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Ma YZ, Zhang YS, Cao JX, Chen HC, Su XM, Li B, Kang YT, Gao LP, Jing YH. Aberration of social behavior and gut microbiota induced by cross-fostering implicating the gut-brain axis. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:499-512. [PMID: 38944162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.026] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota and neurological development of neonatal mice are susceptible to environmental factors that may lead to altered behavior into adulthood. However, the role that changed gut microbiota and neurodevelopment early in life play in this needs to be clarified. In this study, by modeling early-life environmental changes by cross-fostering BALB/c mice, we revealed the effects of the environment during the critical period of postnatal development on adult social behavior and their relationship with the gut microbiota and the nervous system. The neural projections exist between the ascending colon and oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nuclei (PVN), peripheral oxytocin levels and PVN neuron numbers decreased after cross-fostering, and sex-specific alteration in gut microbiota and its metabolites may be involved in social impairments and immune imbalances brought by cross-fostering via the gut-brain axis. Our findings also suggest that social cognitive impairment may result from a combination of PVN oxytocinergic neurons, gut microbiota, and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Zhang Ma
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Shu Zhang
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Cao
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Chao Chen
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mei Su
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ting Kang
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Gao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Hong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Pantouli F, Pujol CN, Derieux C, Fonteneau M, Pellissier LP, Marsol C, Karpenko J, Bonnet D, Hibert M, Bailey A, Le Merrer J, Becker JAJ. Acute, chronic and conditioned effects of intranasal oxytocin in the mu-opioid receptor knockout mouse model of autism: Social context matters. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01915-1. [PMID: 39020142 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders whose diagnosis relies on deficient social interaction and communication together with repetitive behaviours. Multiple studies have highlighted the potential of oxytocin (OT) to ameliorate behavioural abnormalities in animal models and subjects with ASD. Clinical trials, however, yielded disappointing results. Our study aimed at assessing the behavioural effects of different regimens of OT administration in the Oprm1 null mouse model of ASD. We assessed the effects of intranasal OT injected once at different doses (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 IU) and time points (5, 15, and 30 min) following administration, or chronically, on ASD-related behaviours (social interaction and preference, stereotypies, anxiety, nociception) in Oprm1+/+ and Oprm1-/- mice. We then tested whether pairing intranasal OT injection with social experience would influence its outcome on ASD-like symptoms, and measured gene expression in the reward/social circuit. Acute intranasal OT at 0.3 IU improved social behaviour in Oprm1-/- mice 5 min after administration, with limited effects on non-social behaviours. Chronic (8-17 days) OT maintained rescuing effects in Oprm1 null mice but was deleterious in wild-type mice. Finally, improvements in the social behaviour of Oprm1-/- mice were greater and longer lasting when OT was administered in a social context. Under these conditions, the expression of OT and vasopressin receptor genes, as well as marker genes of striatal projection neurons, was suppressed. We detected no sex difference in OT effects. Our results highlight the importance of considering dosage and social context when evaluating the effects of OT treatment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Pantouli
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, Inserm, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- Florida Research & Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9801 SW Discovery Way, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987, USA
- Pharmacology section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Camille N Pujol
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, Inserm, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Strasbourg University Hospital, 67091, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cécile Derieux
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, Inserm, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Mathieu Fonteneau
- UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Claire Marsol
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Julie Karpenko
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Marcel Hibert
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Julie Le Merrer
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, Inserm, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
- UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France.
| | - Jerome A J Becker
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, Inserm, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
- UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France.
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3
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Liu C, Guo Z, Pang J, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Cao J, Zhang T. Administration of Atosiban, an oxytocin receptor antagonist, ameliorates autistic-like behaviors in a female rat model of valproic acid-induced autism. Behav Brain Res 2024; 469:115052. [PMID: 38782096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder with gender differences. Oxytocin (OXT) is currently an important candidate drug for autism, but the lack of data on female autism is a big issue. It has been reported that the effect of OXT is likely to be different between male and female ASD patients. In the study, we specifically explored the role of the OXT signaling pathway in a VPA-induced female rat's model of autism. The data showed that there was an increase of either oxytocin or its receptor expressions in both the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex of VPA-induced female offspring. To determine if the excess of OXT signaling contributed to autism symptoms in female rats, exogenous oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonists Atosiban were used in the experiment. It was found that exogenous oxytocin triggered autism-like behaviors in wild-type female rats by intranasal administration. More interestingly, several autism-like deficits including social interaction, anxiety, and repeat stereotypical sexual behavior in the VPA female offspring were significantly attenuated by oxytocin receptor antagonists Atosiban. Moreover, Atosiban also effectively improved the synaptic plasticity impairment induced by VPA in female offspring. Our results suggest that oxytocin receptor antagonists significantly improve autistic-like behaviors in a female rat model of valproic acid-induced autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Zhengyang Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Jiyi Pang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Jianting Cao
- Graduate School of Engineering, Saitama Institute of Technology, Fukaya 369-0217, Japan
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
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Noguchi J, Watanabe S, Oga T, Isoda R, Nakagaki K, Sakai K, Sumida K, Hoshino K, Saito K, Miyawaki I, Sugano E, Tomita H, Mizukami H, Watakabe A, Yamamori T, Ichinohe N. Altered projection-specific synaptic remodeling and its modification by oxytocin in an idiopathic autism marmoset model. Commun Biol 2024; 7:642. [PMID: 38802535 PMCID: PMC11130163 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06345-9] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the experience-dependent and autonomous elaboration of neural circuits are assumed to underlie autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though it is unclear what synaptic traits are responsible. Here, utilizing a valproic acid-induced ASD marmoset model, which shares common molecular features with idiopathic ASD, we investigate changes in the structural dynamics of tuft dendrites of upper-layer pyramidal neurons and adjacent axons in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex through two-photon microscopy. In model marmosets, dendritic spine turnover is upregulated, and spines are generated in clusters and survived more often than in control marmosets. Presynaptic boutons in local axons, but not in commissural long-range axons, demonstrate hyperdynamic turnover in model marmosets, suggesting alterations in projection-specific plasticity. Intriguingly, nasal oxytocin administration attenuates clustered spine emergence in model marmosets. Enhanced clustered spine generation, possibly unique to certain presynaptic partners, may be associated with ASD and be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Noguchi
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Oga
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Risa Isoda
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakagaki
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sakai
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kayo Sumida
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohei Hoshino
- Preclinical Research Laboratories, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Saito
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Izuru Miyawaki
- Preclinical Research Laboratories, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Eriko Sugano
- Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience, Graduate Course in Biological Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tomita
- Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience, Graduate Course in Biological Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mizukami
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Akiya Watakabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Yamamori
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Laboratory for Haptic Perception and Cognitive Physiology, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, CIEM, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ichinohe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.
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5
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Sheikhshoaee S, Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Firouzeh N, Fard SRN. Aggravation of cognitive impairments in the valproic acid-induced animal model of autism in BALB/c mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:64-74. [PMID: 37960995 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10308] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by infection with a type of coccidial protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The relationship between toxoplasmosis and cognitive disorders in neurodegenerative diseases has been proven. There is also evidence that children born to Toxoplasma-infected mothers are more likely to develop autism. METHODS In the present study, Toxoplasma-infected pregnant BALB/c mice were given valproic acid to induce autism in their male offspring, and their social behaviors, learning, and memory were examined. Chronic toxoplasmosis was established in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection of cyst form of T. gondii. To induce autism, 600 mg/kg of valproic acid was injected intraperitoneally into mice on the 12.5th day of pregnancy. The behavioral experiments, such as social interaction, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tasks, were performed on male offspring at 50 days. RESULTS Toxoplasma and valproic acid during the embryonic period caused social communication deficits and disrupted recognition memory and avoidance memory in offspring. Our findings showed that administering valproic acid to Toxoplasma-infected mothers exacerbates cognitive disorders in their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Sheikhshoaee
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physics and Astronomy department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nima Firouzeh
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Saeid Reza Nourollahi Fard
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Szabó J, Mlynár M, Feješ A, Renczés E, Borbélyová V, Ostatníková D, Celec P. Intranasal oxytocin in a genetic animal model of autism. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:342-347. [PMID: 38102481 PMCID: PMC11116098 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders mainly characterized by deficient sociability and repetitive behaviors. Effective treatment for the core symptoms of ASD is still lacking. Behavioral interventions show limited effectiveness, while pharmacotherapy focuses on the amelioration of secondary symptomatology. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide known for its prosocial impact, making it a candidate drug for ASD treatment. Its alleviating effect has been and still is widely researched, but outcomes reported by clinical studies are ambiguous. We examined the effect of daily intranasal OXT (0.8 IU/kg) administration for 4 weeks on the ASD-like phenotype in Shank3-/- adult mice. Animals treated with OXT spent twice as much time interacting with the social partner as early as after 2 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, OXT-treated mice exhibited reduced explorative behavior by 50%, after 4 weeks of treatment, and a 30% reduction in repetitive behavior, 4 weeks after treatment termination. One-fold higher sociability and 30% reduced exploration due to OXT lasted up to 4 weeks following the treatment termination. However, social disinterest was elevated by roughly 10% as well, indicating a form of social ambivalence. Obtained results support the therapeutic potential of intranasally administered OXT in alleviating social shortfalls in a genetic model of ASD. Subsequent research is necessary to elucidate the benefits and risks of the long-term OXT administration, as well as its applicability in other ASD models and the potential treatment effect on social communication, which was not measured in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Szabó
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Matúš Mlynár
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Feješ
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emese Renczés
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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7
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Janz P, Knoflach F, Bleicher K, Belli S, Biemans B, Schnider P, Ebeling M, Grundschober C, Benekareddy M. Selective oxytocin receptor activation prevents prefrontal circuit dysfunction and social behavioral alterations in response to chronic prefrontal cortex activation in male rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1286552. [PMID: 38145283 PMCID: PMC10745491 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1286552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social behavioral changes are a hallmark of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, nevertheless the underlying neural substrates of such dysfunction remain poorly understood. Building evidence points to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as one of the key brain regions that orchestrates social behavior. We used this concept with the aim to develop a translational rat model of social-circuit dysfunction, the chronic PFC activation model (CPA). Methods Chemogenetic designer receptor hM3Dq was used to induce chronic activation of the PFC over 10 days, and the behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of prolonged PFC hyperactivity were evaluated. To test the sensitivity of this model to pharmacological interventions on longer timescales, and validate its translational potential, the rats were treated with our novel highly selective oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist RO6958375, which is not activating the related vasopressin V1a receptor. Results CPA rats showed reduced sociability in the three-chamber sociability test, and a concomitant decrease in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission within the PFC as measured by electrophysiological recordings in acute slice preparation. Sub-chronic treatment with a low dose of the novel OXTR agonist following CPA interferes with the emergence of PFC circuit dysfunction, abnormal social behavior and specific transcriptomic changes. Discussion These results demonstrate that sustained PFC hyperactivity modifies circuit characteristics and social behaviors in ways that can be modulated by selective OXTR activation and that this model may be used to understand the circuit recruitment of prosocial therapies in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Bleicher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Belli
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Biemans
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schnider
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ebeling
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Grundschober
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Madhurima Benekareddy
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Calico Life Sciences, South San Francisco, CA, United States
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9
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Pavăl D. The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:1-42. [PMID: 37993174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD". In the meantime, numerous studies yielded empirical evidence for this model. 4 years later, we provided a second version encompassing a refined and reconceptualized framework that accounted for these novel findings. In this chapter, we will review the evidence backing the previous versions of our model and add the most recent developments to the picture. Along these lines, we intend to lay out a comprehensive analysis of the supporting evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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10
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Vörös D, Kiss O, Ollmann T, Mintál K, Péczely L, Zagoracz O, Kertes E, Kállai V, László BR, Berta B, Toth A, Lénárd L, László K. Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Increases Time Spent on Social Interaction in Valproate-Induced Autism Animal Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1802. [PMID: 37509444 PMCID: PMC10376246 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 1.5% of children worldwide. One of the core symptoms is impaired social interaction. Since proper treatment has not been found yet, an investigation of the exact pathophysiology of autism is essential. The valproate (VPA)-induced rat model can be an appropriate way to study autism. Oxytocin (OT) may amend some symptoms of ASD since it plays a key role in developing social relationships. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the intraamygdaloid OT on sham and intrauterine VPA-treated rats' social interaction using Crawley's social interaction test. Bilateral guide cannulae were implanted above the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and intraamygdaloid microinjections were carried out before the test. Our results show that male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to VPA spent significantly less time on social interaction. Bilateral OT microinjection increased the time spent in the social zone; it also reached the level of sham-control animals. OT receptor antagonist blocked this effect of the OT but in itself did not significantly influence the behavior of the rats. Based on our results, we can establish that intraamygdaloid OT has significantly increased time spent on social interaction in the VPA-induced autism model, and its effect is receptor-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Vörös
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Cellular Bioimpedance Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bettina Réka László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Toth
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Cellular Bioimpedance Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Endocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Medical School, Institute of Physiology, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
- Neuroscience Center, University of Pécs, 7602 Pécs, Hungary
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11
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Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Sepehri G, Sheibani V, Shekari MA. Amelioration of cognition impairments in the valproic acid-induced animal model of autism by ciproxifan, a histamine H3-receptor antagonist. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:179-196. [PMID: 37171458 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behavior. Many studies show that the number of cognitive impairmentscan be reduced by antagonists of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R). In this study, the effects of ciproxifan (CPX) (1 and 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on cognitive impairments in rat pups exposed to valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) wereexamined on postnatal day 48-50 (PND 48-50) using marble-burying task (MBT), open field, novel object recognition (NOR), and Passive avoidance tasks. Famotidine (FAM) (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was also used to determine whether histaminergic neurotransmission exerts its procognitive effects via H2 receptors (H2Rs). Furthermore, a histological investigation was conducted to assess the degree of degeneration of hippocampal neurons. The results revealed that repetitive behaviors increased in VPA-exposed rat offspring in the MBT. In addition, VPA-exposed rat offspring exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors in the open field than saline-treated rats. It was found that VPA-exposed rat offspring showed memory deficits in NOR and Passive avoidance tasks. Our results indicated that 3 mg/kg CPX improved cognitive impairments induced by VPA, while 20 mg/kg FAM attenuated them. We concluded that 3 mg/kg CPX improved VPA-induced cognitive impairments through H3Rs. The histological assessment showed that the number of CA1 neurons decreased in the VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to the saline-exposed rat offspring, but this decrease was not significant. The histological assessment also revealed no significant differences in CA1 neurons in VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to saline-exposed rat offspring. However, CPX3 increased the number of CA1 neurons in the VPA + CPX3 group compared to the VPA + Saline group, but this increase was not significant. This study showed that rats prenatally exposed to VPA exhibit cognitive impairments in the MBT, open field, NOR, and Passive avoidance tests, which are ameliorated by CPX treatment on PND 48-50. In addition, morphological investigations showed that VPA treatment did not lead to neuronal degeneration in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus in rat pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi Shekari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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12
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Troha R, Gowda M, Lee SLT, Markus E. Observational learning in rats: Interplay between demonstrator and observer behavior. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 388:109807. [PMID: 36731637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational learning is a vital skill for survival. This form of learning has been seen in humans and certain non-human animals. However, the neural circuitry underlying this form of learning is still poorly understood. NEW METHOD To better understand the factors underlying successful observation in rats, we employed a task where an observer must base its behavior on that of a demonstrator rat to identify a reward location. A comparison was made of behavior during a social and non-social observation condition. RESULTS Observers oriented more, responded faster and omitted less responses in the social compared to the non-social condition. Observer performance was also linked to initial orientation, proximity, and the manner in which the demonstrator rat performed the task. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD Previous work on observational learning encompassed multiple exposures to a single solution over days or weeks. The current method provides data from multiple individual novel observational learning trials, leading to much faster and more robust social learning. This method provides a clearly defined interval in which observation must take place. Allowing for precise tracking of both the observer and demonstrator behavior during the learning period. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights observer and demonstrator interplay in successful observational learning and provides a novel method for analyzing social behavior in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Troha
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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13
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Fu P, Luo S, Liu Z, Furuhara K, Tsuji T, Higashida H, Yokoyama S, Zhong J, Tsuji C. Oral Supplementation with Maca Improves Social Recognition Deficits in the Valproic Acid Animal Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020316. [PMID: 36831858 PMCID: PMC9954495 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a congenital, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder whose main symptom is impaired social communication and interaction. However, no drug can treat social deficits in patients with ASD, and treatments to alleviate social behavioral deficits are sorely needed. Here, we examined the effect of oral supplementation of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on social deficits of in utero-exposed valproic acid (VPA) mice, widely used as an ASD model. Although maca is widely consumed as a fertility enhancer and aphrodisiac, it possesses multiple beneficial activities. Additionally, it benefits learning and memory in experimental animal models. Therefore, the effect of maca supplementation on the social behavioral deficit of VPA mice was assessed using a social interaction test, a three-stage open field test, and a five-trial social memory test. The oral supplementation of maca attenuated social interaction behavior deficit and social memory impairment. The number of c-Fos-positive cells and the percentage of c-Fos-positive oxytocin neurons increased in supraoptic and paraventricular neurons of maca-treated VPA mice. These results reveal for the first time that maca is beneficial to social memory and that it restores social recognition impairments by augmenting the oxytocinergic neuronal pathways, which play an essential role in diverse social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinyue Fu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Shuxin Luo
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Physiological Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, China
| | - Zhongyu Liu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Physiological Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, China
| | - Kazumi Furuhara
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
- Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Jing Zhong
- Physiological Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); or (C.T.); Tel.: +81-(0)-76-265-2458 (C.T.)
| | - Chiharu Tsuji
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); or (C.T.); Tel.: +81-(0)-76-265-2458 (C.T.)
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14
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Bose M, Farias Quipildor G, Ehrlich ME, Salton SR. Intranasal Peptide Therapeutics: A Promising Avenue for Overcoming the Challenges of Traditional CNS Drug Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223629. [PMID: 36429060 PMCID: PMC9688574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has, among all organ systems in the human body, the highest failure rate of traditional small-molecule drug development, ranging from 80-100% depending on the area of disease research. This has led to widespread abandonment by the pharmaceutical industry of research and development for CNS disorders, despite increased diagnoses of neurodegenerative disorders and the continued lack of adequate treatment options for brain injuries, stroke, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric illness. However, new approaches, concurrent with the development of sophisticated bioinformatic and genomic tools, are being used to explore peptide-based therapeutics to manipulate endogenous pathways and targets, including "undruggable" intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The development of peptide-based therapeutics was previously rejected due to systemic off-target effects and poor bioavailability arising from traditional oral and systemic delivery methods. However, targeted nose-to-brain, or intranasal (IN), approaches have begun to emerge that allow CNS-specific delivery of therapeutics via the trigeminal and olfactory nerve pathways, laying the foundation for improved alternatives to systemic drug delivery. Here we review a dozen promising IN peptide therapeutics in preclinical and clinical development for neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), neuropsychiatric (depression, PTSD, schizophrenia), and neurodevelopmental disorders (autism), with insulin, NAP (davunetide), IGF-1, PACAP, NPY, oxytocin, and GLP-1 agonists prominent among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Bose
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gabriela Farias Quipildor
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephen R. Salton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-824-9308
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15
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Imado E, Sun S, Abawa AR, Tahara T, Kochi T, Huynh TNB, Asano S, Hasebe S, Nakamura Y, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Kotake Y, Irifune M, Tsuga K, Takuma K, Morioka N, Kiguchi N, Ago Y. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid causes allodynia associated with spinal microglial activation. Neurochem Int 2022; 160:105415. [PMID: 36027995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, difficulties in sensory processing commonly occur in ASD. Sensory abnormalities include heightened or reduced sensitivity to pain, but the mechanism underlying sensory phenotypes in ASD remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that microglia play an important role in forming and refining neuronal circuitry, and thus contribute to neuronal plasticity and nociceptive signaling. In the present study, we investigated the age-dependent tactile sensitivity in an animal model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) and subsequently assessed the involvement of microglia in the spinal cord in pain processing. Pregnant ICR (CD1) mice were intraperitoneally injected with either saline or VPA (500 mg/kg) on embryonic day 12.5. Male offspring of VPA-treated mothers showed mechanical allodynia at both 4 and 8 weeks of age. In the spinal cord dorsal horn in prenatally VPA-treated mice, the numbers and staining intensities of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells were increased and the cell bodies became enlarged, indicating microglial activation. Treatment with PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, for 10 days resulted in a decreased number of spinal microglia and attenuated mechanical allodynia in adult mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, intrathecal injection of Mac-1-saporin, a saporin-conjugated anti-CD11b antibody to deplete microglia, abolished mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that prenatal VPA treatment causes allodynia and that spinal microglia contribute to the increased nociceptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Imado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Samnang Sun
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Health Sciences, #73, Monivong Blvd., Sangkat Sras Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, 12201, Cambodia
| | - Abrar Rizal Abawa
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mayjen Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Takeru Tahara
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Tran Ngoc Bao Huynh
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Hong Bang International University, 215 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 15, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Satoshi Asano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yaichiro Kotake
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masahiro Irifune
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tsuga
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Advanced Prosthodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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16
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Takayama K, Tobori S, Andoh C, Kakae M, Hagiwara M, Nagayasu K, Shirakawa H, Ago Y, Kaneko S. Autism Spectrum Disorder Model Mice Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid Exhibit Enhanced Empathy-Like Behavior <i>via</i> Oxytocinergic Signaling. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1124-1132. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Takayama
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Shota Tobori
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Chihiro Andoh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Masashi Kakae
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Masako Hagiwara
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Hisashi Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Shuji Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
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17
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Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Sepehri G, Sheibani V, Ur Rehman N, Maneshian M. Histamine H3 receptor antagonist, ciproxifan, alleviates cognition and synaptic plasticity alterations in a valproic acid-induced animal model of autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2673-2693. [PMID: 35538250 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06155-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and cognitive behaviors. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists are considered as therapeutic factors for treating cognitive impairments. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the H3R antagonist, ciproxifan (CPX), on cognition impairment especially, spatial learning memory, and synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in autistic rats. METHODS Pregnant rats were injected with either valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline on an embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). The effects of the H3R antagonist, ciproxifan (CPX) (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p.), were investigated on learning and memory in VPA-exposed rat pups and saline-exposed rat pups using Morris water maze (MWM) and social interaction tasks. The H2R antagonist, famotidine (FAM) (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), was used to determine whether brain histaminergic neurotransmission exerted its procognitive effects through the H2R. In addition, synaptic reinforcement was evaluated by in vivo field potential recording. RESULTS The results showed that VPA-exposed rat pups had significantly lower sociability and social memory performance compared to the saline rats. VPA-exposed rat pups exhibited learning and memory impairments in the MWM task. In addition, VPA caused suppression of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that CPX 3 mg/kg improved VPA-induced cognitive impairments and FAM 20 mg/kg attenuated cognitive behaviors as well as electrophysiological properties. CONCLUSIONS CPX 3 mg/kg improved VPA-induced impairments of LTP as well as learning and memory deficits through H2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Naeem Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Marzieh Maneshian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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18
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Social Fear Affects Limbic System Neuronal Activity and Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158228. [PMID: 35897794 PMCID: PMC9367789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a highly prevalent and comorbid anxiety disorder with rather unclear underlying mechanisms. Here, we aimed to characterize neurobiological changes occurring in mice expressing symptoms of social fear and to identify possible therapeutic targets for SAD. Social fear was induced via social fear conditioning (SFC), a validated animal model of SAD. We assessed the expression levels of the immediate early genes (IEGs) cFos, Fosl2 and Arc as markers of neuronal activity and the expression levels of several genes of the GABAergic, serotoninergic, oxytocinergic, vasopressinergic and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-ergic systems in brain regions involved in social behavior or fear-related behavior in SFC+ and SFC− mice 2 h after exposure to a conspecific. SFC+ mice showed a decreased number and density of cFos-positive cells and decreased expression levels of IEGs in the dorsal hippocampus. SFC+ mice also showed alterations in the expression of NPY and serotonin system-related genes in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, basolateral amygdala, septum and dorsal raphe nucleus, but not in the dorsal hippocampus. Our results describe neuronal alterations occurring during the expression of social fear and identify the NPY and serotonergic systems as possible targets in the treatment of SAD.
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19
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Sato A, Kotajima-Murakami H, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Ikeda K. Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821455. [PMID: 35222122 PMCID: PMC8863673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Matsuo K, Shinoda Y, Abolhassani N, Nakabeppu Y, Fukunaga K. Transcriptome Analysis in Hippocampus of Rats Prenatally Exposed to Valproic Acid and Effects of Intranasal Treatment of Oxytocin. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:859198. [PMID: 35432011 PMCID: PMC9005872 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.859198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and social impairments, often accompanied by learning disabilities. It has been documented that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) ameliorates core symptoms in patients with ASD. We recently reported that chronic administration of intranasal OXT reversed social and learning impairments in prenatally valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rats. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explored molecular alterations in the hippocampus of rats and the effects of chronic administration of intranasal OXT (12 μg/kg/d). Microarray analyses revealed that prenatal VPA exposure altered gene expression, a part of which is suggested as a candidate in ASD and is involved in key features including memory, developmental processes, and epilepsy. OXT partly improved the expression of these genes, which were predicted to interact with those involved in social behaviors and hippocampal-dependent memory. Collectively, the present study documented molecular profiling in the hippocampus related to ASD and improvement by chronic treatment with OXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Matsuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Shinoda
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nona Abolhassani
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusaku Nakabeppu
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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21
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Tabbaa M, Moses A, Hammock EAD. Oxytocin receptor disruption in Avil-expressing cells results in blunted sociability and increased inter-male aggression. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260199. [PMID: 34847180 PMCID: PMC8631681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behaviors are foundational to society and quality of life while social behavior extremes are core symptoms in a variety of psychopathologies and developmental disabilities. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuroactive hormone that regulates social behaviors through its receptor (OXTR), with all previously identified social behavior effects attributed to the central nervous system, which has developmental origins in the neural tube. However, OXTR are also present in neural crest-derived tissue including sensory ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. Avil encodes for the actin-binding protein ADVILLIN, is expressed in neural crest-derived cells, and was therefore used as a target in this study to knock out OXTR expression in neural-crest derived cells. Here, we tested if OXTRs specifically expressed in Avil positive neural crest-derived cells are necessary for species-typical adult social behaviors using a Cre-LoxP strategy. Genetically modified male and female mice lacking OXTR in Avil expressing cells (OXTRAvil KO) were tested for sociability and preference for social novelty. Males were also tested for resident intruder aggression. OXTRAvil KO males and females had reduced sociability compared to OXTRAvil WT controls. Additionally, OXTRAvil KO males had increased aggressive behaviors compared to controls. These data indicate that OXTRs in cells of neural crest origin are important regulators of typical social behaviors in C57BL/6J adult male and female mice and point to needed directions of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Ashley Moses
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
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22
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Nass SR, Lark ARS, Hahn YK, McLane VD, Ihrig TM, Contois L, Napier TC, Knapp PE, Hauser KF. HIV-1 Tat and morphine decrease murine inter-male social interactions and associated oxytocin levels in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Horm Behav 2021; 133:105008. [PMID: 34171549 PMCID: PMC8277758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many persons infected with HIV-1 (PWH) and opioid-dependent individuals experience deficits in sociability that interfere with daily living. Sociability is regulated by the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit. Within this circuit HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (HIV-1 Tat) and opioids can increase dendritic pathology and alter neuronal firing. Changes in sociability are also associated with dysregulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides such as oxytocin or corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the interaction of HIV-1 Tat and morphine would impair inter-male social interactions and disrupt oxytocin and CRF within the PFC and associated circuitry. Male mice were exposed to HIV-1 Tat for 8 weeks and administered saline or escalating doses of morphine twice daily (s.c.) during the last 2 weeks of HIV-1 Tat exposure. Tat attenuated aggressive interactions with an unknown intruder, whereas morphine decreased both non-aggressive and aggressive social interactions in the resident-intruder test. However, there was no effect of Tat or morphine on non-reciprocal interactions in the social interaction and novelty tests. Tat, but not morphine, decreased oxytocin levels in the PFC and amygdala, whereas both Tat and morphine decreased the percentage of oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In Tat(+) or morphine-exposed mice, regional levels of CRF and oxytocin correlated with alterations in behavior in the social interaction and novelty tests. Overall, decreased expression of oxytocin in the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit is associated with morphine- and HIV-Tat-induced deficits in social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Nass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Arianna R S Lark
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Yun K Hahn
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA
| | - Virginia D McLane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Therese M Ihrig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Liangru Contois
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - T Celeste Napier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-2847, USA; Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-3818, USA
| | - Pamela E Knapp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0059, USA
| | - Kurt F Hauser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, Richmond, VA 23298-0059, USA.
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23
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Intranasal Administration of Oxytocin Attenuates Social Recognition Deficits and Increases Prefrontal Cortex Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents following Traumatic Brain Injury. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0061-21.2021. [PMID: 34035071 PMCID: PMC8205495 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0061-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in heightened risk for social deficits that can emerge during adolescence and adulthood. A moderate TBI in male and female rats on postnatal day 11 (equivalent to children below the age of 4) resulted in impairments in social novelty recognition, defined as the preference for interacting with a novel rat compared with a familiar rat, but not sociability, defined as the preference for interacting with a rat compared with an object in the three-chamber test when tested at four weeks (adolescence) and eight weeks (adulthood) postinjury. The deficits in social recognition were not accompanied by deficits in novel object recognition memory and were associated with a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded from pyramidal neurons within Layer II/III of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Whereas TBI did not affect the expression of oxytocin (OXT) or the OXT receptor (OXTR) mRNAs in the hypothalamus and mPFC, respectively, intranasal administration of OXT before behavioral testing was found to reduce impairments in social novelty recognition and increase IPSC frequency in the mPFC in brain-injured animals. These results suggest that TBI-induced deficits in social behavior may be linked to increased excitability of neurons in the mPFC and suggests that the regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in this region as a potential mechanism underlying these deficits.
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24
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Pavăl D, Micluția IV. The Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Revisited: Current Status and Future Prospects. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:73-83. [PMID: 34010842 DOI: 10.1159/000515751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. Despite intensive research, its etiopathogenesis remains largely unclear. Although studies consistently reported dopaminergic anomalies, a coherent dopaminergic model of ASD was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework for a "dopamine hypothesis of ASD" which proposed that autistic behavior arises from a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. Namely, we hypothesized that malfunction of 2 critical circuits originating in the midbrain, that is, the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways, generates the core behavioral features of ASD. Moreover, we provided key predictions of our model along with testing means. Since then, a notable number of studies referenced our work and numerous others provided support for our model. To account for these developments, we review all these recent data and discuss their implications. Furthermore, in the light of these new insights, we further refine and reconceptualize our model, debating on the possibility that various etiologies of ASD converge upon a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. In addition, we discuss future prospects, providing new means of testing our hypothesis, as well as its limitations. Along these lines, we aimed to provide a model which, if confirmed, could provide a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ASD along with new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- Psychiatry Clinic, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Valentina Micluția
- Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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25
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Wang Y, Zhan G, Cai Z, Jiao B, Zhao Y, Li S, Luo A. Vagus nerve stimulation in brain diseases: Therapeutic applications and biological mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:37-53. [PMID: 33894241 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain diseases, including neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases, have posed a deleterious threat to human health and brought a great burden to society and the healthcare system. With the development of medical technology, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative treatment for refractory epilepsy, refractory depression, cluster headaches, and migraines. Furthermore, current evidence showed promising results towards the treatment of more brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. Nonetheless, the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of VNS in brain diseases remain only partially elucidated. This review aims to delve into the relevant preclinical and clinical studies and update the progress of VNS applications and its potential mechanisms underlying the biological effects in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ziwen Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ailin Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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26
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Kitagawa K, Matsumura K, Baba M, Kondo M, Takemoto T, Nagayasu K, Ago Y, Seiriki K, Hayata-Takano A, Kasai A, Takuma K, Hashimoto R, Hashimoto H, Nakazawa T. Intranasal oxytocin administration ameliorates social behavioral deficits in a POGZ WT/Q1038R mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33726803 PMCID: PMC7962304 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms of impaired social behavior and communication. Recent studies have suggested that the oxytocin system, which regulates social behavior in mammals, is potentially involved in ASD. Mouse models of ASD provide a useful system for understanding the associations between an impaired oxytocin system and social behavior deficits. However, limited studies have shown the involvement of the oxytocin system in the behavioral phenotypes in mouse models of ASD. We have previously demonstrated that a mouse model that carries the ASD patient-derived de novo mutation in the pogo transposable element derived with zinc finger domain (POGZWT/Q1038R mice), showed ASD-like social behavioral deficits. Here, we have explored whether oxytocin (OXT) administration improves impaired social behavior in POGZWT/Q1038R mice and found that intranasal oxytocin administration effectively restored the impaired social behavior in POGZWT/Q1038R mice. We also found that the expression level of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) was low in POGZWT/Q1038R mice. However, we did not detect significant changes in the number of OXT-expressing neurons between the paraventricular nucleus of POGZWT/Q1038R mice and that of WT mice. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that POGZ binds to the promoter region of OXTR and is involved in the transcriptional regulation of OXTR. In summary, our study demonstrate that the pathogenic mutation in the POGZ, a high-confidence ASD gene, impairs the oxytocin system and social behavior in mice, providing insights into the development of oxytocin-based therapeutics for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kensuke Matsumura
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masayuki Baba
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Momoka Kondo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoya Takemoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kaoru Seiriki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Interdisciplinary Program for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hayata-Takano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan.,Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Takanobu Nakazawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan.
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27
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The promiscuity of the oxytocin-vasopressin systems and their involvement in autism spectrum disorder. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:121-140. [PMID: 34266588 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin systems have been studied separately in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we provide evidence from an evolutionary and neuroscience perspective about the shared mechanisms and the common roles in regulating social behaviors. We first discuss findings on the evolutionary history of oxytocin and vasopressin ligands and receptors that highlight their common origin and clarify the evolutionary background of the crosstalk between them. Second, we conducted a comprehensive review of the increasing evidence for the role of both neuropeptides in regulating social behaviors. Third, we reviewed the growing evidence on the associations between the oxytocin/vasopressin systems and ASD, which includes oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in animal models of autism and in human patients, and the impact of treatments targeting the oxytocin or the vasopressin systems in children and in adults. Here, we highlight the potential of targeting the oxytocin/vasopressin systems to improve social deficits observed in ASD and the need for further investigations on how to transfer these research innovations into clinical applications.
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Horiai M, Otsuka A, Hidema S, Hiraoka Y, Hayashi R, Miyazaki S, Furuse T, Mizukami H, Teruyama R, Tamura M, Bito H, Maejima Y, Shimomura K, Nishimori K. Targeting oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-expressing neurons in the lateral septum to restore social novelty in autism spectrum disorder mouse models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22173. [PMID: 33335150 PMCID: PMC7746761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a continuum of neurodevelopmental disorders and needs new therapeutic approaches. Recently, oxytocin (OXT) showed potential as the first anti-ASD drug. Many reports have described the efficacy of intranasal OXT therapy to improve the core symptoms of patients with ASD; however, the underlying neurobiological mechanism remains unknown. The OXT/oxytocin receptor (OXTR) system, through the lateral septum (LS), contributes to social behavior, which is disrupted in ASD. Therefore, we selectively express hM3Dq in OXTR-expressing (OXTR+) neurons in the LS to investigate this effect in ASD mouse models developed by environmental and genetic cues. In mice that received valproic acid (environmental cue), we demonstrated successful recovery of impaired social memory with three-chamber test after OXTR+ neuron activation in the LS. Application of a similar strategy to Nl3R451C knock-in mice (genetic cue) also caused successful recovery of impaired social memory in single field test. OXTR+ neurons in the LS, which are activated by social stimuli, are projected to the CA1 region of the hippocampus. This study identified a candidate mechanism for improving core symptoms of ASD by artificial activation of DREADDs, as a simulation of OXT administration to activate OXTR+ neurons in the LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machi Horiai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan
| | - Ayano Otsuka
- Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan.,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.,Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Hayashi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan.,Innovation Center, Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Midorigaoka, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0041, Japan
| | - Shinji Miyazaki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan
| | - Tamio Furuse
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResouce Reserch Center (BRC), 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mizukami
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Center for Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Teruyama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Masaru Tamura
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResouce Reserch Center (BRC), 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0845, Japan. .,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan. .,Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2020; 43:629-645. [PMID: 33126999 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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30
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Wong JC, Shapiro L, Thelin JT, Heaton EC, Zaman RU, D'Souza MJ, Murnane KS, Escayg A. Nanoparticle encapsulated oxytocin increases resistance to induced seizures and restores social behavior in Scn1a-derived epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105147. [PMID: 33189882 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) has broad effects in the brain and plays an important role in cognitive, social, and neuroendocrine function. OT has also been identified as potentially therapeutic in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and depression, which are often comorbid with epilepsy, raising the possibility that it might confer protection against the behavioral and seizure phenotypes in epilepsy. Dravet syndrome (DS) is an early-life encephalopathy associated with prolonged and recurrent early-life febrile seizures (FSs), treatment-resistant afebrile epilepsy, and cognitive and behavioral deficits. De novo loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A are the main cause of DS, while genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), also characterized by early-life FSs and afebrile epilepsy, is typically caused by inherited mutations that alter the biophysical properties of SCN1A. Despite the wide range of available antiepileptic drugs, many patients with SCN1A mutations do not achieve adequate seizure control or the amelioration of associated behavioral comorbidities. In the current study, we demonstrate that nanoparticle encapsulation of OT conferred robust and sustained protection against induced seizures and restored more normal social behavior in a mouse model of Scn1a-derived epilepsy. These results demonstrate the ability of a nanotechnology formulation to significantly enhance the efficacy of OT. This approach will provide a general strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of additional neuropeptides in epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Lindsey Shapiro
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn T Thelin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C Heaton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rokon U Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Martin J D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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32
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Hidema S, Kikuchi S, Takata R, Yanai T, Shimomura K, Horie K, Nishimori K. Single administration of resveratrol improves social behavior in adult mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2207-2214. [PMID: 32698690 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1794783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol present in grapes, the skin of peanuts, and several other plants with many health benefits. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be linked to neural and synaptic development impairments. The present study aimed to analyze the preventive effects of RSV on the development of ASD-like behavior, using oxytocin receptor gene knockout (Oxtr-KO) and valproic acid-induced ASD (VPA-ASD) model mice. Genetic deficiencies in Oxtr are suggested to be involved in ASD etiology. Twenty-four hours after a single RSV injection to the Oxtr-KO mice, the social impairments caused by OXTR deficiency were ameliorated. RSV also improved social impairments in the VPA-ASD mice. Administration of RSV up-regulated silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) gene and early growth response factor 3 (Egr3) gene expressions in the amygdala of the Oxtr-KO mice. Our data suggest that RSV may have therapeutic effects on ASD with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Shohei Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryoji Takata
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yanai
- Research Laboratories for Wine Technologies, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited , Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kengo Horie
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima, Japan
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33
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Lefter R, Ciobica A, Antioch I, Ababei DC, Hritcu L, Luca AC. Oxytocin Differentiated Effects According to the Administration Route in a Prenatal Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56060267. [PMID: 32485966 PMCID: PMC7353871 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56060267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The hormone oxytocin (OXT) has already been reported in both human and animal studies for its promising therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the comparative effectiveness of various administration routes, whether central or peripheral has been insufficiently studied. In the present study, we examined the effects of intranasal (IN) vs. intraperitoneal (IP) oxytocin in a valproic-acid (VPA) autistic rat model, focusing on cognitive and mood behavioral disturbances, gastrointestinal transit and central oxidative stress status. Materials and Methods: VPA prenatally-exposed rats (500 mg/kg; age 90 days) in small groups of 5 (n = 20 total) were given OXT by IP injection (10 mg/kg) for 8 days consecutively or by an adapted IN pipetting protocol (12 IU/kg, 20 μL/day) for 4 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed during the last three days of OXT treatment, and OXT was administrated 20 minutes before each behavioral testing for each rat. Biochemical determination of oxidative stress markers in the temporal area included superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). A brief quantitative assessment of fecal discharge over a period of 24 hours was performed at the end of the OXT treatment to determine differences in intestinal transit. Results: OXT improved behavioral and oxidative stress status in both routes of administration, but IN treatment had significantly better outcome in improving short-term memory, alleviating depressive manifestations and mitigating lipid peroxidation in the temporal lobes. Significant correlations were also found between behavioral parameters and oxidative stress status in rats after OXT administration. The quantitative evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) transit indicated lower fecal pellet counts in the VPA group and homogenous average values for the control and both OXT treated groups. Conclusions: The data from the present study suggest OXT IN administration to be more efficient than IP injections in alleviating autistic cognitive and mood dysfunctions in a VPA-induced rat model. OXT effects on the cognitive and mood behavior of autistic rats may be associated with its effects on oxidative stress. Additionally, present results provide preliminary evidence that OXT may have a balancing effect on gastrointestinal motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Lefter
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, B dul Carol I, No 8, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Research, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, B dul Carol I, No 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Iulia Antioch
- Department of Research, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, B dul Carol I, No 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Daniela Carmen Ababei
- “Grigore T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.C.A.); (A.-C.L.)
| | - Luminita Hritcu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciencies and Veterinary Medicine “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” of Iasi, 3rd Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Alina-Costina Luca
- “Grigore T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.C.A.); (A.-C.L.)
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34
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Tsuji C, Fujisaku T, Tsuji T. Oxytocin ameliorates maternal separation-induced ultrasonic vocalisation calls in mouse pups prenatally exposed to valproic acid. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12850. [PMID: 32321197 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated by the World Health Organization to occur in one of 160 children worldwide. No pharmaceutical treatments are available to improve the deficits in social communication that are common symptoms of ASD. Recent clinical trials have focused on the nasal application of oxytocin, a neuronal peptide known to regulate a variety of social behaviours. However, the effect of oxytocin on this deficit is inconclusive. By contrast, evidence from ASD animal model studies indicates that when animals are treated with oxytocin during early development, improvements in social deficits are observed in adulthood. Thus, it is necessary to examine the effect of therapeutic target medication prescribed in early development. Mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) are widely used as an animal model of ASD. However, many behavioural studies have been conducted during adulthood rather than early development. To establish a screening system to identify therapeutic drugs that are effective when delivered during the early postnatal period, it is important to examine the early developmental changes in their communicative behaviours. In the present study, we examined the ultrasonic vocalisation (USV) of VPA-exposed mice pups during their early postnatal developmental days. USV rates were comparable to those of the controls until the first week of their life but declined more on postnatal day 11. We checked the expression of oxytocin system in the hypothalamus and found the down-regulation of oxytocin and CD38, and up-regulation of oxytocin receptor in the VPA pups. Acute administration of oxytocin on postnatal day 11 increased the call rate of VPA pups. Taken together, we have demonstrated there was a deficiency in the oxytocinergic signalling in the VPA pups and also shown the existence of time periods that are effective with respect to screening the therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Tsuji
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Fujisaku
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Life science innovation center, University of Fukui, Yoshida-gun, Japan
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35
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2020; 29:301-317. [PMID: 32169264 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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36
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Matsuo K, Yabuki Y, Fukunaga K. 5-aminolevulinic acid inhibits oxidative stress and ameliorates autistic-like behaviors in prenatal valproic acid-exposed rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:107975. [PMID: 31991146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) constitute a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and learning disability. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with ASD brain pathology. Here, we used oxidative stress in prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rats as an ASD model. After maternal VPA exposure (600 mg/kg, p.o.) on embryonic day (E) 12.5, temporal analyses of oxidative stress in the brain using an anti-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal antibody revealed that oxidative stress was increased in the hippocampus after birth. This was accompanied by aberrant enzymatic activity in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the hippocampus. VPA-exposed rats exhibited impaired spatial reference and object recognition memory alongside impaired social behaviors and repetitive behaviors. ASD-like behaviors including learning and memory were rescued by chronic oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA; 30 mg/kg/day) and intranasal administration of oxytocin (OXT; 12 μg/kg/day), a neuropeptide that improves social behavior in ASD patients. 5-ALA but not OXT treatment ameliorated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats. Fewer parvalbumin-positive interneurons were observed in VPA-exposed rats. Both 5-ALA and OXT treatments augmented the number of parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Collectively, our results indicate that oral 5-ALA administration ameliorated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that 5-ALA administration improves ASD-like neuropathology and behaviors via mechanisms different to those of OXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Matsuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yabuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
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37
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Hayashi R, Kasahara Y, Hidema S, Fukumitsu S, Nakagawa K, Nishimori K. Oxytocin Ameliorates Impaired Behaviors of High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:379. [PMID: 32719656 PMCID: PMC7347791 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive intake of fat is a major risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and also affects brain function such as object recognition memory, social recognition, anxiety behavior, and depression-like behavior. Although oxytocin (OXT) has been reported to improve object recognition, social recognition, anxiety behavior, and depression-like behavior in specific conditions, previous studies did not explore the impact of OXT in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether intake of HFD affects OXT/oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the brain. Here, we demonstrated that peripheral OXT administration improves not only social recognition but also object recognition and depressive-like behavior in HFD-fed mice. In contrast, peripheral OXT administration to HFD-fed male mice increased fear and anxiety-related behavior. In addition, we observed that intake of HFD decreased OXTR and c-fos mRNA expression in the hippocampus, specifically. Furthermore, peripheral OXT administration increased OXT mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Altogether, these findings suggest that OXT has the potential to improve various recognition memory processes via peripheral administration but also has side effects that increase fear-related behavior in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryotaro Hayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., Innovation Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Fetal Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukumitsu
- Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., Innovation Center, Kanagawa, Japan
- Collaborative Graduate School Program, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nakagawa
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- *Correspondence: Katsuhiko Nishimori
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38
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Hara Y. [Chronic Activation of the Dopaminergic Neuronal Pathway Improves Behavioral Abnormalities in the Prenatal Valproic Acid Exposure Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2019; 139:1391-1396. [PMID: 31685735 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade there has been an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, its pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. To date, no effective drug has been developed to treat the core symptoms of ASD, especially social interaction deficits. Previous studies have mainly focused on the glutamatergic, GABAergic, and serotonergic signaling pathways; however, a growing number of studies have reported abnormalities in the dopaminergic pathway, such as mutations and functional alterations of dopamine-related molecules, in ASD patients. Furthermore, atypical antipsychotic drugs risperidone and aripiprazole are prescribed for the treatment of non-core symptoms, such as irritability, in patients with ASD. These observations suggest that the dopaminergic pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Previously, we have established a mouse model of ASD based on clinical research, which shows that exposure to valproic acid, an antiepileptic drug, during pregnancy causes an increase in the risk of developing ASD in children. This review summarizes our recent studies, which have assessed alterations in the prefrontal dopaminergic pathway. In addition, we discuss the effects of treatment with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs and atypical antipsychotic drugs, which activate the prefrontal dopaminergic pathway, on ASD-like behavioral abnormalities in the valproic acid exposure mouse model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hara
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Kindai University
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Baba M, Yokoyama K, Seiriki K, Naka Y, Matsumura K, Kondo M, Yamamoto K, Hayashida M, Kasai A, Ago Y, Nagayasu K, Hayata-Takano A, Takahashi A, Yamaguchi S, Mori D, Ozaki N, Yamamoto T, Takuma K, Hashimoto R, Hashimoto H, Nakazawa T. Psychiatric-disorder-related behavioral phenotypes and cortical hyperactivity in a mouse model of 3q29 deletion syndrome. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:2125-2135. [PMID: 31216562 PMCID: PMC6887869 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
3q29 microdeletion, a rare recurrent copy number variant (CNV), greatly confers an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as intellectual disability. However, disease-relevant cellular phenotypes of 3q29 deletion syndrome remain to be identified. To reveal the molecular and cellular etiology of 3q29 deletion syndrome, we generated a mouse model of human 3q29 deletion syndrome by chromosome engineering, which achieved construct validity. 3q29 deletion (Df/+) mice showed reduced body weight and brain volume and, more importantly, impaired social interaction and prepulse inhibition. Importantly, the schizophrenia-related impaired prepulse inhibition was reversed by administration of antipsychotics. These findings are reminiscent of the growth defects and neuropsychiatric behavioral phenotypes in patients with 3q29 deletion syndrome and exemplify that the mouse model achieves some part of face validity and predictive validity. Unbiased whole-brain imaging revealed that neuronal hyperactivation after a behavioral task was strikingly exaggerated in a restricted region of the cortex of Df/+ mice. We further elucidated the cellular phenotypes of neuronal hyperactivation and the reduction of parvalbumin expression in the cortex of Df/+ mice. Thus, the 3q29 mouse model provides invaluable insight into the disease-causative molecular and cellular pathology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Baba
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yokoyama
- 0000 0001 0673 6017grid.419841.1Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa Fujisawa, 251-8555 Japan
| | - Kaoru Seiriki
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bInterdisciplinary Program for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Yuichiro Naka
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kensuke Matsumura
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bInterdisciplinary Program for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0614 710Xgrid.54432.34Research Fellowships for Young Scientists of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083 Japan
| | - Momoka Kondo
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kana Yamamoto
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Misuzu Hayashida
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Atsuko Hayata-Takano
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bLaboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bMolecular Research Center for Children’s Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Akinori Takahashi
- 0000 0000 9805 2626grid.250464.1Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Shun Yamaguchi
- 0000 0004 0370 4927grid.256342.4Department of Morphological Neuroscience, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194 Japan ,0000 0004 0370 4927grid.256342.4Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1194 Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- 0000 0001 0943 978Xgrid.27476.30Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan ,0000 0001 0943 978Xgrid.27476.30Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Aichi, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- 0000 0001 0943 978Xgrid.27476.30Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamamoto
- 0000 0000 9805 2626grid.250464.1Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan ,0000000094465255grid.7597.cLaboratory for Immunogenetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa Yokohama, 230-0045 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- 0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bMolecular Research Center for Children’s Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bDepartment of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- 0000 0004 1763 8916grid.419280.6Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553 Japan ,0000 0004 0373 3971grid.136593.bOsaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Takanobu Nakazawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Prenatal valproate in rodents as a tool to understand the neural underpinnings of social dysfunctions in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107477. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Chadman KK, Fernandes S, DiLiberto E, Feingold R. Do animal models hold value in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) drug discovery? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:727-734. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1621285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K. Chadman
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Fernandes
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Center for Developmental Neuroscience and Developmental Disabilities, City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth DiLiberto
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, Macaulay Honors College at City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Robert Feingold
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Center for Developmental Neuroscience and Developmental Disabilities, City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, USA
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42
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Ornoy A, Weinstein-Fudim L, Ergaz Z. Prevention or Amelioration of Autism-Like Symptoms in Animal Models: Will it Bring Us Closer to Treating Human ASD? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051074. [PMID: 30832249 PMCID: PMC6429371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first animal model of valproic acid (VPA) induced autistic-like behavior, many genetic and non-genetic experimental animal models for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been described. The more common non-genetic animal models induce ASD in rats and mice by infection/inflammation or the prenatal or early postnatal administration of VPA. Through the establishment of these models, attempts have been made to ameliorate or even prevent ASD-like symptoms. Some of the genetic models have been successfully treated by genetic manipulations or the manipulation of neurotransmission. Different antioxidants have been used (i.e., astaxanthin, green tea, piperine) to reduce brain oxidative stress in VPA-induced ASD models. Agents affecting brain neurotransmitters (donepezil, agmatine, agomelatine, memantine, oxytocin) also successfully reduced ASD-like symptoms. However, complete prevention of the development of symptoms was achieved only rarely. In our recent study, we treated mouse offspring exposed on postnatal day four to VPA with S-adenosine methionine (SAM) for three days, and prevented ASD-like behavior, brain oxidative stress, and the changes in gene expression induced by VPA. In this review, we describe, in addition to our data, the existing literature on the prevention/amelioration of ASD-like symptoms. We also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying some of these phenomena. Finally, we describe some of the clinical trials in children with ASD that were carried out as a result of data from animal studies, especially those with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Ornoy
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Zivanit Ergaz
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
- Neonatology Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
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Sgritta M, Dooling SW, Buffington SA, Momin EN, Francis MB, Britton RA, Costa-Mattioli M. Mechanisms Underlying Microbial-Mediated Changes in Social Behavior in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuron 2019; 101:246-259.e6. [PMID: 30522820 PMCID: PMC6645363 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 449] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no medications that effectively treat the core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We recently found that the bacterial species Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri reverses social deficits in maternal high-fat-diet offspring. However, whether the effect of L. reuteri on social behavior is generalizable to other ASD models and its mechanism(s) of action remains unknown. Here, we found that treatment with L. reuteri selectively rescues social deficits in genetic, environmental, and idiopathic ASD models. Interestingly, the effects of L. reuteri on social behavior are not mediated by restoring the composition of the host's gut microbiome, which is altered in all of these ASD models. Instead, L. reuteri acts in a vagus nerve-dependent manner and rescues social interaction-induced synaptic plasticity in the ventral tegmental area of ASD mice, but not in oxytocin receptor-deficient mice. Collectively, treatment with L. reuteri emerges as promising non-invasive microbial-based avenue to combat ASD-related social dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sgritta
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sean W Dooling
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric N Momin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael B Francis
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert A Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Kawase H, Ago Y, Naito M, Higuchi M, Hara Y, Hasebe S, Tsukada S, Kasai A, Nakazawa T, Mishina T, Kouji H, Takuma K, Hashimoto H. mS-11, a mimetic of the mSin3-binding helix in NRSF, ameliorates social interaction deficits in a prenatal valproic acid-induced autism mouse model. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 176:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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45
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Simola N, Granon S. Ultrasonic vocalizations as a tool in studying emotional states in rodent models of social behavior and brain disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 159:107420. [PMID: 30445100 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodents emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate the presence of positive or negative emotional states and to coordinate social interactions. On this basis, USVs are increasingly being used as a behavioral readout in rodent studies of affect, motivation and social behavior. Notably, several investigations have demonstrated that rodents emit USVs when tested in experimental paradigms that are used in preclinical studies of psychiatric and neurological diseases. Moreover, it has been shown that calling behavior may be influenced by genetic and/or environmental factors (i.e., stress), early rearing conditions that have been implicated in brain disease, as well as psychoactive drugs. Hence, measuring USV emissions has emerged as a useful tool in studying the mechanisms that underlie the emotional disturbances featuring certain brain diseases, as well as in the development of suited pharmacological therapies. This review provides an overview of the behavioral significance of USV emissions and describes the contexts that promote calling behavior in rats and mice. Moreover, the review summarizes the current evidence concerning the use of USVs as a marker of affect in rat and mouse models of sociability, psychiatric diseases and neurological diseases, and discusses the strengths and current limitations of using USVs as a behavioral readout in rodent studies of emotional behavior. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The neuropharmacology of social behavior: from bench to bedside'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Sylvie Granon
- Neurobiology of Decision Making, Institute of Neuroscience Paris-Saclay, UMR9197, Université Paris-Sud, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orsay, France
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Kang L, Zhang A, Sun N, Liu P, Yang C, Li G, Liu Z, Wang Y, Zhang K. Functional connectivity between the thalamus and the primary somatosensory cortex in major depressive disorder: a resting-state fMRI study. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:339. [PMID: 30340472 PMCID: PMC6194586 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have confirmed that the thalamus and the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) are associated with cognitive function. These two brain regions are closely related in structure and function. The interactions between SI and the thalamus are of crucial significance for the cognitive process. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have significant cognitive impairment. Based on these observations, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to investigate whether there is an abnormality in the SI-thalamic functional connection in MDD. Furthermore, we explored the clinical symptoms related to this abnormality. METHODS We included 31 patients with first-episode major depressive disorder and 28 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls (HC). The SI-thalamic functional connectivity was compared between the MDD and HC groups. The correlation analyses were performed between areas with abnormal connectivity and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, the MDD patients had enhanced functional connectivity between the thalamus and SI (p < 0.05, corrected). Brain areas with significantly different levels of connectivity had a negative correlation with the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total score (r = - 0.383, p = 0.033), delayed memory score (r = - 0.376, p = 0.037) and two-digit continuous operation test score (r = - 0.369, p = 0.041) in MDD patients. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that SI-thalamic functional connectivity is abnormal and associated with the core clinical symptoms in MDD. The SI-thalamic functional connectivity functions as a neurobiological feature and potential biomarker for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Kang
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China ,grid.263452.4Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Sun
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Penghong Liu
- grid.263452.4Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaizhi Li
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhifen Liu
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- 0000 0004 1762 8478grid.452461.0Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China.
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Dai YC, Zhang HF, Schön M, Böckers TM, Han SP, Han JS, Zhang R. Neonatal Oxytocin Treatment Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behaviors and Oxytocin Deficiency in Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:355. [PMID: 30356897 PMCID: PMC6190900 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a critical role in regulating social behaviors in the central nervous system, as indicated in both human and animal studies. We hypothesized that central OXT deficit is one of causes of etiology of ASD, which may be responsible for the social impairments. To test our hypothesis, central OXT system was examined in valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism (VPA rat). Our results showed that adolescent VPA rats exhibited a lower level of OXT mRNA and fewer OXT-ir cells in the hypothalamus than control rats. Additionally, OXT concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was reduced. The number of OXT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of neonatal VPA rats was also lower. Autistic-like behaviors were observed in these animals as well. We found that an acute intranasal administration of exogenous OXT restored the social preference of adolescent VPA rats. Additionally, early postnatal OXT treatment had long-term effects ameliorating the social impairments and repetitive behaviors of VPA rats until adolescence. This was accompanied by an increase in OXT-ir cells. Taken together, we demonstrated there was central OXT deficiency in the VPA-induced rat model of autism, and showed evidence that early postnatal OXT treatment had a long-term therapeutic effect on the autistic-like behaviors in VPA rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Dai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Feng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Böckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Song-Ping Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Wuxi HANS Health Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi, China
| | - Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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48
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Nagano M, Takumi T, Suzuki H. Critical roles of serotonin-oxytocin interaction during the neonatal period in social behavior in 15q dup mice with autistic traits. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13675. [PMID: 30209293 PMCID: PMC6135829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbance of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators is thought to underlie the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies of 15q dup mouse models of ASD with human 15q11–13 duplication have revealed that restoring serotonin (5-HT) levels can partially reverse ASD-related symptoms in adults. However, it remains unclear how serotonin contributes to the behavioral symptoms of ASD. In contrast, oxytocin (OXT) has been found to involve social and affiliative behaviors. In this study, we examined whether serotonin-OXT interaction during the early postnatal period plays a critical role in the restoration of social abnormality in 15q dup mice. OXT or the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8OH-DPAT treatment from postnatal day 7 (PD7) to PD21 ameliorated social abnormality in the three-chamber social interaction test in adult 15q dup mice. The effect of 8OH-DPAT was inhibited by blockade of OXT receptors in 15q dup mice. Thus, serotonin-OXT interaction via 5-HT1A receptors plays a critical role in the normal development of social behavior in 15q dup mice. Therefore, targeting serotonin-OXT interaction may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nagano
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. .,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan.
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