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Hatfield T, Johnson S. Knockdown of the GABARAP ortholog Atg8a elicits deficits in learning and promotes obsessive behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024. [PMID: 38882929 PMCID: PMC11177113 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
In humans, trafficking of the GABA(A) receptor by GABARAP can lead to obsessive behaviors and learning deficits often in seen in neurological disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome. We find that in Drosophila melanogaster , Atg8a , the ortholog of the human GABARAP gene, is necessary in the nervous system for learning and suppression of excessive grooming. These results suggest that knocking down Atg8a in neurons of Drosophila produces a phenotype similar to that seen in human patients, potentially allowing for use of an Atg8a knockdown background as a suitable invertebrate model for related neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Hatfield
- Department of Biology, Simmons University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Seth Johnson
- Department of Biology, Simmons University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Hao J, Zhang X, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Jiang K, Zhang XY, Wu M. Cross-sectional Exploration of the Relationship Between Glutamate Abnormalities and Tic Disorder Severity Using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:138-147. [PMID: 37197641 PMCID: PMC10110806 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu) has been reported to be closely related to the pathophysiology of Tic Disorders (TD). By using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), we aimed to investigate the relationship between in vivo Glu levels and the severity of TD. We performed a cross-sectional study in medication-free patients with TD and healthy controls aged between 5 and 13 years using 1H-MRS at 3 T. First, we measured the Glu levels in both patients and controls and observed the difference in subgroups, including mild TD patients and moderate TD patients. We then examined the correlations between the Glu levels and clinical features of the patients. Finally, we assessed the diagnostic value of 1H-MRS and the influencing factors. Our results show that the Glu levels in the striatum of all patients with TD were not significantly different from those of the healthy controls. Subgroup analysis revealed that the Glu levels in the moderate TD group were higher than those in the mild TD group and healthy controls. The correlation analysis showed that Glu levels are strongly positive correlated with TD severity. The optimal cutoff value of Glu levels to differentiate mild tics from moderate tics was 1.244, with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 94.7%. Multiple linear regression models revealed that the severity of TD is one of the important factors that affect Glu levels. We conclude that Glu levels are mainly associated with the severity of tics, thus it could serve as a key biomarker for TD classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Hao
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, 900 Chengnan Road, Shaoxing, 312000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Keyu Jiang
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Wu
- Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
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He JL, Mikkelsen M, Huddleston DA, Crocetti D, Cecil KM, Singer HS, Edden RA, Gilbert DL, Mostofsky SH, Puts NA. Frequency and Intensity of Premonitory Urges-to-Tic in Tourette Syndrome Is Associated With Supplementary Motor Area GABA+ Levels. Mov Disord 2022; 37:563-573. [PMID: 34854494 PMCID: PMC9014425 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) often report that they express tics as a means of alleviating the experience of unpleasant sensations. These sensations are perceived as an urge to act and are referred to as premonitory urges. Premonitory urges have been the focus of recent efforts to develop interventions to reduce tic expression in those with TS. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels of the right primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1), supplementary motor area (SMA), and insular cortex (insula) to tic and urge severity in children with TS. METHODS Edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to assess GABA+ (GABA + macromolecules) and Glx (glutamate + glutamine) of the right SM1, SMA, and insula in 68 children with TS (MAge = 10.59, SDAge = 1.33) and 41 typically developing control subjects (MAge = 10.26, SDAge = 2.21). We first compared GABA+ and Glx levels of these brain regions between groups. We then explored the association between regional GABA+ and Glx levels with urge and tic severity. RESULTS GABA+ and Glx of the right SM1, SMA, and insula were comparable between the children with TS and typically developing control subjects. In children with TS, lower levels of SMA GABA+ were associated with more severe and more frequent premonitory urges. Neither GABA+ nor Glx levels were associated with tic severity. CONCLUSIONS These results broadly support the role of GABAergic neurotransmission within the SMA in the experience of premonitory urges in children with TS. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L. He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Mikkelsen
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David A. Huddleston
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kim M. Cecil
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Harvey S. Singer
- Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Donald L. Gilbert
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stewart H. Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicolaas A.J. Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,Correspondence to: Dr. Nicolaas Puts, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AB, London, United Kingdom;
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Bortolato M, Coffey BJ, Gabbay V, Scheggi S. Allopregnanolone: The missing link to explain the effects of stress on tic exacerbation? J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13022. [PMID: 34423500 PMCID: PMC8800948 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one; AP) elicits pleiotropic effects in the central nervous system, ranging from neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions to the regulation of mood and emotional responses. Several lines of research show that the brain rapidly produces AP in response to acute stress to reduce the allostatic load and enhance coping. These effects not only are likely mediated by GABAA receptor activation but also result from the contributions of other mechanisms, such as the stimulation of membrane progesterone receptors. In keeping with this evidence, AP has been shown to exert rapid, potent antidepressant properties and has been recently approved for the therapy of moderate-to-severe postpartum depression. In addition to depression, emerging evidence points to the potential of AP as a therapy for other neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, seizures, post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive problems. Although this evidence has spurred interest in further therapeutic applications of AP, some investigations suggest that this neurosteroid may also be associated with adverse events in specific disorders. For example, our group has recently documented that AP increases tic-like manifestations in several animal models of tic disorders; furthermore, our results indicate that inhibiting AP synthesis and signalling reduces the exacerbation of tic severity associated with acute stress. Although the specific mechanisms of these effects remain partially elusive, our findings point to the possibility that the GABAergic activation by AP may also lead to disinhibitory effects, which could interfere with the ability of patients to suppress their tics. Future studies will be necessary to verify whether these mechanisms may apply to other externalising manifestations, such as impulse-control problems and manic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Research Consortium on NeuroEndocrine Causes of Tics (ReConNECT)
| | - Barbara J. Coffey
- Research Consortium on NeuroEndocrine Causes of Tics (ReConNECT)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral ScienceMiller School of MedicineUniversity of MiamiMiamiFLUSA
| | - Vilma Gabbay
- Research Consortium on NeuroEndocrine Causes of Tics (ReConNECT)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
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"Glu/GABA-Gln" metabolic loop abnormalities in iminodipropionitrile (IDPN)-induced dyskinetic syndrome. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:4697-4706. [PMID: 34431014 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05570-y] [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: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN)-induced dyskinetic syndrome is characterized by abnormal repetitive involuntary movements with abnormalities in the neuro-transmission. This study explored the mechanism of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine (Gln) metabolic circuit in rat dyskinetic syndrome and the possible regulation mechanism of "tiapride (Tia)." METHODS Male Wistar rats were assigned to the control group, dyskinetic syndrome group, and Tia group. Dyskinetic syndrome was induced by injecting with 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile for 7 days. Tia group was treated with tiapride, while the control and dyskinetic syndrome groups were gavaged with saline. Eventually the Glu, GABA, and Gln concentrations in striatum were detected using UPLC-3QMS, additionally another amino acid neurotransmitters (aspartate, glycine) were also detected. Expressions of glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate transporter (EAAT2), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65/67), and γ-aminobutyric acid transporter protein (GAD-T) were observed using Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The behavior test scores of dyskinetic syndrome group were increased compared with the control group. Tia group decreased the behavior test scores compared with dyskinetic syndrome group. For amino acid neuro-transmission, dyskinetic syndrome group increased Glu level (p < 0.01), decreased GABA level (p < 0.01), increased Glu/GABA ratio (p < 0.01), and decreased Asp level (p < 0.01) compared with control group. Tia group decreased Glu level (p < 0.01), increased GABA level (p < 0.01), decreased Glu/GABA ratio (p < 0.01), and increased Asp level (p < 0.05) compared with dyskinetic syndrome group. For Glu/GABA-Gln circuit, the protein and mRNA expression of GS and EAAT2 in dyskinetic syndrome group were decreased (p < 0.05). Tia group increased protein and mRNA expression level of GS (p < 0.05) and EAAT2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The rat dyskinetic syndrome has Glu/GABA-Gln abnormalities. "Tiapride" upregulated the protein expression of GS and EAAT2, reduce Glu levels, increase γ-GABA levels, and eventually improve amino acid neurotransmitter imbalance.
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Jurgiel J, Miyakoshi M, Dillon A, Piacentini J, Makeig S, Loo SK. Inhibitory control in children with tic disorder: aberrant fronto-parietal network activity and connectivity. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab067. [PMID: 33977267 PMCID: PMC8093924 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome, are typically thought to have deficits in cognitive inhibition and top down cognitive control due to the frequent and repetitive occurrence of tics, yet studies reporting task performance results have been equivocal. Despite similar behavioural performance, individuals with chronic tic disorder have exhibited aberrant patterns of neural activation in multiple frontal and parietal regions relative to healthy controls during inhibitory control paradigms. In addition to these top down attentional control regions, widespread alterations in brain activity across multiple neural networks have been reported. There is a dearth, however, of studies examining event-related connectivity during cognitive inhibitory paradigms among affected individuals. The goal of this study was to characterize neural oscillatory activity and effective connectivity, using a case–control design, among children with and without chronic tic disorder during performance of a cognitive inhibition task. Electroencephalogram data were recorded in a cohort of children aged 8–12 years old (60 with chronic tic disorder, 35 typically developing controls) while they performed a flanker task. While task accuracy did not differ by diagnosis, children with chronic tic disorder displayed significant cortical source-level, event-related spectral power differences during incongruent flanker trials, which required inhibitory control. Specifically, attenuated broad band oscillatory power modulation within the anterior cingulate cortex was observed relative to controls. Whole brain effective connectivity analyses indicated that children with chronic tic disorder exhibit greater information flow between the anterior cingulate and other fronto-parietal network hubs (midcingulate cortex and precuneus) relative to controls, who instead showed stronger connectivity between central and posterior nodes. Spectral power within the anterior cingulate was not significantly correlated with any connectivity edges, suggesting lower power and higher connectivity are independent (versus resultant) neural mechanisms. Significant correlations between clinical features, task performance and anterior cingulate spectral power and connectivity suggest this region is associated with tic impairment (r = −0.31, P = 0.03) and flanker task incongruent trial accuracy (r’s = −0.27 to −0.42, P’s = 0.0008–0.04). Attenuated activation of the anterior cingulate along with dysregulated information flow between and among nodes within the fronto-parietal attention network may be neural adaptations that result from frequent engagement of neural pathways needed for inhibitory control in chronic tic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Jurgiel
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Makoto Miyakoshi
- Swartz Center for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrea Dillon
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - John Piacentini
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott Makeig
- Swartz Center for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sandra K Loo
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Abstract
Background:Tics, defined as quick, rapid, sudden, recurrent, non-rhythmic motor movements or vocalizations are required components of Tourette Syndrome (TS) - a complex disorder characterized by the presence of fluctuating, chronic motor and vocal tics, and the presence of co-existing neuropsychological problems. Despite many advances, the underlying pathophysiology of tics/TS remains unknown.Objective:To address a variety of controversies surrounding the pathophysiology of TS. More specifically: 1) the configuration of circuits likely involved; 2) the role of inhibitory influences on motor control; 3) the classification of tics as either goal-directed or habitual behaviors; 4) the potential anatomical site of origin, e.g. cortex, striatum, thalamus, cerebellum, or other(s); and 5) the role of specific neurotransmitters (dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and others) as possible mechanisms (Abstract figure).Methods:Existing evidence from current clinical, basic science, and animal model studies are reviewed to provide: 1) an expanded understanding of individual components and the complex integration of the Cortico-Basal Ganglia-Thalamo-Cortical (CBGTC) circuit - the pathway involved with motor control; and 2) scientific data directly addressing each of the aforementioned controversies regarding pathways, inhibition, classification, anatomy, and neurotransmitters.Conclusion:Until a definitive pathophysiological mechanism is identified, one functional approach is to consider that a disruption anywhere within CBGTC circuitry, or a brain region inputting to the motor circuit, can lead to an aberrant message arriving at the primary motor cortex and enabling a tic. Pharmacologic modulation may be therapeutically beneficial, even though it might not be directed toward the primary abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey S. Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Farhan Augustine
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Baj J, Sitarz E, Forma A, Wróblewska K, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. Alterations in the Nervous System and Gut Microbiota after β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Group A Infection-Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria of PANDAS Recognition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1476. [PMID: 32098238 PMCID: PMC7073132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to review and summarize conclusions from the available literature regarding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The authors have independently reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, primarily focusing on the etiopathology, symptoms, differentiation between similar psychiatric conditions, immunological reactions, alterations in the nervous system and gut microbiota, genetics, and the available treatment for PANDAS. Recent research indicates that PANDAS patients show noticeable alterations within the structures of the central nervous system, including caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and striatum, as well as bilateral and lentiform nuclei. Likewise, the presence of autoantibodies that interact with basal ganglia was observed in PANDAS patients. Several studies also suggest a relationship between the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders like PANDAS and alterations to the gut microbiota. Further, genetic predispositions-including variations in the MBL gene and TNF-α-seem to be relevant regarding PANDAS syndrome. Even though the literature is still scarce, the authors have attempted to provide a thorough insight into the PANDAS syndrome, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Katarzyna Wróblewska
- North London Forensic Service, Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 8JL, UK;
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland
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Abstract
Tics are sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movements or vocalizations (phonic productions) that are commonly present in children and are required symptoms for the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. Despite their frequency, the underlying pathophysiology of tics/Tourette syndrome remains unknown. In this review, we discuss a variety of controversies surrounding the pathophysiology of tics, including the following: Are tics voluntary or involuntary? What is the role of the premonitory urge? Are tics due to excess excitatory or deficient inhibition? Is it time to adopt the contemporary version of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical (CBGTC) circuit? and Do we know the primary abnormal neurotransmitter in Tourette syndrome? Data from convergent clinical and animal model studies support complex interactions among the various CBGTC sites and neurotransmitters. Advances are being made; however, numerous pathophysiologic questions persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey S Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Farhan Augustine
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Elevated striatal γ-aminobutyric acid in youth with major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:203-210. [PMID: 29890194 PMCID: PMC6563904 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. Our previous work has specifically linked anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) GABA deficits with anhedonia in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). As anhedonia reflects alterations within the reward circuitry, we sought to extend this investigation and examine GABA levels in another key reward-related region, the striatum, in the same adolescent population. METHODS Thirty-six youth [20 with MDD and 16 healthy controls; (HC)], ages 12 to 21 years old, underwent J-edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) whereby GABA levels were measured in striatal and ACC voxels. GABA levels were compared between groups and between voxel positions and were examined in relation to clinical symptomatology, such as depression severity, anhedonia, anxiety, and suicidality. RESULTS Depressed youth had unexpectedly higher GABA levels in the striatum compared to HC. In both depressed and healthy youth, GABA levels were higher in the striatum than in the ACC, while the differences in depressed youth were greater. Moreover, in depressed youth, higher striatal GABA above the mean of HCs was correlated with lower ACC GABA below the mean of HCs. Striatal GABA was not correlated with clinical symptomatology in this small sample. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings suggest that higher striatal GABA levels may serve some compensatory function as a result of lower ACC GABA in depressed adolescents. It is also possible that, like lower ACC GABA, higher striatal GABA might simply be another pathological feature of adolescent depression.
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Hartmann A, Deniau E, Czernecki V, Negovanska V, d’Harcourt S, Depienne C, Klein-Koerkamp Y, Worbe Y. Tic e sindrome di Gilles de la Tourette. Neurologia 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(18)89402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Mahone EM, Puts NA, Edden RAE, Ryan M, Singer HS. GABA and glutamate in children with Tourette syndrome: A 1H MR spectroscopy study at 7T. Psychiatry Res 2018; 273:46-53. [PMID: 29329743 PMCID: PMC5815927 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by presence of chronic, fluctuating motor and phonic tics. The underlying neurobiological basis for these movements is hypothesized to involve cortical-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) pathways. Two major neurotransmitters within these circuits are γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Seventy-five participants (32 with TS, 43 controls) ages 5-12 years completed 1H MRS at 7T. GABA and glutamate were measured in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), premotor cortex (PMC), and striatum, and metabolites quantified using LCModel. Participants also completed neuropsychological assessment emphasizing inhibitory control. Scans were well tolerated by participants. Across ROIs combined, glutamate was significantly higher in the TS group, compared to controls, with no significant group differences in GABA observed. ROI analyses revealed significantly increased PMC glutamate in the TS group. Among children with TS, increased PMC glutamate was associated with improved selective motor inhibition; however, no significant associations were identified between levels of glutamate or GABA and tic severity. The dopaminergic system has long been considered to have a dominant role in TS. Accumulating evidence, however, suggests involvement of other neurotransmitter systems. Data obtained using 1H MRS at 7T supports alteration of glutamate within habitual behavior-related CSTC pathways of children with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 1750 E. Fairmount Ave., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Harvey S Singer
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Forde NJ, Naaijen J, Lythgoe DJ, Akkermans SEA, Openneer TJC, Dietrich A, Zwiers MP, Hoekstra PJ, Buitelaar JK. Multi-modal imaging investigation of anterior cingulate cortex cytoarchitecture in neurodevelopment. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:13-23. [PMID: 29223496 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Multi-modal imaging may improve our understanding of the relationship between cortical morphology and cytoarchitecture. To this end we integrated the analyses of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) metrics within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Considering the ACCs role in neurodevelopmental disorders, we also investigated the association between neuropsychiatric symptoms and the various metrics. T1 and diffusion-weighted MRI and 1H-MRS (ACC voxel) data along with phenotypic information were acquired from children (8-12 years) with various neurodevelopmental disorders (n=95) and healthy controls (n=50). From within the MRS voxel mean diffusivity (MD) of the grey matter fraction, intrinsic curvature (IC) of the surface and concentrations of creatine, choline, glutamate, N-acetylaspartate and myo-inositol were extracted. Linear models were used to investigate if the neurochemicals predicted MD and IC or if MD predicted IC. Finally, measures of various symptom severities were included to determine the influence of symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders. All five neurochemicals inversely predicted MD (all puncorrected<0.04, β=0.23-0.36). There was no association between IC and MD or IC and the neurochemicals (all p>0.05). Severity of autism symptoms related positively to MD (puncorrected=0.002, β=0.39). Our findings support the notion that the neurochemicals relate to cytoarchitecture within the cortex. Additionally, we showed that autism symptoms across participants relate to the ACC cytoarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Forde
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of (Child and Adolescent) Psychiatry, Postbus 660, 9700 AR Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jilly Naaijen
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David J Lythgoe
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Neuroimaging, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie E A Akkermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thaïra J C Openneer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of (Child and Adolescent) Psychiatry, Postbus 660, 9700 AR Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Dietrich
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of (Child and Adolescent) Psychiatry, Postbus 660, 9700 AR Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel P Zwiers
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of (Child and Adolescent) Psychiatry, Postbus 660, 9700 AR Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Schmidt-Wilcke T, Fuchs E, Funke K, Vlachos A, Müller-Dahlhaus F, Puts NAJ, Harris RE, Edden RAE. GABA-from Inhibition to Cognition: Emerging Concepts. Neuroscientist 2017; 24:501-515. [PMID: 29283020 DOI: 10.1177/1073858417734530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural functioning and plasticity can be studied on different levels of organization and complexity ranging from the molecular and synaptic level to neural circuitry of whole brain networks. Across neuroscience different methods are being applied to better understand the role of various neurotransmitter systems in the evolution of perception and cognition. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain and, depending on the brain region, up to 25% of the total number of cortical neurons are GABAergic interneurons. At the one end of the spectrum, GABAergic neurons have been accurately described with regard to cell morphological, molecular, and electrophysiological properties; at the other end researchers try to link GABA concentrations in specific brain regions to human behavior using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. One of the main challenges of modern neuroscience currently is to integrate knowledge from highly specialized subfields at distinct biological scales into a coherent picture that bridges the gap between molecules and behavior. In the current review, recent findings from different fields of GABA research are summarized delineating a potential strategy to develop a more holistic picture of the function and role of GABA.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schmidt-Wilcke
- 1 Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,2 Mauritius Therapieklinik Meerbusch, Meerbusch, Germany
| | - E Fuchs
- 3 Department of Clinical Neurobiology, Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K Funke
- 4 Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty of Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - A Vlachos
- 5 Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - F Müller-Dahlhaus
- 6 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,7 Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - N A J Puts
- 8 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,9 F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R E Harris
- 10 Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R A E Edden
- 8 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,9 F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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