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Peterson CS, Baglot SL, Sallam NA, Mina S, Hill MN, Borgland SL. Oral pre- and early postnatal cannabis exposure disinhibits ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity but does not influence cocaine preference in offspring in mice. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25369. [PMID: 39037062 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25369] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis consumption has increased from 1.5% to 2.5% in Canada between 2012 and 2019. Clinical studies have indicated effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on birth weight, substance use, and neurodevelopmental disorders, but are confounded by several difficult to control variables. Animal models allow for examination of the mechanism of cannabis-induced changes in neurodevelopment and behavior, while controlling dose and timing. Several animal models of prenatal cannabis exposure exist which provide varying levels of construct validity, control of dose, and exposure to maternal stress. Using a voluntary oral consumption model, mouse dams received 5 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) whole cannabis oil in peanut butter daily from gestational day 1 (GD1) to postnatal day 10 (PD10). At GD1, GD18, PD1, PD10, and PD15, maternal plasma was collected; pup brains were collected from GD18 onward. Pup brains had higher levels of THC and cannabidiol at each time point, each of which persisted in maternal plasma and pup brains past the end of treatment (PD15). Male and female adolescent offspring were examined for changes to ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron activity and cocaine-seeking behavior. Prenatal and early postnatal (GD1-PD10) cannabis-exposed male, but not female mice had decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) input, depolarized resting membrane potential, and increased spontaneous firing of VTA dopamine neurons. Cannabis-exposed offspring showed faster decay of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) currents in both sexes. However, no differences in cocaine-seeking behavior were noted. These data characterize a voluntary prenatal cannabis exposure model and demonstrates VTA dopamine neuronal activity is disinhibited in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Peterson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nada A Sallam
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Mina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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DeVuono MV, Nashed MG, Sarikahya MH, Kocsis A, Lee K, Vanin SR, Hudson R, Lonnee EP, Rushlow WJ, Hardy DB, Laviolette SR. Prenatal tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol exposure produce sex-specific pathophysiological phenotypes in the adolescent prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106588. [PMID: 38960101 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence has demonstrated an increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders following prenatal cannabinoid exposure. However, given the phytochemical complexity of cannabis, there is a need to understand how specific components of cannabis may contribute to these neurodevelopmental risks later in life. To investigate this, a rat model of prenatal cannabinoid exposure was utilized to examine the impacts of specific cannabis constituents (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]; cannabidiol [CBD]) alone and in combination on future neuropsychiatric liability in male and female offspring. Prenatal THC and CBD exposure were associated with low birth weight. At adolescence, offspring displayed sex-specific behavioural changes in anxiety, temporal order and social cognition, and sensorimotor gating. These phenotypes were associated with sex and treatment-specific neuronal and gene transcriptional alterations in the prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus, regions where the endocannabinoid system is implicated in affective and cognitive development. Electrophysiology and RT-qPCR analysis in these regions implicated dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system and balance of excitatory and inhibitory signalling in the developmental consequences of prenatal cannabinoids. These findings reveal critical insights into how specific cannabinoids can differentially impact the developing fetal brains of males and females to enhance subsequent neuropsychiatric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
| | - Mina G Nashed
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Andrea Kocsis
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sebastian R Vanin
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Eryn P Lonnee
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Iezzi D, Cáceres-Rodríguez A, Silva JP, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Gestational CBD shapes insular cortex in adulthood. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.597499. [PMID: 38979171 PMCID: PMC11230400 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.597499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Many expectant mothers use CBD to alleviate symptoms like nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and pain, despite limited research on its long-term effects. However, CBD passes through the placenta, affecting fetal development and impacting offspring behavior. We investigated how prenatal CBD exposure affects the insular cortex (IC), a brain region involved in emotional processing and linked to psychiatric disorders. The IC is divided into two territories: the anterior IC (aIC), processing socioemotional signals, and the posterior IC (pIC), specializing in interoception and pain perception. Pyramidal neurons in the aIC and pIC exhibit sex-specific electrophysiological properties, including variations in excitability and the excitatory/inhibitory balance. We investigated IC's cellular properties and synaptic strength in the offspring of both sexes from mice exposed to low-dose CBD during gestation (E5-E18; 3mg/kg, s.c.). Prenatal CBD exposure induced sex-specific and territory-specific changes in the active and passive membrane properties, as well as intrinsic excitability and the excitatory/inhibitory balance, in the IC of adult offspring. The data indicate that in-utero CBD exposure disrupts IC neuronal development, leading to a loss of functional distinction between IC territories. These findings may have significant implications for understanding the effects of CBD on emotional behaviors in offspring.
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Lee K, Vanin S, Nashed M, Sarikahya MH, Laviolette SR, Natale DRC, Hardy DB. Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads to Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early in Postnatal Life in Male Rat Offspring. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:781-796. [PMID: 38358335 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0213] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Studies indicate that ∼7% of pregnant individuals in North America consume cannabis in pregnancy. Pre-clinical studies have established that maternal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; major psychoactive component in cannabis) leads to fetal growth restriction and impaired cardiac function in offspring. However, the effects of maternal exposure to cannabidiol (CBD; major non-euphoric constituent) on cardiac outcomes in offspring remain unknown. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the functional and underlying molecular impacts in the hearts of offspring exposed to CBD in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to either 3 or 30 mg/kg CBD or vehicle control i.p. daily from gestational day 6 to term. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function in male and female offspring at postnatal day (PND) 21. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunoblotting, and bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed on PND21 offspring hearts. Results: Despite no differences in the heart-to-body weight ratio, both doses of CBD led to reduced cardiac function exclusively in male offspring at 3 weeks of age. Underlying this, significant alterations in the expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS; e.g., decreased cannabinoid receptor 2) were observed. In addition, bulk RNA-seq data demonstrated transcriptional pathways significantly enriched in mitochondrial function/metabolism as well as development. Conclusion: Collectively, we demonstrated for the first time that gestational exposure to CBD, a constituent perceived as safe, leads to early sex-specific postnatal cardiac deficits and alterations in the cardiac ECS in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sebastian Vanin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Nashed
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed Halit Sarikahya
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Dudas A, Nakahara TS, Pellissier LP, Chamero P. Parenting behaviors in mice: Olfactory mechanisms and features in models of autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105686. [PMID: 38657845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105686] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Rodents, along with numerous other mammals, heavily depend on olfactory cues to navigate their social interactions. Processing of olfactory sensory inputs is mediated by conserved brain circuits that ultimately trigger social behaviors, such as social interactions and parental care. Although innate, parenting is influenced by internal states, social experience, genetics, and the environment, and any significant disruption of these factors can impact the social circuits. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and social circuits from the olfactory epithelium to central processing that initiate parental behaviors and their dysregulations that may contribute to the social impairments in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We discuss recent advances of the crucial role of olfaction in parental care, its consequences for social interactions, and the reciprocal influence on social interaction impairments in mouse models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dudas
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Thiago S Nakahara
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
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Moore BF. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:154-166. [PMID: 38172481 PMCID: PMC10933144 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x] [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] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis. RECENT FINDINGS A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies. Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N Revere Ct, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
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7
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Giua G, Iezzi D, Caceres-Rodriguez A, Strauss B, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Sex-specific modulation of early life vocalization and cognition by Fmr1 gene dosage in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:18. [PMID: 38383408 PMCID: PMC10880250 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00594-3] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pup-dam ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are essential to cognitive and socio-emotional development. In autism and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), disruptions in pup-dam USV communication hint at a possible connection between abnormal early developmental USV communication and the later emergence of communication and social deficits. METHODS Here, we gathered USVs from PND 10 FXS pups during a short period of separation from their mothers, encompassing animals of all possible genotypes and both sexes (i.e., Fmr1-/y vs. Fmr1+/y males and Fmr1+/+, +/-, and -/- females). This allowed comparing the influence of sex and gene dosage on pups' communication capabilities. Leveraging DeepSqueak and analyzing vocal patterns, intricate vocal behaviors such as call structure, duration, frequency modulation, and temporal patterns were examined. Furthermore, homing behavior was assessed as a sensitive indicator of early cognitive development and social discrimination. This behavior relies on the use of olfactory and thermal cues to navigate and search for the maternal or nest odor in the surrounding space. RESULTS The results show that FMRP-deficient pups of both sexes display an increased inclination to vocalize when separated from their mothers, and this behavior is accompanied by significant sex-specific changes in the main features of their USVs as well as in body weight. Analysis of the vocal repertoire and syntactic usage revealed that Fmr1 gene silencing primarily alters the USVs' qualitative composition in males. Moreover, sex-specific effects of Fmr1 silencing on locomotor activity and homing behavior were observed. FMRP deficiency in females increased activity, reduced nest-reaching time, and extended nest time. In males, it prolonged nest-reaching time and reduced nest time without affecting locomotion. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the interplay between Fmr1 gene dosage and sex in influencing communicative and cognitive skills during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giua
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Benjamin Strauss
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France.
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
- INSERM U901, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille cedex 09, BP13 - 13273, France.
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8
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Black T, Baccetto SL, Barnard IL, Finch E, McElroy DL, Austin-Scott FVL, Greba Q, Michel D, Zagzoog A, Howland JG, Laprairie RB. Characterization of cannabinoid plasma concentration, maternal health, and cytokine levels in a rat model of prenatal Cannabis smoke exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21070. [PMID: 38030657 PMCID: PMC10687022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47861-8] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has gained popularity as a "natural substance", leading many to falsely assume that it is not harmful. This assumption has been documented amongst pregnant mothers, many of whom consider Cannabis use during pregnancy as benign. The purpose of this study was to validate a Cannabis smoke exposure model in pregnant rats by determining the plasma levels of cannabinoids and associated metabolites in the dams after exposure to either Cannabis smoke or injected cannabinoids. Maternal and fetal cytokine and chemokine profiles were also assessed after exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily from gestational day 6-20 with either room air, i.p. vehicle, inhaled high-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (18% THC, 0.1% cannabidiol [CBD]) smoke, inhaled high-CBD (0.7% THC, 13% CBD) smoke, 3 mg/kg i.p. THC, or 10 mg/kg i.p. CBD. Our data reveal that THC and CBD, but not their metabolites, accumulate in maternal plasma after repeated exposures. Injection of THC or CBD was associated with fewer offspring and increased uterine reabsorption events. For cytokines and chemokines, injection of THC or CBD up-regulated several pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to control or high-THC smoke or high-CBD smoke in placental and fetal brain tissue, whereas smoke exposure was generally associated with reduced cytokine and chemokine concentrations in placental and fetal brain tissue compared to controls. These results support existing, but limited, knowledge on how different routes of administration contribute to inconsistent manifestations of cannabinoid-mediated effects on pregnancy. Smoked Cannabis is still the most common means of human consumption, and more preclinical investigation is needed to determine the effects of smoke inhalation on developmental and behavioural trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ilne L Barnard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Emma Finch
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Faith V L Austin-Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Deborah Michel
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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9
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Bahramnejad E, Barney ER, Lester S, Hurtado A, Thompson T, Watkins JC, Hammer MF. Greater female than male resilience to mortality and morbidity in the Scn8a mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37929583 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2279497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Females and males of all ages are affected by epilepsy; however, unlike many clinical studies, most preclinical research has focused on males. Genetic variants in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, SCN8A, are associated with a broad spectrum of neurological and epileptic syndromes. Here we investigate sex differences in the natural history of the Scn8a-N1768D knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS We utilize 24/7 video to monitor juveniles and adults of both sexes to investigate variability in seizure activity (e.g. onset and frequency), mortality and morbidity, response to cannabinoids, and mode of death. We also monitor sleep architecture using a noninvasive piezoelectric method in order to identify factors that influence seizure severity and outcome. RESULTS Both sexes had nearly 100% penetrance in seizure onset and early mortality. However, adult heterozygous (D/+) females were more resilient as exhibited by the ability to tolerate more seizures over a longer lifespan. Homozygous (D/D) juveniles did not exhibit a sex difference in overall survival. Female estrus cycle was disrupted before seizure onset, while sleep was disrupted in both sexes in association with seizure onset. Females typically died while in convulsive status epilepticus; however, a high proportion of males died while not experiencing behavioral seizures. Only juvenile and adult males benefited from cannabinoid administration. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that factors associated with sexual differentiation play a role in the neurobiology of epilepsy and point to the importance of including both sexes in the design of studies to identify new epilepsy therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Bahramnejad
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Emily R Barney
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah Lester
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Aurora Hurtado
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | | | - Joseph C Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Michael F Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
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10
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Gal A, Raykin E, Giladi S, Lederman D, Kofman O, Golan HM. Temporal dynamics of isolation calls emitted by pups in environmental and genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1274039. [PMID: 37942134 PMCID: PMC10629105 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1274039] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including deficits in the development of social communication. In the mouse, ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by the pup stimulate maternal retrieval and potentiate maternal care. Therefore, isolation induced ultrasonic vocalization emitted by pups provides a means to evaluate deficits in communication during early development, before other ways of communication are apparent. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Methylenetetrahydrofolate (Mthfr)-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference, restricted or repetitive behavior and altered spectral properties of pups' ultrasonic vocalization. In this study, we explore the temporal dynamics of pups' vocalization in these Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models. Methods We utilized the maternal potentiation protocol and analyzed the time course of pup vocalizations following isolation from the nest. Two models of ASD were studied: gestational exposure to the pesticide CPF and the Mthfr-knock-out mice. Results Vocalization emitted by pups of both ASD models were dynamically modified in quantity and spectral structure within each session and between the two isolation sessions. The first isolation session was characterized by a buildup of call quantity and significant effects of USV spectral structure variables, and the second isolation session was characterized by enhanced calls and vocalization time, but minute effect on USV properties. Moreover, in both models we described an increased usage of harmonic calls with time during the isolation sessions. Discussion Communication between two or more individuals requires an interplay between the two sides and depends on the response and the time since the stimulus. As such, the presence of dynamic changes in vocalization structure in the control pups, and the alteration observed in the pups of the ASD models, suggest impaired regulation of vocalization associated with the environmental and genetic factors. Last, we propose that temporal dynamics of ultrasonic vocalization communication should be considered in future analysis in rodent models of ASD to maximize the sensitivity of the study of vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Gal
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eynav Raykin
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaked Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dror Lederman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology Holon, Holon, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M. Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Center for Autism Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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