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65, and groups of fetuses and placentae were collected after the stress exposure on GA40, GA50, GA60, and GA69 (term). Fetal plasma, placental, and brain tissue were collected for allopregnanolone and cortisol quantification with ELISA. Relative mRNA expression of genes of specific pathways of interest was examined with real-time PCR in placental and hippocampal tissue, and myelin basic protein (MBP) was quantified immunohistochemically in the hippocampus and surrounding regions for assessment of mature myelin. Prenatal stress in mid-late gestation resulted in disruptions to the translational machinery responsible for the production of myelin and decreased myelin coverage in the hippocampus and surrounding regions. The male placenta showed an initial protective increase in allopregnanolone concentrations in response to maternal psychosocial stress. The male and female placentae had a sex-dependent increase in neurosteroidogenic enzymes at term following prenatal stress. Independent from exposure to prenatal stress, at gestational day 60 - a critical period for myelin development, the placentae of female fetuses had increased capability of preventing cortisol transfer to the fetus through expression of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2. The deficits early in the process of maturation of myelination indicate that the reduced myelination observed at childhood equivalence in previous studies begins in fetal life. This negative programing persists into childhood, potentially due to dysregulation of MBP translation processes. Expression patterns of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in the placenta at term following stress may identify at-risk fetuses that have been exposed to a stressful in utero environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bethany A Hanley
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roisin A Moloney
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Serrao JM, Goodchild CS. Alfaxalone anaesthesia increases brain derived neurotrophic factor levels and preserves postoperative cognition by activating pregnane-X receptors: an in vitro study and a double blind randomised controlled trial. BMC Anesthesiol 2022; 22:401. [PMID: 36564723 PMCID: PMC9789577 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-022-01940-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alfaxalone is a fast acting intravenous anaesthetic with high therapeutic index. It is an analogue of the naturally-occurring neurosteroid allopregnanolone responsible for maintenance of cognition and neuroprotection by activation of brain pregnane X receptors and consequent increased production of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (m-BDNF). Two studies are reported here: an in vitro study investigated whether alfaxalone activates human pregnane X receptors (h-PXR) as effectively as allopregnanolone; and a clinical study that measured postoperative changes in serum m-BDNF and cognition in patients after alfaxalone anaesthesia compared with propofol and sevoflurane. METHODS In vitro Activation of h-PXR by allopregnanolone and alfaxalone solutions (206 - 50,000 nM) was measured using human embryonic kidney cells expressing h-PXR hybridised and linked to the firefly luciferase gene. Light emission by luciferase stimulated by each ligand binding with h-PXR was measured. Clinical A double blind prospective randomised study of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty anaesthetised with alfaxalone TIVA (n = 8) or propofol TIVA (n = 3) or propofol plus sevoflurane inhalational anaesthesia (n = 4). The doses of anaesthetics were titrated to the same depth of anaesthesia (BIS 40-60). Subjects' cognitive performance was assessed using the Grooved Pegboard Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Mini Mental State examination (MMSE) for 7 days postoperatively. Serum m-BDNF concentrations were measured for 7 postoperative days. RESULTS In vitro Allopregnanolone and alfaxalone both activated h-PXR, alfaxalone being more efficacious than allopregnanolone: 50,000 nM, p = 0.0019; 16,700 nM, p = 0.0472; 5600 nM, p = 0.0031. Clinical Alfaxalone treated subjects scored better than propofol and sevoflurane anaesthetised patients in the cognition tests: (MMSE p = 0.0251; Grooved Pegboard test dominant hand pre v post anaesthesia scores p = 0.8438 for alfaxalone and p = 0.0156 for propofol and propofol/sevoflurane combined). The higher cognition scores were accompanied by higher serum m-BDNF levels in the alfaxalone anaesthetised patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that sedation and anaesthesia induced by the synthetic neuroactive steroid alfaxalone may be accompanied by effects normally caused by physiological actions of allopregnanolone at PXR, namely, increased secretion of m-BDNF and consequent neuroprotection and preservation of cognition. TRIAL REGISTRATION The clinical trial was registered on 17/01/2018 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: registration number ACTRN12618000064202 [Universal Trial Number U1111-1198-0412].
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet M. Serrao
- Drawbridge Pharmaceuticals P/L, 23 Milton Parade, Malvern, Victoria 3144 Australia
| | - Colin S. Goodchild
- Drawbridge Pharmaceuticals P/L, 23 Milton Parade, Malvern, Victoria 3144 Australia
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Miller SL, Bennet L, Sutherland AE, Pham Y, McDonald C, Castillo‐Melendez M, Allison BJ, Mihelakis J, Nitsos I, Boyd BJ, Hirst JJ, Walker DW, Hunt RW, Jenkin G, Wong F, Malhotra A, Fahey MC, Yawno T. Ganaxolone versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizure Management. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:1066-1079. [PMID: 36054160 PMCID: PMC9828769 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizures are more common in the neonatal period than at any other stage of life. Phenobarbital is the first-line treatment for neonatal seizures and is at best effective in approximately 50% of babies, but may contribute to neuronal injury. Here, we assessed the efficacy of phenobarbital versus the synthetic neurosteroid, ganaxolone, to moderate seizure activity and neuropathology in neonatal lambs exposed to perinatal asphyxia. METHODS Asphyxia was induced via umbilical cord occlusion in term lambs at birth. Lambs were treated with ganaxolone (5mg/kg/bolus then 5mg/kg/day for 2 days) or phenobarbital (20mg/kg/bolus then 5mg/kg/day for 2 days) at 6 hours. Abnormal brain activity was classified as stereotypic evolving (SE) seizures, epileptiform discharges (EDs), and epileptiform transients (ETs) using continuous amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic recordings. At 48 hours, lambs were euthanized for brain pathology. RESULTS Asphyxia caused abnormal brain activity, including SE seizures that peaked at 18 to 20 hours, EDs, and ETs, and induced neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Ganaxolone treatment was associated with an 86.4% reduction in the number of seizures compared to the asphyxia group. The total seizure duration in the asphyxia+ganaxolone group was less than the untreated asphyxia group. There was no difference in the number of SE seizures between the asphyxia and asphyxia+phenobarbital groups or duration of SE seizures. Ganaxolone treatment, but not phenobarbital, reduced neuronal degeneration within hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and cortical neurons, and ganaxolone reduced neuroinflammation within the thalamus. INTERPRETATION Ganaxolone provided better seizure control than phenobarbital in this perinatal asphyxia model and was neuroprotective for the newborn brain, affording a new therapeutic opportunity for treatment of neonatal seizures. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:1066-1079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L. Miller
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Amy E. Sutherland
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Yen Pham
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Courtney McDonald
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Margie Castillo‐Melendez
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Beth J. Allison
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jamie Mihelakis
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ben J. Boyd
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David W. Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rodney W. Hunt
- Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Graham Jenkin
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Flora Wong
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Children's HospitalClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michael C. Fahey
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Children's HospitalClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tamara Yawno
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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Adaptations in the Hippocampus during the Fetal to Neonatal Transition in Guinea Pigs. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(Background) The transition from in utero to ex utero life is associated with rapid changes in the brain that are both protective and required for newborn functional activities, allowing adaption to the changing environment. The current study aimed to reveal new insights into adaptations required for normal ongoing brain development and function after birth. (Methods) Time-mated dams were randomly allocated to fetal collection at gestational age 68 or spontaneous term delivery followed by neonatal collection within 24 h of birth. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine mature myelin formation and neuronal nuclei coverage. RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of key markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, neuronal development, and GABAergic/glutamatergic pathway maturation. (Results) Mature myelin was reduced in the subcortical white matter of the neonate, whilst neuronal nuclei coverage was increased in both the hippocampus and the overlying cortical region. Increased mRNA expression in neonates was observed for oligodendrocyte and neuronal markers. There were also widespread mRNA changes across the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic pathways in neonates. (Conclusions) This study has identified important adaptations in the expression of key neurodevelopmental structures, including oligodendrocytes and neurons, that may be essential for appropriate transition in neurodevelopment to the postnatal period.
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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Neurosteroid-based intervention using Ganaxolone and Emapunil for improving stress-induced myelination deficits and neurobehavioural disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105423. [PMID: 34601389 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress is associated with long-term disturbances in white matter development and behaviour in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin formation is a tightly orchestrated process beginning during gestation, and therefore is very vulnerable to the effects of maternal prenatal stresses in mid-late pregnancy. The current study aimed to examine the effects of prenatal stress on components of the oligodendrocyte lineage to identify the key processes that are disrupted and to determine if postnatal therapies directed at ameliorating white matter deficits also improve behavioural outcomes. METHODS Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to control-handling or prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2hrs/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65, and allowed to spontaneously deliver ~GA70. Pups were administered oral ganaxolone (5 mg/kg/day in 45% cyclodextrin) or the TSPO agonist, emapunil (XBD173; 0.3 mg/kg/day in 1% tragacanth gum) or vehicle, on postnatal days (PND) 1-7. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze testing on PND7 and PND27. Hippocampal samples were collected at PND30 to assess markers of oligodendrocyte development through assessment of total oligodendrocytes (OLIG2) and mature cells (myelin basic protein; MBP), and total neurons (NeuN) by immunostaining. Real-time PCR was conducted on hippocampal regions to assess markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, markers of neurogenesis and components of the neurosteroidogenesis pathway. Plasma samples were collected for steroid quantification of cortisol, allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone by ELISA. RESULTS Prenatal stress resulted in hyperactivity in male offspring, and anxiety-like behaviour in female offspring in the guinea pig at an age equivalent to late childhood. Postnatal ganaxolone and emapunil treatment after prenatal stress restored the behavioural phenotype to that of control in females only. The oligodendrocyte maturation lineage, translation of MBP mRNA-to-protein, and neurogenesis were disrupted in prenatally-stressed offspring, resulting in a decreased amount of mature myelin. Emapunil treatment restored mature myelin levels in both sexes, and reversed disruptions to the oligodendrocyte lineage in female offspring, an effect not seen with ganaxolone treatment. CONCLUSION The marked and persisting behavioural and white matter perturbations observed in a clinically relevant guinea pig model of prenatal stress highlights the need for postnatal interventions that increase myelin repair and improve long-term outcomes. The effectiveness of emapunil treatment in restoring female offspring behaviour, and promoting maturation of myelin indicates that early therapeutic interventions can reverse the damaging effects of major stressful events in pregnancy. Further studies optimising target mechanisms and dosing are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Simons NE, van Limburg Stirum EVJ, van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG, Finken MJJ, Aarnoudse-Moens CSH, Oosterlaan J, van Baar A, Roseboom TJ, Lim AC, van Wely M, de Boer MA, Painter RC, Pajkrt E, Oudijk MA, van T Hooft J. Long-term follow-up of children exposed in-utero to progesterone treatment for prevention of preterm birth: study protocol of the AMPHIA follow-up. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053066. [PMID: 34548367 PMCID: PMC8458362 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm birth is one of the main problems in obstetrics, and the most important cause of neonatal mortality, morbidity and neurodevelopmental impairment. Multiple gestation is an important risk factor for preterm birth, with up to 50% delivering before 37 weeks. Progesterone has a role in maintaining pregnancy and is frequently prescribed to prevent (recurrent) preterm birth and improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk patients. However, little is known about its long-term effects in multiple gestations. The objective of this follow-up study is to assess long-term benefits and harms of prenatal exposure to progesterone treatment in multiple gestations on child development. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a follow-up study of a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial (AMPHIA trial, ISRCTN40512715). Between 2006 and 2009 women with a multiple gestation were randomised at 16-20 weeks of gestation to weekly injections 250 mg 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or placebo, until 36 weeks of gestation or delivery. The current long-term follow-up will assess all children (n=1355) born to mothers who participated in the AMPHIA trial, at 11-14 years of age, with internationally validated questionnaires, completed by themselves, their parents and their teachers. MAIN OUTCOMES ARE CHILD COGNITION AND BEHAVIOUR Additional outcomes are death (perinatal and up to age 14), gender identity, educational performance and health-related problems. We will use intention-to-treat analyses comparing experimental and placebo group. To adjust for the correlation between twins, general linear mixed-effects models will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Amsterdam UMC MEC provided a waiver for the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (W20_234#20.268). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and summaries shared with stakeholders, patients and participants. This protocol is published before analysis of the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL8933.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor E Simons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emilie V J van Limburg Stirum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleid G van Wassenaer-Leemhuis
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J J Finken
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke S H Aarnoudse-Moens
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneloes van Baar
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arianne C Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon A de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca C Painter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Pajkrt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Oudijk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke van T Hooft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Effects of prenatal stress on behavioural and neurodevelopmental outcomes are altered by maternal separation in the neonatal period. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 124:105060. [PMID: 33333379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic psychosocial stress during pregnancy and/or after birth, and the associated elevation in cortisol, is linked with the onset of behavioural disorders in childhood. Previously, prenatal stress has been shown to reduce neurosteroid pathways in the fetus and the levels of the neurosteroid and GABAA receptor agonist, allopregnanolone. In late gestation, elevated levels of GABAergic activity increases inhibitory tone and protects against excessive excitation. These levels of allopregnanolone may also contribute to promoting myelination, thus stress-induced suppression of protective neurosteroid levels may disrupt neurodevelopmental processes and can result in reduced myelination. The objective of this study was to examine whether prenatal and postnatal stress reduces levels of inhibitory pathways to result in behavioural, myelin, and GABAergic/glutamatergic pathway deficits in the hippocampus at a postnatal time point in the guinea pig equivalent to childhood in humans. METHODS Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to prenatal stress (PRE) with strobe light exposure for 2 h/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65 (term is ∼GA70), with postnatal stress (POST) caused by maternal separation for 2 h/day from postnatal day (PND) 1-7), or a double-hit of both stressors (PRE + POST). Control dams and offspring groups (CON) were handled at the same time each day without causing stress. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze testing on PND27. After euthanasia on PND30, plasma samples were collected for steroid quantification of cortisol, allopregnanolone and progesterone by ELISA. Hippocampal samples were collected to assess markers of oligodendrocyte development and mature cells by myelin basic protein (MBP) immunostaining and GABAergic and glutamatergic pathway component gene expression by real time PCR. RESULTS Male guinea pig offspring exposed to prenatal stress exhibited hyperactive-like behaviour at childhood equivalence, while female offspring displayed anxious-like behaviour, to a lesser extent. In both sexes, MBP immunostaining was significantly decreased in the hippocampal region following prenatal stress, despite normal levels of MBP mRNA, which suggests a disruption to the MBP protein translation pathway. Many components of the GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways were disrupted following prenatal stress, notably GABAA receptor subunits, GABA production and uptake, glutamate ionotropic and metabotropic receptor subunits and glutamate transport. Following prenatal + postnatal stress, many of the behavioural and neurodevelopmental deficits were improved compared to the prenatal stress only group. CONCLUSION We conclude that prenatal stress disrupts GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways that may contribute to reduced myelination and subsequent behavioural deficits in the offspring. The deficits seen following prenatal stress are ameliorated when paired with subsequent postnatal stress, which highlights the early postnatal period as an important treatment window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Shaw JC, Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Hirst JJ. Impaired Oligodendrocyte Development Following Preterm Birth: Promoting GABAergic Action to Improve Outcomes. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:618052. [PMID: 33634057 PMCID: PMC7901941 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.618052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with poor long-term neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes, even in the absence of obvious brain injury at the time of birth. In particular, behavioral disorders characterized by inattention, social difficulties and anxiety are common among children and adolescents who were born moderately to late preterm (32-37 weeks' gestation). Diffuse deficits in white matter microstructure are thought to play a role in these poor outcomes with evidence suggesting that a failure of oligodendrocytes to mature and myelinate axons is responsible. However, there remains a major knowledge gap over the mechanisms by which preterm birth interrupts normal oligodendrocyte development. In utero neurodevelopment occurs in an inhibitory-dominant environment due to the action of placentally derived neurosteroids on the GABAA receptor, thus promoting GABAergic inhibitory activity and maintaining the fetal behavioral state. Following preterm birth, and the subsequent premature exposure to the ex utero environment, this action of neurosteroids on GABAA receptors is greatly reduced. Coinciding with a reduction in GABAergic inhibition, the preterm neonatal brain is also exposed to ex utero environmental insults such as periods of hypoxia and excessive glucocorticoid concentrations. Together, these insults may increase levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the developing brain and result in a shift in the balance of inhibitory: excitatory activity toward excitatory. This review will outline the normal development of oligodendrocytes, how it is disrupted under excitation-dominated conditions and highlight how shifting the balance back toward an inhibitory-dominated environment may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Robitaille J, Langlois VS. Consequences of steroid-5α-reductase deficiency and inhibition in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 290:113400. [PMID: 31981690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In 1974, a lack of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), the most potent androgen across species except for fish, was shown to be the origin of a type of pseudohermaphrodism in which boys have female-like external genitalia. This human intersex condition is linked to a mutation in the steroid-5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5α2) gene, which usually produces an important enzyme capable of reducing the Δ4-ene of steroid C-19 and C-21 into a 5α-stereoisomer. Seeing the potential of SRD5α2 as a target for androgen synthesis, pharmaceutical companies developed 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride (FIN) and dutasteride (DUT) to target SRD5α2 in benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. In addition to human treatment, the development of 5ARIs also enabled further research of SRD5α functions. Therefore, this review details the morphological, physiological, and molecular effects of the lack of SRD5α activity induced by both SRD5α mutations and inhibitor exposures across species. More specifically, data highlights 1) the role of 5α-DHT in the development of male secondary sexual organs in vertebrates and sex determination in non-mammalian vertebrates, 2) the role of SRD5α1 in the synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol), which are involved in anxiety and sexual behavior, respectively, and 3) the role of SRD5α3 in N-glycosylation. This review also features the lesser known functions of SRD5αs in steroid degradation in the uterus during pregnancy and glucocorticoid clearance in the liver. Additionally, the review describes the regulation of SRD5αs by the receptors of androgens, progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, as well as their differential DNA methylation. Factors known to be involved in their differential methylation are age, inflammation, and mental stimulation. Overall, this review helps shed light on the various essential functions of SRD5αs across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Robitaille
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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10
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Torgersen JK, Petitti R, Tello S, Lembo VF, Frye CA. Prenatal resident-intruder stress decreases levels of allopregnanolone in the cortex, hypothalamus, and midbrain of males, and increases levels in the hippocampus and cerebellum of female, juvenile rat offspring. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100214. [PMID: 32258257 PMCID: PMC7109511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PNS) can influence behaviors associated with cognition, reward and emotional regulation, which are controlled by brain areas such as the cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, midbrain and cerebellum. Allopregnanolone in these regions modulates behavioral and parasympathetic effects. The current study tested whether exposing pregnant dams to 5 days of resident-intruder stress on prenatal days 15-20 for 10 min altered the levels of allopregnanolone in cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, midbrain, and cerebellum of male and female juvenile offspring. In cortex, hypothalamus, and midbrain of male rats exposed to prenatal stress, levels of allopregnanolone were significantly lower compared to all other groups. In the hippocampus and cerebellum, among females exposed to prenatal stress levels were significantly higher compared to all other groups. These differences in allopregnanolone levels varying by prenatal stress, sex and brain regions provide insight in potential mechanism of stress regulation and etiopathophysiology of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Torgersen
- University at Albany - State University of New York, Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Rose Petitti
- University at Albany - State University of New York, Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Sedric Tello
- University at Albany - State University of New York, Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Vincent F Lembo
- University at Albany - State University of New York, Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Cheryl A Frye
- University at Albany - State University of New York, Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
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11
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Yawno T, Sutherland AE, Pham Y, Castillo-Melendez M, Jenkin G, Miller SL. Fetal Growth Restriction Alters Cerebellar Development in Fetal and Neonatal Sheep. Front Physiol 2019; 10:560. [PMID: 31191328 PMCID: PMC6539217 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) complicates 5–10% of pregnancies and is associated with increased risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The development of cerebellar neuropathology in utero, in response to chronic fetal hypoxia, and over the period of high risk for preterm birth, has not been previously studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of FGR induced by placental insufficiency on cerebellar development at three timepoints in ovine fetal and neonatal development: (1) 115 days gestational age (d GA), (2) 124 d GA, and (3) 1-day-old postnatal age. We induced FGR via single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) at ~105 d GA in fetal sheep, term is ~147 d GA. Animals were sacrificed at 115 d GA, 124 d GA, and 1-day-old postnatal age; fetuses and lambs were weighed and the cerebellum collected for histopathology. FGR lambs demonstrated neuropathology within the cerebellum after birth, with a significant, ~18% decrease in the number of granule cell bodies (NeuN+ immunoreactivity) within the internal granular layer (IGL) and an ~80% reduction in neuronal extension and branching (MAP+ immunoreactivity) within the molecular layer (ML). Oxidative stress (8-OHdG+ immunoreactivity) was significantly higher in FGR lambs within the ML and the white matter (WM) compared to control lambs. The structural integrity of neurons was already aberrant in the FGR cerebellum at 115 d GA, and by 124 d GA, inflammatory cells (Iba-1+ immunoreactivity) were significantly upregulated and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was compromised (Pearls, albumin, and GFAP+ immunoreactivity). We confirm that cerebellar injuries develop antenatally in FGR, and therefore, interventions to prevent long-term motor and coordination deficits should be implemented either antenatally or perinatally, thereby targeting neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Yawno
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy E Sutherland
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yen Pham
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Margie Castillo-Melendez
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Graham Jenkin
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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12
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González-Orozco JC, Camacho-Arroyo I. Progesterone Actions During Central Nervous System Development. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:503. [PMID: 31156378 PMCID: PMC6533804 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although progesterone is a steroid hormone mainly associated with female reproductive functions, such as uterine receptivity and maintenance of pregnancy, accumulating data have shown its physiological actions to extend to several non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system (CNS) both in males and females. In fact, progesterone is de novo synthesized in specific brain regions by neurons and glial cells and is involved in the regulation of various molecular and cellular processes underlying myelination, neuroprotection, neuromodulation, learning and memory, and mood. Furthermore, progesterone has been reported to be implicated in critical developmental events, such as cell differentiation and neural circuits formation. This view is supported by the increase in progesterone synthesis observed during pregnancy in both the placenta and the fetal brain. In the present review, we will focus on progesterone actions during CNS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos González-Orozco
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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13
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Shaw JC, Berry MJ, Dyson RM, Crombie GK, Hirst JJ, Palliser HK. Reduced Neurosteroid Exposure Following Preterm Birth and Its' Contribution to Neurological Impairment: A Novel Avenue for Preventative Therapies. Front Physiol 2019; 10:599. [PMID: 31156466 PMCID: PMC6529563 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00599] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born preterm are at an increased risk of developing cognitive problems and neuro-behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Whilst neonates born at all gestational ages, even at term, can experience poor cognitive outcomes due to birth-complications such as birth asphyxia, it is becoming widely known that children born preterm in particular are at significant risk for learning difficulties with an increased utilization of special education resources, when compared to their healthy term-born peers. Additionally, those born preterm have evidence of altered cerebral myelination with reductions in white matter volumes of the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum evident on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This disruption to myelination may underlie some of the pathophysiology of preterm-associated brain injury. Compared to a fetus of the same post-conceptional age, the preterm newborn loses access to in utero factors that support and promote healthy brain development. Furthermore, the preterm ex utero environment is hostile to the developing brain with a myriad of environmental, biochemical and excitotoxic stressors. Allopregnanolone is a key neuroprotective fetal neurosteroid which has promyelinating effects in the developing brain. Preterm birth leads to an abrupt loss of the protective effects of allopregnanolone, with a dramatic drop in allopregnanolone concentrations in the preterm neonatal brain compared to the fetal brain. This occurs in conjunction with reduced myelination of the hippocampus, subcortical white matter and cerebellum; thus, damage to neurons, astrocytes and especially oligodendrocytes of the developing nervous system can occur in the vulnerable developmental window prior to term as a consequence reduced allopregnanolone. In an effort to prevent preterm-associated brain injury a number of therapies have been considered, but to date, other than antenatal magnesium sulfate and corticosteroid therapy, none have become part of standard clinical care for vulnerable infants. Therefore, there remains an urgent need for improved therapeutic options to prevent brain injury in preterm neonates. The actions of the placentally derived neurosteroid allopregnanolone on GABAA receptor signaling has a major role in late gestation neurodevelopment. The early loss of this intrauterine neurotrophic support following preterm birth may be pivotal to development of neurodevelopmental morbidity. Thus, restoring the in utero neurosteroid environment for preterm neonates may represent a new and clinically feasible treatment option for promoting better trajectories of myelination and brain development, and therefore reducing neurodevelopmental disorders in children born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gabrielle K. Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K. Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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14
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Fleiss B, Wong F, Brownfoot F, Shearer IK, Baud O, Walker DW, Gressens P, Tolcos M. Knowledge Gaps and Emerging Research Areas in Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Associated Brain Injury. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:188. [PMID: 30984110 PMCID: PMC6449431 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complex global healthcare issue. Concerted research and clinical efforts have improved our knowledge of the neurodevelopmental sequelae of IUGR which has raised the profile of this complex problem. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of therapies to prevent the substantial rates of fetal demise or the constellation of permanent neurological deficits that arise from IUGR. The purpose of this article is to highlight the clinical and translational gaps in our knowledge that hamper our collective efforts to improve the neurological sequelae of IUGR. Also, we draw attention to cutting-edge tools and techniques that can provide novel insights into this disorder, and technologies that offer the potential for better drug design and delivery. We cover topics including: how we can improve our use of crib-side monitoring options, what we still need to know about inflammation in IUGR, the necessity for more human post-mortem studies, lessons from improved integrated histology-imaging analyses regarding the cell-specific nature of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals, options to improve risk stratification with genomic analysis, and treatments mediated by nanoparticle delivery which are designed to modify specific cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Fleiss
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Bobbi Fleiss
| | - Flora Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabelle K. Shearer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivier Baud
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, University Hospitals of Geneva, Children's Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David W. Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Pierre Gressens
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- PremUP, Paris, France
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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15
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16
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DISTURBANCE OF THE PROGESTERONE AND ITS METABOLITES SYNTHESIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AFTER CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2018. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2018-3.4.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the causes of congenital neurological disorders and the virus itself is the most common viral agent causing an imbalance in the production of placenta progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites – allopregnenolone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone. The aim was to evaluate the concentration of progesterone and its metabolites – 5α-dihydroprogesterone and allopregnenolone – in placenta during exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the impact of these disturbances on the development of neurological disorders in children. We examined 30 pregnant women with exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy and 30 pregnant women with latent disease; and later their newborns. The enzyme immunoassay was used to determine concentration of progesterone in placenta; the histochemical method – to determine 5α-dihydroprogesterone and allopregnenolone. Newborns underwent neurosonography studies. Exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy decreased progesterone in placenta by 1.3 times, 5α-dihydroprogesterone – by 1.73 times and allopregnenolone – by 2 times. Ultrasound examination of the brain showed ventriculomegaly, periventricular ischemia, and pseudocysts in newborns up to one year from mothers with exacerbation of CMV during pregnancy. Later, minimal brain dysfunctions were manifested by motor disorders, increased general, vegetative excitability, and a tendency to digestive and sleep disorders. The data obtained indicate that the exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy is interrelated with a decrease in the concentration of progesterone and its metabolites (5α-dihydroprogesterone, allopregnenolone) in the placenta and development of neurological dysfunction in newborns.
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17
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Ellery SJ, Kelleher M, Grigsby P, Burd I, Derks JB, Hirst J, Miller SL, Sherman LS, Tolcos M, Walker DW. Antenatal prevention of cerebral palsy and childhood disability: is the impossible possible? J Physiol 2018; 596:5593-5609. [PMID: 29928763 DOI: 10.1113/jp275595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers our current knowledge of the causes of perinatal brain injury leading to cerebral palsy-like outcomes, and argues that much of this brain damage is preventable. We review the experimental evidence that there are treatments that can be safely administered to women in late pregnancy that decrease the likelihood and extent of perinatal brain damage that occurs because of acute and severe hypoxia that arises during some births, and the additional impact of chronic fetal hypoxia, infection, inflammation, growth restriction and preterm birth. We discuss the types of interventions required to ameliorate or even prevent apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and the vulnerability of all the major cell types in the brain (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, cerebral vasculature) to hypoxia/ischaemia, and whether a pan-protective treatment given to the mother before birth is a realistic prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Ellery
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meredith Kelleher
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peta Grigsby
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jan B Derks
- Department of Perinatal Medicine University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands, Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jon Hirst
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Larry S Sherman
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Bennet L, Walker DW, Horne RSC. Waking up too early - the consequences of preterm birth on sleep development. J Physiol 2018; 596:5687-5708. [PMID: 29691876 DOI: 10.1113/jp274950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Good quality sleep of sufficient duration is vital for optimal physiological function and our health. Sleep deprivation is associated with impaired neurocognitive function and emotional control, and increases the risk for cardiometabolic diseases, obesity and cancer. Sleep develops during fetal life with the emergence of a recognisable pattern of sleep states in the preterm fetus associated with the development, maturation and connectivity within neural networks in the brain. Despite the physiological importance of sleep, surprisingly little is known about how sleep develops in individuals born preterm. Globally, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) each year, and these babies are at significant risk of neural injury and impaired brain development. This review discusses how sleep develops during fetal and neonatal life, how preterm birth impacts on sleep development to adulthood, and the factors which may contribute to impaired brain and sleep development, leading to altered neurocognitive, behavioural and motor capabilities in the infant and child. Going forward, the challenge is to identify specific risk factors for impaired sleep development in preterm babies to allow for the design of interventions that will improve the quality and quantity of sleep throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosemary S C Horne
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Reynolds LP, Legacki EL, Corbin CJ, Caton JS, Vonnahme KA, Stanley S, Conley AJ. Ovine placental steroid synthesis and metabolism in late gestation†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:662-670. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Erin L Legacki
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - C Jo Corbin
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Kimberly A Vonnahme
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Scott Stanley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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20
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The role of IL-6 in neurodevelopment after prenatal stress. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 65:274-283. [PMID: 28546058 PMCID: PMC5537020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress exposure is associated with adverse psychiatric outcomes, including autism and ADHD, as well as locomotor and social inhibition and anxiety-like behaviors in animal offspring. Similarly, maternal immune activation also contributes to psychiatric risk and aberrant offspring behavior. The mechanisms underlying these outcomes are not clear. Offspring microglia and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), known to influence microglia, may serve as common mechanisms between prenatal stress and prenatal immune activation. To evaluate the role of prenatal IL-6 in prenatal stress, microglia morphological analyses were conducted at embryonic days 14 (E14), E15, and in adult mice. Offspring microglia and behavior were evaluated after repetitive maternal restraint stress, repetitive maternal IL-6, or maternal IL-6 blockade during stress from E12 onwards. At E14, novel changes in cortical plate embryonic microglia were documented-a greater density of the mutivacuolated morphology. This resulted from either prenatal stress or IL-6 exposure and was prevented by IL-6 blockade during prenatal stress. Prenatal stress also resulted in increased microglia ramification in adult brain, as has been previously shown. As with embryonic microglia, prenatal IL-6 recapitulated prenatal stress-induced changes in adult microglia. Furthermore, prenatal IL-6 was able to recapitulate the delay in GABAergic progenitor migration caused by prenatal stress. However, IL-6 mechanisms were not necessary for this delay, which persisted after prenatal stress despite IL-6 blockade. As we have previously demonstrated, behavioral effects of prenatal stress in offspring, including increased anxiety-like behavior, decreased sociability, and locomotor inhibition, may be related to these GABAergic delays. While adult microglia changes were ameliorated by IL-6 blockade, these behavioral changes were independent of IL-6 mechanisms, similar to GABAergic delays. This and previous work from our laboratory suggests that multiple mechanisms, including GABAergic delays, may underlie prenatal stress-linked deficits.
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21
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Serrao J, Goodchild C. Mechanisms Supporting Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroprotection. Anesth Analg 2017; 125:2165-2166. [PMID: 28953497 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Serrao
- Drawbridge Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Malvern, Victoria, Australia,
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22
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Yawno T, Miller SL, Bennet L, Wong F, Hirst JJ, Fahey M, Walker DW. Ganaxolone: A New Treatment for Neonatal Seizures. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:246. [PMID: 28878622 PMCID: PMC5572234 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal seizures are amongst the most common neurologic conditions managed by a neonatal care service. Seizures can exacerbate existing brain injury, induce “de novo” injury, and are associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities in post-neonatal life. In this mini-review, we present evidence in support of the use of ganaxolone, a GABAA agonist neurosteroid, as a novel neonatal therapy. We discuss evidence that ganaxolone can provide both seizure control and neuroprotection with a high safety profile when administered early following birth-related hypoxia, and show evidence that it is likely to prevent or reduce the incidence of the enduring disabilities associated with preterm birth, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. We suggest that ganaxolone is an ideal anti-seizure treatment because it can be safely used prospectively, with minimal or no adverse effects on the neonatal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Yawno
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzie L Miller
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, The University of AucklandAuckland, New Zealand
| | - Flora Wong
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of NewcastleCallaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Fahey
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundoora, VIC, Australia
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Tolcos M, Petratos S, Hirst JJ, Wong F, Spencer SJ, Azhan A, Emery B, Walker DW. Blocked, delayed, or obstructed: What causes poor white matter development in intrauterine growth restricted infants? Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:62-77. [PMID: 28392287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Poor white matter development in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) babies remains a major, untreated problem in neonatology. New therapies, guided by an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie normal and abnormal oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation, are required. Much of our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie impaired myelination come from studies in adult demyelinating disease, preterm brain injury, or experimental models of hypoxia-ischemia. However, relatively less is known for IUGR which is surprising because IUGR is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, second only to premature birth. IUGR is also a significant risk factor for the later development of cerebral palsy, and is a greater risk compared to some of the more traditionally researched antecedents - asphyxia and inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that the white matter injury and reduced myelination in the brains of some preterm babies is due to impaired maturation of oligodendrocytes thereby resulting in the reduced capacity to synthesize myelin. Therefore, it is not surprising that the hypomyelination observable in the central nervous system of IUGR infants has similarly lead to investigations identifying a delay or blockade in the progress of maturation of oligodendrocytes in these infants. This review will discuss current ideas thought to account for the poor myelination often present in the neonate's brain following IUGR, and discuss novel interventions that are promising as treatments that promote oligodendrocyte maturation, and thereby repair the myelination deficits that otherwise persist into infancy and childhood and lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Flora Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Monash Newborn and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Aminath Azhan
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Ben Emery
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
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Evaluation of Possible Consequences of Zika Virus Infection in the Developing Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1620-1629. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0442-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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25
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Cumberland AL, Palliser HK, Crombie GK, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Increased anxiety-like phenotype in female guinea pigs following reduced neurosteroid exposure in utero. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 58:50-58. [PMID: 28192175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are essential for aiding proper fetal neurodevelopment. Pregnancy compromises such as preterm birth, prenatal stress and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with an increased risk of developing behavioural and mood disorders, particularly during adolescence. These pathologies involve the premature loss or alteration of trophic steroid hormones reaching the fetus leading to impaired neurodevelopment. While the specific programming mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated, in adult life, dysfunctions of allopregnanolone action are prevalent in individuals with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. The objective of this study was to assess if changes in concentrations of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, may be a fetal programming factor in priming the brain towards a negative behavioural phenotype during the childhood to adolescent period using a guinea pig model. Pregnant guinea pigs received either vehicle (45% (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin) or the 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride (25mg/kg maternal weight) from gestational age 60 until spontaneous delivery (∼71days gestation). Male and female offspring from vehicle and finasteride treated dams were tested at postnatal day 20 (juvenile-equivalence) in an open field arena, and hippocampus and amygdala subsequently assessed for neurological changes in markers of development and GABA production pathways 24h later. Females with reduced allopregnanolone exposure in utero displayed increased neophobic-like responses to a change in their environment compared to female controls. There were no differences in the neurodevelopmental markers assessed; MAP2, NeuN, MBP, GFAP or GAD67 between intrauterine finasteride or vehicle exposure, in either the hippocampus or amygdala whereas GAT1 staining was decreased. This study indicates that an intrauterine reduction in the supply of allopregnanolone programs vulnerability of female offspring to anxiety-like disorders in juvenility without impacting long term allopregnanolone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Cumberland
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
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Ishikawa M, Yoshitomi T, Covey DF, Zorumski CF, Izumi Y. TSPO activation modulates the effects of high pressure in a rat ex vivo glaucoma model. Neuropharmacology 2016; 111:142-159. [PMID: 27596950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that elevated pressure induces axonal swelling and facilitates the synthesis of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone (AlloP), in the ex vivo rat retina. Exogenously applied AlloP attenuates the axonal swelling, suggesting that the neurosteroid plays a neuroprotective role against glaucomatous pressure-induced injuries, although mechanisms underlying neurosteroidogenesis have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to determine whether AlloP synthesis involves activation of translocator protein 18 kD (TSPO) and whether TSPO modulates pressure-induced retinal injury. Ex vivo rat retinas were exposed to various pressures (10, 35, or 75 mmHg) for 24 h. Expression of TSPO, 5α-reductase (5aRD), and AlloP was examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and LC-MS/MS. We also examined the effects of TSPO ligands on AlloP synthesis and retinal damage. In this acute model, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and ELISA analyses revealed that elevated pressure facilitated TSPO expression. Similarly, these methods also detected enhanced 5aRD (mostly type II), which was observed in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and the inner nuclear layer (INL). Atriol, a TSPO antagonist, suppressed pressure mediated AlloP synthesis and induced more severe histological changes in the inner retina when combined with elevated pressure. PK11195, a TSPO ligand that facilitates AlloP synthesis by itself, remarkably diminished pressure-mediated retinal degeneration. These results suggest that AlloP synthesis is induced by sequential activation of TSPO and 5aRD in an ex vivo glaucoma model, and that TSPO agonists may serve as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention of pressure-induced retinal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
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Vedel C, Larsen H, Holmskov A, Andreasen KR, Uldbjerg N, Ramb J, Bødker B, Skibsted L, Sperling L, Krebs L, Zingenberg H, Laursen L, Christensen JT, Tabor A, Rode L. Long-term effects of prenatal progesterone exposure: neurophysiological development and hospital admissions in twins up to 8 years of age. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:382-389. [PMID: 27106105 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform a neurophysiological follow-up at 48 or 60 months of age in children exposed prenatally to progesterone compared with a placebo and evaluate their medical histories up to 8 years of age. METHODS In this study, Danish participants of the PREDICT study, including 989 surviving children from 498 twin pregnancies, were followed-up. PREDICT was a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial examining the effect of progesterone for prevention of preterm delivery in unselected twin pregnancies. Medical histories of the children were reviewed and neurophysiological development was evaluated by the parent-completed Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at either 48 or 60 months after the estimated date of delivery. We used the method of generalized estimating equation to account for the correlation within twins. RESULTS A total of 492 children had been exposed prenatally to progesterone and 497 to placebo. There was no difference in the number of admissions to or length of stay in hospital between the treatment groups, and we found no overall difference in the rates of diagnoses made. However, the odds ratios (ORs) for a diagnosis concerning the heart was 1.66 (95% CI, 0.81-3.37), favoring placebo, among all children, 2.38 (95% CI, 1.07-5.30) in dichorionic twins and 8.19 (95% CI, 1.02-65.6) in all children when excluding diagnoses made at outpatient clinic visits. ASQ scores were available for 437 children (progesterone, n = 225; placebo, n = 212). Mean ASQ score was slightly higher in the progesterone group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.03). In dichorionic twins, the risk of having a low ASQ score (< 10(th) centile) was decreased in the progesterone group (OR, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14-0.86)). CONCLUSION Second- and third-trimester exposure of the fetus to progesterone does not seem to have long-term harmful effects during childhood, but future studies should focus on cardiac disease in the child. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vedel
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A Holmskov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - K R Andreasen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - N Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - J Ramb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sønderborg Hospital, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - B Bødker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - L Skibsted
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - L Sperling
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - L Krebs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holbaek Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark
| | - H Zingenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Glostrup Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - L Laursen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - J T Christensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - A Tabor
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Rode
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Pecks U, Rath W, Kleine-Eggebrecht N, Maass N, Voigt F, Goecke TW, Mohaupt MG, Escher G. Maternal Serum Lipid, Estradiol, and Progesterone Levels in Pregnancy, and the Impact of Placental and Hepatic Pathologies. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016; 76:799-808. [PMID: 27582578 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-107078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lipids and steroid hormones are closely linked. While cholesterol is the substrate for (placental) steroid hormone synthesis, steroid hormones regulate hepatic lipid production. The aim of this study was to quantify circulating steroid hormones and lipid metabolites, and to characterize their interactions in normal and pathological pregnancies with a focus on hepatic and placental pathologies. METHODS A total of 216 serum samples were analyzed. Group A consisted of 32 patients with uncomplicated pregnancies who were analyzed at three different time-points in pregnancy (from the first through the third trimester) and once post partum. Group B consisted of 36 patients (24th to 42nd week of gestation) with pregnancy pathologies (IUGR n = 10, preeclampsia n = 13, HELLP n = 6, intrahepatic cholestasis n = 7) and 31 controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Steroid profiles including estradiol, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone were measured by GC-MS and compared with lipid concentrations. RESULTS In Group A, cholesterol and triglycerides correlated positively with estradiol (cholesterol ρ = 0.50, triglycerides ρ = 0.57) and progesterone (ρ = 0.49, ρ = 0.53) and negatively with dehydroepiandrosterone (ρ = - 0.47, ρ = - 0.38). Smoking during pregnancy affected estradiol concentrations, leading to lower levels in the third trimester compared to non-smoking patients (p < 0.05). In Group B, cholesterol levels were found to be lower in IUGR pregnancies and in patients with HELLP syndrome compared to controls (p < 0.05). Steroid hormone concentrations of estradiol (p < 0.05) and progesterone (p < 0.01) were lower in pregnancies with IUGR. DISCUSSION Lipid and steroid levels were affected most in IUGR pregnancies, while only minor changes in concentrations were observed for other pregnancy-related disorders. Each of the analyzed entities displayed specific changes. However, since the changes were most obvious in pregnancies complicated by IUGR and only minor changes were observed in pregnancies where patients had impaired liver function, our data suggests that placental rather than maternal hepatic function strongly determines lipid and steroid levels in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Pecks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH, Aachen, Germany; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - W Rath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - N Kleine-Eggebrecht
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - N Maass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - F Voigt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - T W Goecke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - M G Mohaupt
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Escher
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Lazzarino GP, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Pregnancy and lactation differentially modify the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic enzymes through DNA methylation mechanisms in the hippocampus of aged rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 429:73-83. [PMID: 27040308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus of young adult (90-days-old) and middle-aged (450-days-old) nulliparous rats, and middle-aged multiparous rats subjected to three pregnancies with and without lactation. Aging decreased the mRNA levels of steroidogenic-related genes, while pregnancy and lactation significantly reduced the effect of aging, maintaining high expression levels of cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), steroid 5α-reductase-1 (5αR-1), cytochrome P450arom (P450arom) and aldosterone synthase (P450(11β)-2). In addition, pregnancy and lactation diminished the methylation state of the 5αR-1 promoter and increased the transcription of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, synaptophysin and spinophilin. Pregnancy without lactation increased P450scc and 5αR-1 gene expression and decreased the methylation of their promoters. We concluded that the age-related decrease in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes is differentially attenuated by pregnancy and lactation in the rat hippocampus and that differential methylation mechanisms could be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gisela P Lazzarino
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Cerebellar Changes in Guinea Pig Offspring Following Suppression of Neurosteroid Synthesis During Late Gestation. THE CEREBELLUM 2016; 16:306-313. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0802-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Schumacher M, Denier C, Oudinet JP, Adams D, Guennoun R. Progesterone neuroprotection: The background of clinical trial failure. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:53-66. [PMID: 26598278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the first pioneering studies in the 1990s, a large number of experimental animal studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone for brain disorders, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, this steroid has major assets: it easily crosses the blood-brain-barrier, rapidly diffuses throughout the brain and exerts multiple beneficial effects by acting on many molecular and cellular targets. Moreover, progesterone therapies are well tolerated. Notably, increased brain levels of progesterone are part of endogenous neuroprotective responses to injury. The hormone thus emerged as a particularly promising protective candidate for TBI and stroke patients. The positive outcomes of small Phase 2 trials aimed at testing the safety and potential protective efficacy of progesterone in TBI patients then provided support and guidance for two large, multicenter, randomized and placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials, with more than 2000 TBI patients enrolled. The negative outcomes of both trials, named ProTECT III and SyNAPSE, came as a big disappointment. If these trials were successful, progesterone would have become the first efficient neuroprotective drug for brain-injured patients. Thus, progesterone has joined the numerous neuroprotective candidates that have failed in clinical trials. The aim of this review is a reappraisal of the preclinical animal studies, which provided the proof of concept for the clinical trials, and we critically examine the design of the clinical studies. We made efforts to present a balanced view of the strengths and limitations of the translational studies and of some serious issues with the clinical trials. We place particular emphasis on the translational value of animal studies and the relevance of TBI biomarkers. The probability of failure of ProTECT III and SyNAPSE was very high, and we present them within the broader context of other unsuccessful trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Christian Denier
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neurology, CHU Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-Paul Oudinet
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Adams
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neurology, CHU Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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33
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Penn AA, Gressens P, Fleiss B, Back SA, Gallo V. Controversies in preterm brain injury. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 92:90-101. [PMID: 26477300 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we highlight critical unresolved questions in the etiology and mechanisms causing preterm brain injury. Involvement of neurons, glia, endogenous factors and exogenous exposures is considered. The structural and functional correlates of interrupted development and injury in the premature brain are under active investigation, with the hope that the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental abnormalities in the human preterm brain can be understood, prevented or repaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Penn
- Fetal Medicine Institute, Neonatology, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 1141, Paris, France; Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College, St Thomas' Campus, London, UK
| | - Bobbi Fleiss
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 1141, Paris, France; Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College, St Thomas' Campus, London, UK
| | - Stephen A Back
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Soens M, Wang JCF, Berta T, Strichartz G. Systemic Progesterone Administration in Early Life Alters the Hyperalgesic Responses to Surgery in the Adult: A Study on Female Rats. Anesth Analg 2015; 121:545-55. [PMID: 26076389 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has recently been a substantial increase in the survival of prematurely born neonates and an increase of in utero surgeries. Noxious stimulation in the newborn alters the pain response to injury in adult life. Progesterone, an effective antihyperalgesic agent in the adult, is at high concentration in the pregnant mother. Therefore, we investigated the effects of early-life progesterone on postsurgical outcomes in adult rats. METHODS Female rat pups were administered progesterone or vehicle during the first 7 days postpartum (P1-P7). A second control group had no injections. Half of each of these groups received an incision of the hindpaw at P3 and the other half did not. At P60, all groups of these now adult rats received a second paw incision. Tactile sensitivity and thermal sensitivity were measured weekly at P14-P42 (period I), at P60 (just before the second incision), and every 2 days of P61-P70 (period II). At P67, rats were fixed by systemic paraformaldehyde perfusion and their spinal cords taken for staining and immunocytochemical analysis of activated p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. RESULTS Rats with surgery at P3 had greater tactile and thermal hyperalgesia in period I than the nonoperated rats, a difference abolished by progesterone treatment. P3 incision also resulted in long-lasting tactile and thermal hyperalgesia after the P60 incision (period II), both of which were markedly smaller in degree and faster to resolve in rats receiving early progesterone. Even in rats that were not operated on in period I, neonatal progesterone lessened the tactile hyperalgesia in period II. More spinal cells showed p-p38 staining in vehicle-treated rats as a result of the early-life incision but not in those treated with progesterone. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that endogenously high progesterone in utero may have a similarly protective action and that the development of nociceptive circuitry can be strongly influenced by neonatal progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Soens
- From the *Women's Pain Group and the †Pain Research Center, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and ‡Pain Signaling and Plasticity Laboratory, Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Moreno-Piovano GS, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Environmental enrichment attenuates the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and reduces the methylation state of the steroid 5α-reductase type 1 gene in the rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:330-8. [PMID: 26021641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effects of aging and environmental enrichment on the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus. The effects of aging were evaluated by comparing young adult (90-day-old) and middle-aged (450-day-old) female Wistar rats. To elucidate the effects of environmental enrichment, a subgroup of middle-aged rats exposed to sensory and social stimulation for 105 days was compared to rats housed under standard laboratory conditions. Aging decreased the transcription of neurosteroidogenic-related genes and increased the promoter methylation state of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) and 5α-reductase-1. Exposure of middle-aged rats to environmental enrichment increased mRNA levels of 5α-reductase-1, 3α-HSD and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase and decreased the methylation state of the 5α-reductase-1 gene. Thus, sensory and social stimulation attenuate the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes. Epigenetic mechanisms associated with differential promoter methylation could be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermo S Moreno-Piovano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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The Impact of the 5α-Reductase Inhibitors (5α-RIs) on Male Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-015-0061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Effect of postnatal progesterone therapy following preterm birth on neurosteroid concentrations and cerebellar myelination in guinea pigs. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2015; 6:350-61. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174415001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone protects the fetal brain and promotes normal development including myelination. Preterm birth results in the early separation of the infant from the placenta and consequently a decline in blood and brain allopregnanolone concentrations. Progesterone therapy may increase allopregnanolone and lead to improved oligodendrocyte maturation. The objectives of this study were to examine the efficacy of progesterone replacement in augmenting allopregnanolone concentrations during the postnatal period and to assess the effect on cerebellar myelination – a region with significant postnatal development. Preterm guinea pig neonates delivered at 62 days of gestation by caesarean section received daily s.c. injections of vehicle (2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) or progesterone (16 mg/kg) for 8 days until term-equivalent age (TEA). Term delivered controls (PND1) received vehicle. Neonatal condition/wellbeing was scored, and salivary progesterone was sampled over the postnatal period. Brain and plasma allopregnanolone concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay; cortisol and progesterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay; and myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), oligodendroctye transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) were quantified by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Brain allopregnanolone concentrations were increased in progesterone-treated neonates. Plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations were elevated in progesterone-treated male neonates. Progesterone treatment decreased MBP and PLP in lobule X of the cerebellum and total cerebellar OLIG2 and PDGFRα in males but not females at TEA compared with term animals. We conclude that progesterone treatment increases brain allopregnanolone concentrations, but also increases cortisol levels in males, which may disrupt developmental processes. Consideration should be given to the use of non-metabolizable neurosteroid agonists.
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Ishikawa M, Yoshitomi T, Zorumski CF, Izumi Y. Neurosteroids are endogenous neuroprotectants in an ex vivo glaucoma model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:8531-41. [PMID: 25406290 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid and powerful modulator of neuronal excitability. The neuroprotective effects of allopregnanolone involve potentiation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory responses. Although glutamate excitotoxicity contributes to ganglion cell death in glaucoma, the role of GABA in glaucoma remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether allopregnanolone synthesis is induced by high pressure in the retina and whether allopregnanolone modulates pressure-mediated toxicity. METHODS Ex vivo rat retinas were exposed to hydrostatic pressure (10, 35, and 75 mm Hg) for 24 hours. Endogenous allopregnanolone production was determined by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunochemistry. We also examined the effects of allopregnanolone, finasteride, and dutasteride (inhibitors of 5α-reductase), picrotoxin (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist), and D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV, a broad-spectrum N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDAR] antagonist). RESULTS Pressure loading at 75 mm Hg significantly increased allopregnanolone levels as measured by LC-MS/MS. Elevated hydrostatic pressure also increased neurosteroid immunofluorescence, especially in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layers. Staining was negligible at lower pressures. Enhanced allopregnanolone levels and immunostaining were substantially blocked by finasteride, but more effectively inhibited by dutasteride and APV. Administration of exogenous allopregnanolone suppressed pressure-induced axonal swelling in a concentration-dependent manner, while picrotoxin overcame these neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the synthesis of allopregnanolone is enhanced mainly via NMDARs in the pressure-loaded retina, and that allopregnanolone diminishes pressure-mediated retinal degeneration via GABAA receptors. Allopregnanolone and other related neurosteroids may serve as potential novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of pressure-induced retinal damage in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Yawno T, Mortale M, Sutherland AE, Jenkin G, Wallace EM, Walker DW, Miller SL. The effects of betamethasone on allopregnanolone concentrations and brain development in preterm fetal sheep. Neuropharmacology 2014; 85:342-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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PAŠKOVÁ A, PAŘÍZEK A, HILL M, VELÍKOVÁ M, KUBÁTOVÁ J, DUŠKOVÁ M, ADAMCOVÁ K, KOUCKÝ M, ŠIMJAK P, ČERNÝ A, STÁRKA L. Steroid Metabolome in the Umbilical Cord: Is It Necessary To Differentiate Between Arterial and Venous Blood? Physiol Res 2014; 63:115-26. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroids are important markers in pregnancy. Although estimating their levels separately in umbilical arterial (UA) and venous blood (UV) enable more precise insights into the functioning fetoplacental unit compared to using mixed umbilical blood (UM), selective aspiration of UA and UV is technically more demanding than collecting UM. We measured the levels of 67 unconjugated steroids and steroid polar conjugates in UA and UV using GC-MS in 80 women giving birth within weeks 28 to 42 of gestation. The samples were sorted into three groups: women entering labor within weeks 28-32 (group A, n=19), weeks 33-37 (group B, n=19), and weeks 38-42 (group C, n=42) of gestation, respectively. The preterm labors were due to pathologies unrelated to steroid status. Most unconjugated steroids exhibited pronounced arteriovenous differences (AVD). The AVD were less distinct in more stable steroid conjugates. Most steroids positively correlate with gestational age, but unconjugated 5β-reduced pregnanes show negative correlations, as do testosterone and androstenediol, substrates for the placental synthesis of estrogens. Tight correlations between steroids in UA and UV indicate that steroid measurements in UA, UV and UM can be accurately derived from each other, which is important for the diagnostics of steroid related diseases in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. PAŘÍZEK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General Teaching Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Brunton PJ, Russell JA, Hirst JJ. Allopregnanolone in the brain: protecting pregnancy and birth outcomes. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 113:106-36. [PMID: 24012715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A successful pregnancy requires multiple adaptations in the mother's brain that serve to optimise foetal growth and development, protect the foetus from adverse prenatal programming and prevent premature delivery of the young. Pregnancy hormones induce, organise and maintain many of these adaptations. Steroid hormones play a critical role and of particular importance is the progesterone metabolite and neurosteroid, allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone is produced in increasing amounts during pregnancy both in the periphery and in the maternal and foetal brain. This review critically examines a role for allopregnanolone in both the maternal and foetal brain during pregnancy and development in protecting pregnancy and birth outcomes, with particular emphasis on its role in relation to stress exposure at this time. Late pregnancy is associated with suppressed stress responses. Thus, we begin by considering what is known about the central mechanisms in the maternal brain, induced by allopregnanolone, that protect the foetus(es) from exposure to harmful levels of maternal glucocorticoids as a result of stress during pregnancy. Next we discuss the central mechanisms that prevent premature secretion of oxytocin and consider a role for allopregnanolone in minimising the risk of preterm birth. Allopregnanolone also plays a key role in the foetal brain, where it promotes development and is neuroprotective. Hence we review the evidence about disruption to neurosteroid production in pregnancy, through prenatal stress or other insults, and the immediate and long-term adverse consequences for the offspring. Finally we address whether progesterone or allopregnanolone treatment can rescue some of these deficits in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - John A Russell
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia
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Whitaker-Azmitia PM, Lobel M, Moyer A. Low maternal progesterone may contribute to both obstetrical complications and autism. Med Hypotheses 2014; 82:313-8. [PMID: 24485701 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies show increased autism risk among children born to mothers experiencing obstetrical complications. Although this is usually interpreted as suggesting that the obstetrical complications could be causing autism, it is possible that a single factor could be responsible for both complications and autism. We hypothesized that low levels of the hormone progesterone is responsible since it is supplied to the fetus maternally and does not only support pregnancy but also promotes brain development. Following a review of the literature, we report findings from a survey of mothers of autistic children (n=86) compared to mothers of typically-developing children (n=88) regarding obstetrical histories, including five obstetrical risk factors indicative of low progesterone. Using this analysis, the ASD group had significantly more risk factors than controls (1.21 ± 0.09 vs. 0.76 ± 0.08, p<.0001), suggesting low progesterone. Thus, results suggest that low progesterone may be responsible for both obstetrical complications and brain changes associated with autism and that progesterone levels should be routinely monitored in at-risk pregnancies. Our hypothesis also suggests that ensuring adequate levels of progesterone may decrease the likelihood of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marci Lobel
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
| | - Anne Moyer
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
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Hirst JJ, Kelleher MA, Walker DW, Palliser HK. Neuroactive steroids in pregnancy: key regulatory and protective roles in the foetal brain. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 139:144-53. [PMID: 23669456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroid concentrations are remarkably high in the foetal brain during late gestation. These concentrations are maintained by placental progesterone synthesis and the interaction of enzymes in the placenta and foetal brain. 5α-Pregnane-3α-ol-20-one (allopregnanolone) is a key neuroactive steroid during foetal life, although other 3α-hydroxy-pregnanes may make an additional contribution to neuroactive steroid action. Allopregnanolone modulates GABAergic inhibition to maintain a suppressive action on the foetal brain during late gestation. This action suppresses foetal behaviour and maintains the appropriate balance of foetal sleep-like behaviours, which in turn are important to normal neurodevelopment. Neuroactive steroid-induced suppression of excitability has a key role in protecting the foetal brain from acute hypoxia/ischaemia insults. Hypoxia-induced brain injury is markedly increased if neuroactive steroid levels are suppressed and there is increased seizure activity. There is also a rapid increase in allopregnanolone synthesis and hence levels in response to acute stress that acts as an endogenous protective mechanism. Allopregnanolone has a trophic role in regulating development, maintaining normal levels of apoptosis and increasing myelination during late gestation in the brain. In contrast, chronic foetal stressors, including intrauterine growth restriction, do not increase neuroactive steroid levels in the brain and exposure to repeated synthetic corticosteroids reduce neuroactive steroid levels. The reduced availability of neuroactive steroids may contribute to the adverse effects of chronic stressors on the foetal and newborn brain. Preterm birth also deprives the foetus of neuroactive steroid mediated protection and may increase vulnerability to brain injury and suboptimal development. These finding suggest replacement therapies should be explored. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Pregnancy and steroids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Kuypers E, Jellema RK, Ophelders DRMG, Dudink J, Nikiforou M, Wolfs TGAM, Nitsos I, Pillow JJ, Polglase GR, Kemp MW, Saito M, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kallapur SG, Kramer BW. Effects of intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide and maternal betamethasone on brain inflammation in fetal sheep. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81644. [PMID: 24358119 PMCID: PMC3866104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Chorioamnionitis and antenatal glucocorticoids are common exposures for preterm infants and can affect the fetal brain, contributing to cognitive and motor deficits in preterm infants. The effects of antenatal glucocorticoids on the brain in the setting of chorioamnionitis are unknown. We hypothesized that antenatal glucocorticoids would modulate inflammation in the brain and prevent hippocampal and white matter injury after intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Methods Time-mated ewes received saline (control), an intra-amniotic injection of 10 mg LPS at 106d GA or 113d GA, maternal intra-muscular betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg maternal weight) alone at 113d GA, betamethasone at 106d GA before LPS or betamethasone at 113d GA after LPS. Animals were delivered at 120d GA (term=150d). Brain structure volumes were measured on T2-weighted MRI images. The subcortical white matter (SCWM), periventricular white matter (PVWM) and hippocampus were analyzed for microglia, astrocytes, apoptosis, proliferation, myelin and pre-synaptic vesicles. Results LPS and/or betamethasone exposure at different time-points during gestation did not alter brain structure volumes on MRI. Betamethasone alone did not alter any of the measurements. Intra-amniotic LPS at 106d or 113d GA induced inflammation as indicated by increased microglial and astrocyte recruitment which was paralleled by increased apoptosis and hypomyelination in the SCWM and decreased synaptophysin density in the hippocampus. Betamethasone before the LPS exposure at 113d GA prevented microglial activation and the decrease in synaptophysin. Betamethasone after LPS exposure increased microglial infiltration and apoptosis. Conclusion Intra-uterine LPS exposure for 7d or 14d before delivery induced inflammation and injury in the fetal white matter and hippocampus. Antenatal glucocorticoids aggravated the inflammatory changes in the brain caused by pre-existing intra-amniotic inflammation. Antenatal glucocorticoids prior to LPS reduced the effects of intra-uterine inflammation on the brain. The timing of glucocorticoid administration in the setting of chorioamnionitis can alter outcomes for the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Kuypers
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Reint K. Jellema
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan R. M. G. Ophelders
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Dudink
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Nikiforou
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim G. A. M. Wolfs
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J. Jane Pillow
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Graeme R. Polglase
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew W. Kemp
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John P. Newnham
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alan H. Jobe
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Suhas G. Kallapur
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Boris W. Kramer
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Bennett GA, Palliser HK, Saxby B, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Effects of prenatal stress on fetal neurodevelopment and responses to maternal neurosteroid treatment in Guinea pigs. Dev Neurosci 2013; 35:416-26. [PMID: 24051896 DOI: 10.1159/000354176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. These outcomes result from changes in fetal brain development and lead to disrupted cognitive, behavioural and emotional development. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone has been shown to reduce neural excitability and aid in protecting the fetal brain from excitotoxic insults. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of prenatal maternal stress on fetal brain development with and without maternal allopregnanolone treatment. METHODS Pregnant guinea pigs were subjected to stress induced by exposure to a strobe light at 50, 55, 60 and 65 days gestation. Salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after each exposure. Fetal brains were assessed for markers of brain development using immunohistochemistry and plasma allopregnanolone was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Female, but not male prenatal stress-exposed fetuses demonstrated higher brain-to-liver ratios (BLR). Male fetuses showed significantly reduced expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and both males and females showed reduced expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). These markers were not affected by maternal allopregnanolone treatment. However, maternal allopregnanolone treatment resulted in an increase in fetal plasma allopregnanolone concentrations in control pregnancies but concentrations were not raised after prenatal stress exposure. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the effects of prenatal stress on fetal brain development are sexually dimorphic with more pronounced negative effects seen on male neurodevelopment. Allopregnanolone treatment was not effective in raising fetal plasma concentrations after prenatal stress suggesting a stress-induced dysregulation of neurosteroid pathways during gestation. Interestingly, this study directly implicates prenatal stress in the disruption of fetal neurosteroid levels, such that it may mediate some of the deleterious effects on fetal neurodevelopment by facilitating a deficit in normal endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer A Bennett
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia
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Domínguez E, Rivera del Álamo M, Novellas R, Espada Y, Santos L, García F, Andaluz A, Fresno L. Doppler evaluation of the effects of propofol, etomidate and alphaxalone on fetoplacental circulation hemodynamics in the pregnant ewe. Placenta 2013; 34:738-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.06.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Darbra S, Mòdol L, Llidó A, Casas C, Vallée M, Pallarès M. Neonatal allopregnanolone levels alteration: effects on behavior and role of the hippocampus. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 113:95-105. [PMID: 23958467 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several works have pointed out the importance of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone for the maturation of the central nervous system and for adult behavior. The alteration of neonatal allopregnanolone levels in the first weeks of life alters emotional adult behavior and sensory gating processes. Without ruling out brain structures, some of these behavioral alterations seem to be related to a different functioning of the hippocampus in adult age. We focus here on the different behavioral studies that have revealed the importance of neonatal allopregnanolone levels for the adult response to novel environmental stimuli, anxiety-related behaviors and processing of sensory inputs (prepulse inhibition). An increase in neonatal physiological allopregnanolone levels decreases anxiety and increases novelty responses in adult age, thus affecting the individual response to environmental cues. These effects are also accompanied by a decrease in prepulse inhibition, indicating alterations in sensory gating that have been related to that present in disorders, such as schizophrenia. Moreover, behavioral studies have shown that some of these effects are related to a different functioning of the dorsal hippocampus, as the behavioral effects (decrease in anxiety and locomotion or increase in prepulse inhibition) of intrahippocampal allopregnanolone infusions in adult age are not present in those subjects in whom neonatal allopregnanolone levels were altered. Recent data indicated that this hippocampal involvement may be related to alterations in the expression of gamma-aminobutyric-acid receptors containing α4 and δ subunits, molecular alterations that can persist into adult age and that can, in part, explain the reported behavioral disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Darbra
- Group of Neurosteroids and Behavior, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici B, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Mòdol
- Group of Neurosteroids and Behavior, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici B, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Llidó
- Group of Neurosteroids and Behavior, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici B, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Casas
- Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, de Fisiologia i de Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - M Vallée
- Inserm U862, Univ Bordeaux: Physiopathologie de la plasticité neuronale, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Pallarès
- Group of Neurosteroids and Behavior, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici B, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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Darbra S, Modol L, Vallée M, Pallarès M. Neonatal neurosteroid levels are determinant in shaping adult prepulse inhibition response to hippocampal allopregnanolone in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1397-406. [PMID: 23294582 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Diverse studies indicate that the alteration of the physiological levels of neurosteroids in early neonatal phases provokes alterations in the maturation of certain cerebral structures. Allopregnanolone (ALLO) has important modulatory effects in the hippocampus during the postnatal period where the adult pattern of inhibitory transmission is being established. In order to study whether endogenous neonatal ALLO levels would be a determinant parameter involved in mediating adult hippocampal GABAA system maturation, we investigated the effects of neonatal finasteride (50mg/kg, SC) treatment and ALLO (ALLO; 20mg/kg, SC) supplementation on an animal behavioural model with relevance to neurodevelopmental disorder, such as schizophrenia. Two sets of experiments were conducted. Neonatal treatment (from postnatal day (pnd) 5 to pnd9) was performed in 23 male Wistar rats and steroid quantification was performed in hippocampal homogenates at pnd9. A second group (n=127) underwent neonatal treatment (pnd5-pnd9) and were submitted to hippocampal surgery at 80d. The behavioural response to bilateral intrahippocampal neurosteroid administration (ALLO, 0.2μg/0.5μl per side or pregnenolone sulphate 5ng/0.5μl per side) on novelty-induced exploration activity and prepulse inhibition (PPI) was assessed at 95d. Results showed that neonatal ALLO and finasteride administration decreased novelty directed exploratory behaviour and impaired the prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response at 95 days of age. Moreover, intrahippocampal ALLO increased head-dipping behaviour independently of the neonatal treatment, while intrahippocampal ALLO decreased PPI only in finasteride and ALLO groups. The results obtained in the present study indicate the importance of neonatal neurosteroid levels in the development of hippocampal function and their relevance in a behavioural phenotype that some have likened to that present in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sònia Darbra
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia en Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Campus de Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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49
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Montiel JF, Kaune H, Maliqueo M. Maternal-fetal unit interactions and eutherian neocortical development and evolution. Front Neuroanat 2013; 7:22. [PMID: 23882189 PMCID: PMC3715729 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2013.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The conserved brain design that primates inherited from early mammals differs from the variable adult brain size and species-specific brain dominances observed across mammals. This variability relies on the emergence of specialized cerebral cortical regions and sub-compartments, triggering an increase in brain size, areal interconnectivity and histological complexity that ultimately lies on the activation of developmental programs. Structural placental features are not well correlated with brain enlargement; however, several endocrine pathways could be tuned with the activation of neuronal progenitors in the proliferative neocortical compartments. In this article, we reviewed some mechanisms of eutherians maternal-fetal unit interactions associated with brain development and evolution. We propose a hypothesis of brain evolution where proliferative compartments in primates become activated by "non-classical" endocrine placental signals participating in different steps of corticogenesis. Changes in the inner placental structure, along with placenta endocrine stimuli over the cortical proliferative activity would allow mammalian brain enlargement with a concomitant shorter gestation span, as an evolutionary strategy to escape from parent-offspring conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Montiel
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego PortalesSantiago, Chile.
| | - Heidy Kaune
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego PortalesSantiago, Chile.
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of OxfordOxford, UK.
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Departamento de Medicina Occidente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile.
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Kelleher MA, Hirst JJ, Palliser HK. Changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations after preterm delivery in the Guinea pig. Reprod Sci 2013; 20:1365-75. [PMID: 23585339 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113485295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a major cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. Allopregnanolone, a key metabolite of progesterone, has neuroprotective and developmental effects in the brain. The objectives of this study were to measure the neuroactive steroid concentrations following preterm delivery in a neonatal guinea pig model and assess the potential for postnatal progesterone replacement therapy to affect neuroactive steroid brain and plasma concentrations in preterm neonates. METHODS Preterm (62-63 days) and term (69 days) guinea pig pups were delivered by cesarean section and tissue was collected at 24 hours. Plasma progesterone, cortisol, allopregnanolone, and brain allopregnanolone concentrations were measured by immunoassay. Brain 5α-reductase (5αR) expression was determined by Western blot. Neurodevelopmental maturity of preterm neonates was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining for myelination, glial cells, and neurons. RESULTS Brain allopregnanolone concentrations were significantly reduced after birth in both preterm and term neonates. Postnatal progesterone treatment in preterm neonates increased brain and plasma allopregnanolone concentrations. Preterm neonates had reduced myelination, low birth weight, and high mortality compared to term neonates. Brain 5αR expression was also significantly reduced in neonates compared to fetal expression. CONCLUSIONS Delivery results in a loss of neuroactive steroid concentrations resulting in a premature reduction in brain allopregnanolone in preterm neonates. Postnatal progesterone therapy reestablished neuroactive steroid levels in preterm brains, a finding that has implications for postnatal growth following preterm birth that occurs at a time of neurodevelopmental immaturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Kelleher
- 1Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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