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Karahoda R, Vachalova V, Portillo R, Mahrla F, Viñas-Noguera M, Abad C, Staud F. Developmental expression of catecholamine system in the human placenta and rat fetoplacental unit. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6948. [PMID: 38521816 PMCID: PMC10960862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57481-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine have been implicated in numerous physiological processes within the central nervous system. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of tightly regulated monoamine levels for placental functions and fetal development. However, the complexities of synthesis, release, and regulation of catecholamines in the fetoplacental unit have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we investigated the expression of enzymes and transporters involved in synthesis, degradation, and transport of norepinephrine and dopamine in the human placenta and rat fetoplacental unit. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were performed in early-to-late gestation in humans (first trimester vs. term placenta) and mid-to-late gestation in rats (placenta and fetal brain, intestines, liver, lungs, and heart). In addition, we analyzed the gene expression patterns in isolated primary trophoblast cells from the human placenta and placenta-derived cell lines (HRP-1, BeWo, JEG-3). In both human and rat placentas, the study identifies the presence of only PNMT, COMT, and NET at the mRNA and protein levels, with the expression of PNMT and NET showing gestational age dependency. On the other hand, rat fetal tissues consistently express the catecholamine pathway genes, revealing distinct developmental expression patterns. Lastly, we report significant transcriptional profile variations in different placental cell models, emphasizing the importance of careful model selection for catecholamine metabolism/transport studies. Collectively, integrating findings from humans and rats enhances our understanding of the dynamic regulatory mechanisms that underlie catecholamine dynamics during pregnancy. We identified similar patterns in both species across gestation, suggesting conserved molecular mechanisms and potentially shedding light on shared biological processes influencing placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Vachalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ramon Portillo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Mahrla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mireia Viñas-Noguera
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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The Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine on the Development of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065668. [PMID: 36982742 PMCID: PMC10056332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine, a highly addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is used worldwide as an anorexiant and attention enhancer. Methamphetamine use during pregnancy, even at therapeutic doses, may harm fetal development. Here, we examined whether exposure to methamphetamine affects the morphogenesis and diversity of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons (VMDNs). The effects of methamphetamine on morphogenesis, viability, the release of mediator chemicals (such as ATP), and the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis were evaluated using VMDNs isolated from the embryos of timed-mated mice on embryonic day 12.5. We demonstrated that methamphetamine (10 µM; equivalent to its therapeutic dose) did not affect the viability and morphogenesis of VMDNs, but it reduced the ATP release negligibly. It significantly downregulated Lmx1a, En1, Pitx3, Th, Chl1, Dat, and Drd1 but did not affect Nurr1 or Bdnf expression. Our results illustrate that methamphetamine could impair VMDN differentiation by altering the expression of important neurogenesis-related genes. Overall, this study suggests that methamphetamine use may impair VMDNs in the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to exercise strict caution for its use in expectant mothers.
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Horackova H, Vachalova V, Abad C, Karahoda R, Staud F. Perfused rat term placenta as a preclinical model to investigate placental dopamine and norepinephrine transport. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:149-161. [PMID: 36598165 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220726] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The placenta represents a non-neuronal organ capable of transporting and metabolizing monoamines. Since these bioactive molecules participate in numerous processes essential for placental and fetal physiology, any imbalance in their levels during pregnancy may affect brain development, projecting a higher risk of behavioral disorders in childhood or adulthood. Notably, the monoamine system in the placenta is a target of various psychoactive drugs and can be disrupted in several pregnancy pathologies. As research in pregnant women poses significant ethical restrictions, animal models are widely employed to study monoamine homeostasis as a mechanism involved in fetal programming. However, detailed knowledge of monoamine transport in the rat placenta is still lacking. Moreover, relatability to the human placental monoamine system is not examined. The present study provides insights into the transplacental monoamine dynamics between maternal and fetal circulation. We show that norepinephrine maternal-to-fetal transport is <4% due to high metabolism within the trophoblast. In contrast, dopamine maternal-to-fetal transport exceeds 25%, likely through passive transport across the membrane. In addition, we show high clearance of norepinephrine and dopamine from the fetal circulation mediated by the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3). Altogether, we present transcriptional and functional evidence that the in situ rat placenta perfusion represents a suitable model for (patho)physiological investigation of dopamine and norepinephrine homeostasis in the fetoplacental unit. With the rapid advancements in drug discovery and environmental toxicity, the use of rat placenta as a preclinical model could facilitate screening of possible xenobiotic effects on monoamine homeostasis in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Horackova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Vachalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
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Vachalova V, Karahoda R, Ottaviani M, Anandam KY, Abad C, Albrecht C, Staud F. Functional reorganization of monoamine transport systems during villous trophoblast differentiation: evidence of distinct differences between primary human trophoblasts and BeWo cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:112. [PMID: 35927731 PMCID: PMC9351077 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three primary monoamines-serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine-play major roles in the placenta-fetal brain axis. Analogously to the brain, the placenta has transport mechanisms that actively take up these monoamines into trophoblast cells. These transporters are known to play important roles in the differentiated syncytiotrophoblast layer, but their status and activities in the undifferentiated, progenitor cytotrophoblast cells are not well understood. Thus, we have explored the cellular handling and regulation of monoamine transporters during the phenotypic transitioning of cytotrophoblasts along the villous pathway. METHODS Experiments were conducted with two cellular models of syncytium development: primary trophoblast cells isolated from the human term placenta (PHT), and the choriocarcinoma-derived BeWo cell line. The gene and protein expression of membrane transporters for serotonin (SERT), norepinephrine (NET), dopamine (DAT), and organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) was determined by quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Subsequently, the effect of trophoblast differentiation on transporter activity was analyzed by monoamine uptake into cells. RESULTS We present multiple lines of evidence of changes in the transcriptional and functional regulation of monoamine transporters associated with trophoblast differentiation. These include enhancement of SERT and DAT gene and protein expression in BeWo cells. On the other hand, in PHT cells we report negative modulation of SERT, NET, and OCT3 protein expression. We show that OCT3 is the dominant monoamine transporter in PHT cells, and its main functional impact is on serotonin uptake, while passive transport strongly contributes to norepinephrine and dopamine uptake. Further, we show that a wide range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect serotonin cellular accumulation, at pharmacologically relevant drug concentrations, via their action on both OCT3 and SERT. Finally, we demonstrate that BeWo cells do not well reflect the molecular mechanisms and properties of healthy human trophoblast cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings provide insights into the regulation of monoamine transport during trophoblast differentiation and present important considerations regarding appropriate in vitro models for studying monoamine regulation in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vachalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Ottaviani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kasin Yadunandam Anandam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Functional characterization of dopamine and norepinephrine transport across the apical and basal plasma membranes of the human placental syncytiotrophoblast. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11603. [PMID: 35804076 PMCID: PMC9270497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15790-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta represents a unique non-neuronal site of monoamine transporter expression, with pathophysiological relevance during the prenatal period. Monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) are crucial neuromodulators for proper placenta functions and fetal development, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and neuronal migration. Accumulating evidence suggests that even a transient disruption of monoamine balance during gestation may lead to permanent changes in the fetal brain structures and functions, projecting into adulthood. Nonetheless, little is known about the transfer of dopamine and norepinephrine across the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Employing the method of isolated membranes from the human term placenta, here we delineate the transport mechanisms involved in dopamine and norepinephrine passage across the apical microvillous (MVM) and basal membranes. We show that the placental uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine across the mother-facing MVM is mediated via the high-affinity and low-capacity serotonin (SERT/SLC6A4) and norepinephrine (NET/SLC6A2) transporters. In the fetus-facing basal membrane, however, the placental uptake of both monoamines is controlled by the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3/SLC22A3). Our findings thus provide insights into physiological aspects of dopamine and norepinephrine transport across both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. As monoamine transporters represent targets for several neuroactive drugs such as antidepressants, our findings are pharmacologically relevant to ensure the safety of drug use during pregnancy.
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Stratilov VA, Tyulkova EI, Vetrovoy OV. Prenatal Stress as a Factor of the
Development of Addictive States. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093020060010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Li ZM, Benker B, Bao Q, Henkelmann B, Corsten C, Michalke B, Pauluschke-Fröhlich J, Flisikowski K, Schramm KW, De Angelis M. Placental distribution of endogenous and exogenous substances: A pilot study utilizing cryo-sampled specimen off delivery room. Placenta 2020; 100:45-53. [PMID: 32828006 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reliability in the use of placentome (including placenta, umbilical cord, and cord blood) biomarkers requires an understanding of their distributions. Here we aim to develop a simple and proper placenta sampling scheme, and to evaluate the placental distributions of biomarkers. METHODS We developed a continuous cooling chain protocol off delivery room and cryo-subsampling method for placenta sampling. The levels of thyroid hormones (THs), elements, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), monoamines, and vitamin E were measured using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, HPLC-ICP-MS, HPLC-EcD, and HRGC-HRMS, respectively. The distributions of biomarkers were assessed. RESULTS In human placentome, l-thyroxine (T4), Cd, Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, and β-tocotrienol levels were higher in placenta than in umbilical cord, while Pb and Mn were concentrated in human cord. In porcine placentome, T4, 3,3',5'-triiodo-l-thyronine (rT3), 3,3'-diiodo-l-thyronine, Cd, Pb, Zn, K, and Al levels were higher in the cord. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was <0.4 for 3,3',5-triiodo-l-thyronine, rT3, α-tocopherol, and 7 elements in human basal plate, indicating low reliability. rT3, Cd, Zn, Mn, and Cu were significantly concentrated in the central region in human placenta, while higher levels of As, Cd, Cr, and Al were found in the periphery region in porcine placenta. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) showed moderate reliability (ICC: 0.40-0.98) except PCB-81, -126, and BDE-208, while polychlorinated dibenzo-p-doixins/furans (PCDD/Fs) showed poor reliability (ICC: 0.07-0.31). DISCUSSION These results highlight the complexity of placenta sampling. This study provides a novel and simple sampling approach in investigating placental exposomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan (Nutrition), Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| | - Bärbel Benker
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Qibei Bao
- Ningbo College of Health Sciences, 315100, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bernhard Henkelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Corsten
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalke
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jan Pauluschke-Fröhlich
- Department für Frauengesundheit Universitäts-Frauenklinik Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 70276, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Flisikowski
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie der Nutztiere, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmannstr. 1, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Department für Biowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350, Freising, Germany
| | - Meri De Angelis
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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Karahoda R, Horackova H, Kastner P, Matthios A, Cerveny L, Kucera R, Kacerovsky M, Duintjer Tebbens J, Bonnin A, Abad C, Staud F. Serotonin homeostasis in the materno-foetal interface at term: Role of transporters (SERT/SLC6A4 and OCT3/SLC22A3) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in uptake and degradation of serotonin by human and rat term placenta. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2020; 229:e13478. [PMID: 32311818 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Serotonin is crucial for proper foetal development, and the placenta has been described as a 'donor' of serotonin for the embryo/foetus. However, in later stages of gestation the foetus produces its own serotonin from maternally-derived tryptophan and placental supply is no longer needed. We propose a novel model of serotonin homeostasis in the term placenta with special focus on the protective role of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3/SLC22A3). METHODS Dually perfused rat term placenta was employed to quantify serotonin/tryptophan transport and metabolism. Placental membrane vesicles isolated from human term placenta were used to characterize serotonin transporters on both sides of the syncytiotrophoblast. RESULTS We obtained the first evidence that serotonin is massively taken up from the foetal circulation by OCT3. This uptake is concentration-dependent and inhibitable by OCT3 blockers of endogenous (glucocorticoids) or exogenous (pharmaceuticals) origin. Population analyses in rat placenta revealed that foetal sex influences placental extraction of serotonin from foetal circulation. Negligible foetal serotonin levels were detected in maternal-to-foetal serotonin/tryptophan transport and metabolic studies. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that OCT3, localized on the foetus-facing membrane of syncytiotrophoblast, is an essential component of foeto-placental homeostasis of serotonin. Together with serotonin degrading enzyme, monoamine oxidase-A, this offers a protective mechanism against local vasoconstriction effects of serotonin in the placenta. However, this system may be compromised by OCT3 inhibitory molecules, such as glucocorticoids or antidepressants. Our findings open new avenues to explore previously unsuspected/unexplained complications during pregnancy including prenatal glucocorticoid excess and pharmacotherapeutic risks of treating pregnant women with OCT3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Karahoda
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Hana Horackova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kastner
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Andreas Matthios
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Cerveny
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kucera
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics University Hospital in Hradec Kralove Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jurjen Duintjer Tebbens
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Alexandre Bonnin
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience University of Southern California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Cilia Abad
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
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Velasquez JC, Goeden N, Herod SM, Bonnin A. Maternal Pharmacokinetics and Fetal Disposition of (±)-Citalopram during Mouse Pregnancy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:327-38. [PMID: 26765210 PMCID: PMC5384759 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are commonly prescribed in the treatment of depression, their use during pregnancy leads to fetal drug exposures. According to recent reports, such exposures could affect fetal development and long-term offspring health. A central question is how pregnancy-induced physical and physiological changes in mothers, fetuses, and the placenta influence fetal SSRI exposures during gestation. In this study, we examined the effects of gestational stage on the maternal pharmacokinetics and fetal disposition of the SSRI (±)-citalopram (CIT) in a mouse model. We determined the maternal and fetal CIT serum concentration-time profiles following acute maternal administration on gestational days (GD)14 and GD18, as well as the fetal brain drug disposition. The results show that pregnancy affects the pharmacokinetics of CIT and that maternal drug clearance increases as gestation progresses. The data further show that CIT and its primary metabolite desmethylcitalopram (DCIT) readily cross the placenta into the fetal compartment, and fetal exposure to CIT exceeds that of the mother during gestation 2 h after maternal administration. Enzymatic activity assays revealed that fetal drug metabolic capacity develops in late gestation, resulting in elevated circulating and brain concentrations of DCIT at embryonic day (E)18. Fetal exposure to the SSRI CIT in murine pregnancy is therefore influenced by both maternal gestational stage and embryonic development, suggesting potential time-dependent effects on fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Skyla M. Herod
- Department
of Biology and Chemistry, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California 91702, United States
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Na KH, Choi JH, Kim CH, Kim KS, Kim GJ. Altered expression of norepinephrine transporter and norepinephrine in human placenta cause pre-eclampsia through regulated trophoblast invasion. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2013; 40:12-22. [PMID: 23614111 PMCID: PMC3630288 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2013.40.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We investigated the norepinephrine transporter (NET) expression in normal and pre-eclamptic placentas and analyzed the invasion activity of trophoblastic cells based on norepinephrine (NE)-NET regulation. Methods NET and NE expression levels were examined by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Trophoblast invasion activity, depending on NE-NET regulation, was determined by NET-small interfering RNA (siRNA) and NET transfection into the human extravillous trophoblast cells with or without NE treatment and invasion rates were analyzed by zymography and an invasion assay. Results NET mRNA was expressed at a low level in pre-eclamptic placentas compared with normal placentas and NE concentration in maternal plasma increased significantly in pre-eclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women (p<0.05). NET gene upregulation and NE treatment stimulated trophoblast cell invasion up to 2.5-fold (p<0.05) by stimulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity via the phosphoinositol-3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway, whereas NET-siRNA with NE treatment reduced invasion rates. Conclusion NET expression is reduced by inadequate regulation of NE levels during placental development. This suggests that a complementary balance between NET and NE regulates trophoblast cell invasion activities during placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Hwan Na
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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Harris A, Seckl J. Glucocorticoids, prenatal stress and the programming of disease. Horm Behav 2011; 59:279-89. [PMID: 20591431 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 565] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An adverse foetal environment is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroendocrine and psychological disorders in adulthood. Exposure to stress and its glucocorticoid hormone mediators may underpin this association. In humans and in animal models, prenatal stress, excess exogenous glucocorticoids or inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2; the placental barrier to maternal glucocorticoids) reduces birth weight and causes hyperglycemia, hypertension, increased HPA axis reactivity, and increased anxiety-related behaviour. Molecular mechanisms that underlie the 'developmental programming' effects of excess glucocorticoids/prenatal stress include epigenetic changes in target gene promoters. In the case of the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR), this alters tissue-specific GR expression levels, which has persistent and profound effects on glucocorticoid signalling in certain tissues (e.g. brain, liver, and adipose). Crucially, changes in gene expression persist long after the initial challenge, predisposing the individual to disease in later life. Intriguingly, the effects of a challenged pregnancy appear to be transmitted possibly to one or two subsequent generations, suggesting that these epigenetic effects persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanette Harris
- University of Edinburgh, Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
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