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Hercus JC, Salcedo Rubio DA, Osorio Nieto ME, Sturn MML, Keum C, Christians JK. The whole is lesser than the sum of its parts? Dissecting layer-enriched samples of rodent placenta is worth the effort. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00657-X. [PMID: 39317518 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.09.014] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression in the placenta, assessed by bulk RNA-seq, is a common method to explore placental function. Many rodent studies homogenize the entire placenta, and yet doing so may obscure differences within specific functional regions such as the labyrinth, junctional zone and decidua. Conversely, analysis of the whole placenta could generate apparent differences due to changes in composition (e.g., relative amounts of labyrinth vs junctional zone) rather than differential gene expression. We assess the value of dissecting and separately analysing the labyrinth and junctional zone/decidua by comparing RNA-seq results from the labyrinth, junctional zone/decidua combined, and whole placenta from an experiment examining effects of maternal food restriction and fetal sex in C57BL6/J mice at gestational day 17.5. The number of genes identified as differentially expressed in response to maternal food restriction was substantially higher in the labyrinth (910 genes), than in the junctional zone/decidua (50 genes), which in turn was slightly higher than in the whole placenta (3 genes). Only one gene was differentially expressed in all 3 tissue types, and 20 genes were differentially expressed in both the labyrinth and junctional zone/decidua. The larger number of differentially expressed genes in the labyrinth was due to both larger effect sizes and estimates of effect sizes having smaller standard errors. While dissection to obtain layer-enriched samples is slightly more time-consuming than collection of whole placenta and requires some practice, our results show that layer-enrichment is clearly worth the effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess C Hercus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | | | - Mackenzie M L Sturn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Cheayeong Keum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Julian K Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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2
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Sun M, Brivio P, Shan L, Docq S, Heltzel LCMW, Smits CAJ, Middelman A, Vrooman R, Spoelder M, Verheij MMM, Buitelaar JK, Boillot M, Calabrese F, Homberg JR, Hanswijk SI. Offspring's own serotonin transporter genotype, independently from the maternal one, increases anxiety- and depression-like behavior and alters neuroplasticity markers in rats. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:89-101. [PMID: 38220097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developmental changes due to early life variations in the serotonin system affect stress-related behavior and neuroplasticity in adulthood. These outcomes can be caused both by offspring's own and maternal serotonergic genotype. We aimed to dissociate the contribution of the own genotype from the influences of mother genotype. METHODS Sixty-six male homozygous (5-HTT-/-) and heterozygous (5-HTT+/-) serotonin transporter knockout and wild-type rats from constant 5-HTT genotype mothers crossed with varying 5-HTT genotype fathers were subjected to tests assessing anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Additionally, we measured plasma corticosterone levels and mRNA levels of BDNF, GABA system and HPA-axis components in the prelimbic and infralimbic cortex. Finally, we assessed the effect of paternal 5-HTT genotype on these measurements in 5-HTT+/- offspring receiving their knockout allele from their mother or father. RESULTS 5-HTT-/- offspring exhibited increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and sucrose preference test. Furthermore, Bdnf isoform VI expression was reduced in the prelimbic cortex. Bdnf isoform IV and GABA related gene expression was also altered but did not survive false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Finally, 5-HTT+/- offspring from 5-HTT-/- fathers displayed higher levels of anxiety- and depression-like behavior and changes in GABA, BDNF and HPA-axis related gene expression not surviving FDR correction. LIMITATIONS Only male offspring was tested. CONCLUSIONS Offspring's own 5-HTT genotype influences stress-related behaviors and Bdnf isoform VI expression, independently of maternal 5-HTT genotype. Paternal 5-HTT genotype separately influenced these outcomes. These findings advance our understanding of the 5-HTT genotype dependent susceptibility to stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Sun
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ling Shan
- Department Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Docq
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa C M W Heltzel
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Celine A J Smits
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Anthonieke Middelman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Vrooman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Michel M M Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Morgane Boillot
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands.
| | - Sabrina I Hanswijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, the Netherlands
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Kinkade JA, Seetharam AS, Sachdev S, Bivens NJ, Phinney BS, Grigorean G, Roberts RM, Tuteja G, Rosenfeld CS. Extracellular vesicles from mouse trophoblast cells: Effects on neural progenitor cells and potential participants in the placenta-brain axis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:310-328. [PMID: 37883444 PMCID: PMC10873279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The fetal brain of the mouse is thought to be dependent upon the placenta as a source of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and other factors. How factors reach the developing brain remains uncertain but are postulated here to be part of the cargo carried by placental extracellular vesicles (EV). We have analyzed the protein, catecholamine, and small RNA content of EV from mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSC) and TSC differentiated into parietal trophoblast giant cells (pTGC), potential primary purveyors of 5-HT. Current studies examined how exposure of mouse neural progenitor cells (NPC) to EV from either TSC or pTGC affect their transcriptome profiles. The EV from trophoblast cells contained relatively high amounts of 5-HT, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, but there were no significant differences between EV derived from pTGC and from TSC. Content of miRNA and small nucleolar (sno)RNA, however, did differ according to EV source, and snoRNA were upregulated in EV from pTGC. The primary inferred targets of the microRNA (miRNA) from both pTGC and TSC were mRNA enriched in the fetal brain. NPC readily internalized EV, leading to changes in their transcriptome profiles. Transcripts regulated were mainly ones enriched in neural tissues. The transcripts in EV-treated NPC that demonstrated a likely complementarity with miRNA in EV were mainly up- rather than downregulated, with functions linked to neuronal processes. Our results are consistent with placenta-derived EV providing direct support for fetal brain development and being an integral part of the placenta-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kinkade
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Arun S Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Shrikesh Sachdev
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- Genomics Technology Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Brett S Phinney
- Proteomics Core UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Grigorean
- Proteomics Core UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Domingues RR, Wiltbank MC, Hernandez LL. Maternal serotonin: implications for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during gestation†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:17-28. [PMID: 37098165 PMCID: PMC10344603 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal use of antidepressants has increased throughout the last decades; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the most prescribed antidepressants. Despite the widespread use of SSRI by women during reproductive age and pregnant women, an increasing amount of research warns of possible detrimental effects of maternal use of SSRI during pregnancy including low birthweight/small for gestational age and preterm birth. In this review, we revisited the impact of maternal use of SSRI during pregnancy, its impact on serotonin homeostasis in the maternal and fetal circulation and the placenta, and its impact on pregnancy outcomes-particularly intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. Maternal use of SSRI increases maternal and fetal serotonin. The increase in maternal circulating serotonin and serotonin signaling likely promotes vasoconstriction of the uterine and placental vascular beds decreasing blood perfusion to the uterus and consequently to the placenta and fetus with potential impact on placental function and fetal development. Several adverse pregnancy outcomes are similar between women, sheep, and rodents (decreased placental size, decreased birthweight, shorter gestation length/preterm birth, neonatal morbidity, and mortality) highlighting the importance of animal studies to assess the impacts of SSRI. Herein, we address the complex interactions between maternal SSRI use during gestation, circulating serotonin, and the regulation of blood perfusion to the uterus and fetoplacental unit, fetal growth, and pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Laura L Hernandez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Perić M, Horvatiček M, Tandl V, Bečeheli I, Majali-Martinez A, Desoye G, Štefulj J. Glucose, Insulin and Oxygen Modulate Expression of Serotonin-Regulating Genes in Human First-Trimester Trophoblast Cell Line ACH-3P. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1619. [PMID: 37371714 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin signaling plays an important role in regulating development and functions of the placenta. We hypothesized that metabolic disturbances associated with maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affect placental serotonin homeostasis. Therefore, we examined the effects of high glucose (25 mM) and insulin (10 nM)-two hallmarks of maternal obesity and GDM-on mRNA expression of key regulators of serotonin homeostasis, including serotonin transporter (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), in the first-trimester trophoblast cell line ACH-3P, focusing on oxygen levels characteristic of early human placental development. Glucose downregulated expression of SERT and MAOA independently of oxygen level and upregulated expression of TPH1 at 6.5% oxygen but not at 2.5% oxygen. Compared to 6.5% oxygen, 2.5% oxygen upregulated SERT and downregulated TPH1 expression, with no effect on MAOA expression. Insulin upregulated SERT only at 2.5% oxygen but had no effect on TPH1 and MAOA expression. These results suggest that maternal metabolic alterations in early pregnancy may be a driving force for changes in placental serotonin homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Perić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Horvatiček
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Veronika Tandl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Ivona Bečeheli
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alejandro Majali-Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Jasminka Štefulj
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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Li Y, Yang M, Zhang L, Mao Z, Lin Y, Xu S, Fang Z, Che L, Feng B, Li J, Zhuo Y, Wu D. Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Gestating Sow Diet Improved Fetal Growth and Placental Development and Function Through Serotonin Signaling Pathway. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831703. [PMID: 35647096 PMCID: PMC9133666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in gestation diet on fetal growth and placental development and function and explore the possible mechanism of DF improving sow reproductive performance. A total of 16 Large White × Landrace crossbred gilts were randomly allotted to two groups and fed a semi-purified basal diet [non-fiber (NF) group, 0.1% total DF] or a basal diet supplemented with 8.33 g/kg inulin and 200 g/kg cellulose [Fiber (F) group] during the gestation period. On day 106 of gestation, five sows per group were chosen and slaughtered for sample collection. Results showed that DF supplementation during gestation increased the total fetal weight and placental weight on day 106 of gestation; elevated serum serotonin concentration; increased concentrations of serotonin and short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), as well as tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression, in colon; elevated serotonin and progesterone concentrations and up-regulated the serotonin transporter, cytochrome P450 11A1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 expressions in the placenta. Besides, the sows in the F group had microbial community structures distinct from those in the NF group. Supplementation of DF in gestation diet increased the Coprococcus 3 abundance that was positively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration, while significantly decreasing the Family XIII AD3011 group abundance which was negatively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration. Above all, DF supplementation in the gestation diet could increase placental serotonin levels by promoting maternal serotonin synthesis in the colon and the transport from the mother to the placenta in sows, and then improve placental development and function, finally promoting fetal growth. Our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of DF improving sow reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Pet Nutrition and Health Research Center, Chengdu Agricultural College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijia Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Mao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Zhuo
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- De Wu
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Domingues RR, Wiltbank MC, Hernandez LL. Pregnancy Complications and Neonatal Mortality in a Serotonin Transporter Null Mouse Model: Insight Into the Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor During Pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:848581. [PMID: 35360732 PMCID: PMC8960382 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.848581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are widely prescribed to pregnant woman. Although some SSRI compounds are known to cause pregnancy loss and fetal malformations, other SSRI continue to be used by pregnant women. However, several studies have associated the use of SSRI with adverse pregnancy outcomes: intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and neonatal morbidity. Nonetheless, interpretation of studies in humans are typically complicated by the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by depression itself. Therefore, we used a mutant mouse model with genetic ablation of the serotonin transporter, the target site for SSRI, to unravel the role of the serotonin transporter on pregnancy outcomes. The serotonin transporter null mice had increased pregnancy loss (17.5 vs. 0%), decreased number of pups born (6.6 ± 0.2 vs. 7.5 ± 0.2), and increased neonatal mortality (2.3-fold). Furthermore, preterm birth, dystocia, and fetal malformations were only observed in serotonin transporter null mice. This genetically ablated serotonin transporter mouse recapitulates several adverse pregnancy outcomes similar to those in women undergoing SSRI treatment during gestation. Additionally, neonatal loss in the present study reproduced a sudden infant death phenotype as in humans and mice with altered serotonergic signaling. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrate a role for serotonin transporter in pregnancy maintenance and neonatal health. Additionally, it suggests that the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women taking SSRI during gestation might be due to altered serotonin transporter function caused by SSRI independent of underlying depression. This is a critical finding, given the number of women prescribed SSRI during pregnancy, and provides the framework for critical research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R. Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Milo C. Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Laura L. Hernandez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Laura L. Hernandez,
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