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Kafetzopoulos V, Kokras N, Katsaitis F, Sousa N, Leite-Almeida H, Sotiropoulos I, Dalla C. Prefrontal cortex-nucleus reuniens-hippocampus network exhibits sex-differentiated responses to stress and antidepressant treatment in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06667-w. [PMID: 39162717 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06667-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Depression is a serious psychiatric disease, which is diagnosed twice as frequently in women than men. We have recently shown that lesioning or inactivation of the nucleus reuniens (RE), which interconnects the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, promoted resilience to stress in males, exerts an antidepressant effect in the Forced Swim Test (FST) and prevents the development of behavioral and neurobiological alterations induced by the chronic mild stress model of depression. OBJECTIVES In this study, we expand our findings on the FST in female rats and we investigate whether RE lesion presents sex differences following treatment with two distinct antidepressants, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, i.e. sertraline and a tricyclic antidepressant, i.e. clomipramine. METHODS Male and female rats received either a surgical lesion of the RE or sham operation, then treated with vehicle, sertraline (10mg/kg) or clomipramine (10mg/kg) and were subjected to the FST. Activation of key brain areas of interest (PFC, Hippocampus and RE) were measured by c-Fos immunoreactivity. RESULTS RE lesion induced an antidepressant-like phenotype in both female and male rats, confirming its crucial role in the stress response. Similarly to RE lesion, sertraline treatment resulted in increased swimming and decreased immobility duration, as well as enhanced head shake frequency, in both sexes. Notably, climbing behavior was increased only following clomipramine treatment. RE area was less active in females compared to male rats and in clomipramine-treated males compared to their corresponding vehicle-group. Activation of the PFC and the CA1 hippocampal area was reduced in clomipramine-treated females, in comparison to vehicle-treated female rats. This effect was not evident in males, which exhibited less activation in the PFC and the hippocampus than females. CONCLUSION Re lesion proves equally effective in female and male rats, but sex is highlighted as a pivotal factor in behavioral and treatment response in FST, as well as in related circuit connectivity and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kafetzopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St, Athens, 11527, Greece
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - N Kokras
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Filippos Katsaitis
- Laboratory of Brain Exosomes & Pathology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
| | - N Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center (2CA), Braga, Portugal
| | - H Leite-Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - I Sotiropoulos
- Laboratory of Brain Exosomes & Pathology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St, Athens, 11527, Greece.
- Second Department of Obstetrics - Gynecology, Aretaieio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Garcia-Olivares J, Yegla B, Bymaster FP, Earnest J, Koch J, Yu C, Rubin J. Viloxazine Increases Extracellular Concentrations of Norepinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex at Doses Relevant for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Exp Pharmacol 2024; 16:13-24. [PMID: 38249320 PMCID: PMC10799649 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s433524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Viloxazine ER (viloxazine extended-release capsules; Qelbree®), a nonstimulant attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, has known activity as a norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) inhibitor. In vitro studies have also shown direct pharmacological effects on specific serotonin (5-HT) receptors, but not on the serotonin transporter (SERT). An in vivo microdialysis study in rats showed viloxazine (50 mg/kg i.p.) increased extracellular 5-HT, NE, and dopamine (DA) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a key brain region in ADHD pathology. This study evaluated whether these effects occur at clinically relevant concentrations. Methods Microdialysis experiments were conducted in freely-moving, Sprague-Dawley rats (males, 8 weeks). Viloxazine (1, 3, 10, 30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to establish the dose range in rats at which viloxazine plasma concentrations aligned with those of individuals with ADHD administered therapeutic doses of viloxazine ER. Concentrations of unbound viloxazine, NE, 5-HT, DA, and NE and 5-HT metabolites (3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycol [DHPG] and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA]) were measured in PFC interstitial fluid. After identifying a therapeutically relevant dose (30 mg/kg), the experiment was repeated using 30 and 50 mg/kg viloxazine (as 50 mg/kg increased NE, 5-HT, and DA in prior studies). Results Viloxazine unbound (free drug) plasma concentrations in rats at 30 mg/kg were comparable to free drug concentrations in individuals with ADHD taking clinically effective doses (based on validated population PK models). Viloxazine 30 mg/kg significantly increased extracellular NE, 5-HT, and DA PFC levels compared to vehicle. Concomitant decreases in DHPG, but not 5-HIAA, support the inhibitory effect of viloxazine on NET but not SERT. Conclusion At clinically relevant concentrations, viloxazine increases PFC NE, DA, and 5-HT. Prefrontal augmentation of 5-HT does not appear to result from 5-HT reuptake inhibition but may be related to activation of 5-HT neurons. The potential therapeutic role of serotonergic effects in ADHD treatment merits further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jami Earnest
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Chungping Yu
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
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Hodes GE, Bangasser D, Sotiropoulos I, Kokras N, Dalla C. Sex Differences in Stress Response: Classical Mechanisms and Beyond. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:475-494. [PMID: 37855285 PMCID: PMC10845083 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231005090134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders, which are associated with stress hormone dysregulation, occur at different rates in men and women. Moreover, nowadays, preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrates that sex and gender can lead to differences in stress responses that predispose males and females to different expressions of similar pathologies. In this curated review, we focus on what is known about sex differences in classic mechanisms of stress response, such as glucocorticoid hormones and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which are components of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis. Then, we present sex differences in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and GABA, as well as indices of neurodegeneration, such as amyloid β and Tau. Gonadal hormone effects, such as estrogens and testosterone, are also discussed throughout the review. We also review in detail preclinical data investigating sex differences caused by recentlyrecognized regulators of stress and disease, such as the immune system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, as well neurosteroids. Finally, we discuss how understanding sex differences in stress responses, as well as in pharmacology, can be leveraged into novel, more efficacious therapeutics for all. Based on the supporting evidence, it is obvious that incorporating sex as a biological variable into preclinical research is imperative for the understanding and treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debra Bangasser
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications NCSR “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders carry a tremendous worldwide burden and emerge as a significant cause of disability among western societies. Both disorders are known to disproportionally affect women, as they are twice more likely to be diagnosed and moreover, they are also prone to suffer from female-specific mood disorders. Importantly, the prevalence of these affective disorders has notably risen after the COVID pandemic, especially in women. In this chapter, we describe factors that are possibly contributing to the expression of such sex differences in depression and anxiety. For this, we overview the effect of transcriptomic and genetic factors, the immune system, neuroendocrine aspects, and cognition. Furthermore, we also provide evidence of sex differences in antidepressant response and their causes. Finally, we emphasize the importance to consider sex as a biological variable in preclinical and clinical research, which may facilitate the discovery and development of new and more efficacious antidepressant and anxiolytic pharmacotherapies for both women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Pavlidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Metz VG, da Rosa JLO, Rossato DR, Burger ME, Pase CS. Cannabidiol treatment prevents drug reinstatement and the molecular alterations evoked by amphetamine on receptors and enzymes from dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173427. [PMID: 35810923 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In psychostimulant drug addiction, relapse is the most concerning outcome to be managed, considering there is no approved treatment for this neuropsychiatric condition. Here, we investigated the effects of the CBD treatment on the relapse behavior triggered by stress, after being submitted to the amphetamine (AMPH)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. To elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying the CBD treatment, we evaluated the neuroadaptations on dopaminergic and endocannabinoid targets in the ventral striatum (VS) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. Animals received d,l-AMPH (4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle in the CPP paradigm for 8 days. Following the first CPP test, animals were treated with CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle for 5 days and subsequently submitted to forced swim stress protocol to induce AMPH-CPP relapse. Behavioral findings showed that CBD treatment prevented AMPH-reinstatement, also exerting anxiolytic activity. At the molecular level, in the VTA, CBD restored the CB1R levels decreased by AMPH-exposure, increased NAPE-PLD, and decreased FAAH levels. In the VS, the increase of D1R and D2R, as well as the decrease of DAT levels induced by AMPH were restored by CBD treatment. The current outcomes evidence a substantial preventive action of the CBD on the AMPH-reinstatement evoked by stress, also involving neuroadaptations in both dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems in brain areas closely involved in the addiction. Although further studies are needed, these findings support the therapeutic potential of CBD in AMPH-relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícia Garzella Metz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Camila Simonetti Pase
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Kowalczyk J, Nakos-Bimpos M, Polissidis A, Dalla C, Kokras N, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Budzyńska B. Imperatorin Influences Depressive-like Behaviors: A Preclinical Study on Behavioral and Neurochemical Sex Differences. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27041179. [PMID: 35208969 PMCID: PMC8875245 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Imperatorin, a naturally derived furanocoumarin, exerts promising neuropharmacological properties. Therefore, it might be applicable in the treatment of brain diseases such as depression. In the present project, we aimed to investigate the sex-dependent effects of imperatorin (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on behavior and neurochemistry associated with antidepressant effects. The depressive-like behaviors of male and female Swiss mice were investigated in a forced swim test (FST). Subsequently, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate the level of serotonin, its metabolite, 5-HIAA, and noradrenaline, in mouse brains. The study revealed that only males responded to imperatorin (1 and 5 mg/kg) treatment and caused an antidepressant effect, such as with respect to depressive-like behaviors, lowering immobility time and increasing immobility latency. The HPLC analysis demonstrated that serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex of females decreased with the middle dose of imperatorin (5 mg/kg), while in the male prefrontal cortex, the lower dose (1 mg/kg) boosted serotonin levels. There were no evident changes observed with respect to noradrenaline and serotonin metabolite levels in the male hippocampus. To conclude, we propose that imperatorin has antidepressant potential, seemingly only in males, influencing brain serotonin level, but the direct mechanism of action requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kowalczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Modestos Nakos-Bimpos
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.N.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.N.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (N.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (N.K.)
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (B.B.)
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Patrício P, Mateus-Pinheiro A, Machado-Santos AR, Alves ND, Correia JS, Morais M, Bessa JM, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N, Pinto L. Cell Cycle Regulation of Hippocampal Progenitor Cells in Experimental Models of Depression and after Treatment with Fluoxetine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111798. [PMID: 34769232 PMCID: PMC8584049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in adult hippocampal cell proliferation and genesis have been largely implicated in depression and antidepressant action, though surprisingly, the underlying cell cycle mechanisms are largely undisclosed. Using both an in vivo unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) rat model of depression and in vitro rat hippocampal-derived neurosphere culture approaches, we aimed to unravel the cell cycle mechanisms regulating hippocampal cell proliferation and genesis in depression and after antidepressant treatment. We show that the hippocampal dentate gyrus (hDG) of uCMS animals have less proliferating cells and a decreased proportion of cells in the G2/M phase, suggesting a G1 phase arrest; this is accompanied by decreased levels of cyclin D1, E, and A expression. Chronic fluoxetine treatment reversed the G1 phase arrest and promoted an up-regulation of cyclin E. In vitro, dexamethasone (DEX) decreased cell proliferation, whereas the administration of serotonin (5-HT) reversed it. DEX also induced a G1-phase arrest and decreased cyclin D1 and D2 expression levels while increasing p27. Additionally, 5-HT treatment could partly reverse the G1-phase arrest and restored cyclin D1 expression. We suggest that the anti-proliferative actions of chronic stress in the hDG result from a glucocorticoid-mediated G1-phase arrest in the progenitor cells that is partly mediated by decreased cyclin D1 expression which may be overcome by antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- B’nML—Behavioral &Molecular Lab, 4715-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (L.P.)
| | - António Mateus-Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- B’nML—Behavioral &Molecular Lab, 4715-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Machado-Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Dinis Alves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joana Sofia Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mónica Morais
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Miguel Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- B’nML—Behavioral &Molecular Lab, 4715-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.M.-P.); (A.R.M.-S.); (N.D.A.); (J.S.C.); (M.M.); (J.M.B.); (A.J.R.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- B’nML—Behavioral &Molecular Lab, 4715-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (L.P.)
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Bruschetta G, Jin S, Liu ZW, Kim JD, Diano S. MC 4R Signaling in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Controls Feeding, Anxiety, and Depression. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108267. [PMID: 33053350 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is associated with weight loss and decreased appetite; however, the signaling that connects these conditions is unclear. Here, we show that MC4R signaling in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) affects feeding, anxiety, and depression. DRN infusion of α-MSH decreases DRN neuronal activation and feeding. DRN MC4R is expressed in GABAergic PRCP-producing neurons. DRN selective knockdown of PRCP (PrcpDRNKD), an enzyme inactivating α-MSH, decreases feeding and DRN neuronal activation. Interestingly, PrcpDRNKD mice present lower DRN serotonin levels and depressive-like behavior. Similarly, PRCP-ablated MC4R mice (PrcpMC4RKO) show metabolic and behavioral phenotypes comparable to those of PrcpDRNKD mice. Selective PRCP re-expression in DRN MC4R neurons of PrcpMC4RKO mice partially reverses feeding, while fully restoring mood behaviors. Chemogenetic inhibition of DRN MC4R neurons induces anxiety, depression, and reduced feeding, whereas chemogenetic activation reverses these effects. Our results indicate that MC4R signaling in DRN plays a role in feeding, anxiety, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sungho Jin
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zhong-Wu Liu
- Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jung Dae Kim
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sabrina Diano
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Inflammation-Induced Histamine Impairs the Capacity of Escitalopram to Increase Hippocampal Extracellular Serotonin. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6564-6577. [PMID: 34083254 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2618-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit the serotonin transporter to correct a presumed deficit in extracellular serotonin signaling during depression. These agents bring clinical relief to many who take them; however, a significant and growing number of individuals are resistant to SSRIs. There is emerging evidence that inflammation plays a significant role in the clinical variability of SSRIs, though how SSRIs and inflammation intersect with synaptic serotonin modulation remains unknown. In this work, we use fast in vivo serotonin measurement tools to investigate the nexus between serotonin, inflammation, and SSRIs. Upon acute systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in male and female mice, we find robust decreases in extracellular serotonin in the mouse hippocampus. We show that these decreased serotonin levels are supported by increased histamine activity (because of inflammation), acting on inhibitory histamine H3 heteroreceptors on serotonin terminals. Importantly, under LPS-induced histamine increase, the ability of escitalopram to augment extracellular serotonin is impaired because of an off-target action of escitalopram to inhibit histamine reuptake. Finally, we show that a functional decrease in histamine synthesis boosts the ability of escitalopram to increase extracellular serotonin levels following LPS. This work reveals a profound effect of inflammation on brain chemistry, specifically the rapidity of inflammation-induced decreased extracellular serotonin, and points the spotlight at a potentially critical player in the pathology of depression, histamine. The serotonin/histamine homeostasis thus, may be a crucial new avenue in improving serotonin-based treatments for depression.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acute LPS-induced inflammation (1) increases CNS histamine, (2) decreases CNS serotonin (via inhibitory histamine receptors), and (3) prevents a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) from effectively increasing extracellular serotonin. A targeted depletion of histamine recovers SSRI-induced increases in extracellular hippocampal serotonin.
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Kokras N, Poulogiannopoulou E, Sotiropoulos MG, Paravatou R, Goudani E, Dimitriadou M, Papakonstantinou E, Doxastakis G, Perrea DN, Hloupis G, Angelis A, Argyropoulou A, Tsarbopoulos A, Skaltsounis AL, Dalla C. Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Total Phenolic Content and Sideritis Extract in Female Mice. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215000. [PMID: 33126727 PMCID: PMC7663189 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive and behavioral effects of extra virgin olive oil total phenolic content (TPC) and Sideritis (SID) extracts in female mice, and identify the associated neurochemical changes in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. All animals received intraperitoneal low or high doses of TPC, SID or vehicle treatment for 7 days and were subjected to the Open Field (OF), Novel Object Recognition (NOR) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were dissected for analysis of neurotransmitters and aminoacids with high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Both TPC doses enhanced vertical activity and center entries in the OF, which could indicate an anxiolytic-like effect. In addition, TPC enhanced non-spatial working memory and, in high doses, exerted antidepressant effects. On the other hand, high SID doses remarkably decreased the animals’ overall activity. Locomotor and exploratory activities were closely associated with cortical increases in serotonin turnover induced by both treatments. Cognitive performance was linked to glutamate level changes. Furthermore, TPC reduced cortical taurine levels, while SID reduced cortical aspartate levels. TPC seems to have promising cognitive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, whereas SID has sedative effects in high doses. Both extracts act in the brain, but their specific actions and properties merit further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias Avenue 72–74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Poulogiannopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Marinos G. Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Rafaella Paravatou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Eleni Goudani
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Maria Dimitriadou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Electra Papakonstantinou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
| | - George Doxastakis
- Electronic Devices and Materials Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, Agiou Spiridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece; (G.D.); (G.H.)
| | - Despina N. Perrea
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Hloupis
- Electronic Devices and Materials Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, Agiou Spiridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece; (G.D.); (G.H.)
| | - Apostolis Angelis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (A.A.); (A.-L.S.)
| | - Aikaterini Argyropoulou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (A.A.); (A.-L.S.)
| | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
- Bioanalytical Department, GAIA Research Center, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Othonos 100, Kifissia, 14562 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (A.A.); (A.-L.S.)
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.K.); (E.P.); (M.G.S.); (R.P.); (E.G.); (M.D.); (E.P.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Cunha AM, Guimarães MR, Kokras N, Sotiropoulos I, Sousa N, Almeida A, Dalla C, Leite-Almeida H. Mesocorticolimbic monoamines in a rodent model of chronic neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2020; 737:135309. [PMID: 32818589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain manifests in multiple disorders and is highly debilitating. While its pathophysiology is not fully understood, the involvement of the mesocorticolimbic monoaminergic systems have been shown to play a critical role in chronic pain emergence and/or maintenance. In this study, we analyzed the levels of monoamines dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in mesocorticolimbic areas - medial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens and amygdala - 1 month after a neuropathic lesion, Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). In SNI animals, were observed a marginal decrease of DA and 5-HT in the striatum and a rightward shift in the levels of NA in the nucleus accumbens. While mesocorticolimbic monoamines might be relevant for chronic pain pathophysiology its content appears to be relatively unaffected in our experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marco Rafael Guimarães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Armando Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hugo Leite-Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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12
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Kokras N, Dioli C, Paravatou R, Sotiropoulos MG, Delis F, Antoniou K, Calogeropoulou T, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Dalla C. Psychoactive properties of BNN27, a novel neurosteroid derivate, in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2435-2449. [PMID: 32506234 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Νeurosteroids, like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), play an important role in neurodegeneration and neural protection, but they are metabolized in androgens, estrogens, or other active metabolites. A newly developed synthetic DHEA analog, BNN27 ((20R)-3β,21-dihydroxy-17R,20-epoxy-5-pregnene), exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions without estrogenic or androgenic effects. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate potential anxiolytic or antidepressant properties of BNN27. METHODS Male and female adult Wistar rats were treated with BNN27 (10, 30, or 90 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to behavioral tests measuring locomotion, exploration, and "depressive-like" behavior (open field, light/dark box, hole-board, and forced swim tests). The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were collected for glutamate and GABA measurements, and trunk blood was collected for gonadal hormone analysis. RESULTS Acute high-dose BNN27 reduced locomotion and exploratory behavior in both sexes. Intermediate acute doses (30 mg/kg) of BNN27 reduced exploration and testosterone levels only in males, and enhanced progesterone levels in both sexes. Notably, with the present design, BNN27 had neither anxiolytic nor antidepressant effects and did not affect estrogen levels. Interestingly, acute administration of a low BNN27 dose (10 mg/kg) increased glutamate turnover, GABA, and glutamine levels in the hippocampus. The same dose also enhanced glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex of males only. Sex differences were apparent in the basal levels of behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical parameters, as expected. CONCLUSIONS BNN27 affects locomotion, progesterone, and testosterone levels, as well as the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in a sex-dependent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Dioli
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Rafaella Paravatou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos G Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale ΒΤΜ 9002AA, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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13
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Effect of sertraline on central serotonin and hippocampal plasticity in pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 166:107950. [PMID: 31935392 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most frequently prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) for peripartum mood and anxiety disorders is sertraline (Zoloft®). Sertraline can help alleviate mood and anxiety symptoms in many women but it is not known how sertraline, or SSRIs in general, affect the neurobiology of the brain particularly when pregnant. The aim of this study was to investigate how sertraline affects plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain area integral in depression and SSRI efficacy (particularly in males), during late pregnancy and whether these effects differ from the effects of sertraline in non-pregnant females. To do this pregnant and age-matched non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. For the last half of pregnancy (10 days), and at matched points in non-pregnant females, rats were given sertraline (2.5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (0 mg/kg/day). Brains were used to investigate effects on the serotonergic system in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and measures of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Results show that pregnant females have significantly higher serum levels of sertraline compared to non-pregnant females but that rates of serotonin turnover in the hippocampus and PFC are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant females. Sertraline increased synaptophysin density in the dentate gyrus and CA3 and was associated with a decrease in cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of non-pregnant, but not pregnant, females. During late pregnancy the hippocampus showed significant reductions in neurogenesis and increases in synaptophysin density. This research highlights the need to consider the unique effect of reproductive state on the neuropharmacology of SSRIs.
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Liu SC, Hu WY, Zhang WY, Yang L, Li Y, Xiao ZC, Zhang M, He ZY. Paeoniflorin attenuates impairment of spatial learning and hippocampal long-term potentiation in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2823-2834. [PMID: 31115613 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE Paeoniflorin has been reported to exhibit antidepressant-like effects in several animal model depression; and it also exerts a neuroprotective effect. In the present study, we investigated the effects of paeoniflorin administration on depression-like behaviors and cognitive abilities in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), an animal model associated with depressive disorders and cognitive deficits. METHODS We administered paeoniflorin (20 mg/kg), which is the main active constituent extracted from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and exerts multiple pharmacological actions, to CUMS mice. Subsequently, animals were subjected to tests of depression-like behavior including the sucrose preference test, the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test. The Morris water maze (MWM) task was applied to evaluate learning and memory capacity. Hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) was recorded. Dendritic spine density and the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus were also investigated. RESULTS The administration of paeoniflorin protected against CUMS-induced depression-like behavior. Paeoniflorin also improved the performance of CUMS mice in the MWM. The impairment of hippocampal CA1 LTP caused by CUMS was also reversed. Furthermore, paeoniflorin administration prevented decreases in dendritic spine density and in the expression of BDNF and PSD95 in the hippocampus of CUMS mice. CONCLUSION Our observations suggest that paeoniflorin is a potential antidepressant that protects against cognitive impairment in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Cheng Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Wei-Yan Hu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, 3800, Australia.,School of Pharmaceutical Science & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wei-Yuan Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yan Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Xiao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, 3800, Australia
| | - Ming Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Zhi-Yong He
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China. .,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, 3800, Australia.
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15
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Furuse K, Ukai W, Hashimoto E, Hashiguchi H, Kigawa Y, Ishii T, Tayama M, Deriha K, Shiraishi M, Kawanishi C. Antidepressant activities of escitalopram and blonanserin on prenatal and adolescent combined stress-induced depression model: Possible role of neurotrophic mechanism change in serum and nucleus accumbens. J Affect Disord 2019; 247:97-104. [PMID: 30658246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been number of studies suggesting experiences of adversity in early life interrelated subsequent brain development, however, neurobiological mechanisms confer risk for onset of psychiatric illness remains unclear. METHODS In order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying early life adversity-induced refractory depression in more detail, we administered corticosterone (CORT) to adolescent rats with or without prenatal ethanol exposure followed by an antidepressant or antipsychotic and examined alterations in depressive and social function behaviors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in serum, the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and nucleus accumbens. RESULTS The combined stress exposure of prenatal ethanol and adolescent CORT prolonged immobility times in the forced swim test (FST), and increased investigation times and numbers in the social interaction test (SIT). A treatment with escitalopram reversed depression-like behavior accompanied by reductions in BDNF levels in serum and the nucleus accumbens, while a treatment with blonanserin ameliorated abnormal social interaction behavior with reductions in serum BDNF levels. LIMITATIONS Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical evinces responding to these results, and many questions remain regarding the mechanisms by which refractory depression and antidepressant/antipsychotic treatments cause changes in serum and brain regional BDNF levels. CONCLUSION These results strongly implicate changes in BDNF levels in serum and the nucleus accumbens in the pathophysiology and treatment of early life combined stress-induced depression and highlight the therapeutic potential of escitalopram and new generation antipsychotic blonanserin for treatment-resistant refractory depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Furuse
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Wataru Ukai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan.
| | - Eri Hashimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Hanako Hashiguchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Kigawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Takao Ishii
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Masaya Tayama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Kenta Deriha
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Masaki Shiraishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
| | - Chiaki Kawanishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0608543, Japan
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16
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Hale MW, Lukkes JL, Dady KF, Kelly KJ, Paul ED, Smith DG, Heinze JD, Raison CL, Lowry CA. Interactions between whole-body heating and citalopram on body temperature, antidepressant-like behaviour, and neurochemistry in adolescent male rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 359:428-439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Kokras N, Sotiropoulos I, Besinis D, Tzouveka EL, Almeida OFX, Sousa N, Dalla C. Neuroplasticity-related correlates of environmental enrichment combined with physical activity differ between the sexes. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1-15. [PMID: 30497839 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.11.1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE), comprising positive physical (exercise) and cognitive stimuli, influences neuronal structure and usually improves brain function. The promise of EE as a preventative strategy against neuropsychiatric disease is especially high during early postnatal development when the brain is still amenable to reorganization. Despite the fact that male and female brains differ in terms of connectivity and function that may reflect early life experiences, knowledge of the neural substrates and mechanisms by which such changes arise remains limited. This study compared the impact of EE combined with physical activity on neuroplasticity and its functional consequences in adult male and female rats; EE was provided during the first 3 months of life and our analysis focused on the hippocampus, an area implicated in cognitive behavior as well as the neuroendocrine response to stress. Both male and female rats reared in EE displayed better object recognition memory than their control counterparts. Interestingly, sex differences were revealed in the effects of EE on time spent exploring the objects during this test. Independently of sex, EE increased hippocampal turnover rates of dopamine and serotonin and reduced expression of 5-HT1A receptors; in addition, EE upregulated expression of synaptophysin, a presynaptic protein, in the hippocampus. As compared to their respective controls, EE-exposed males exhibited parallel increases in phosphorylated Tau and the GluN2B receptor, whereas females responded to EE with reduced hippocampal levels of glutamate and GluN2B. Together, these observations provide further evidence on the differential effects of EE on markers of hippocampal neuroplasticity in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal; Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - D Besinis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - E L Tzouveka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece
| | | | - N Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - C Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece.
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Kott J, Mooney-Leber S, Li J, Brummelte S. Elevated stress hormone levels and antidepressant treatment starting before pregnancy affect maternal care and litter characteristics in an animal model of depression. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:101-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Kokras N, Pastromas N, Papasava D, de Bournonville C, Cornil CA, Dalla C. Sex differences in behavioral and neurochemical effects of gonadectomy and aromatase inhibition in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 87:93-107. [PMID: 29054014 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors, which are widely used for the treatment of estrogen-dependent cancers, have been associated with psychiatric side effects ranging from mania to depression. In the present study, we investigated sex differences in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of aromatase inhibition on male and female, sham-operated or gonadectomized adult rats. Three weeks after surgery, rats received chronic treatment with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole or vehicle and were then subjected to the open field test, which assesses general activity. Half of the subjects were subsequently exposed to the stressful procedure of the forced swim test (FST), which is also a test of antidepressant activity. Aromatase activity was analyzed in the hypothalamus and testosterone and corticosterone were assayed in the blood serum of all rats. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were analyzed for monoamine (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin), as well as amino acid (GABA, glutamate, glycine, taurine, alanine and histidine) levels. The observed decrease in hypothalamic aromatase activity confirmed the efficacy of letrozole treatment in both sexes. Moreover, letrozole enhanced testosterone levels in sham-operated females. In the open field test, females were overall more active and explorative than males and gonadectomy eliminated this sex difference. In the FST, females exhibited overall higher immobility than males and gonadectomy further enhanced this passive behavior in both sexes. However, sustained aromatase inhibition had no effect on open field and FST behaviors. Head shakes during FST, which were fewer in females than in males, were reduced by castration in males and by letrozole treatment in ovariectomized females, suggesting a role of testosterone and extra-gonadal estrogens in the expression of this behavior. Sustained aromatase inhibition also decreased noradrenaline and the dopaminergic turnover rates [DOPAC/DA, HVA/DA] in the hippocampus and PFC of male and female rats, irrespectively of gonadectomy. Moreover, letrozole treatment enhanced the serotonergic turnover [5HIAA/5HT] rate in the hippocampus of males and females, irrespectively of gonadectomy. Amino acid levels were not influenced by letrozole, but sex differences were demonstrated with higher levels in the PFC of females vs. males. Present findings suggest that the neuropsychiatric effects of aromatase inhibition can be attributed to the inhibition of extragonadal estrogen synthesis, presumably in the brain, and could be further associated with serotonergic and catecholaminergic changes in brain regions involved in mood and cognition. Importantly, present data could be linked with the neurobiology of affective side-effects in post-menopausal women receiving aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - N Pastromas
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - D Papasava
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - C de Bournonville
- Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Research Group, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - C A Cornil
- Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Research Group, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - C Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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Kafetzopoulos V, Kokras N, Sotiropoulos I, Oliveira JF, Leite-Almeida H, Vasalou A, Sardinha VM, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z, Almeida OFX, Antoniou K, Sousa N, Dalla C. The nucleus reuniens: a key node in the neurocircuitry of stress and depression. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:579-586. [PMID: 28397837 PMCID: PMC5822458 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are connected in a reciprocal manner: whereas the hippocampus projects directly to the PFC, a polysynaptic pathway that passes through the nucleus reuniens (RE) of the thalamus relays inputs from the PFC to the hippocampus. The present study demonstrates that lesioning and/or inactivation of the RE reduces coherence in the PFC-hippocampal pathway, provokes an antidepressant-like behavioral response in the forced swim test and prevents, but does not ameliorate, anhedonia in the chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression. Additionally, RE lesioning before CMS abrogates the well-known neuromorphological and endocrine correlates of CMS. In summary, this work highlights the importance of the reciprocal connectivity between the hippocampus and PFC in the establishment of stress-induced brain pathology and suggests a role for the RE in promoting resilience to depressive illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kafetzopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - J F Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - H Leite-Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - A Vasalou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V M Sardinha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Z Papadopoulou-Daifoti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - O F X Almeida
- NeuroAdaptations Group, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - K Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - N Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - C Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece. E-mail:
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Gemmel M, Kokras N, Dalla C, Pawluski JL. Perinatal fluoxetine prevents the effect of pre-gestational maternal stress on 5-HT in the PFC, but maternal stress has enduring effects on mPFC synaptic structure in offspring. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:168-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Xu Y, Ma L, Jiang W, Li Y, Wang G, Li R. Study of Sex Differences in Duloxetine Efficacy for Depression in Transgenic Mouse Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:344. [PMID: 29163055 PMCID: PMC5671501 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidences show sex differences in risk of developing depressive disorders as well as effect of antidepressants in depression treatment. However, whether such a sex-dependent risk of depression and efficacy of antidepressants is dependent on endogenous estrogen level remain elusive. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms of sex differences in antidepressant duloxetine. In the present study, we used genetic knockout or overexpression estrogen-synthesizing enzyme aromatase (Ar) gene as models for endogenous estrogen deficiency and elevation endogenous estrogen, respectively, to examine the anti-depressive efficacy of duloxetine in males and females by force swimming test (FST). We also measured the sex-specific effect of duloxetine on dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) metabolisms in frontal cortex and hippocampus (HPC). Elevation of brain endogenous estrogen in male and female mice showed a reduction of immobility time in FST compared to control mice. Estrogen deficiency in females showed poor response to duloxetine treatment compared to sex-matched wildtype (WT) or aromatase transgenic mice. In contrast, male mice with estrogen deficiency showed same anti-depressive response to duloxetine treatments as aromatase transgenic mice. Our data showed that the sex different effect of endogenous estrogen on duloxetine-induced anti-depressive behavioral change is associated with brain region-specific changes of dopamine (DA) and 5-HT system. Endogenous estrogen exerts antidepressant effects in both males and females. Lacking of endogenous estrogen reduced antidepressive effect of duloxetine in females only. The endogenous estrogen level alters 5-HT system in female mainly, while both DA and 5-HT metabolisms were regulated by endogenous estrogen levels after duloxetine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rena Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, United States
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23
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Head shaking in the forced swim test: A robust but unexplored sex difference. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 152:90-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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24
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Gestational stress and fluoxetine treatment differentially affect plasticity, methylation and serotonin levels in the PFC and hippocampus of rat dams. Neuroscience 2016; 327:32-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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25
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Sestile CC, Maraschin JC, Rangel MP, Cuman RKN, Audi EA. Antidepressant-like Effect of Insulin in Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119:243-8. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caio C. Sestile
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; State University of Maringa; Maringa Brazil
| | - Jhonatan C. Maraschin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; State University of Maringa; Maringa Brazil
| | - Marcel P. Rangel
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; State University of Maringa; Maringa Brazil
| | - Roberto K. N. Cuman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; State University of Maringa; Maringa Brazil
| | - Elisabeth A. Audi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; State University of Maringa; Maringa Brazil
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26
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Kokras N, Antoniou K, Mikail HG, Kafetzopoulos V, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z, Dalla C. Forced swim test: What about females? Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:408-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Gemmel M, Rayen I, Lotus T, van Donkelaar E, Steinbusch HW, De Lacalle S, Kokras N, Dalla C, Pawluski JL. Developmental fluoxetine and prenatal stress effects on serotonin, dopamine, and synaptophysin density in the PFC and hippocampus of offspring at weaning. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:315-27. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gemmel
- Department of Biological Sciences; Ohio University; Athens OH
| | - Ine Rayen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience; Maastricht University; Maastricht Netherlands
| | - Tiffany Lotus
- Department of Biological Sciences; Ohio University; Athens OH
| | - Eva van Donkelaar
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience; Maastricht University; Maastricht Netherlands
| | - Harry W. Steinbusch
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience; Maastricht University; Maastricht Netherlands
| | | | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School; University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School; University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - Jodi L. Pawluski
- Department of Biological Sciences; Ohio University; Athens OH
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience; Maastricht University; Maastricht Netherlands
- University of Rennes 1, IRSET-INSERM U1085; Rennes Cedex France
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Neonatal tactile stimulation decreases depression‐like and anxiety‐like behaviors and potentiates sertraline action in young rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 47:192-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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29
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Amodeo LR, Greenfield VY, Humphrey DE, Varela V, Pipkin JA, Eaton SE, Johnson JD, Plant CP, Harmony ZR, Wang L, Crawford CA. Effects of acute or repeated paroxetine and fluoxetine treatment on affective behavior in male and female adolescent rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3515-28. [PMID: 26141193 PMCID: PMC4561584 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The SSRI antidepressant fluoxetine is one of the few drugs that is effective at treating depression in adolescent humans. In contrast, the SSRI paroxetine has limited efficacy and is more at risk for inducing suicidal behavior. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to more fully characterize the differential actions of paroxetine and fluoxetine. METHODS In experiment 1, male and female rats were injected with paroxetine (2.5 or 10 mg/kg), fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), or vehicle for 10 days starting on postnatal day (PD) 35, and affective behaviors were assessed using sucrose preference and elevated plus maze tasks. A separate set of rats were used to examine monoamine levels. In experiment 2, rats were injected with paroxetine (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg), fluoxetine (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg), or vehicle during the same time frame as experiment 1, and anxiety-like behaviors were measured using elevated plus maze, light/dark box, and acoustic startle. RESULTS Repeated SSRI treatment failed to alter sucrose preference, although both paroxetine and fluoxetine reduced time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and light compartment of the light/dark box. Paroxetine, but not fluoxetine, enhanced acoustic startle and interfered with habituation. Serotonin turnover was decreased by both acute and repeated fluoxetine treatment but unaltered by paroxetine administration. DISCUSSION These results show that repeated treatment with paroxetine and fluoxetine has dissociable actions in adolescent rats. In particular, paroxetine, but not fluoxetine, increases acoustic startle at low doses and may increase sensitivity to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie R Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA
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30
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Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors block the conversion of androgens to oestrogens and are used for the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer in menopause and recently also in premenopausal women. We investigate whether decreased oestrogen synthesis following aromatase inhibition leads to a depressive-like behavioural response in cycling female rats. Using the forced swim test (FST) we estimate the response of acute (three injections in 24 h) and sustained (7 d) letrozole and fluoxetine administration. Acute aromatase inhibition decreases immobility duration in the FST, indicating its antidepressant potential. Instead, sustained aromatase inhibition did not show such antidepressant potential. Testosterone elevation associates with the decreased depressive behaviour in the FST following acute letrozole treatment, but interestingly progesterone explains the increased swimming behaviour. Present findings may have potential implications for women treated with aromatase inhibitors, especially before menopause, as well as for the role of gonadal hormones in the expression of depressive symptoms and antidepressant response.
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31
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Kokras N, Dalla C. Sex differences in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:4595-619. [PMID: 24697577 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are characterized by sex differences in their prevalence, symptomatology and treatment response. Animal models have been widely employed for the investigation of the neurobiology of such disorders and the discovery of new treatments. However, mostly male animals have been used in preclinical pharmacological studies. In this review, we highlight the need for the inclusion of both male and female animals in experimental studies aiming at gender-oriented prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. We present behavioural findings on sex differences from animal models of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Moreover, when available, we include studies conducted across different stages of the oestrous cycle. By inspection of the relevant literature, it is obvious that robust sex differences exist in models of all psychiatric disorders. However, many times results are conflicting, and no clear conclusion regarding the direction of sex differences and the effect of the oestrous cycle is drawn. Moreover, there is a lack of considerable amount of studies using psychiatric drugs in both male and female animals, in order to evaluate the differential response between the two sexes. Notably, while in most cases animal models successfully mimic drug response in both sexes, test parameters and treatment-sensitive behavioural indices are not always the same for male and female rodents. Thus, there is an increasing need to validate animal models for both sexes and use standard procedures across different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece
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32
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The antidepressant-like effect of ethynyl estradiol is mediated by both serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the forced swimming test. Neuroscience 2013; 250:102-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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33
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Jiang P, Zhang WY, Li HD, Cai HL, Liu YP, Chen LY. Stress and vitamin D: altered vitamin D metabolism in both the hippocampus and myocardium of chronic unpredictable mild stress exposed rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:2091-8. [PMID: 23608137 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stressful life events is associated with the onset of major depression and increases the risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality. While recent evidence has indicated the existence of an interrelationship between local vitamin D (VD) metabolism and many aspects of human physiology including brain and heart function, much is still unknown concerning the biological link between VD signaling and stress-induced depressive behavior and cardiac dysfunction. In the present study, we observed the VD intracrine system in the hippocampus and myocardium of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) exposed rats. After 4 weeks of CUMS procedure, rats were induced to a depressive-like state and the cytochromes P450 enzymes involved in VD activating and catabolizing (CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 respectively) and VD receptor (VDR) were assessed by real time RT-PCR and western blot in the hippocampus, myocardium and kidney. In the hippocampus of depressed rats, CYP27B1, CYP24A1 and VDR expression were significantly increased and the local status of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) was higher compared with controls. Furthermore, hippocampal mRNA levels of VD target genes (calbindin-d28k, neurotrophin-3) and RXRα (heterodimeric partner of VDR) were upregulated in response to chronic stress. Similar to the hippocampus, CUMS also induced CYP27B1/CYP24A1/VDR expression in the myocardium. However, renal metabolism of VD and serum1,25(OH)2D status were unchanged. Meanwhile, sertraline treatment could partly normalize the stress-induced alterations of VD metabolism. In conclusion, this study firstly showed a co-elevated expression of CYP27B1/CYP24A1/VDR in both the hippocampus and myocardium of CUMS rats, which suggests VD signaling may be involved in the compensatory mechanism that protect from stress-induced deteriorating effects on the brain and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Bessinis DP, Dalla C, Kokras N, Pitychoutis PM, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z. Sex-dependent neurochemical effects of environmental enrichment in the visual system. Neuroscience 2013; 254:130-40. [PMID: 24042032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in the visual system have been reported in aspects of human vision, such as color perception, peripheral vision and even in the activation of the primary visual cortex. Similarly sex differences have been identified in the visual system of laboratory animals such as monkeys and rats. On the other hand, environmental enrichment (EE) has long been known to affect visual tissues. Taking into consideration the variation in the experimental approaches concerning EE and the sex differences in the visual system, we investigated in male and female rats the serotonergic and dopaminergic effects of EE in the retina and the visual cortex at different time points (i.e. P0-25, P0-P90 and P90-P150). Early EE in adulthood increased the serotonergic activity of the male visual cortex and the female retina (P0-P90). In addition early enrichment (P0-P90) increased dopaminergic activity in the female retina and in the visual cortex of both sexes. Late enrichment increased the serotonergic activity in the retina and visual cortex of both sexes (P90-P150), but increased the dopaminergic activity in the visual cortex only in male animals. In the present study we expose marked sex differences in the neurochemistry of visual tissues and we demonstrate for the first time that EE can in fact modify the serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the retina and visual cortex. Overall, the present study underpins the sex-dependent neurochemical status of the visual system and provides insights into the different mechanisms underlying visual processing in the two sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Bessinis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece
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35
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Novais A, Ferreira AC, Marques F, Pêgo JM, Cerqueira JJ, David-Pereira A, Campos FL, Dalla C, Kokras N, Sousa N, Palha JA, Sousa JC. Neudesin is involved in anxiety behavior: structural and neurochemical correlates. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:119. [PMID: 24058337 PMCID: PMC3766795 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neudesin (also known as neuron derived neurotrophic factor, Nenf) is a scarcely studied putative non-canonical neurotrophic factor. In order to understand its function in the brain, we performed an extensive behavioral characterization (motor, emotional, and cognitive dimensions) of neudesin-null mice. The absence of neudesin leads to an anxious-like behavior as assessed in the elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark box (LDB) and novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) tests, but not in the acoustic startle (AS) test. This anxious phenotype is associated with reduced dopaminergic input and impoverished dendritic arborizations in the dentate gyrus granule neurons of the ventral hippocampus. Interestingly, shorter dendrites are also observed in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of neudesin-null mice. These findings lead us to suggest that neudesin is a novel relevant player in the maintenance of the anxiety circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Novais
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho Braga, Portugal ; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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36
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Attarzadeh-Yazdi G, Karimi S, Azizi P, Yazdi-Ravandi S, Hesam S, Haghparast A. Inhibitory effects of forced swim stress and corticosterone on the acquisition but not expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference: involvement of glucocorticoid receptor in the basolateral amygdala. Behav Brain Res 2013; 252:339-46. [PMID: 23800381 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a common chronic psychiatric disease which represents a global problem and stress has an important role to increase drug addiction and relapse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of physical stress and exogenous corticosterone on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Also, we tried to find out the role of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) of basolateral amygdala (BLA) in this regard. In the CPP paradigm, conditioning score and locomotion activity were recorded by Ethovision software. Male adult rats received forced swim stress (FSS) as a physical stress or corticosterone (10 mg/kg; ip) as a dominant stress hormone in rodents, 10min before morphine injection (5 mg/kg; sc) during three conditioning days (acquisition) or just prior to CPP test in the post-conditioning day (expression). In FSS procedure, animals were forced to swim for 6 min in cylinder filled with water (24-27 °C). To evaluate the role of glucocorticoid receptors in the BLA, different doses of mifepristone (RU38486) as a GR antagonist were injected into the BLA (0.3, 3 and 30 ng/side) during 3-day conditioning phase before FSS or injection of corticosterone in morphine-CPP paradigm. The results showed that FSS and corticosterone reduce the acquisition but not expression of morphine-induced CPP. Moreover, blockade of GRs in the BLA could diminish the inhibitory effects of FSS or corticosterone on the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP. It seems that stress exerts its effect on reward pathway via glucocorticoid receptors in the BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassem Attarzadeh-Yazdi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Krügel U, Fischer J, Radicke S, Sack U, Himmerich H. Antidepressant effects of TNF-α blockade in an animal model of depression. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:611-6. [PMID: 23394815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have repeatedly been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depression. Therefore, we tested the possible antidepressant-like effect of the anti-TNF-α drug etanercept in an animal model of chronic mild stress. Male Wistar rats were assigned to a non-restrained and a restrained protocol for 5 weeks. From beginning of the third week the animals were treated either with Ringer solution daily or with etanercept twice a week (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) instead of Ringer solution (n = 12 each). As reference, imipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered in a third restraint group daily. Naïve non-treated non-restrained rats served as healthy controls (n = 12). In the forced swim test (FST) depression-like behaviour induced by restraint was recorded as enhanced immobile time and reduced climbing activity of the vehicle-treated group in comparison to the naïve and the non-restrained vehicle treated group. The treatment with etanercept significantly reduced the depression-like effects resulting in reduced immobile time in the FST and intensified climbing behaviour (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), both similar to the antidepressive-like effect of imipramine (p < 0.01 both). The repeated restraint induced a loss of body weight gain in the Ringer-treated group which was not reversed, neither by imipramine nor by etanercept. The antidepressant effects of blocking TNF-α using etanercept may be caused by enhancement of serotonergic or noradrenergic neurotransmission or normalization of stress hormone secretion which has to be substantiated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Krügel
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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