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Martín-González E, Prados-Pardo Á, Sawiak SJ, Dalley JW, Padro D, Ramos-Cabrer P, Mora S, Moreno-Montoya M. Mapping the neuroanatomical abnormalities in a phenotype of male compulsive rats. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:19. [PMID: 37932782 PMCID: PMC10626819 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Compulsivity is considered a transdiagnostic dimension in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, characterized by heterogeneous cognitive and behavioral phenotypes associated with abnormalities in cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuitry. The present study investigated the structural morphology of white and gray matter in rats selected for low- (LD) and high- (HD) compulsive drinking behavior on a schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) task. Regional brain morphology was assessed using ex-vivo high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Voxel-based morphometry of segmented MRI images revealed larger white matter volumes in anterior commissure and corpus callosum of HD rats compared with LD rats. HD rats also showed significantly larger regional volumes of dorsolateral orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, midbrain, sub-thalamic nucleus, and cerebellum. By contrast, the medial prefrontal cortex was significantly smaller in HD rats compared with LD rats with no significant group differences in whole brain, ventricular, or cerebrospinal fluid volumes. These findings show that limbic cortico-basal ganglia structures implicated in impulse control disorders are distinct in rats that are vulnerable to develop compulsive behavior. Such abnormalities may be relevant to the etiology of compulsive disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martín-González
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Ángeles Prados-Pardo
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Stephen J Sawiak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Padro
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo Miramón 182, 20014, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Pedro Ramos-Cabrer
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo Miramón 182, 20014, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Santiago Mora
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen Panum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margarita Moreno-Montoya
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain.
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Löscher W, Stafstrom CE. Epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities: Insights gained from animal models. Epilepsia 2023; 64:54-91. [PMID: 36197310 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that epilepsy is associated with numerous neurobehavioral comorbidities, with a bidirectional relationship; people with epilepsy have an increased incidence of depression, anxiety, learning and memory difficulties, and numerous other psychosocial challenges, and the occurrence of epilepsy is higher in individuals with those comorbidities. Although the cause-and-effect relationship is uncertain, a fuller understanding of the mechanisms of comorbidities within the epilepsies could lead to improved therapeutics. Here, we review recent data on epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities, discussing mainly rodent models, which have been studied most extensively, and emphasize that clinically relevant information can be gained from preclinical models. Furthermore, we explore the numerous potential factors that may confound the interpretation of emerging data from animal models, such as the specific seizure induction method (e.g., chemical, electrical, traumatic, genetic), the role of species and strain, environmental factors (e.g., laboratory environment, handling, epigenetics), and the behavioral assays that are chosen to evaluate the various aspects of neural behavior and cognition. Overall, the interplay between epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities is undoubtedly multifactorial, involving brain structural changes, network-level differences, molecular signaling abnormalities, and other factors. Animal models are well poised to help dissect the shared pathophysiological mechanisms, neurological sequelae, and biomarkers of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Something new and something blue: Responses to novelty in a rodent model of depression and epilepsy comorbidity. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113778. [PMID: 35278474 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A bidirectional comorbidity exists between depression and epilepsy such that patients with epilepsy are at higher risk for developing depression, and vice versa. Each of these conditions individually can be complicated by behavioral effects that worsen quality of life, but less is known about these interactions within the comorbidity of depression and epilepsy. The SwLo rat has been selectively bred for depression-relevant behaviors and exhibits enhanced limbic seizure susceptibility. This study sought to characterize the effects of novelty and stress on the SwLo rodent model of this comorbidity. It was hypothesized that SwLo rats would exhibit altered responses to novelty, reflected in hyperactivity-, anxiety-, sensation seeking-, and/or compulsive behaviors, and that this would be exacerbated with stress. Compared to the SwHi rat (their depression- and epilepsy-resistant counterparts), SwLo rats showed increased entries in all areas of the Open Field Test and spent significantly more time in the light compartment of the Light-Dark Box. SwLo rats also had a significantly higher number of rearing behaviors in the inner squares of the Open Field Test, the closed arms of the Elevated Plus Maze, and both areas of the Light-Dark Box. They demonstrated increased Nestlet shredding but showed no difference in a marble burying task or in latency to consume food in a novelty suppressed feeding task. Interestingly, restraint stress showed little effect on these behaviors, despite increasing corticosterone levels. Combined, these results suggest an increase in exploratory sensation seeking and hypervigilant information-gathering behaviors in the SwLo rat that are not dependent on corticosterone levels. This shows the utility of this model for studying behavioral effects of comorbid depression and epilepsy and allows for their use in identifying underlying mechanisms or screening treatment strategies for this complex comorbidity.
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Rayatpour A, Farhangi S, Verdaguer E, Olloquequi J, Ureña J, Auladell C, Javan M. The Cross Talk between Underlying Mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy May Provide New Insights for More Efficient Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101031. [PMID: 34681255 PMCID: PMC8541630 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant differences in pathological background of neurodegenerative diseases, epileptic seizures are a comorbidity in many disorders such as Huntington disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Regarding the last one, specifically, it has been shown that the risk of developing epilepsy is three to six times higher in patients with MS compared to the general population. In this context, understanding the pathological processes underlying this connection will allow for the targeting of the common and shared pathological pathways involved in both conditions, which may provide a new avenue in the management of neurological disorders. This review provides an outlook of what is known so far about the bidirectional association between epilepsy and MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Rayatpour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran; (A.R.); (S.F.)
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
| | - Sahar Farhangi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran; (A.R.); (S.F.)
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.V.); (J.U.)
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Olloquequi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile;
| | - Jesus Ureña
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.V.); (J.U.)
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.V.); (J.U.)
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (M.J.)
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran; (A.R.); (S.F.)
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
- Cell Science Research Center, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (M.J.)
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Xi XJ, Tang JH, Zhang BB, Xiao X, Hu XY, Wan Y, Zhou C, Lin H. Dlg4 and Vamp2 are involved in comorbid epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A microarray data study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 110:107192. [PMID: 32580088 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with epilepsy exhibit a significantly higher risk for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is often associated with lower quality of life. In this study, we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms associated with both epilepsy and ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Gene expression profiles of GSE12457 and GSE47752 were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were separately screened in epilepsy and ADHD samples and compared with controls. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify candidate modules associated with the two disorders. Functional annotation and analysis of hub genes and molecular complex detection (MCODE) was also performed. RESULTS Three modules closely related to epilepsy and ADHD were screened using WGCNA; DEGs in this module were involved in the synaptic vesicle cycle, axon and neuron regeneration, and neurotransmission. The Dlg4 and Vamp2 genes were selected as common candidate factors in epilepsy and ADHD pathogenesis. CONCLUSION Dlg4 and Vamp2 could play essential roles in comorbidity between epilepsy and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Xi
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji-Hong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bing-Bing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Neurology, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Leung WL, Casillas-Espinosa P, Sharma P, Perucca P, Powell K, O'Brien TJ, Semple BD. An animal model of genetic predisposition to develop acquired epileptogenesis: The FAST and SLOW rats. Epilepsia 2019; 60:2023-2036. [PMID: 31468516 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data and gene association studies suggest a genetic predisposition to developing epilepsy after an acquired brain insult, such as traumatic brain injury. An improved understanding of genetic determinants of vulnerability is imperative for early disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction, with flow-on benefits for the development of targeted antiepileptogenic treatments as well as optimal clinical trial design. In the laboratory, one approach to investigate why some individuals are more vulnerable to acquired epilepsy than others is to examine unique rodent models exhibiting either vulnerability or resistance to epileptogenesis. This review focuses on the most well-characterized of these models, the FAST (seizure-prone) and SLOW (seizure-resistant) rat strains, which were derived by selective breeding for differential amygdala electrical kindling rates. We describe how these strains differ in their seizure profiles, neuroanatomy, and neurobehavioral phenotypes, both at baseline and after a brain insult, with this knowledge proving fruitful to identify common pathological abnormalities associated with seizure susceptibility and psychiatric comorbidities. It is important to note that accruing data on strain differences in multiple biological processes provides insight into why some individuals may be more vulnerable to epileptogenesis, although future studies are evidently needed to identify the precise molecular and genetic risk factors. Together, the FAST and SLOW rat strains, and other similar experimental models, are invaluable neurobiological tools to investigate the effect of genetic background on acquired epilepsy risk, as well as the poorly understood relationship between epilepsy development and associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lam Leung
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Pablo Casillas-Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Pragati Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Kim Powell
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Möller C, van Dijk RM, Wolf F, Keck M, Schönhoff K, Bierling V, Potschka H. Impact of repeated kindled seizures on heart rate rhythms, heart rate variability, and locomotor activity in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:36-44. [PMID: 30611006 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although an impact of epilepsy on circadian rhythmicity is well-recognized, there are profound gaps in our understanding of the influence of seizures on diurnal rhythms. The effect on activity levels and heart rate is of particular interest as it might contribute to the disease burden. The kindling model with telemetric transmitter implants provides excellent opportunities to study the consequences of focal and generalized seizures under standardized conditions. Data from kindled rats with generalized seizures revealed an increase in activity and heart rate during the resting phase. Total and short-term heart rate variabilities were not affected by electrode implantation or seizure induction. Ictal alterations in heart rate associated with generalized seizures were characterized by a biphasic bradycardia with an immediate drop of heart rate followed by a transient normalization and a second more steady decrease. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that once daily generalized seizures can exert significant effects on heart rate rhythms. Respective alterations in patients would be of relevance for patient counselling and therapeutic management. Occurrence of biphasic bradycardia associated with seizure induction suggests that the kindling model is suitable to study the consequences and the prevention of ictal bradycardia, which may pose patients at risk for sudden unexpected death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Möller
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Roelof Maarten van Dijk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Wolf
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Keck
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Schönhoff
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Bierling
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
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Sharma P, Powell KL, Wlodek ME, O'Brien TJ, Gilby KL. Delayed myelination and neurodevelopment in male seizure-prone versus seizure-resistant rats. Epilepsia 2018; 59:753-764. [PMID: 29377096 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aberrant myelination and developmental delay have been reported in epilepsy. However, it is unclear whether these are linked to intrinsic mechanisms that support a predisposition toward seizures and the development of epilepsy. Thus, we compared rates of myelination and neurodevelopment in male rats selectively bred for enhanced susceptibility to kindling epileptogenesis (FAST) with male rats bred for resistance (SLOW). METHODS Myelin-specific gene expression was compared in the brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral hemisphere of FAST and SLOW rats on postnatal days (PNDs) 5, 11, 17, 23, and 90 to determine strain-specific myelination rates. Myelin protein levels were also compared at PNDs 5 and 23 in the brainstem. Relative rates of neurodevelopment were evaluated between PNDs 5 and 21 using physical growth landmarks and neuromotor tests including righting reflex, cliff avoidance, negative geotaxis, and locomotor activity. RESULTS Myelin-specific mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated in FAST rats on PNDs 5 and 11 in all 3 brain structures, indicating relatively delayed myelination. Likewise, corresponding protein levels were significantly lower in FAST brainstem on PND 5. Developmental delay was evident in the FAST strain such that only 9% of FAST pups, compared to 81% of SLOW, had open eyes by PND 13, locomotor activity was significantly reduced between PNDs 12 and 16, and neuromotor task acquisition was delayed between PNDs 5 and 10. SIGNIFICANCE Relative delays in myelination and neurodevelopment co-occurred in the seizure-prone FAST strain in the absence of seizures. These findings suggest these symptoms are not seizure-induced and may be mechanistically linked to an underlying pathophysiology supporting a predisposition toward developing epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Kim L Powell
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Krista L Gilby
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Sharma P, Wright DK, Johnston LA, Powell KL, Wlodek ME, Shultz SR, O'Brien TJ, Gilby KL. Differences in white matter structure between seizure prone (FAST) and seizure resistant (SLOW) rat strains. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 104:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
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Löscher W, Ferland RJ, Ferraro TN. The relevance of inter- and intrastrain differences in mice and rats and their implications for models of seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 73. [PMID: 28651171 PMCID: PMC5909069 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that the genetic background of mice and rats, even in inbred strains, can have a profound influence on measures of seizure susceptibility and epilepsy. These differences can be capitalized upon through genetic mapping studies to reveal genes important for seizures and epilepsy. However, strain background and particularly mixed genetic backgrounds of transgenic animals need careful consideration in both the selection of strains and in the interpretation of results and conclusions. For instance, mice with targeted deletions of genes involved in epilepsy can have profoundly disparate phenotypes depending on the background strain. In this review, we discuss findings related to how this genetic heterogeneity has and can be utilized in the epilepsy field to reveal novel insights into seizures and epilepsy. Moreover, we discuss how caution is needed in regards to rodent strain or even animal vendor choice, and how this can significantly influence seizure and epilepsy parameters in unexpected ways. This is particularly critical in decisions regarding the strain of choice used in generating mice with targeted deletions of genes. Finally, we discuss the role of environment (at vendor and/or laboratory) and epigenetic factors for inter- and intrastrain differences and how such differences can affect the expression of seizures and the animals' performance in behavioral tests that often accompany acute and chronic seizure testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Russell J Ferland
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States; Department of Neurology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Thomas N Ferraro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
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