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Wu H, Li N, Peng S, Fu H, Hu Z, Su L. Maresin1 improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and cognitive function in septic rats by activating the SLC7A11 / GPX4 ferroptosis signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111792. [PMID: 38484667 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a prevalent complication of sepsis, with hippocampal neuroinflammation playing a crucial role in SAE-induced cognitive impairment. Maresin1 (MaR1), a bioactive docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) metabolite, demonstrates comprehensive anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective attributes. Yet, its protective efficacy against SAE-induced cognitive decline remains unexplored. In this investigation, we implemented a rat SAE model via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of HT22 cells simulated an in vitro SAE model; both models were pre-treated with MaR1. We evaluated rat learning and memory using a water maze, assessed hippocampal neuron damage via Nissl and FJC staining, and observed mitochondrial alterations through TEM. In vivo and in vitro assays gauged levels of Fe2+, MDA, GSH, and SOD. Additionally, Iba1 expression in the hippocampus was examined via immunofluorescence, while SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels were determined using western blot. Our findings indicated CLP-induced learning and memory impairment in rats, along with heightened ROS, Fe2+, and MDA levels in hippocampal neurons, diminished GSH and SOD levels, and down-regulated ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4 and SLC7A11). Remarkably, MaR1 treatment attenuated these adverse effects. In LPS-stimulated HT22 cells, MaR1 lowered lipid ROS and bolstered mitochondrial membrane potential. Nonetheless, the ferroptosis inducer Erastin reversed MaR1's protective effects. Transwell experiments further showed MaR1's potential to inhibit microglia activation triggered by ferroptosis in HT22 cells. Consequently, MaR1 may mitigate hippocampal neuroinflammation via activating the SLC7A11/GPX4 ferroptosis signaling pathway, thus ameliorating SAE-related cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Na Li
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Shuang Peng
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Zhansheng Hu
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Longxiang Su
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, 1st Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.
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Kang ZC, Wang HG, Yang YL, Zhao XY, Zhou QM, Yang YL, Yang JY, Du GH. Pinocembrin Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment Induced by Vascular Dementia: Contribution of Reelin-dab1 Signaling Pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:3577-3587. [PMID: 32943845 PMCID: PMC7481311 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s249176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background As a substrate of apoER2, Reelin has been verified to exert neuroprotection by preventing memory impairment. Pinocembrin is the most abundant natural flavonoid found in propolis, and it has been used to exert neuroprotection, blood–brain barrier protection, anti-oxidation, and inflammation diminishing, both in vitro and in vivo. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of pinocembrin in neurobehavioral outcomes and neuronal repair after vascular dementia are still under investigation. Purpose To explore the role of pinocembrin in the involvement of the Reelin-dab1 signaling pathway in improving memory impairment, both in cell culture and animals experiments. Material and Methods Behavioral tests were conducted on day 48 to confirm the protection of pinocembrin against cognitive impairment. Cell and molecular biology experiments demonstrated that the Reelin-dab1 pathway mediates the underlying mechanism of cognitive improvement by pinocembrin. Results It was showed that pinocembrin alleviated learning and memory deficits induced by vascular dementia, by inducing the expression of Reelin, apoER2, and p-dab1 in the hippocampus. The expression of Reelin and p-dab1 was both inhibited following Reelin RNA interference in SH-SY5Y prior to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) injury, suggesting that Reelin played a core role in pinocembrin’s effect on OGD in vitro. Conclusion Pinocembrin improves the cognition via the Reelin-dab1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Chun Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Gang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yue Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Meng Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Lin Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Hua Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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3
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Commins S, Kirby BP. The complexities of behavioural assessment in neurodegenerative disorders: A focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Zhang SH, Liu D, Hu Q, Zhu J, Wang S, Zhou S. Ferulic acid ameliorates pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures by reducing neuron cell death. Epilepsy Res 2019; 156:106183. [PMID: 31404716 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the neuroprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures model in rat, the motor response, spatial learning ability and memory capability of the rats were assessed. Both the antioxidation and anti-apoptosis pathways were also investigated. In this study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 12 in each group). For 28 days, the rats were administered saline alone (i.p. normal saline, NS group), PTZ (40 mg/kg, i.p., PTZ group) once daily to induce seizures, or FA (i.p. 60 mg/kg) 20 min before being given PTZ (40 mg/kg, i.p., FA + PTZ group) to assess the neuroprotective effect of FA. The motor response of the rats was analysed with the Racine scale. The spatial learning and memory capacity of the rats were assessed by the Morris water maze test. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured, and both in situ staining with the DNA-binding bisbenzimide Hoechst 33258 and TUNEL assays were used to assess apoptosis. Western blotting was used to further analyse the expression of Apaf-1, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bid, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c. The results showed that compared to the those of the PTZ group, FA pre-treatment significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the Racine scores starting at day 4, prolonged the latency of the onset of seizure at day 28, reduced the escape latency period starting at day 2, increased the frequency of crossing the platform location, increased the SOD activity, reduced the MDA content and apoptosis percentage, and upregulated the Bcl-2 levels whilst downregulating the Bax, cytochrome c, Apaf-1, caspase-9, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and Bid expression levels. This study demonstrated that pre-treatment with FA exerts strong neuroprotective effects by reducing the motor response and by improving spatial learning ability and memory capacity. The neuroprotective effect may be a result of a reduction in neuron cell death that occurs via the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hong Zhang
- Department of Biology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China
| | - Donghai Liu
- Department of Biology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China
| | - Qingyun Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China
| | - Jinling Zhu
- Department of Biology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China.
| | - Shuqiu Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China
| | - Shaobo Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, 154007, PR China; School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, UK.
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Wang G, Ding L, Gao C, Zhang N, Gan D, Sun Y, Xu L, Luo Q, Jiang Z. Neuroprotective effect of l-serine against white matter demyelination by harnessing and modulating inflammation in mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 146:39-49. [PMID: 30452956 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Demyelination in white matter is the end product of numerous pathological processes. This study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of l-serine and the underlying mechanisms against the demyelinating injury of white matter. A model of focal demyelinating lesions (FDL) was established using the two-point stereotactic injection of 0.25% lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 10 μg per point) into the corpus callosum of mice. Mice were then intraperitoneally injected with one of three doses of l-serine (114, 342, or 1026 mg/kg) 2 h after FDL, and then twice daily for the next five days. Behavior tests and histological analysis were assessed for up to twenty-eight days post-FDL induction. Electron microscopy was used for ultrastructural investigation. In vitro, we applied primary co-cultures of microglia and oligodendrocytes for oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). After establishing FDL, l-serine treatment: 1) improved spatial learning, memory and cognitive ability in mice, and relieved anxiety for 4 weeks post-FDL induction; 2) reduced abnormally dephosphorylated neurofilament proteins, increased myelin basic protein, and preserved anatomic myelinated axons; 3) inhibited microglia activation and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; 4) promoted recruitment and proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, and the efficiency of subsequent remyelination on day twenty-eight post-FDL induction. In vitro experiments, showed that l-serine not only directly protected against oligodendrocytes from OGD damage, but also provided an indirect protective effect by regulating microglia. In our study, l-serine offered long-lasting behavioral and oligodendrocyte protection and promoted remyelination. Therefore, l-serine may be an effective clinical treatment aganist white matter injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Wang
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
| | - Lingzhi Ding
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Chunyi Gao
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Nianjiao Zhang
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Deqiang Gan
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Yechao Sun
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Lihua Xu
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Qianqian Luo
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Zhenglin Jiang
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Institute of Nautical Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
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Vorhees CV, Sprowles JN, Regan SL, Williams MT. A better approach to in vivo developmental neurotoxicity assessment: Alignment of rodent testing with effects seen in children after neurotoxic exposures. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 354:176-190. [PMID: 29544898 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
High throughput screens for developmental neurotoxicity (DN) will facilitate evaluation of chemicals and can be used to prioritize those designated for follow-up. DN is evaluated under different guidelines. Those for drugs generally include peri- and postnatal studies and juvenile toxicity studies. For pesticides and commercial chemicals, when triggered, include developmental neurotoxicity studies (DNT) and extended one-generation reproductive toxicity studies. Raffaele et al. (2010) reviewed 69 pesticide DNT studies and found two of the four behavioral tests underperformed. There are now many epidemiological studies on children showing adverse neurocognitive effects, yet guideline DN studies fail to assess most of the functions affected in children; nor do DN guidelines reflect the advances in brain structure-function relationships from neuroscience. By reducing the number of test ages, removing underperforming tests and replacing them with tests that assess cognitive abilities relevant to children, the value of DN protocols can be improved. Testing for the brain networks that mediate higher cognitive functions need to include assessments of working memory, attention, long-term memory (explicit, implicit, and emotional), and executive functions such as cognitive flexibility. The current DNT focus on what can be measured should be replaced with what should be measured. With the wealth of data available from human studies and neuroscience, the recommendation is made for changes to make DN studies better focused on human-relevant functions using tests of proven validity that assess comparable functions to tests used in children. Such changes will provide regulatory authorities with more relevant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles V Vorhees
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Jenna N Sprowles
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Samantha L Regan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Michael T Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Abstract
Rodents (especially Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus) have been the most widely used models in biomedical research for many years. A notable shift has taken place over the last two decades, with mice taking a more and more prominent role in biomedical science compared to rats. This shift was primarily instigated by the availability of a much larger genetic toolbox for mice, particularly embryonic-stem-cell-based targeting technology for gene disruption. With the recent emergence of tools for altering the rat genome, notably genome-editing technologies, the technological gap between the two organisms is closing, and it is becoming more important to consider the physiological, anatomical, biochemical and pharmacological differences between rats and mice when choosing the right model system for a specific biological question. The aim of this short review and accompanying poster is to highlight some of the most important differences, and to discuss their impact on studies of human diseases, with a special focus on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Ellenbroek
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6041, New Zealand
| | - Jiun Youn
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6041, New Zealand
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Sprowles JL, Hufgard JR, Gutierrez A, Bailey RA, Jablonski SA, Williams MT, Vorhees CV. Differential effects of perinatal exposure to antidepressants on learning and memory, acoustic startle, anxiety, and open‐field activity in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 61:92-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L.N. Sprowles
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
| | - Jillian R. Hufgard
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
- University of Cincinnati, College of MedicineCincinnatiOH45229United States
| | - Arnold Gutierrez
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
- University of Cincinnati, College of MedicineCincinnatiOH45229United States
| | - Rebecca A. Bailey
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
- University of Cincinnati, College of MedicineCincinnatiOH45229United States
| | - Sarah A. Jablonski
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
| | - Michael T. Williams
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
- University of Cincinnati, College of MedicineCincinnatiOH45229United States
| | - Charles V. Vorhees
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children's Research FoundationCincinnatiOHUnited States
- University of Cincinnati, College of MedicineCincinnatiOH45229United States
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Walters JL, Paule MG. Review of preclinical studies on pediatric general anesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2017; 60:2-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Gyertyán I. Cognitive ‘Omics’: Pattern-Based Validation of Potential Drug Targets. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:113-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Commentary on topic: Should all tests of cognitive function – Learning, memory, attention – Be eliminated from the required protocols for developmental neurotoxicity testing? Neurotoxicol Teratol 2017; 59:74-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sprowles JLN, Hufgard JR, Gutierrez A, Bailey RA, Jablonski SA, Williams MT, Vorhees CV. Perinatal exposure to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram alters spatial learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and startle in Sprague-Dawley rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 54:39-52. [PMID: 27591973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the serotonin (5-HT) reuptake transporter (SERT) and increase synaptic 5-HT. 5-HT is also important in brain development; hence when SSRIs are taken during pregnancy there exists the potential for these drugs to affect CNS ontogeny. Prenatal SSRI exposure has been associated with an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and peripheral 5-HT is elevated in some ASD patients. Perinatal SSRI exposure in rodents has been associated with increased depression and anxiety-like behavior, decreased sociability, and impaired learning in the offspring, behaviors often seen in ASD. The present study investigated whether perinatal exposure to citalopram causes persistent neurobehavioral effects. Gravid Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to two groups and subcutaneously injected twice per day with citalopram (10mg/kg; Cit) or saline (Sal) 6h apart on embryonic day (E)6-21, and then drug was given directly to the pups after delivery from postnatal day (P)1-20. Starting on P60, one male/female from each litter was tested in the Cincinnati water maze (CWM) and open-field before and after MK-801. A second pair from each litter was tested in the Morris water maze (MWM) and open-field before and after (+)-amphetamine. A third pair was tested as follows: elevated zero-maze, open-field, marble burying, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, social preference, and forced swim. Cit-exposed rats were impaired in the MWM during acquisition and probe, but not during reversal, shift, or cued trials. Cit-exposed rats also showed increased marble burying, decreased time in the center of the open-field, decreased latency to immobility in forced swim, and increased acoustic startle across prepulse intensities with no effects on CWM. The results are consistent with citalopram inducing several ASD-like effects. The findings add to concerns about use of SSRIs during pregnancy. Further research on different classes of antidepressants, dose-effect relationships, timing of exposure periods, and mechanisms for these effects are needed. It is also important to balance the effects described here against the effects of the disorders for which the drugs are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L N Sprowles
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Jillian R Hufgard
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Arnold Gutierrez
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Rebecca A Bailey
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Sarah A Jablonski
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Michael T Williams
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Charles V Vorhees
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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