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Abraham M, Peterburs J, Mundorf A. Oligodendrocytes matter: a review of animal studies on early adversity. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1177-1185. [PMID: 37138023 PMCID: PMC10460720 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to adversities in early life appears to affect the development of white matter, especially oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, altered myelination is present in regions subjected to maturation during the developmental time when early adversities are experienced. In this review, studies applying two well-established animal models of early life adversity, namely maternal separation and maternal immune activation, focusing on oligodendrocyte alterations and resulting implications for psychiatric disorders are discussed. Studies revealed that myelination is reduced as a result of altered oligodendrocyte expression. Furthermore, early adversity is associated with increased cell death, a simpler morphology, and inhibited oligodendrocyte maturation. However, these effects seem to be region- specific as some brain regions show increased expression while others show decreased expression of oligodendroglia-related genes, and they occur especially in regions of ongoing development. Some studies furthermore suggest that early adversity leads to premature differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Importantly, especially early exposure results in stronger oligodendrocyte-related impairments. However, resulting alterations are not restricted to exposure during the early pre- and postnatal days as social isolation after weaning leads to fewer internodes and branches and shorter processes of oligodendrocytes in adulthood. Eventually, the found alterations may lead to dysfunction and long-lasting alterations in structural brain development associated with psychiatric disorders. To date, only few preclinical studies have focused on the effects of early adversity on oligodendrocytes. More studies including several developmental stages are needed to further disentangle the role of oligodendrocytes in the development of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mate Abraham
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jutta Peterburs
- Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annakarina Mundorf
- Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hanley BA, Moloney RA, Hirst JJ. Prenatal Stress Induces Translational Disruption Associated with Myelination Deficits. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:290-308. [PMID: 37004512 DOI: 10.1159/000530282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions to neurodevelopment are known to be linked to behavioral disorders in childhood and into adulthood. The fetal brain is extremely vulnerable to stimuli that alter inhibitory GABAergic pathways and critical myelination processes, programing long-term neurobehavioral disruption. The maturation of the GABAergic system into the major inhibitory pathway in the brain and the development of oligodendrocytes into mature cells capable of producing myelin are integral components of optimal neurodevelopment. The current study aimed to elucidate prenatal stress-induced mechanisms that disrupt these processes and to delineate the role of placental pathways in these adverse outcomes. Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2 h/day on gestational age (GA) 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65, and groups of fetuses and placentae were collected after the stress exposure on GA40, GA50, GA60, and GA69 (term). Fetal plasma, placental, and brain tissue were collected for allopregnanolone and cortisol quantification with ELISA. Relative mRNA expression of genes of specific pathways of interest was examined with real-time PCR in placental and hippocampal tissue, and myelin basic protein (MBP) was quantified immunohistochemically in the hippocampus and surrounding regions for assessment of mature myelin. Prenatal stress in mid-late gestation resulted in disruptions to the translational machinery responsible for the production of myelin and decreased myelin coverage in the hippocampus and surrounding regions. The male placenta showed an initial protective increase in allopregnanolone concentrations in response to maternal psychosocial stress. The male and female placentae had a sex-dependent increase in neurosteroidogenic enzymes at term following prenatal stress. Independent from exposure to prenatal stress, at gestational day 60 - a critical period for myelin development, the placentae of female fetuses had increased capability of preventing cortisol transfer to the fetus through expression of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2. The deficits early in the process of maturation of myelination indicate that the reduced myelination observed at childhood equivalence in previous studies begins in fetal life. This negative programing persists into childhood, potentially due to dysregulation of MBP translation processes. Expression patterns of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in the placenta at term following stress may identify at-risk fetuses that have been exposed to a stressful in utero environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bethany A Hanley
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roisin A Moloney
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Lean RE, Smyser CD, Brady RG, Triplett RL, Kaplan S, Kenley JK, Shimony JS, Smyser TA, Miller JP, Barch DM, Luby JL, Warner BB, Rogers CE. Prenatal exposure to maternal social disadvantage and psychosocial stress and neonatal white matter connectivity at birth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204135119. [PMID: 36219693 PMCID: PMC9586270 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204135119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (social disadvantage and psychosocial stressors) is associated with altered microstructure in fronto-limbic pathways important for socioemotional development. Understanding when these associations begin to emerge may inform the timing and design of preventative interventions. In this longitudinal study, 399 mothers were oversampled for low income and completed social background measures during pregnancy. Measures were analyzed with structural equation analysis resulting in two latent factors: social disadvantage (education, insurance status, income-to-needs ratio [INR], neighborhood deprivation, and nutrition) and psychosocial stress (depression, stress, life events, and racial discrimination). At birth, 289 healthy term-born neonates underwent a diffusion MRI (dMRI) scan. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured for the dorsal and inferior cingulum bundle (CB), uncinate, and fornix using probabilistic tractography in FSL. Social disadvantage and psychosocial stress were fitted to dMRI parameters using regression models adjusted for infant postmenstrual age at scan and sex. Social disadvantage, but not psychosocial stress, was independently associated with lower MD in the bilateral inferior CB and left uncinate, right fornix, and lower MD and higher FA in the right dorsal CB. Results persisted after accounting for maternal medical morbidities and prenatal drug exposure. In moderation analysis, psychosocial stress was associated with lower MD in the left inferior CB among the lower-to-higher socioeconomic status (SES) (INR ≥ 200%) group, but not the extremely low SES (INR < 200%) group. Increasing access to social welfare programs that reduce the burden of social disadvantage and related psychosocial stressors may be an important target to protect fetal brain development in fronto-limbic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Lean
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Christopher D. Smyser
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Rebecca G. Brady
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Regina L. Triplett
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Sydney Kaplan
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Jeanette K. Kenley
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Joshua S. Shimony
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Tara A. Smyser
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - J. Phillip Miller
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Deanna M. Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Joan L. Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Cynthia E. Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
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4
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Neurosteroids and early-life programming: An updated perspective. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 25:100367. [PMID: 36561280 PMCID: PMC7613978 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress can lead to detrimental offspring outcomes, including an increased risk for mood disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. Neurosteroids bind to ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptors, rapidly modulating neuronal excitability and promoting termination of stress responses. Reduced neurosteroidogenesis underlies some of the aberrant neuroendocrine and behavioural phenotypes observed in adult prenatally stressed rodents. During development, disruptions in neurosteroid generation and action also lead to long-term programming effects on the off-spring's brain and behaviour. Here, we review recent advances in the field, focusing on the interaction between neurosteroids and early-life stress outcomes in adulthood and in the perinatal period. We also discuss the direction of future research, with emphasis on quantification methods, sex differences, and neurosteroids as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
| | - Paula J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Qi G, Jiang K, Qu J, Zhang A, Xu Z, Li Z, Zheng X, Li Z. The Material Basis and Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris and Unstable Angina Pectoris. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:3741027. [PMID: 35140797 PMCID: PMC8820872 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3741027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
METHODS Firstly, we used a network proximity approach to calculate and compare the effectiveness of the formula with that of Western drugs for each type of angina, including all targets and intersecting targets, from a topological perspective. Secondly, we compared the mechanisms of action of the two angina pectoris at three levels and five aspects, including conventional and modular analysis approaches. Thirdly, based on the unique functions of each angina in the complex heterogeneous network, we designed a reverse process for finding the material basis using dynamic, static, and enriched items as well as a total item. Finally, the designed inverse process, material basis, and mechanism of action were validated. RESULTS The target network of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction is closer to the target network of each type of angina than that of Western drugs, and the intersection targets have a closer proximity. Comparison of the mechanisms of action showed that stable angina and unstable angina had 158 common targets, while the unique targets were 34 and 1, respectively. Modularity analysis showed that the GO similarity of target modules was highly correlated with KEGG similarity. We ended up with 67 compounds upregulated for stable angina and 47 compounds upregulated for unstable angina. Our results were validated by literature mining, high-volume molecular docking, and miRNA enrichment analysis. CONCLUSIONS For both types of angina pectoris, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction is superior to Western drugs. A comparison of various aspects led to the unique mechanisms of action, from which the material basis of each type of angina was deduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanpeng Qi
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaiwen Jiang
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaming Qu
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Aijun Zhang
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ze Xu
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaohang Li
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaosong Zheng
- 2School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zuojing Li
- 2School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Neurosteroid-based intervention using Ganaxolone and Emapunil for improving stress-induced myelination deficits and neurobehavioural disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105423. [PMID: 34601389 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress is associated with long-term disturbances in white matter development and behaviour in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin formation is a tightly orchestrated process beginning during gestation, and therefore is very vulnerable to the effects of maternal prenatal stresses in mid-late pregnancy. The current study aimed to examine the effects of prenatal stress on components of the oligodendrocyte lineage to identify the key processes that are disrupted and to determine if postnatal therapies directed at ameliorating white matter deficits also improve behavioural outcomes. METHODS Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to control-handling or prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2hrs/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65, and allowed to spontaneously deliver ~GA70. Pups were administered oral ganaxolone (5 mg/kg/day in 45% cyclodextrin) or the TSPO agonist, emapunil (XBD173; 0.3 mg/kg/day in 1% tragacanth gum) or vehicle, on postnatal days (PND) 1-7. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze testing on PND7 and PND27. Hippocampal samples were collected at PND30 to assess markers of oligodendrocyte development through assessment of total oligodendrocytes (OLIG2) and mature cells (myelin basic protein; MBP), and total neurons (NeuN) by immunostaining. Real-time PCR was conducted on hippocampal regions to assess markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, markers of neurogenesis and components of the neurosteroidogenesis pathway. Plasma samples were collected for steroid quantification of cortisol, allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone by ELISA. RESULTS Prenatal stress resulted in hyperactivity in male offspring, and anxiety-like behaviour in female offspring in the guinea pig at an age equivalent to late childhood. Postnatal ganaxolone and emapunil treatment after prenatal stress restored the behavioural phenotype to that of control in females only. The oligodendrocyte maturation lineage, translation of MBP mRNA-to-protein, and neurogenesis were disrupted in prenatally-stressed offspring, resulting in a decreased amount of mature myelin. Emapunil treatment restored mature myelin levels in both sexes, and reversed disruptions to the oligodendrocyte lineage in female offspring, an effect not seen with ganaxolone treatment. CONCLUSION The marked and persisting behavioural and white matter perturbations observed in a clinically relevant guinea pig model of prenatal stress highlights the need for postnatal interventions that increase myelin repair and improve long-term outcomes. The effectiveness of emapunil treatment in restoring female offspring behaviour, and promoting maturation of myelin indicates that early therapeutic interventions can reverse the damaging effects of major stressful events in pregnancy. Further studies optimising target mechanisms and dosing are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Sunny DE, Hammer E, Ittermann T, Krüger EL, Hübner S, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA, Völker U, Heckmann M. Fetal Zone Steroids and Estrogen Show Sex Specific Effects on Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in Response to Oxidative Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126586. [PMID: 34205405 PMCID: PMC8234485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen causes white matter damage in preterm infants and male sex is a major risk factor for poor neurological outcome, which speculates the role of steroid hormones in sex-based differences. Preterm birth is accompanied by a drop in 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone along with increased levels of fetal zone steroids (FZS). We performed a sex-based analysis on the FZS concentration differences in urine samples collected from preterm and term infants. We show that, in preterm urine samples, the total concentration of FZS, and in particular the 16α-OH-DHEA concentration, is significantly higher in ill female infants as compared to males. Since we previously identified Nup133 as a novel target protein affected by hyperoxia, here we studied the effect of FZS, allopregnanolone (Allo) and E2 on differentiation and Nup133 signaling using mouse-derived primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). We show that the steroids could reverse the effect of hyperoxia-mediated downregulation of Nup133 in cultured male OPCs. The addition of FZS and E2 protected cells from oxidative stress. However, E2, in presence of 16α-OH-DHEA, showed a negative effect on male cells. These results assert the importance of sex-based differences and their potential implications in preterm stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Elizabeth Sunny
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.L.K.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elke Hammer
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.H.); (U.V.)
| | - Till Ittermann
- Institute for Community Medicine, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth Luise Krüger
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.L.K.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Stephanie Hübner
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.L.K.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Michaela Friederike Hartmann
- Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.F.H.); (S.A.W.)
| | - Stefan Alexander Wudy
- Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.F.H.); (S.A.W.)
| | - Uwe Völker
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.H.); (U.V.)
| | - Matthias Heckmann
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (E.L.K.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
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Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Effects of prenatal stress on behavioural and neurodevelopmental outcomes are altered by maternal separation in the neonatal period. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 124:105060. [PMID: 33333379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic psychosocial stress during pregnancy and/or after birth, and the associated elevation in cortisol, is linked with the onset of behavioural disorders in childhood. Previously, prenatal stress has been shown to reduce neurosteroid pathways in the fetus and the levels of the neurosteroid and GABAA receptor agonist, allopregnanolone. In late gestation, elevated levels of GABAergic activity increases inhibitory tone and protects against excessive excitation. These levels of allopregnanolone may also contribute to promoting myelination, thus stress-induced suppression of protective neurosteroid levels may disrupt neurodevelopmental processes and can result in reduced myelination. The objective of this study was to examine whether prenatal and postnatal stress reduces levels of inhibitory pathways to result in behavioural, myelin, and GABAergic/glutamatergic pathway deficits in the hippocampus at a postnatal time point in the guinea pig equivalent to childhood in humans. METHODS Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to prenatal stress (PRE) with strobe light exposure for 2 h/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65 (term is ∼GA70), with postnatal stress (POST) caused by maternal separation for 2 h/day from postnatal day (PND) 1-7), or a double-hit of both stressors (PRE + POST). Control dams and offspring groups (CON) were handled at the same time each day without causing stress. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze testing on PND27. After euthanasia on PND30, plasma samples were collected for steroid quantification of cortisol, allopregnanolone and progesterone by ELISA. Hippocampal samples were collected to assess markers of oligodendrocyte development and mature cells by myelin basic protein (MBP) immunostaining and GABAergic and glutamatergic pathway component gene expression by real time PCR. RESULTS Male guinea pig offspring exposed to prenatal stress exhibited hyperactive-like behaviour at childhood equivalence, while female offspring displayed anxious-like behaviour, to a lesser extent. In both sexes, MBP immunostaining was significantly decreased in the hippocampal region following prenatal stress, despite normal levels of MBP mRNA, which suggests a disruption to the MBP protein translation pathway. Many components of the GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways were disrupted following prenatal stress, notably GABAA receptor subunits, GABA production and uptake, glutamate ionotropic and metabotropic receptor subunits and glutamate transport. Following prenatal + postnatal stress, many of the behavioural and neurodevelopmental deficits were improved compared to the prenatal stress only group. CONCLUSION We conclude that prenatal stress disrupts GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways that may contribute to reduced myelination and subsequent behavioural deficits in the offspring. The deficits seen following prenatal stress are ameliorated when paired with subsequent postnatal stress, which highlights the early postnatal period as an important treatment window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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9
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Shaw JC, Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Hirst JJ. Impaired Oligodendrocyte Development Following Preterm Birth: Promoting GABAergic Action to Improve Outcomes. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:618052. [PMID: 33634057 PMCID: PMC7901941 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.618052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with poor long-term neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes, even in the absence of obvious brain injury at the time of birth. In particular, behavioral disorders characterized by inattention, social difficulties and anxiety are common among children and adolescents who were born moderately to late preterm (32-37 weeks' gestation). Diffuse deficits in white matter microstructure are thought to play a role in these poor outcomes with evidence suggesting that a failure of oligodendrocytes to mature and myelinate axons is responsible. However, there remains a major knowledge gap over the mechanisms by which preterm birth interrupts normal oligodendrocyte development. In utero neurodevelopment occurs in an inhibitory-dominant environment due to the action of placentally derived neurosteroids on the GABAA receptor, thus promoting GABAergic inhibitory activity and maintaining the fetal behavioral state. Following preterm birth, and the subsequent premature exposure to the ex utero environment, this action of neurosteroids on GABAA receptors is greatly reduced. Coinciding with a reduction in GABAergic inhibition, the preterm neonatal brain is also exposed to ex utero environmental insults such as periods of hypoxia and excessive glucocorticoid concentrations. Together, these insults may increase levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the developing brain and result in a shift in the balance of inhibitory: excitatory activity toward excitatory. This review will outline the normal development of oligodendrocytes, how it is disrupted under excitation-dominated conditions and highlight how shifting the balance back toward an inhibitory-dominated environment may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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10
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Lautarescu A, Pecheva D, Nosarti C, Nihouarn J, Zhang H, Victor S, Craig M, Edwards AD, Counsell SJ. Maternal Prenatal Stress Is Associated With Altered Uncinate Fasciculus Microstructure in Premature Neonates. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:559-569. [PMID: 31604519 PMCID: PMC7016501 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal stress exposure (PNSE) increases risk for adverse psychiatric and behavioral outcomes in offspring. The biological basis for this elevated risk is poorly understood but may involve alterations to the neurodevelopmental trajectory of white matter tracts within the limbic system, particularly the uncinate fasciculus. Additionally, preterm birth is associated with both impaired white matter development and adverse developmental outcomes. In this study we hypothesized that higher maternal PNSE was associated with altered uncinate fasciculus microstructure in offspring. METHODS In this study, 251 preterm infants (132 male, 119 female) (median gestational age = 30.29 weeks [range, 23.57-32.86 weeks]) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging around term-equivalent age (median = 42.43 weeks [range, 37.86-45.71 weeks]). Measures of white matter microstructure were calculated for the uncinate fasciculus and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, a control tract that we hypothesized was not associated with maternal PNSE. Multiple regressions were used to investigate the relationship among maternal trait anxiety scores, stressful life events, and white matter microstructure indices in the neonatal brain. RESULTS Adjusting for gestational age at birth, postmenstrual age at scan, maternal age, socioeconomic status, sex, and number of days on parenteral nutrition, higher stressful life events scores were associated with higher axial diffusivity (β = .177, q = .007), radial diffusivity (β = .133, q = .026), and mean diffusivity (β = .149, q = .012) in the left uncinate fasciculus, and higher axial diffusivity (β = .142, q = .026) in the right uncinate fasciculus. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that PNSE is associated with altered development of specific frontolimbic pathways in preterm neonates as early as term-equivalent age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lautarescu
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Diliana Pecheva
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Nosarti
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Nihouarn
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suresh Victor
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Craig
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,National Female Hormone Clinic, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. David Edwards
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serena J. Counsell
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Shaw JC, Crombie GK, Zakar T, Palliser HK, Hirst JJ. Perinatal compromise contributes to programming of GABAergic and glutamatergic systems leading to long-term effects on offspring behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12814. [PMID: 31758712 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence now shows that adversity during the perinatal period is a significant risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders long after the causative event. Despite stemming from a variety of causes, perinatal compromise appears to have similar effects on the developing brain, thereby resulting in behavioural disorders of a similar nature. These behavioural disorders occur in a sex-dependent manner, with males affected more by externalising behaviours such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and females by internalising behaviours such as anxiety. Regardless of the causative event or the sex of the offspring, these disorders may begin in childhood or adolescence but extend into adulthood. A mechanism by which adverse events in the perinatal period impact later in life behaviour has been shown to be the changing epigenetic landscape. Methylation of the GAD1/GAD67 gene, which encodes the key glutamate-to-GABA-synthesising enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 1, resulting in increased levels of glutamate, is one epigenetic mechanism that may account for a tendency towards excitation in disorders such as ADHD. Exposure of the fetus or the neonate to high levels of cortisol may be the mediator between perinatal compromise and poor behavioural outcomes because evidence suggests that increased glucocorticoid exposure triggers widespread changes in the epigenetic landscape. This review summarises the current evidence and recent literature about the impact of various perinatal insults on the epigenome and the common mechanisms that may explain the similarity of behavioural outcomes occurring following diverse perinatal compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamas Zakar
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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12
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Morrison JL, Botting KJ, Darby JRT, David AL, Dyson RM, Gatford KL, Gray C, Herrera EA, Hirst JJ, Kim B, Kind KL, Krause BJ, Matthews SG, Palliser HK, Regnault TRH, Richardson BS, Sasaki A, Thompson LP, Berry MJ. Guinea pig models for translation of the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis into the clinic. J Physiol 2018; 596:5535-5569. [PMID: 29633280 PMCID: PMC6265540 DOI: 10.1113/jp274948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 30 years ago Professor David Barker first proposed the theory that events in early life could explain an individual's risk of non-communicable disease in later life: the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. During the 1990s the validity of the DOHaD hypothesis was extensively tested in a number of human populations and the mechanisms underpinning it characterised in a range of experimental animal models. Over the past decade, researchers have sought to use this mechanistic understanding of DOHaD to develop therapeutic interventions during pregnancy and early life to improve adult health. A variety of animal models have been used to develop and evaluate interventions, each with strengths and limitations. It is becoming apparent that effective translational research requires that the animal paradigm selected mirrors the tempo of human fetal growth and development as closely as possible so that the effect of a perinatal insult and/or therapeutic intervention can be fully assessed. The guinea pig is one such animal model that over the past two decades has demonstrated itself to be a very useful platform for these important reproductive studies. This review highlights similarities in the in utero development between humans and guinea pigs, the strengths and limitations of the guinea pig as an experimental model of DOHaD and the guinea pig's potential to enhance clinical therapeutic innovation to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health ResearchUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kimberley J. Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Jack R. T. Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health ResearchUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Anna L. David
- Research Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Centre for Translational PhysiologyUniversity of OtagoWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Kathryn L. Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Clint Gray
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Centre for Translational PhysiologyUniversity of OtagoWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Pathophysiology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of MedicineUniversity of ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bona Kim
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Karen L. Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Bernardo J. Krause
- Division of Paediatrics, Faculty of MedicinePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Hannah K. Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Timothy R. H. Regnault
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiology and PharmacologyWestern University, and Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research InstituteLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Bryan S. Richardson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiology and PharmacologyWestern University, and Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research InstituteLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Aya Sasaki
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Loren P. Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Centre for Translational PhysiologyUniversity of OtagoWellingtonNew Zealand
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13
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Frasch MG, Lobmaier SM, Stampalija T, Desplats P, Pallarés ME, Pastor V, Brocco MA, Wu HT, Schulkin J, Herry CL, Seely AJE, Metz GAS, Louzoun Y, Antonelli MC. Non-invasive biomarkers of fetal brain development reflecting prenatal stress: An integrative multi-scale multi-species perspective on data collection and analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 117:165-183. [PMID: 29859198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) impacts early postnatal behavioural and cognitive development. This process of 'fetal programming' is mediated by the effects of the prenatal experience on the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). We derive a multi-scale multi-species approach to devising preclinical and clinical studies to identify early non-invasively available pre- and postnatal biomarkers of PS. The multiple scales include brain epigenome, metabolome, microbiome and the ANS activity gauged via an array of advanced non-invasively obtainable properties of fetal heart rate fluctuations. The proposed framework has the potential to reveal mechanistic links between maternal stress during pregnancy and changes across these physiological scales. Such biomarkers may hence be useful as early and non-invasive predictors of neurodevelopmental trajectories influenced by the PS as well as follow-up indicators of success of therapeutic interventions to correct such altered neurodevelopmental trajectories. PS studies must be conducted on multiple scales derived from concerted observations in multiple animal models and human cohorts performed in an interactive and iterative manner and deploying machine learning for data synthesis, identification and validation of the best non-invasive detection and follow-up biomarkers, a prerequisite for designing effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Mother and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paula Desplats
- University of California, Departments of Neurosciences and Pathology, San Diego, USA
| | - María Eugenia Pallarés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Pastor
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Brocco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yoram Louzoun
- Bar-Ilan University, Department of Applied Mathematics, Israel
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Abstract
Over the last few decades, evidence has emerged that the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia can involve perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other neuroendocrine systems. Variations in the manifestation of these effects could be related to differences in clinical symptoms between affected individuals and to differences in treatment response. Such effects can also arise from the complex interaction between genes and environmental factors. Here, we review the effects of maternal stress on abnormalities in HPA axis regulation and the development of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Studies in this area may prove critical for increasing our understanding of the multidimensional nature of mental disorders and could lead to the development of improved diagnostics and novel therapeutic approaches for treating individuals who suffer from these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul C Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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15
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Shaw JC, Palliser HK, Palazzi K, Hirst JJ. Administration of Progesterone Throughout Pregnancy Increases Maternal Steroids Without Adverse Effect on Mature Oligodendrocyte Immunostaining in the Guinea Pig. Reprod Sci 2017. [PMID: 28631553 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117715125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone is administered to pregnant women at risk of premature labor, despite systematic reviews showing conflicting outcomes regarding its use, highlighting doubt over the effectiveness of the therapy. Progesterone can be rapidly metabolized into a number of steroids, but to date, there has been a lack of investigation into the fetal steroid profiles following administration and whether this impacts fetal neurodevelopment. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of progesterone treatment on allopregnanolone and cortisol levels in the fetus and on a marker of myelination in the fetal brain. We used a guinea pig model where pregnant dams were administered vehicle (β-cyclodextrin) or progesterone orally throughout pregnancy (GA29-61). Maternal and fetal fluids and tissues were collected at both preterm (GA61) and term (GA68) ages. Maternal and fetal progesterone and cortisol were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay and allopregnanolone by radioimmunoassay. Measurement of myelination of fetal brains (hippocampus, cingulum, and subcortical white matter) at preterm and term ages was performed by immunohistochemistry staining for myelin basic protein. We found that dams receiving progesterone had significantly elevated progesterone and cortisol concentrations, but there was no effect on allopregnanolone. Interestingly, the increased cortisol concentrations were not reflected in the fetuses, and there was no effect of progesterone treatment on myelination. Therefore, we conclude that in our guinea pig model, maternal administration of progesterone has no effect on cortisol levels or markers of mature oligodendrocytes in the fetus and suggest this is potentially due to the protective cortisol barrier in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,2 Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,2 Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrin Palazzi
- 3 Clinical Research Design, Information Technology and Statistical Support, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,2 Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Effects of combined IUGR and prenatal stress on the development of the hippocampus in a fetal guinea pig model. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 8:584-596. [PMID: 28502262 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal stress during pregnancy are two compromises that negatively impact neurodevelopment and increase the risk of developing later life neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and behavioural disorders. Neurosteroids, particularly allopregnanolone, are important in protecting the developing brain and promoting many essential neurodevelopmental processes. Individually, IUGR and prenatal stress (PS) reduce myelination and neurogenesis within affected fetal brains, however less information is available on the combined effects of these two disorders on the term fetal brain. This study aimed to investigate how IUGR and PS impairs the neurosteroid pathway when combined using a guinea pig model, and how these then disrupt the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Uterine artery blood flow restriction was performed at GA30-35 to induce growth restriction, whilst PS was induced by exposure of the dam to a strobe light during gestation commencing GA40 and repeated every 5 days. Exposure in this model caused reductions in hippocampal CA1 MBP immunostaining of male fetuses in both IUGR alone and IUGR+PS paradigms but only by IUGR in the subcortical white mater, compared with control males. Plasma allopregnanolone was reduced by both stressors irrespective of sex, whereas GFAP or MAP2 expression were not affected by either stressor. Female neurodevelopment, as assessed by these markers, was unimpeded by these compromises. The addition of prenatal stress did not further compound these deficits.
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17
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Cumberland AL, Palliser HK, Crombie GK, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Increased anxiety-like phenotype in female guinea pigs following reduced neurosteroid exposure in utero. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 58:50-58. [PMID: 28192175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are essential for aiding proper fetal neurodevelopment. Pregnancy compromises such as preterm birth, prenatal stress and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with an increased risk of developing behavioural and mood disorders, particularly during adolescence. These pathologies involve the premature loss or alteration of trophic steroid hormones reaching the fetus leading to impaired neurodevelopment. While the specific programming mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated, in adult life, dysfunctions of allopregnanolone action are prevalent in individuals with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. The objective of this study was to assess if changes in concentrations of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, may be a fetal programming factor in priming the brain towards a negative behavioural phenotype during the childhood to adolescent period using a guinea pig model. Pregnant guinea pigs received either vehicle (45% (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin) or the 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride (25mg/kg maternal weight) from gestational age 60 until spontaneous delivery (∼71days gestation). Male and female offspring from vehicle and finasteride treated dams were tested at postnatal day 20 (juvenile-equivalence) in an open field arena, and hippocampus and amygdala subsequently assessed for neurological changes in markers of development and GABA production pathways 24h later. Females with reduced allopregnanolone exposure in utero displayed increased neophobic-like responses to a change in their environment compared to female controls. There were no differences in the neurodevelopmental markers assessed; MAP2, NeuN, MBP, GFAP or GAD67 between intrauterine finasteride or vehicle exposure, in either the hippocampus or amygdala whereas GAT1 staining was decreased. This study indicates that an intrauterine reduction in the supply of allopregnanolone programs vulnerability of female offspring to anxiety-like disorders in juvenility without impacting long term allopregnanolone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Cumberland
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Newcastle 2308, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle 2305, New South Wales, Australia
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