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Belskaya A, Kurzina N, Savchenko A, Sukhanov I, Gromova A, Gainetdinov RR, Volnova A. Rats Lacking the Dopamine Transporter Display Inflexibility in Innate and Learned Behavior. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1270. [PMID: 38927477 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Playing a key role in the organization of striatal motor output, the dopamine (DA)-ergic system regulates both innate and complex learned behaviors. Growing evidence clearly indicates the involvement of the DA-ergic system in different forms of repetitive (perseverative) behavior. Some of these behaviors accompany such disorders as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, and addiction. In this study, we have traced how the inflexibility of repetitive reactions in the recently developed animal model of hyper-DA-ergia, dopamine transporter knockout rats (DAT-KO rats), affects the realization of innate behavior (grooming) and the learning of spatial (learning and reversal learning in T-maze) and non-spatial (extinction of operant reaction) tasks. We found that the microstructure of grooming in DAT-KO rats significantly differed in comparison to control rats. DAT-KO rats more often demonstrated a fixed syntactic chain, making fewer errors and very rarely missing the chain steps in comparison to control rats. DAT-KO rats' behavior during inter-grooming intervals was completely different to the control animals. During learning and reversal learning in the T-maze, DAT-KO rats displayed pronounced patterns of hyperactivity and perseverative (stereotypical) activity, which led to worse learning and a worse performance of the task. Most of the DAT-KO rats could not properly learn the behavioral task in question. During re-learning, DAT-KO rats demonstrated rigid perseverative activity even in the absence of any reinforcement. In operant tasks, the mutant rats demonstrated poor extinction of operant lever pressing: they continued to perform lever presses despite no there being reinforcement. Our results suggest that abnormally elevated DA levels may be responsible for behavioral rigidity. It is conceivable that this phenomenon in DAT-KO rats reflects some of the behavioral traits observed in clinical conditions associated with endogenous or exogenous hyper-DA-ergia, such as schizophrenia, substance abuse, OCD, patients with Parkinson disease treated with DA mimetics, etc. Thus, DAT-KO rats may be a valuable behavioral model in the search for new pharmacological approaches to treat such illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Belskaya
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Natalia Kurzina
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Artem Savchenko
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Ilya Sukhanov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Arina Gromova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Saint Petersburg University Hospital, Saint Petersburg 190121, Russia
| | - Anna Volnova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
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An D, Zheng L, Xu Z, Zheng Y, Chen Z. Dopaminergic Remodeling During a Critical Developmental Window: Linking Drug Use to Adult Aggression. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:845-848. [PMID: 38457112 PMCID: PMC11178738 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dadao An
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhengyi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yanrong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Sadighi M, Mai L, Xu Y, Boillot M, Targa G, Mottarlini F, Brambilla P, Gass P, Caffino L, Fumagalli F, Homberg JR. Chronic exposure to imipramine induces a switch from depression-like to mania-like behavior in female serotonin transporter knockout rats: Role of BDNF signaling in the infralimbic cortex. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:128-142. [PMID: 38280571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly burdensome psychiatric disorder characterized by alternating states of mania and depression. A major challenge in the clinic is the switch from depression to mania, which is often observed in female BD patients during antidepressant treatment such as imipramine. However, the underlying neural basis is unclear. METHODS To investigate the potential neuronal pathways, serotonin transporter knockout (SERT KO) rats, an experimental model of female BD patients, were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests under chronic treatment of the antidepressant imipramine. In addition, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream signaling was examined in the prefrontal cortex. RESULTS Chronic exposure to imipramine reduced anxiety and sociability and problem-solving capacity, and increased thigmotaxis and day/night activity in all animals, but specifically in female SERT KO rats, compared to female wild-type (WT) rats. Further, we found an activation of BDNF-TrkB-Akt pathway signaling in the infralimbic, but not prelimbic, cortex after chronic imipramine treatment in SERT KO, but not WT, rats. LIMITATIONS Repeated testing behaviors could potentially affect the results. Additionally, the imipramine induced changes in behavior and in the BDNF system were measured in separate animals. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that female SERT KO rats, which mirror the female BD patients with the 5-HTTLPR s-allele, are at higher risk of a switch to mania-like behaviors under imipramine treatment. Activation of the BDNF-TrkB-Akt pathway in the infralimbic cortex might contribute to this phenotype, but causal evidence remains to be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Sadighi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lingling Mai
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yifan Xu
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Morgane Boillot
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Pickenhan L, Milton AL. Opening new vistas on obsessive-compulsive disorder with the observing response task. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:249-265. [PMID: 38316708 PMCID: PMC11039534 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a highly prevalent and debilitating disorder, is incompletely understood in terms of underpinning behavioural, psychological, and neural mechanisms. This is attributable to high symptomatic heterogeneity; cardinal features comprise obsessions and compulsions, including clinical subcategories. While obsessive and intrusive thoughts are arguably unique to humans, dysfunctional behaviours analogous to those seen in clinical OCD have been examined in nonhuman animals. Genetic, ethological, pharmacological, and neurobehavioural approaches all contribute to understanding the emergence and persistence of compulsive behaviour. One behaviour of particular interest is maladaptive checking, whereby human patients excessively perform checking rituals despite these serving no purpose. Dysfunctional and excessive checking is the most common symptom associated with OCD and can be readily operationalised in rodents. This review considers animal models of OCD, the neural circuitries associated with impairments in habit-based and goal-directed behaviour, and how these may link to the compulsions observed in OCD. We further review the Observing Response Task (ORT), an appetitive instrumental learning procedure that distinguishes between functional and dysfunctional checking, with translational application in humans and rodents. By shedding light on the psychological and neural bases of compulsive-like checking, the ORT has potential to offer translational insights into the underlying mechanisms of OCD, in addition to being a platform for testing psychological and neurochemical treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Pickenhan
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Amy L Milton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK.
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Salvatore MF. Dopamine Signaling in Substantia Nigra and Its Impact on Locomotor Function-Not a New Concept, but Neglected Reality. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1131. [PMID: 38256204 PMCID: PMC10815979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021131] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic influences of dopamine (DA) signaling and impact on motor function are nearly always interpreted from changes in nigrostriatal neuron terminals in striatum. This is a standard practice in studies of human Parkinson's disease (PD) and aging and related animal models of PD and aging-related parkinsonism. However, despite dozens of studies indicating an ambiguous relationship between changes in striatal DA signaling and motor phenotype, this perseverating focus on striatum continues. Although DA release in substantia nigra (SN) was first reported almost 50 years ago, assessment of nigral DA signaling changes in relation to motor function is rarely considered. Whereas DA signaling has been well-characterized in striatum at all five steps of neurotransmission (biosynthesis and turnover, storage, release, reuptake, and post-synaptic binding) in the nigrostriatal pathway, the depth of such interrogations in the SN, outside of cell counts, is sparse. However, there is sufficient evidence that these steps in DA neurotransmission in the SN are operational and regulated autonomously from striatum and are present in human PD and aging and related animal models. To complete our understanding of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects motor function, it is past time to include interrogation of nigral DA signaling. This brief review highlights evidence that changes in nigral DA signaling at each step in DA neurotransmission are autonomous from those in striatum and changes in the SN alone can influence locomotor function. Accordingly, for full characterization of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects locomotor activity, interrogation of DA signaling in SN is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Salvatore
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Reinwald JR, Schmitz CN, Skorodumov I, Kuchar M, Weber-Fahr W, Spanagel R, Meinhardt MW. Psilocybin-induced default mode network hypoconnectivity is blunted in alcohol-dependent rats. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:392. [PMID: 38097569 PMCID: PMC10721862 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02690-1] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) adversely affects the lives of millions of people, but still lacks effective treatment options. Recent advancements in psychedelic research suggest psilocybin to be potentially efficacious for AUD. However, major knowledge gaps remain regarding (1) psilocybin's general mode of action and (2) AUD-specific alterations of responsivity to psilocybin treatment in the brain that are crucial for treatment development. Here, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover pharmaco-fMRI study on psilocybin effects using a translational approach with healthy rats and a rat model of alcohol relapse. Psilocybin effects were quantified with resting-state functional connectivity using data-driven whole-brain global brain connectivity, network-based statistics, graph theory, hypothesis-driven Default Mode Network (DMN)-specific connectivity, and entropy analyses. Results demonstrate that psilocybin induced an acute wide-spread decrease in different functional connectivity domains together with a distinct increase of connectivity between serotonergic core regions and cortical areas. We could further provide translational evidence for psilocybin-induced DMN hypoconnectivity reported in humans. Psilocybin showed an AUD-specific blunting of DMN hypoconnectivity, which strongly correlated to the alcohol relapse intensity and was mainly driven by medial prefrontal regions. In conclusion, our results provide translational validity for acute psilocybin-induced neural effects in the rodent brain. Furthermore, alcohol relapse severity was negatively correlated with neural responsivity to psilocybin treatment. Our data suggest that a clinical standard dose of psilocybin may not be sufficient to treat severe AUD cases; a finding that should be considered for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Reinwald
- Research Group Translational Imaging, Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group Systems Neuroscience and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian N Schmitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivan Skorodumov
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelics Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Wolfgang Weber-Fahr
- Research Group Translational Imaging, Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Marcus W Meinhardt
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Rocchetti J, Fasano C, Dal-Bo G, Guma E, El Mestikawy S, Wong TP, Fakhfouri G, Giros B. Persistent extrasynaptic hyperdopaminergia in the mouse hippocampus induces plasticity and recognition memory deficits reversed by the atypical antipsychotic sulpiride. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289770. [PMID: 37624765 PMCID: PMC10456148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that subcortical hyperdopaminergia alters cognitive function in schizophrenia and antipsychotic drugs (APD) fail at rescuing cognitive deficits in patients. In a previous study, we showed that blocking D2 dopamine receptors (D2R), a core action of APD, led to profound reshaping of mesohippocampal fibers, deficits in synaptic transmission and impairments in learning and memory in the mouse hippocampus (HP). However, it is currently unknown how excessive dopamine affects HP-related cognitive functions, and how APD would impact HP functions in such a state. After verifying the presence of DAT-positive neuronal projections in the ventral (temporal), but not in the dorsal (septal), part of the HP, GBR12935, a blocker of dopamine transporter (DAT), was infused in the CA1 of adult C57Bl/6 mice to produce local hyperdopaminergia. Chronic GBR12935 infusion in temporal CA1 induced a mild learning impairment in the Morris Water Maze and abolished long-term recognition memory in novel-object (NORT) and object-place recognition tasks (OPRT). Deficits were accompanied by a significant decrease in DAT+ mesohippocampal fibers. Intrahippocampal or systemic treatment with sulpiride during GBR infusions improved the NORT deficit but not that of OPRT. In vitro application of GBR on hippocampal slices abolished long-term depression (LTD) of fEPSP in temporal CA1. LTD was rescued by co-application with sulpiride. In conclusion, chronic DAT blockade in temporal CA1 profoundly altered mesohippocampal modulation of hippocampal functions. Contrary to previous observations in normodopaminergic mice, antagonising D2Rs was beneficial for cognitive functions in the context of hippocampal hyperdopaminergia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Rocchetti
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Fasano
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gregory Dal-Bo
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elisa Guma
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, NPS – IBPS, Paris, France
| | - Tak-Pan Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gohar Fakhfouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruno Giros
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Université Paris-Cité, INCC UMR 8002, CNRS, Paris, France
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Hlavacova N, Hrivikova K, Karailievova L, Karailiev P, Homberg JR, Jezova D. Altered responsiveness to glutamatergic modulation by MK-801 and to repeated stress of immune challenge in female dopamine transporter knockout rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023:110804. [PMID: 37247803 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a key factor in psychiatric and neurological disorders often worsening disease symptoms. In this study, a unique animal model, the dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rat exhibiting behavioral signs resembling those occurring in mania, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder was used. We have tested the hypothesis that the hyperdopaminergic state in DAT-KO rats (i) modulates behavioral response to the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (dizocilpine) and (ii) leads to abnormal endocrine and immune activation under subchronic stress induced by an immune challenge. Glutamatergic modulation with MK-801 induced a different behavioral pattern. While the WT rats responded to MK-801 injection with a robust rise in their locomotor activity, the hyperactive DAT-KO rats exhibited reduced locomotion. Signs of chronic stress including increased basal corticosterone and aldosterone but blunted anxiety were demonstrated in rats lacking the DAT. Repeated injections of increasing doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 days) did not modify plasma prolactin concentrations which were however significantly lower in DAT-KO than in WT rats. Concentrations of plasma high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein were significantly higher in LPS-treated DAT-KO than in WT rats. The gene expression of interleukin-6 in the anterior pituitary increased under the stress induced by the immune challenge in the WT but not the DAT-KO rats. The most evident differences between the genotypes were revealed in the spleen. The splenic gene expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and HMGB1 was lower and that of ferritin was higher in DAT-KO compared to WT rats. Obtained results emphasize the functional interaction of the endocrine and immune systems with monoamine and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the mechanisms leading to behavioral alterations and psychiatric disorders associated with dopamine dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Hlavacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Hrivikova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Karailievova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Karailiev
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Xu Y, Peremans K, Salden S, Audenaert K, Dobbeleir A, Van Eeckhaut A, De Bundel D, Saunders JH, Baeken C. Accelerated high frequency rTMS induces time-dependent dopaminergic alterations: a DaTSCAN brain imaging study in healthy beagle dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1154596. [PMID: 37261109 PMCID: PMC10228829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1154596] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The neurobiological effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are believed to run in part through the dopaminergic system. Accelerated high frequency rTMS (aHF-rTMS), a new form of stimuli delivery, is currently being tested for its usefulness in treating human and canine mental disorders. However, the short-and long-term neurobiological effects are still unclear, including the effects on the dopaminergic system. In aHF-rTMS, multiple sessions are delivered within 1 day instead of one session per day, not only to accelerate the time to response but also to increase clinical efficacy. To gain more insight into the neurobiology of aHF-rTMS, we investigated whether applying five sessions in 1 day has direct and/or delayed effects on the dopamine transporter (DAT), and on dopamine metabolites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in beagles. Materials and methods Thirteen beagles were randomly divided into two groups: five active stimulation sessions (n = 9), and 5 sham stimulation sessions (n = 4). Using DaTSCAN, DAT binding indices (BI) were obtained at baseline, after 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months post stimulation. CSF samples were collected after each scan. Results Active aHF-rTMS significantly reduced striatal DAT BI 1 day post-active stimulation session (p < 0.01), and the effect lasted to 1 month (p < 0.01). No significant DAT BI change was found in sham group. No significant changes in dopamine metabolites of CSF were found. Conclusion Although no significant effects on CSF dopamine metabolites were observed, five sessions of active aHF-rTMS significantly decreased striatal DAT BI after 1 day and up to 1 month post stimulation, indicating immediate and delayed effects on the brain dopaminergic system. Our findings in healthy beagles further substantiate the assumption that (a)HF-rTMS affects the brain dopaminergic system and it may pave the way to apply (a)HF-rTMS treatment in behaviorally disturbed dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Xu
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kathelijne Peremans
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sofie Salden
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kurt Audenaert
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andre Dobbeleir
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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10
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Savchenko A, Targa G, Fesenko Z, Leo D, Gainetdinov RR, Sukhanov I. Dopamine Transporter Deficient Rodents: Perspectives and Limitations for Neuroscience. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050806. [PMID: 37238676 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The key element of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is undoubtedly DA transporter (DAT), a transmembrane protein responsible for the synaptic reuptake of the mediator. Changes in DAT's function can be a key mechanism of pathological conditions associated with hyperdopaminergia. The first strain of gene-modified rodents with a lack of DAT were created more than 25 years ago. Such animals are characterized by increased levels of striatal DA, resulting in locomotor hyperactivity, increased levels of motor stereotypes, cognitive deficits, and other behavioral abnormalities. The administration of dopaminergic and pharmacological agents affecting other neurotransmitter systems can mitigate those abnormalities. The main purpose of this review is to systematize and analyze (1) known data on the consequences of changes in DAT expression in experimental animals, (2) results of pharmacological studies in these animals, and (3) to estimate the validity of animals lacking DAT as models for discovering new treatments of DA-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Savchenko
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy Str. 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Zoia Fesenko
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya Emb., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Damiana Leo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya Emb., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Fontanka River Emb. 154, 190121 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Sukhanov
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy Str. 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
- St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Fontanka River Emb. 154, 190121 St. Petersburg, Russia
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11
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Xu X, Zhuo L, Zhang L, Peng H, Lyu Y, Sun H, Zhai Y, Luo D, Wang X, Li X, Li L, Zhang Y, Ma X, Wang Q, Li Y. Dexmedetomidine alleviates host ADHD-like behaviors by reshaping the gut microbiota and reducing gut-brain inflammation. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115172. [PMID: 36958092 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders that affects children and even continues into adulthood. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a short-term sedative, can selectively activate the α2-adrenoceptor. Treatment with α2-adrenergic agonists in patients with ADHD is becoming increasingly common. However, the therapeutic potential of DEX for the treatment of ADHD is unknown. Here, we evaluated the effect of DEX on ADHD-like behavior in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a widely used animal model of ADHD. DEX treatment ameliorated hyperactivity and spatial working memory deficits and normalized θ electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms in SHRs. We also found that DEX treatment altered the gut microbiota composition and promoted the enrichment of beneficial gut bacterial genera associated with anti-inflammatory effects in SHRs. The gut pathological scores and permeability and the level of inflammation observed in the gut and brain were remarkably improved after DEX administration. Moreover, transplantation of fecal microbiota from DEX-treated SHRs produced effects that mimicked the therapeutic effects of DEX administration. Therefore, DEX is a promising treatment for ADHD that functions by reshaping the composition of the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation in the gut and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The People's Hospital of Nanchuan, Chongqing 408400, China
| | - Lixia Zhuo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Linjuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Huan Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yixuan Lyu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Huan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yifang Zhai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Danlei Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Liya Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xiancang Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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12
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Sukhanov I, Dorotenko A, Fesenko Z, Savchenko A, Efimova EV, Mor MS, Belozertseva IV, Sotnikova TD, Gainetdinov RR. Inhibition of PDE10A in a New Rat Model of Severe Dopamine Depletion Suggests New Approach to Non-Dopamine Parkinson's Disease Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010009. [PMID: 36671394 PMCID: PMC9855999 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative pathology. Due to the limitations of existing therapeutic approaches, novel anti-parkinsonian medicines with non-dopamine mechanisms of action are clearly needed. One of the promising pharmacological targets for anti-Parkinson drug development is phosphodiesterase (PDE) 10A. The stimulating motor effects of PDE10A inhibition were detected only under the conditions of partial dopamine depletion. The results raise the question of whether PDE10A inhibitors are able to restore locomotor activity when dopamine levels are very low. To address this issue, we (1) developed and validated the rat model of acute severe dopamine deficiency and (2) tested the action of PDE10A inhibitor MP-10 in this model. All experiments were performed in dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rats. A tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, α-Methyl-DL-tyrosine (αMPT), was used as an agent to cause extreme dopamine deficiency. In vivo tests included estimation of locomotor activity and catalepsy levels in the bar test. Additionally, we evaluated the tissue content of dopamine in brain samples by HPLC analysis. The acute administration of αMPT to DAT-KO rats caused severe depletion of dopamine, immobility, and catalepsy (Dopamine-Deficient DAT-KO (DDD) rats). As expected, treatment with the L-DOPA and carbidopa combination restored the motor functions of DDD rats. Strikingly, administration of MP-10 also fully reversed immobility and catalepsy in DDD rats. According to neurochemical studies, the action of MP-10, in contrast to L-DOPA + carbidopa, seems to be dopamine-independent. These observations indicate that targeting PDE10A may represent a new promising approach in the development of non-dopamine therapies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Sukhanov
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.R.G.); Tel.: +7-(812)-346-39-25 (I.S.); +7-(812)-363-69-39 (R.R.G.)
| | - Artem Dorotenko
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Zoia Fesenko
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Artem Savchenko
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeniya V. Efimova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikael S. Mor
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Belozertseva
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana D. Sotnikova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.R.G.); Tel.: +7-(812)-346-39-25 (I.S.); +7-(812)-363-69-39 (R.R.G.)
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13
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TRIAC Treatment Improves Impaired Brain Network Function and White Matter Loss in Thyroid Hormone Transporter Mct8/Oatp1c1 Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415547. [PMID: 36555189 PMCID: PMC9779161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions of the thyroid hormone (TH) transporting monocarboxylate transporter MCT8 lead to a complex X-linked syndrome with abnormal serum TH concentrations and prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms (Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, AHDS). The key features of AHDS are replicated in double knockout mice lacking MCT8 and organic anion transporting protein OATP1C1 (Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO). In this study, we characterize impairments of brain structure and function in Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assess the potential of the TH analogue 3,3',5-triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) to rescue this phenotype. Structural and functional MRI were performed in 11-weeks-old male Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice (N = 10), wild type controls (N = 7) and Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice (N = 13) that were injected with TRIAC (400 ng/g bw s.c.) daily during the first three postnatal weeks. Grey and white matter volume were broadly reduced in Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice. TRIAC treatment could significantly improve white matter thinning but did not affect grey matter loss. Network-based statistic showed a wide-spread increase of functional connectivity, while graph analysis revealed an impairment of small-worldness and whole-brain segregation in Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice. Both functional deficits could be substantially ameliorated by TRIAC treatment. Our study demonstrates prominent structural and functional brain alterations in Mct8/Oatp1c1 DKO mice that may underlie the psychomotor deficiencies in AHDS. Additionally, we provide preclinical evidence that early-life TRIAC treatment improves white matter loss and brain network dysfunctions associated with TH transporter deficiency.
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Kessi M, Duan H, Xiong J, Chen B, He F, Yang L, Ma Y, Bamgbade OA, Peng J, Yin F. Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder updates. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:925049. [PMID: 36211978 PMCID: PMC9532551 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.925049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly occurs in children with a prevalence ranging from 3.4 to 7.2%. It profoundly affects academic achievement, well-being, and social interactions. As a result, this disorder is of high cost to both individuals and society. Despite the availability of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of ADHD, the pathogenesis is not clear, hence, the existence of many challenges especially in making correct early diagnosis and provision of accurate management. Objectives We aimed to review the pathogenic pathways of ADHD in children. The major focus was to provide an update on the reported etiologies in humans, animal models, modulators, therapies, mechanisms, epigenetic changes, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Methods References for this review were identified through a systematic search in PubMed by using special keywords for all years until January 2022. Results Several genes have been reported to associate with ADHD: DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, DAT1, TPH2, HTR1A, HTR1B, SLC6A4, HTR2A, DBH, NET1, ADRA2A, ADRA2C, CHRNA4, CHRNA7, GAD1, GRM1, GRM5, GRM7, GRM8, TARBP1, ADGRL3, FGF1, MAOA, BDNF, SNAP25, STX1A, ATXN7, and SORCS2. Some of these genes have evidence both from human beings and animal models, while others have evidence in either humans or animal models only. Notably, most of these animal models are knockout and do not generate the genetic alteration of the patients. Besides, some of the gene polymorphisms reported differ according to the ethnic groups. The majority of the available animal models are related to the dopaminergic pathway. Epigenetic changes including SUMOylation, methylation, and acetylation have been reported in genes related to the dopaminergic pathway. Conclusion The dopaminergic pathway remains to be crucial in the pathogenesis of ADHD. It can be affected by environmental factors and other pathways. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how environmental factors relate to all neurotransmitter pathways; thus, more studies are needed. Although several genes have been related to ADHD, there are few animal model studies on the majority of the genes, and they do not generate the genetic alteration of the patients. More animal models and epigenetic studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Haolin Duan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yanli Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Olumuyiwa A. Bamgbade
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Yin,
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15
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Mallien AS, Becker L, Pfeiffer N, Terraneo F, Hahn M, Middelman A, Palme R, Creutzberg KC, Begni V, Riva MA, Leo D, Potschka H, Fumagalli F, Homberg JR, Gass P. Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats Show Impaired Wellbeing in a Multimodal Severity Assessment Approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:924603. [PMID: 35898652 PMCID: PMC9309546 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.924603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In preclinical psychiatry research, animals are central to modeling and understanding biological mechanisms of behavior and psychiatric disorders. We here present the first multimodal severity assessment of a genetically modified rat strain used in psychiatric research, lacking the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene and showing endophenotypes of several dopamine-associated disorders. Absence of the DAT leads to high extracellular dopamine (DA) levels and has been associated with locomotor hyperactivity, compulsive behaviors and stereotypies in the past. The German Animal Welfare Law, which is based on the EU Directive (2010/63/EU), requires a prospective severity assessment for every animal experiment, depending on the extent of the expected degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm that the animals will experience. This should consider all procedures but also the impact of the genotype on the phenotype. Therefore, we examined multiple parameters indicating animal welfare, like burrowing behavior, social interaction, saccharin preference, baseline stress hormone levels and nesting behavior. Additionally, a footprint analysis was performed and home cage activity was analyzed for a more detailed characterization of locomotion. DAT KO rats demonstrated reduced burrowing, social interaction and saccharin preference. We also found pronounced stereotypies and alterations in the gait analysis in DAT KO rats. Moreover, we confirmed the hyperactivity and the impaired sensorimotor gating mechanisms to assure that our rats are exhibiting the correct phenotype. In conclusion, we provide evidence that DAT KO rats show alterations in natural behavior patterns and deduce that the marked stereotypies are a sign for coping difficulties, both indicating a negative influence of the genotype on wellbeing. We suggest to assess further rat models in an objectified severity assessment as previously done in mice to create a relative severity assessment based on scientific evidence. Until then, we propose the classification of homozygous DAT KO rats as “moderate” in accordance with the criteria of the EU directive 2010/63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Laura Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Federica Terraneo
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anthonieke Middelman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerstin Camile Creutzberg
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Damiana Leo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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