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Mitchell SJ, Phillips GD, Tench B, Li Y, Belelli D, Martin SJ, Swinny JD, Kelly L, Atack JR, Paradowski M, Lambert JJ. Neurosteroid Modulation of Synaptic and Extrasynaptic GABA A Receptors of the Mouse Nucleus Accumbens. Biomolecules 2024; 14:460. [PMID: 38672476 PMCID: PMC11048561 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent approval of formulations of the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone (brexanolone) and the synthetic neuroactive steroid SAGE-217 (zuranolone) to treat postpartum depression (PPD) has encouraged further research to elucidate why these potent enhancers of GABAAR function are clinically effective in this condition. Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens are associated with reward/motivation and brain imaging studies report that individuals with PPD show reduced activity of this pathway in response to reward and infant engagement. However, the influence of neurosteroids on GABA-ergic transmission in the nucleus accumbens has received limited attention. Here, we investigate, in the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the mouse nucleus accumbens core, the effect of allopregnanolone, SAGE-217 and other endogenous and synthetic steroids of interest on fast phasic and tonic inhibition mediated by synaptic (α1/2βγ2) and extrasynaptic (α4βδ) GABAARs, respectively. We present evidence suggesting the resident tonic current results from the spontaneous opening of δ-GABAARs, where the steroid-enhanced tonic current is GABA-dependent. Furthermore, we demonstrate local neurosteroid synthesis in the accumbal slice preparation and reveal that GABA-ergic neurotransmission of MSNs is influenced by an endogenous neurosteroid tone. Given the dramatic fluctuations in allopregnanolone levels during pregnancy and postpartum, this neurosteroid-mediated local fine-tuning of GABAergic transmission in the MSNs will probably be perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Mitchell
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Grant D. Phillips
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Becks Tench
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Yunkai Li
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Delia Belelli
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Stephen J. Martin
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Jerome D. Swinny
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael’s Building, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK; (J.D.S.); (L.K.)
| | - Louise Kelly
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael’s Building, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK; (J.D.S.); (L.K.)
| | - John R. Atack
- Main Building, Medicines Discovery Institute, Park Place, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK; (J.R.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Michael Paradowski
- Main Building, Medicines Discovery Institute, Park Place, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK; (J.R.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Jeremy J. Lambert
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK; (S.J.M.); (G.D.P.); (B.T.); (Y.L.); (D.B.); (S.J.M.)
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Chen S, Gao L, Li X, Ye Y. Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105682. [PMID: 34019980 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Astroglial glutamate transporter 1 and glutamine synthetase of the nucleus accumbens are involved in the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone in learned helplessness rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113092. [PMID: 33359844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated that allopregnanolone (3α5α-tetrahydroprogesterone, ALLO) has antidepressant-like effects on patients with depression. Previous studies have shown alteration of the astroglial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in depression, and ALLO is known to modulate glutamate release. The present study aimed to investigate whether astroglial GLT-1 and GS are indeed involved in the antidepressant-like effects of ALLO in learned helplessness (LH) rats, a validated animal model of depression. The results of this study showed that bilateral microinjection of ALLO into the lateral ventricles could normalize the levels of GLT-1 and GS in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and of GS in the hippocampal CA1 region of LH rats. These results suggest a certain connection between the antidepressant-like effects of ALLO and the astroglial GLT-1/GS system of the NAc in LH rats.
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Cueto-Escobedo J, Andrade-Soto J, Lima-Maximino M, Maximino C, Hernández-López F, Rodríguez-Landa JF. Involvement of GABAergic system in the antidepressant-like effects of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) in ovariectomized rats in the forced swim test: comparison with neurosteroids. Behav Brain Res 2020; 386:112590. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Almeida FB, Nin MS, Barros HMT. The role of allopregnanolone in depressive-like behaviors: Focus on neurotrophic proteins. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100218. [PMID: 32435667 PMCID: PMC7231971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone; pharmaceutical formulation: brexanolone) is a neurosteroid that has recently been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression, promising to fill part of a long-lasting gap in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for depressive disorders. In this review, we explore the experimental research that characterized the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone, with a particular focus on the neurotrophic adaptations induced by this neurosteroid in preclinical studies. We demonstrate that there is a consistent decrease in allopregnanolone levels in limbic brain areas in rodents submitted to stress-induced models of depression, such as social isolation and chronic unpredictable stress. Further, both the drug-induced upregulation of allopregnanolone or its direct administration reduce depressive-like behaviors in models such as the forced swim test. The main drugs of interest that upregulate allopregnanolone levels are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which present the neurosteroidogenic property even in lower, non-SSRI doses. Finally, we explore how these antidepressant-like behaviors are related to neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus. The protagonist in this mechanism is likely the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BFNF), which is decreased in animal models of depression and may be restored by the normalization of allopregnanolone levels. The role of an interaction between GABA and the neurotrophic mechanisms needs to be further investigated.
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Key Words
- 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone
- BDNF
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Brexanolone
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- CUS, chronic unpredictable stress
- Depression
- EKR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- FST, forced swim test
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAAR, GABA type A receptor
- HSD, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Neurosteroid
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- PXR, pregnane xenobiotic receptor
- SBSS, selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- THP, tetrahydroprogesterone
- TSPO, 18 kDa translocator protein
- TrkB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- USV, ultrasonic vocalization
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, 90420-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Fernández-Demeneghi R, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Guzmán-Gerónimo RI, Acosta-Mesa HG, Meza-Alvarado E, Vargas-Moreno I, Herrera-Meza S. Effect of blackberry juice ( Rubus fruticosus L.) on anxiety-like behaviour in Wistar rats. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 70:856-867. [PMID: 30892114 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1580680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of blackberry juice that is rich in different concentrations of anthocyanins and polyphenols (2.6 mg/kg anthocyanins, 14.57 mg/kg polyphenols; 5.83 mg/kg anthocyanins, 27.10 mg/kg polyphenols; 10.57 mg/kg anthocyanins, 38.40 mg/kg polyphenols) on anxiety-like behaviour in Wistar rats. The rats were treated with blackberry juice for 21 days and then tested in the elevated plus maze, locomotor activity test and forced swim test. The results were compared with a reference anxiolytic drug diazepam (2.0 mg/kg) and vehicle (8.7 ml/kg). The intermediate dose of blackberry juice exerted an anxiolytic-like effect that was similar to diazepam, without affecting locomotive activity. The low and high doses of blackberry juice exerted no significant effects on anxiety-like behaviour compared with vehicle. In the forced swim test, both the high and intermediate doses of blackberry juice reduced total immobility time, suggesting a protective effect against behavioural changes that are induced by acute stress. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect of blackberry juice on anxiety that is associated with a stressful event.
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Almeida FB, Gomez R, Barros HMT, Nin MS. Hemisphere-dependent Changes in mRNA Expression of GABA A Receptor Subunits and BDNF after Intra-prefrontal Cortex Allopregnanolone Infusion in Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 397:56-66. [PMID: 30481569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.11.029] [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: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid implicated in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It acts as a GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-positive allosteric modulator and changes the expression of GABAAR subunits and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in different brain regions. It has been demonstrated that such neurochemical changes may have an asymmetrical pattern regarding brain hemispheres. The aim of this study was to verify the behavioral and hemisphere-specific neurochemical effects of the bilateral intra-prefrontal cortex (intra-PFC) infusion of allopregnanolone in rats. Rats were exposed to the forced swim test and to the grooming microstructure test, followed by the right and left hemisphere-specific quantification of mRNA expression by Real-Time PCR of δ and γ2 GABAAR subunits and BDNF in the PFC and in the hippocampus. Though we did not observe any significant effects in the behavioral tests, intra-PFC allopregnanolone infusion bilaterally increased the mRNA expression of the δ subunit in the same area and of BDNF in the hippocampus. Both mRNA expressions of the γ2 subunit and BDNF were higher in the right than in the left PFC of control animals, and the hemisphere differences were not seen after allopregnanolone infusion. Overall hippocampal BDNF expression was also higher in the right hemisphere, but this asymmetry was not normalized by allopregnanolone. No asymmetries or changes were observed in the hippocampal mRNA expression of GABAAR subunits. These results point to a hemisphere-dependent regulation of GABAAR subunits and BDNF that can be modulated by intra-PFC allopregnanolone infusion, even in the absence of associated behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rosane Gomez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Rua Sarmento Leite 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Curso de Farmácia, Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, Rua Coronel Joaquim Pedro Salgado 80, 90420-060 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Almeida FB, Fonseca AR, Heidrich N, Nin MS, Barros HMT. The effect of intracerebroventricular allopregnanolone on depressive-like behaviors of rats selectively bred for high and low immobility in the forced swim test. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:246-251. [PMID: 29906470 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a highly incapacitating disorder known to have a multifactorial etiology, including a hereditary genetic background. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor and has been shown to have an antidepressant-like effect in animals. This study aimed to assess the behavioral effect of ALLO in animals with different backgrounds of depressive-like activity. An initial population (F0) of male and female Wistar rats was screened for immobility behavior utilizing the Forced Swim Test (FST). Rats with extreme immobility scores were selected for either the High Immobility (HI) group or the Low Immobility (LI) group for breeding, giving origin to the subsequent generations F1 and F2. Guide cannulas were implanted in the lateral ventricle of F2 males for intracerebroventricular infusions of 5 μg/rat of ALLO, 5 μg/rat of imipramine (IMI) or vehicle (CTR), which occurred 24, 5 and 1 h prior to the test session of the drug FST. In the pre-drug FST, a statistically significant difference was observed between the immobility scores from the HI and LI groups of F2 rats. HI rats from F2 also showed significantly higher immobility time when compared to F0. In these HI animals, both IMI and ALLO significantly reduced immobility when compared to the CTR group. IMI-treated rats also showed lower immobility than the ALLO group. In the LI rats, no difference in immobility was found between treatments. In conclusion, two strains of rats with significantly different immobility profiles in the FST were obtained in a relatively short time, after only two generations. Infusions of both ALLO and IMI showed a strain-dependent antidepressant-like effect, being detected in the HI animals but not in the LI animals, which is in line with the clinical understanding that antidepressants have higher efficacy in more severe forms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Alan Rios Fonseca
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Núbia Heidrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Curso de Farmácia, Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, Rua Coronel Joaquim Pedro Salgado 80, 90420-060 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Rodríguez-Landa JF, Cueto-Escobedo J, Flores-Aguilar LÁ, Rosas-Sánchez GU, Rovirosa-Hernández MDJ, García-Orduña F, Carro-Juárez M. The Aqueous Crude Extracts of Montanoa frutescens and Montanoa grandiflora Reduce Immobility Faster Than Fluoxetine Through GABA A Receptors in Rats Forced to Swim. J Evid Based Integr Med 2018; 23:2515690X18762953. [PMID: 29540064 PMCID: PMC5871057 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x18762953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Montanoa frutescens and Montanoa grandiflora have been indistinctly used for centuries in traditional Mexican medicine for reproductive impairments, anxiety, and mood disorders. Preclinical studies support their aphrodisiac and anxiolytic properties, but their effects on mood are still unexplored. METHODS The effects of 25 and 50 mg/kg of M frutescens and M grandiflora extracts were evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of treatment, and compared with fluoxetine (1 mg/kg) and Remotiv (7.14 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The participation of GABAA receptor in the effects produced by the treatments was explored. RESULTS Montanoa extracts reduced immobility since day 1 of treatment, while fluoxetine and Remotiv required 14 days. The GABAA antagonism blocked the effects of Montanoa extracts, but not of fluoxetine or Remotiv. CONCLUSIONS Montanoa extracts prevented quickly the stress-induced behaviors in the swimming test through action at the GABAA receptor, exerting a protective effect different to the typical antidepressants drugs.
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Borrow AP, Cameron NM. Maternal care and affective behavior in female offspring: Implication of the neurosteroid/GABAergic system. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 76:29-37. [PMID: 27883962 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In female rats, the proestrus phase of the estrous cycle is associated with decreased levels of anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior relative to the metestrus phase. Progesterone likely modulate these behaviors, in part through the influence of its metabolite, allopregnanolone (THP) on hippocampal GABAAR subunit expression. As natural variations in maternal care have been found to influence both progesterone levels at proestrus and anxiety-like behavior in female offspring, we sought to investigate the importance of maternal care and the estrous cycle on affective behavior in female rats that had received Low or High levels of licking/grooming (LG) during early life. Subjects were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze at proestrus or metestrus or for estrous cycle-dependent changes in depressive-like anhedonic behavior with a saccharin preference test. GABAAR subunit expression, and THP levels in the dorsal hippocampus and in plasma were also evaluated. Estrous cycle phase influenced saccharine preference and hippocampal THP level in both phenotypes. Low LG animals showed higher levels of hedonic behavior and anxiety-like behavior, irrespective of estrous cycle phase, as well as lower THP levels within the dorsal hippocampus when compared to High LG animals. Only High LG animals showed positive correlations between hippocampal THP levels and GABAAR subunit expression, suggesting a relative insensitivity to THP's modulation of these receptor subunits in Low LG offspring. These findings suggest that natural variations in maternal care influence anxiety-like and hedonic behavior through the modulation of the neurosteroid/GABAergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P Borrow
- Psychology Department, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University- SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences/Neurosciences Division, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Nicole M Cameron
- Psychology Department, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University- SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA.
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Rahmani B, Ghasemi R, Dargahi L, Ahmadiani A, Haeri A. Neurosteroids; potential underpinning roles in maintaining homeostasis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 225:242-250. [PMID: 26432100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroids which are synthesized in the brain and nervous system are known as "Neurosteroids". These steroids have crucial functions such as contributing to the myelination and organization of the brain connectivity. Under the stressful circumstances, the concentrations of neurosteroid products such as allopregnanolone (ALLO) and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) alter. It has been suggested that these stress-derived neurosteroids modulate the physiological response to stress. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis mediates the physiological adaptation following stress in order to maintain homeostasis. Although several regulatory pathways have been introduced, the exact role of neurosteroids in controlling HPA axis is not clear to date. In this review, we intend to discern specific pathways associated with regulation of HPA axis in which neuroactive steroids have the main role. In this respect, we propose pathways that may be initiated after neurosteroidogenesis in different brain subregions following acute stress which are potentially capable of activating or inhibiting the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Rahmani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Ghasemi
- Department of Physiology and Neurophysiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Haeri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Song C, Berridge KC, Graybiel AM, Fentress JC. Neurobiology of rodent self-grooming and its value for translational neuroscience. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 17:45-59. [PMID: 26675822 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-grooming is a complex innate behaviour with an evolutionarily conserved sequencing pattern and is one of the most frequently performed behavioural activities in rodents. In this Review, we discuss the neurobiology of rodent self-grooming, and we highlight studies of rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders--including models of autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder--that have assessed self-grooming phenotypes. We suggest that rodent self-grooming may be a useful measure of repetitive behaviour in such models, and therefore of value to translational psychiatry. Assessment of rodent self-grooming may also be useful for understanding the neural circuits that are involved in complex sequential patterns of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg 199034, Russia.,Institutes of Chemical Technologies and Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada.,Graduate Institute of Neural Cognitive Science, China Medical University, Taichung 000001, Taiwan
| | - Kent C Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525E University Str, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - John C Fentress
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
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Arbo BD, Andrade S, Osterkamp G, Gomez R, Ribeiro MF. Asymmetric effects of low doses of progesterone on GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit protein expression in the olfactory bulb of female rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:1045-9. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the protein expression of α4 subunit of GABA(A) receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT), Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the olfactory bulb (OB) of female rats exposed to the forced swimming test (FST). Female rats were injected daily with progesterone (0.4 mg/kg body mass) or vehicle during 2 complete oestrous cycles and exposed to the FST, and the protein expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit, SERT, Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the OB were evaluated. Progesterone increased the expression of the α4 subunit in the right OB and decreased its expression in the left OB, although it did not change the expression of other proteins. In summary, our findings indicate that progesterone has an asymmetric modulatory effect on the expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit in the OB. This effect could be related to the antidepressant-like effect of progesterone in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D. Arbo
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Susie Andrade
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Osterkamp
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Rosane Gomez
- Department of Pharmacology, ICBS – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Maria Flávia Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
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Muneoka K, Kuwagata M, Ogawa T, Shioda S. Mother/offspring co-administration of the traditional herbal remedy yokukansan during the nursing period influences grooming and cerebellar serotonin levels in a rat model of neurodevelopmental disorders. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 14:86-96. [PMID: 25315739 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental impairment in the serotonergic system may be involved in autism spectrum disorder. Yokukansan is a traditional herbal remedy for restlessness and agitation in children, and mother-infant co-administration (MICA) to both the child and the nursing mother is one of the recommended treatment approaches. Recent studies have revealed the neuropharmacological properties of Yokukansan (YKS), including its 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptor agonistic effects. We investigated the influence of YKS treatment on behavior in a novel environment and on brain monoamine metabolism during the nursing period in an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders, prenatally BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine)-treated rats (BrdU-rats). YKS treatment did not influence locomotor activity in BrdU-rats but reduced grooming in open-field tests. YKS treatment without MICA disrupted the correlation between locomotor behaviors and rearing and altered levels of serotonin and its metabolite in the cerebellum. These effects were not observed in the group receiving YKS treatment with MICA. These data indicate a direct pharmacological effect of YKS on the development of grooming behavior and profound effects on cerebellar serotonin metabolism, which is thought to be influenced by nursing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumasa Muneoka
- Department of Anatomy I, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan,
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Altered expression of δGABAA receptors in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2014; 88:24-35. [PMID: 25128850 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors that contain the δ subunit (δGABAA receptors) are expressed in multiple types of neurons throughout the central nervous system, where they generate a tonic conductance that shapes neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. These receptors regulate a variety of important behavioral functions, including memory, nociception and anxiety, and may also modulate neurogenesis. Given their functional significance, δGABAA receptors are considered to be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of memory dysfunction, pain, insomnia and mood disorders. These receptors are highly responsive to sedative-hypnotic drugs, general anesthetics and neuroactive steroids. A further remarkable feature of δGABAA receptors is that their expression levels are highly dynamic and fluctuate substantially during development and in response to physiological changes including stress and the reproductive cycle. Furthermore, the expression of these receptors varies in pathological conditions such as alcoholism, fragile X syndrome, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders and traumatic brain injury. Such fluctuations in receptor expression have significant consequences for behavior and may alter responsiveness to therapeutic drugs. This review considers the alterations in the expression of δGABAA receptors associated with various states of health and disease and the implications of these changes.
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Souza MF, Couto-Pereira NS, Freese L, Costa PA, Caletti G, Bisognin KM, Nin MS, Gomez R, Barros HMT. Behavioral effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine sensitization in female rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 47:505-14. [PMID: 24878606 PMCID: PMC4086178 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and may be influenced by their sex hormones. We compared the modulatory effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in 106 female rats. Ovariectomized female rats received progesterone (0.5 mg/mL), estradiol (0.05 mg/mL), progesterone plus estradiol, or the oil vehicle. Sham-operated control females received oil. Control and acute subgroups received injections of saline, while the repeated group received cocaine (15 mg/kg, ip) for 8 days. After 10 days, the acute and repeated groups received a challenge dose of cocaine, after which locomotion and stereotypy were monitored. The estrous cycle phase was evaluated and blood was collected to verify hormone levels. Repeated cocaine treatment induced overall behavioral sensitization in female rats, with increased locomotion and stereotypies. In detailed analysis, ovariectomized rats showed no locomotor sensitization; however, the sensitization of stereotypies was maintained. Only females with endogenous estradiol and progesterone demonstrated increased locomotor activity after cocaine challenge. Estradiol replacement enhanced stereotyped behaviors after repeated cocaine administration. Cocaine sensitization of stereotyped behaviors in female rats was reduced after progesterone replacement, either alone or concomitant with estradiol. The behavioral responses (locomotion and stereotypy) to cocaine were affected differently, depending on whether the female hormones were of an endogenous or exogenous origin. Therefore, hormonal cycling appears to be an important factor in the sensitization of females. Although estradiol increases the risk of cocaine sensitization, progesterone warrants further study as a pharmacological treatment in the prevention of psychostimulant abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Souza
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - N S Couto-Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - L Freese
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - P A Costa
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - G Caletti
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - K M Bisognin
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - M S Nin
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - R Gomez
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - H M T Barros
- Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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