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Hirao A, Hojo Y, Murakami G, Ito R, Hashizume M, Murakoshi T, Uozumi N. Effects of systemic inflammation on the network oscillation in the anterior cingulate cortex and cognitive behavior. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302470. [PMID: 38701101 PMCID: PMC11068183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Network oscillation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a key role in attention, novelty detection and anxiety; however, its involvement in cognitive impairment caused by acute systemic inflammation is unclear. To investigate the acute effects of systemic inflammation on ACC network oscillation and cognitive function, we analyzed cytokine level and cognitive performance as well as network oscillation in the mouse ACC Cg1 region, within 4 hours after lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 μg/kg) administration. While the interleukin-6 concentration in the serum was evidently higher in LPS-treated mice, the increases in the cerebral cortex interleukin-6 did not reach statistical significance. The power of kainic acid (KA)-induced network oscillation in the ACC Cg1 region slice preparation increased in LPS-treated mice. Notably, histamine, which was added in vitro, increased the oscillation power in the brain slices from LPS-untreated mice; for the LPS-treated mice, however, the effect of histamine was suppressive. In the open field test, frequency of entries into the center area showed a negative correlation with the power of network oscillation (0.3 μM of KA, theta band (3-8 Hz); 3.0 μM of KA, high-gamma band (50-80 Hz)). These results suggest that LPS-induced systemic inflammation results in increased network oscillation and a drastic change in histamine sensitivity in the ACC, accompanied by the robust production of systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines in the periphery, and that these alterations in the network oscillation and animal behavior as an acute phase reaction relate with each other. We suggest that our experimental setting has a distinct advantage in obtaining mechanistic insights into inflammatory cognitive impairment through comprehensive analyses of hormonal molecules and neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Hirao
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Gen Murakami
- Department of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rina Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Miki Hashizume
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Murakoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naonori Uozumi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
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2
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Wang L, Zhu X, Wang B, Wang Y, Wang M, Yang S, Su C, Chang J, Zhu B. Design, Synthesis, and Activity Evaluation of Fluorine-Containing Scopolamine Analogues as Potential Antidepressants. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5391-5420. [PMID: 38354305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop novel rapid-acting antidepressants with sustained efficacy and favorable safety profiles. We designed and synthesized a series of fluorine-containing scopolamine analogues and evaluated their antidepressant potential. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that most of these compounds exhibited minimal toxicity against neuronal and non-neuronal mammalian cell lines (IC50 > 100 μM). The antidepressant activities of the compounds were evaluated using the tail suspension test, and S-3a was identified as a lead compound with potent and sustained antidepressant effects. Behaviorally, S-3a alleviated depressive symptoms in mice and displayed a higher cognitive safety margin than scopolamine. Toxicological assessments confirmed S-3a's safety, while pharmacokinetics showed a rapid clearance (half-life: 16.6 min). Mechanistically, S-3a antagonized M1 receptors and elevated BDNF levels, suggesting its potential as an antidepressant for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Xushuo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Shuping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Chenhe Su
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Junbiao Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
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Antonoudiou P, Stone B, Colmers PLW, Evans-Strong A, Walton N, Maguire J. Influence of chronic stress on network states governing valence processing: Potential relevance to the risk for psychiatric illnesses. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13274. [PMID: 37186481 PMCID: PMC11025365 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric illnesses and understanding the mechanisms through which stress disrupts behavioral states is imperative to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of mood disorders. Both chronic stress and early life stress alter valence processing, the process of assigning value to sensory inputs and experiences (positive or negative), which determines subsequent behavior and is essential for emotional processing and ultimately survival. Stress disrupts valence processing in both humans and preclinical models, favoring negative valence processing and impairing positive valence processing. Valence assignment involves neural computations performed in emotional processing hubs, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus, which can be influenced by neuroendocrine mediators. Oscillations within and between these regions are critical for the neural computations necessary to perform valence processing functions. Major advances in the field have demonstrated a role for oscillatory states in valence processing under physiological conditions and emerging studies are exploring how these network states are altered under pathophysiological conditions and impacted by neuroendocrine factors. The current review highlights what is currently known regarding the impact of stress and the role of neuroendocrine mediators on network states and valence processing. Further, we propose a model in which chronic stress alters information routing through emotional processing hubs, resulting in a facilitation of negative valence processing and a suppression of positive valence processing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradly Stone
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Najah Walton
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ulrich M, Pollali E, Çalışkan G, Stork O, Albrecht A. Sex differences in anxiety and threat avoidance in GAD65 knock-out mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106165. [PMID: 37230180 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders have been linked to a disbalance of excitation and inhibition in a network of brain structures comprising frontal cortical regions, the amygdala and the hippocampus, among others. Recent imaging studies suggest sex differences in the activation of this anxiety network during the processing of emotional information. Rodent models with genetically altered ϒ-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission allow studying the neuronal basis of such activation shifts and their relation to anxiety endophenotypes, but to date sex effects have rarely been addressed. Using mice with a null mutation of the GABA synthetizing enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65-/-), we started to compare anxiety-like behavior and avoidance in male vs. female GAD65-/- mice and their wildtype littermates. In an open field, female GAD65-/- mice displayed increased activity, while male GAD65-/- mice showed an increased adaptation of anxiety-like behavior over time. GAD65-/- mice of both sexes had a higher preference for social interaction partners, which was further heightened in male mice. In male mice higher escape responses were observed during an active avoidance task. Together, female mice showed more stable emotional responses despite GAD65 deficiency. To gain insights into interneuron function in network structures controlling anxiety and threat perception, fast oscillations (10-45 Hz) were measured in ex vivo slice preparations of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). GAD65-/- mice of both sexes displayed increased gamma power in the ACC and a higher density of PV-positive interneurons, which are crucial for generating such rhythmic activity. In addition, GAD65-/- mice had lower numbers of somatostatin-positive interneurons in the basolateral amygdala and in the dorsal dentate gyrus especially in male mice, two key regions important for anxiety and active avoidance responses. Our data suggest sex differences in the configuration of GABAergic interneurons in a cortico-amygdala-hippocampal network controlling network activity patterns, anxiety and threat avoidance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ulrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Evangelia Pollali
- Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Gürsel Çalışkan
- Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Research Group "Synapto-Oscillopathies", Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver Stork
- Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany.
| | - Anne Albrecht
- Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany.
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He Y, Wang Y, Yu H, Tian Y, Chen X, Chen C, Ren Y, Chen Z, Ren Y, Gong X, Cheng K, Liu X, Zhong L, Guo Y, Xie P. Protective effect of Nr4a2 (Nurr1) against LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors via regulating activity of microglia and CamkII neurons in anterior cingulate cortex. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106717. [PMID: 36948326 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is tightly associated with onset of depression. The nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1, also called Nr4a2), its roles in dopaminergic neurons is well understood, which can alleviate inflammation. Nevertheless, potential effects of Nr4a2 on neuroinflammation associated with depression still remains unclear. Chronic lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stress induced depressive-behaviors were confirmed via behavioral tests. Differentially expressed genes were detected by using RNA-sequencing. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) tissues were collected for biochemical experiments. The Golgi-Cox staining and virus labeling were used to evaluate the dendritic spines. We applied fluoxetine (FLX) and amodiaquine dihydrochloride (AQ, a highly selective agonist of Nr4a2) in mice. Overexpression experiments were performed by injecting with AAV-Nr4a2-EGFP into ACC. Chemogenetic activation of CamkII neurons via injecting the hM3Dq virus. Mice treated with LPS displayed depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. The reduction of Nr4a2 and FosB induced by LPS were rescued by pretreatment with FLX or AQ. More importantly, LPS-induced behavior deficits in mice were also alleviated via fluoxetine treatment and pharmacological activation the expression of Nr4a2. Meanwhile, enhancing the level of Nr4a2 could improve dendritic spines loss of neuron and morphological changes in microglia. Overexpression of Nr4a2 in ACC reversed the depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors caused by LPS administration. Activation of CamkII neurons in ACC could robustly increase the expression of Nr4a2 and improve LPS-induced behavior deficits. Our findings demonstrate that the Nr4a2 may regulate depressive-like behaviors via alleviating the impairment of morphology and function on microglia and CamkII neurons induced by chronic neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yue Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Heming Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chong Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yikun Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xue Gong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Neurology Department of the First affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lianmei Zhong
- Neurology Department of the First affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Yin YY, Lai ZK, Yan JZ, Wei QQ, Wang B, Zhang LM, Li YF. The interaction between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety: Involvement of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100536. [PMID: 37057073 PMCID: PMC10085780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social hierarchy greatly impacts physical and mental health, but the relationship between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety and the underlying neural mechanism remain unclear. The present study used the tube test to determine the social hierarchy status of mice and then performed several behavioral tests to evaluate depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. Electrophysiological techniques were used to record the firing activities of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons and local field potentials in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The results suggested that the mice in each cage (4 per cage) established a stable social hierarchy after 2 weeks. Subordinate mice displayed significantly fewer pushing and advancing behaviors, and more retreat behaviors compared with dominant mice. Furthermore, subordinate mice had significantly more immobility durations in the TST, but significantly fewer distances, entries, and time into the center in the OFT, as well as significantly less percent of distances, entries, and time into the open arms in the EPMT, compared with dominant mice, which indicated that subordinate mice displayed depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, chronic restraint stress (CRS) significantly induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice and altered social dominance behaviors in the tube test. CRS mice displayed significantly fewer pushing and advancing behaviors, and more retreat behaviors compared with control mice. Furthermore, low social rank and CRS significantly decreased the firing of pyramidal neurons and γ-oscillation activity in the mPFC. Taken together, the present study revealed an inverse relationship between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety, and the neural basis underlying this association might be the excitability of pyramidal neurons and γ oscillation in the mPFC. These findings established an important foundation for a depression/anxiety model based on social hierarchy and provided a new avenue for the development of therapies for stress-related mood disorders.
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Tomar A, McHugh TJ. The impact of stress on the hippocampal spatial code. Trends Neurosci 2021; 45:120-132. [PMID: 34916083 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal function is severely compromised by prolonged, uncontrollable stress. However, how stress alters neural representations of our surroundings and events that occur within them remains less clear. We review hippocampal place cell studies that examine how spatial coding is affected by acute and chronic stress, as well as by stress accompanying fear conditioning. Emerging data suggest that chronic stress disrupts the acuity and specificity of CA1 spatial coding, both in familiar and novel contexts, and alters hippocampal oscillations. By contrast, acute stress may have a facilitatory impact on spatial representations. These findings encourage a fresh look at the documented stress-induced changes in hippocampal anatomy and in vitro excitability, and offer a new perspective on the links between stress and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupratap Tomar
- Center for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan.
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8
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Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
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9
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Wei J, Cheng J, Waddell NJ, Wang ZJ, Pang X, Cao Q, Liu A, Chitaman JM, Abreu K, Jasrotia RS, Duffney LJ, Zhang J, Dietz DM, Feng J, Yan Z. DNA Methyltransferase 3A Is Involved in the Sustained Effects of Chronic Stress on Synaptic Functions and Behaviors. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:1998-2012. [PMID: 33230530 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms regulate aberrant gene transcription in stress-associated mental disorders. However, it remains to be elucidated about the role of DNA methylation and its catalyzing enzymes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), in this process. Here, we found that male rats exposed to chronic (2-week) unpredictable stress exhibited a substantial reduction of Dnmt3a after stress cessation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a key target region of stress. Treatment of unstressed control rats with DNMT inhibitors recapitulated the effect of chronic unpredictable stress on decreased AMPAR expression and function in PFC. In contrast, overexpression of Dnmt3a in PFC of stressed animals prevented the loss of glutamatergic responses. Moreover, the stress-induced behavioral abnormalities, including the impaired recognition memory, heightened aggression, and hyperlocomotion, were partially attenuated by Dnmt3a expression in PFC of stressed animals. Finally, we found that there were genome-wide DNA methylation changes and transcriptome alterations in PFC of stressed rats, both of which were enriched at several neural pathways, including glutamatergic synapse and microtubule-associated protein kinase signaling. These results have therefore recognized the potential role of DNA epigenetic modification in stress-induced disturbance of synaptic functions and cognitive and emotional processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jia Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Nicholas J Waddell
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Zi-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Xiaodong Pang
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Javed M Chitaman
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Kristen Abreu
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Rahul Singh Jasrotia
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Lara J Duffney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - David M Dietz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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