1
|
Lallai V, Congiu C, Craig G, Manca L, Chen YC, Dukes AJ, Fowler CD, Dazzi L. Social isolation postweaning alters reward-related dopamine dynamics in a region-specific manner in adolescent male rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100620. [PMID: 38486879 PMCID: PMC10937317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Early development is characterized by dynamic transitions in brain maturation, which may be impacted by environmental factors. Here, we sought to determine the effects of social isolation from postweaning and during adolescence on reward behavior and dopaminergic signaling in male rats. Subjects were socially isolated or group housed at postnatal day 21. Three weeks later, extracellular dopamine concentrations were examined in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens shell (NAc) during a feeding bout. Surprisingly, opposing effects were found in which increased mPFC dopamine concentrations were observed in group housed, but not isolated, rats. In stark contrast, increased dopamine levels were found in the NAc of isolated, but not group housed, rats. Moreover, the absence of an effect in the mPFC of the isolated rats could not be reversed by subsequent group housing, demonstrating the remarkable long-term effects on dopamine signaling dynamics. When provided a highly palatable food, the isolated subjects exhibited a dramatic increase in mPFC dopamine levels when the chocolate was novel, but no effects following chronic chocolate consumption. In contrast, the group housed subjects showed significantly increased dopamine levels only with chronic chocolate consumption. The dopamine changes were correlated with differences in behavioral measures. Importantly, the deficit in reward-related behavior during isolation could be reversed by microinjection of either dopamine or cocaine into the mPFC. Together, these data provide evidence that social isolation from postweaning and during adolescence alters reward-induced dopamine levels in a brain region-specific manner, which has important functional implications for reward-related behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Cristina Congiu
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giulia Craig
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Letizia Manca
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Angeline J. Dukes
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Christie D. Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Laura Dazzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, Centre of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jia C, Gill WD, Lovins C, Brown RW, Hagg T. Astrocyte focal adhesion kinase reduces passive stress coping by inhibiting ciliary neurotrophic factor only in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100621. [PMID: 38516563 PMCID: PMC10955429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been implicated in stress responses and produce ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), which we have shown in the mouse medial amygdala (MeA) to promote passive stress coping response only in females. Pharmacological inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) upregulates CNTF expression. Here, we found that inducible knockout of FAK in astrocytes or systemic treatment with an FAK inhibitor increased passive coping behavior, i.e., immobility, in an acute forced swim stress test in female, but not male, mice. Strikingly, four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) did not further increase passive coping in female astrocytic FAK knockout mice, whereas it exacerbated it in female wildtype mice and male mice of both genotypes. These data suggest that astrocyte FAK inhibition is required for chronic stress-induced passive coping in females. Indeed, CUS reduced phospho-FAK and increased CNTF in the female MeA. Progesterone treatment after ovariectomy activated amygdala FAK and alleviated ovariectomy-induced passive coping in wildtype, but not astrocytic FAK knockout females. This suggests that progesterone-mediated activation of FAK in astrocytes reduces female stress responses. Finally, astrocytic FAK knockout or FAK inhibitor treatment increased CNTF expression in the MeA of both sexes, although not in the hippocampus. As mentioned, MeA CNTF promotes stress responses only in females, which may explain the female-specific role of astrocytic FAK inhibition. Together, this study reveals a novel female-specific progesterone-astrocytic FAK pathway that counteracts CNTF-mediated stress responses and points to opportunities for developing treatments for stress-related disorders in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - W. Drew Gill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Balan I, Boero G, Chéry SL, McFarland MH, Lopez AG, Morrow AL. Neuroactive Steroids, Toll-like Receptors, and Neuroimmune Regulation: Insights into Their Impact on Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:582. [PMID: 38792602 PMCID: PMC11122352 DOI: 10.3390/life14050582] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnane neuroactive steroids, notably allopregnanolone and pregnenolone, exhibit efficacy in mitigating inflammatory signals triggered by toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, thus attenuating the production of inflammatory factors. Clinical studies highlight their therapeutic potential, particularly in conditions like postpartum depression (PPD), where the FDA-approved compound brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone, effectively suppresses TLR-mediated inflammatory pathways, predicting symptom improvement. Additionally, pregnane neurosteroids exhibit trophic and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating the production of vital trophic proteins and anti-inflammatory factors. Androstane neuroactive steroids, including estrogens and androgens, along with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), display diverse effects on TLR expression and activation. Notably, androstenediol (ADIOL), an androstane neurosteroid, emerges as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, promising for therapeutic interventions. The dysregulation of immune responses via TLR signaling alongside reduced levels of endogenous neurosteroids significantly contributes to symptom severity across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, demonstrate efficacy in alleviating symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders and modulating neuroimmune responses, offering potential intervention avenues. This review emphasizes the significant therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids in modulating TLR signaling pathways, particularly in addressing inflammatory processes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. It advances our understanding of the complex interplay between neuroactive steroids and immune responses, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual needs and providing insights for future research aimed at unraveling the intricacies of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Samantha Lucenell Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Minna H. McFarland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alejandro G. Lopez
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siddi C, Cosentino S, Tamburini E, Concas L, Pisano MB, Ardu R, Deplano M, Follesa P, Maciocco E, Porcu P, Serra M, Pisu MG. Parental Social Isolation during Adolescence Alters Gut Microbiome in Rat Male Offspring. Biomolecules 2024; 14:172. [PMID: 38397408 PMCID: PMC10886888 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020172] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that parental stress, induced by social isolation starting at puberty, leads to behavioral, endocrine, and biochemical changes in the male, but not female, offspring (ISO-O) of Sprague-Dawley rats. Here, we report alterations in the gut microbiota composition of ISO-O vs. grouped-housed offspring (GH-O), although all animals received the same diet and were housed in the same conditions. Analysis of bacterial communities by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rRNA gene revealed alterations at family and order levels within the main phyla of Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, including an almost total deficit in Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly Lactobacillus reuteri) and a significant increase in Ligilactobacillus murinus (formerly Lactobacillus murinus). In addition, we found an increase in the relative abundance of Rhodospirillales and Clostridiales in the families of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidales in the family of Prevotellaceae. Furthermore, we examined plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which did not differ between the two groups, while corticosterone concentrations were significantly increased in ISO-O rats. Our findings suggest that adverse environmental conditions experienced by parents may have an impact on the likelihood of disease development in the subsequent generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Siddi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.S.); (L.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Sofia Cosentino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.B.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Elena Tamburini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Luca Concas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.S.); (L.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Barbara Pisano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.B.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Riccardo Ardu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Maura Deplano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.B.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Paolo Follesa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.S.); (L.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Elisabetta Maciocco
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (P.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (P.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.S.); (L.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Pisu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (P.P.); (M.G.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gore IR, Gould E. Developmental and adult stress: effects of steroids and neurosteroids. Stress 2024; 27:2317856. [PMID: 38563163 PMCID: PMC11046567 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2317856] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, exposure to early life adversity has profound implications for susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Studies in rodents have shown that stress experienced during early postnatal life can have lasting effects on brain development. Glucocorticoids and sex steroids are produced in endocrine glands and the brain from cholesterol; these molecules bind to nuclear and membrane-associated steroid receptors. Unlike other steroids that can also be made in the brain, neurosteroids bind specifically to neurotransmitter receptors, not steroid receptors. The relationships among steroids, neurosteroids, and stress are multifaceted and not yet fully understood. However, studies demonstrating altered levels of progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and their neuroactive metabolites in both developmental and adult stress paradigms strongly suggest that these molecules may be important players in stress effects on brain circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the influence of developmental and adult stress on various components of the brain, including neurons, glia, and perineuronal nets, with a focus on sex steroids and neurosteroids. Gaining an enhanced understanding of how early adversity impacts the intricate systems of brain steroid and neurosteroid regulation could prove instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets for stress-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha R Gore
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maguire JL, Mennerick S. Neurosteroids: mechanistic considerations and clinical prospects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:73-82. [PMID: 37369775 PMCID: PMC10700537 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Like other classes of treatments described in this issue's section, neuroactive steroids have been studied for decades but have risen as a new class of rapid-acting, durable antidepressants with a distinct mechanism of action from previous antidepressant treatments and from other compounds covered in this issue. Neuroactive steroids are natural derivatives of progesterone but are proving effective as exogenous treatments. The best understood mechanism is that of positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, where subunit selectivity may promote their profile of action. Mechanistically, there is some reason to think that neuroactive steroids may separate themselves from liabilities of other GABA modulators, although research is ongoing. It is also possible that intracellular targets, including inflammatory pathways, may be relevant to beneficial actions. Strengths and opportunities for further development include exploiting non-GABAergic targets, structural analogs, enzymatic production of natural steroids, precursor loading, and novel formulations. The molecular mechanisms of behavioral effects are not fully understood, but study of brain network states involved in emotional processing demonstrate a robust influence on affective states not evident with at least some other GABAergic drugs including benzodiazepines. Ongoing studies with neuroactive steroids will further elucidate the brain and behavioral effects of these compounds as well as likely underpinnings of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goolsby BC, Smith EJ, Muratore IB, Coto ZN, Muscedere ML, Traniello JFA. Differential Neuroanatomical, Neurochemical, and Behavioral Impacts of Early-Age Isolation in a Eusocial Insect. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.29.546928. [PMID: 37425857 PMCID: PMC10326991 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.546928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Social experience early in life appears to be necessary for the development of species-typical behavior. Although isolation during critical periods of maturation has been shown to impact behavior by altering gene expression and brain development in invertebrates and vertebrates, workers of some ant species appear resilient to social deprivation and other neurobiological challenges that occur during senescence or due to loss of sensory input. It is unclear if and to what degree neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and behavior will show deficiencies if social experience in the early adult life of worker ants is compromised. We reared newly-eclosed adult workers of Camponotus floridanus under conditions of social isolation for 2 to 53 days, quantified brain compartment volumes, recorded biogenic amine levels in individual brains, and evaluated movement and behavioral performance to compare the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, brood-care behavior, and foraging (predatory behavior) of isolated workers with that of workers experiencing natural social contact after adult eclosion. We found that the volume of the antennal lobe, which processes olfactory inputs, was significantly reduced in workers isolated for an average of 40 days, whereas the size of the mushroom bodies, centers of higher-order sensory processing, increased after eclosion and was not significantly different from controls. Titers of the neuromodulators serotonin, dopamine, and octopamine remained stable and were not significantly different in isolation treatments and controls. Brood care, predation, and overall movement were reduced in workers lacking social contact early in life. These results suggest that the behavioral development of isolated workers of C. floridanus is specifically impacted by a reduction in the size of the antennal lobe. Task performance and locomotor ability therefore appear to be sensitive to a loss of social contact through a reduction of olfactory processing ability rather than change in the size of the mushroom bodies, which serve important functions in learning and memory, or the central complex, which controls movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Billie C. Goolsby
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - E. Jordan Smith
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Isabella B. Muratore
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Zach N. Coto
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sandström A, Bixo M, Bäckström T, Möller A, Turkmen S. Altered GABA A receptor function in women with endometriosis: a possible pain-related mechanism. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1316-1322. [PMID: 36944570 PMCID: PMC10541155 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14559] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mechanism underlying endometriosis-related pain remains poorly understood. Previous studies have indicated that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABAA ) receptors and GABAergic substances (eg endogenous neurosteroids) play important mechanistic roles in various pain conditions. Our primary objective was to compare GABAA receptor function between women with endometriosis and healthy controls by performing a challenge test with diazepam, a GABAA receptor agonist, using the saccadic eye velocity as the main outcome. The secondary objective was to investigate the relation between GABAA receptor function and serum levels of allopregnanolone, an endogenous positive modulator of the GABAA receptor, in the participating women. MATERIAL AND METHODS 15 women with pelvic pain and laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and 10 healthy, symptom-free, control women, aged 18-40 years, underwent the diazepam challenge test during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Basal serum allopregnanolone levels were measured prior to diazepam injection. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, women with pelvic pain and confirmed endometriosis had a significantly smaller change in saccadic eye velocity after GABAA receptor stimulation with diazepam, indicating lower sensitivity to diazepam. The saccadic eye velocity response was not correlated with the serum allopregnanolone levels. CONCLUSIONS Women with painful endometriosis show altered GABAA receptor function, depicted as a muted response to an exogenous GABAA receptor agonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Sandström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmea UniversityUmeaSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySundsvall County HospitalSundsvallSweden
| | - Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmea UniversityUmeaSweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmea UniversityUmeaSweden
| | - Anna Möller
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStockholm South General HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Science and EducationKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Sahruh Turkmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmea UniversityUmeaSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySundsvall County HospitalSundsvallSweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bäckström T, Turkmen S, Das R, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP. The GABA system, a new target for medications against cognitive impairment-Associated with neuroactive steroids. J Intern Med 2023; 294:281-294. [PMID: 37518841 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13705] [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] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in parallel with an aging population. Distinct types of chronic stress are thought to be instrumental in the development of cognitive impairment in central nervous system (CNS) disorders where cognitive impairment is a major unmet medical need. Increased GABAergic tone is a mediator of stress effects but is also a result of other factors in CNS disorders. Positive GABA-A receptor modulating stress and sex steroids (steroid-PAMs) such as allopregnanolone (ALLO) and medroxyprogesterone acetate can provoke impaired cognition. As such, ALLO impairs memory and learning in both animals and humans. In transgenic AD animal studies, continuous exposure to ALLO at physiological levels impairs cognition and increases degenerative AD pathology, whereas intermittent ALLO injections enhance cognition, indicating pleiotropic functions of ALLO. We have shown that GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSAs) can block the acute negative cognitive impairment of ALLO on memory in animal studies and in patients with cognitive impairment due to hepatic encephalopathy. Here we describe disorders affected by steroid-PAMs and opportunities to treat these adverse effects of steroid-PAMs with novel GAMSAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahruh Turkmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Roshni Das
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Walton NL, Antonoudiou P, Barros L, Dargan T, DiLeo A, Evans-Strong A, Gabby J, Howard S, Paracha R, Sánchez EJ, Weiss GL, Kong D, Maguire JL. Impaired Endogenous Neurosteroid Signaling Contributes to Behavioral Deficits Associated With Chronic Stress. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:249-261. [PMID: 36736870 PMCID: PMC10363189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric illnesses, including depression. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby stress leads to mood disorders remain unclear. Allopregnanolone acts as a positive allosteric modulator preferentially on δ subunit-containing GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid A) receptors. Accumulating clinical and preclinical evidence supports the antidepressant effects of exogenous administration of allopregnanolone analogs; yet, the role of endogenous allopregnanolone in the pathophysiology of depression remains unknown. METHODS We utilized a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model, followed by behavioral and biochemical assays, to examine whether altered neurosteroid signaling contributes to behavioral outcomes following CUS. We subsequently performed in vivo CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) knockdown of rate-limiting enzymes involved in allopregnanolone synthesis, 5α-reductase type 1 and 2 (5α1/2), in addition to lentiviral overexpression of 5α1/2 in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of mice that underwent CUS to assess the impact of 5α1/2 on behavioral outcomes. RESULTS The expression of δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors and endogenous levels of allopregnanolone were reduced in the BLA following CUS. Treatment with an exogenous allopregnanolone analog, SGE-516, was sufficient to increase allopregnanolone levels in the BLA following CUS. Knockdown of 5α1/2 in the BLA mimicked the behavioral outcomes associated with CUS. Conversely, overexpression of 5α1/2 in the BLA improved behavioral outcomes following CUS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that chronic stress impairs endogenous neurosteroid signaling in the BLA, which is sufficient to induce behavioral deficits. Further, these studies suggest that allopregnanolone-based treatments may directly target the underlying pathophysiology of mood disorders suggesting that targeting endogenous neurosteroidogenesis may offer a novel therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najah L Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pantelis Antonoudiou
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lea Barros
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, New York
| | - Tauryn Dargan
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa DiLeo
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aidan Evans-Strong
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jenah Gabby
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Samantha Howard
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rumzah Paracha
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edgardo J Sánchez
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, Puerto Rico
| | - Grant L Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dong Kong
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
Collapse
|
12
|
Westgate CSJ, Israelsen IME, Kamp-Jensen C, Jensen RH, Eftekhari S. Glucocorticoids modify intracranial pressure in freely moving rats. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:35. [PMID: 37231507 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00439-y] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely prescribed for a variety of inflammatory diseases, but they are also used to treat raised intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by trauma or oedema. However, it is unclear if GCs independently modulate ICP and if GCs are involved in normal ICP regulation. In this study, we aimed to assess the ICP modulatory effects of GCs and their molecular consequences on choroid plexus (CP). METHODS Adult female rats were implanted with telemetric ICP probes for physiological, continuous ICP recordings in a freely moving setup. Rats received prednisolone or vehicle via oral gavage in a randomized acute (24 h) ICP study. In a subsequent study rats received corticosterone or vehicle in drinking water for a 4-week chronic ICP study. CP were removed, and the expression of genes associated with cerebrospinal fluid secretion were assessed. RESULTS A single prednisolone dose reduced ICP by up to 48% (P < 0.0001), where ICP was reduced within 7 h and was maintained for at least 14 h. Prednisolone increases ICP spiking (P = 0.0075) while not altering ICP waveforms. Chronic corticosterone reduces ICP by up to 44%, where ICP was lower for the entirety of the 4-week ICP recording period (P = 0.0064). ICP daily periodicity was not altered by corticosterone. Corticosterone ICP reduction was not accompanied by ICP spike differences or alteration in ICP spike periodicity. Chronic corticosterone treatment had modest effects on CP gene expression, lowering the expression of Car2 at CP (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS GCs reduce ICP in both the acute and chronic setting to a similar degree. Moreover, GCs did not modify the diurnal rhythm of ICP, suggesting the diurnal variation of ICP periodicity is not under explicit control of GCs. ICP disturbances should be considered a consequence of GC therapy. Based on these experiments, GCs may have broader ICP therapeutic uses, but side effects must be taken into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connar Stanley James Westgate
- Danish Headache Center, Dept of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup Research Institute, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Ida Marchen Egerod Israelsen
- Danish Headache Center, Dept of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup Research Institute, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Christina Kamp-Jensen
- Danish Headache Center, Dept of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup Research Institute, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Rigmor Højland Jensen
- Danish Headache Center, Dept of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup Research Institute, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Sajedeh Eftekhari
- Danish Headache Center, Dept of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup Research Institute, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Davari S, D'Costa N, Ramezan R, Mielke JG. Chronic Early-Life Social Isolation Enhances Spatial Memory in Male and Female Rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 447:114433. [PMID: 37037406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114433] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Social adversity during childhood and adolescence can alter brain development in ways that may increase the likelihood of many prominent mental illnesses. To determine the underlying mechanisms, several animal models have been developed, such as Chronic Early-Life Social Isolation (CELSI), which sees rats isolated for several weeks after weaning. Although such a paradigm does cause many consistent changes in adult behaviour, one area where uncertainty exists concerns its effect upon hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. To help sort out how CELSI affects spatial learning and memory, male and female siblings from 15 Sprague-Dawley rat litters were stratified by sex and then randomly assigned to either group-housing (3 animals/cage), or social isolation (1 animal/cage) for 7 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were then tested over 5 days using the Morris water maze. Next, the animals were euthanised, and stress-sensitive biometrics, including serum corticosterone levels, were collected. Lastly, to determine whether CELSI affected neural cell density, the expression of key neuronal and glial proteins (such as PSD-95 and GFAP, respectively) was assessed in isolated hippocampal tissue using immunoblotting. Notably, both male and female rats that had experienced post-weaning social isolation displayed stronger spatial learning and memory abilities than their group-housed counterparts. As well, socially isolated male rats exhibited a clear increase in expression of PSD-95. However, housing condition did not seem to affect either stress-sensitive biometrics, or hippocampal GFAP expression. Our results support the possibility that CELSI may enhance some aspects of hippocampal-dependent behaviour in a fashion similar among male and female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Davari
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole D'Costa
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Ramezan
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - John G Mielke
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Umminger LF, Rojczyk P, Seitz-Holland J, Sollmann N, Kaufmann E, Kinzel P, Zhang F, Kochsiek J, Langhein M, Kim CL, Wiegand TLT, Kilts JD, Naylor JC, Grant GA, Rathi Y, Coleman MJ, Bouix S, Tripodis Y, Pasternak O, George MS, McAllister TW, Zafonte R, Stein MB, O'Donnell LJ, Marx CE, Shenton ME, Koerte IK. White Matter Microstructure Is Associated with Serum Neuroactive Steroids and Psychological Functioning. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:649-664. [PMID: 36324218 PMCID: PMC10061338 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Military service members are at increased risk for mental health issues, and comorbidity with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common. Largely overlapping symptoms between conditions suggest a shared pathophysiology. The present work investigates the associations among white matter microstructure, psychological functioning, and serum neuroactive steroids that are part of the stress-response system. Diffusion-weighted brain imaging was acquired from 163 participants (with and without military affiliation) and free-water-corrected fractional anisotropy (FAT) was extracted. Associations between serum neurosteroid levels of allopregnanolone (ALLO) and pregnenolone (PREGNE), psychological functioning, and whole-brain white matter microstructure were assessed using regression models. Moderation models tested the effect of mTBI and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mTBI on these associations. ALLO is associated with whole-brain white matter FAT (β = 0.24, t = 3.05, p = 0.006). This association is significantly modulated by PTSD+mTBI comorbidity (β = 0.00, t = 2.50, p = 0.027), although an mTBI diagnosis alone did not significantly impact this association (p = 0.088). There was no significant association between PREGNE and FAT (p = 0.380). Importantly, lower FAT is associated with poor psychological functioning (β = -0.19, t = -2.35, p = 0.020). This study provides novel insight into a potential common pathophysiological mechanism of neurosteroid dysregulation underlying the high risk for mental health issues in military service members. Further, comorbidity of PTSD and mTBI may bring the compensatory effects of the brain's stress response to their limit. Future research is needed to investigate whether neurosteroid regulation may be a promising tool for restoring brain health and improving psychological functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F. Umminger
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Philine Rojczyk
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Seitz-Holland
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kaufmann
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Kinzel
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Fan Zhang
- Laboratory of Mathematics in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janna Kochsiek
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Mina Langhein
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cara L. Kim
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim L. T. Wiegand
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Jason D. Kilts
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NorthCarolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Naylor
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NorthCarolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gerald A. Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yogesh Rathi
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael J. Coleman
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sylvain Bouix
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark S. George
- Psychiatry Department, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas W. McAllister
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ross Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Psychiatry Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren J. O'Donnell
- Laboratory of Mathematics in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christine E. Marx
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NorthCarolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Martha E. Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Inga K. Koerte
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gallo AT, Addis S, Martyn V, Ramanathan H, Wilkerson GK, Bennett KS, Hood SD, Stampfer H, Hulse GK. The role of flumazenil in generalised anxiety disorder: a pilot naturalistic open-label study with a focus on treatment resistance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231156400. [PMID: 36937113 PMCID: PMC10021101 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231156400] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and chronic disorders with treatment resistance to current pharmacotherapies occurring in approximately one in three patients. It has been postulated that flumazenil (FMZ) is efficacious in the management of anxiety disorders via the removal of α4β2δ gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors. Objective To assess the safety and feasibility of continuous low-dose FMZ infusions for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and collect preliminary efficacy data. Design Uncontrolled, open-label pilot study. Method Participants had a primary diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and received two consecutive subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions. Each infusion contained 16 mg of FMZ and was delivered over 96 ± 19.2 h. The total dose of FMZ delivered was 32 mg over approximately 8 days. Sodium valproate was given to participants at risk of seizure. The primary outcome was the change in stress and anxiety subscale scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 between baseline, day 8, and day 28. Results Nine participants with a primary diagnosis of GAD were treated with subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions; seven participants met the criteria for treatment resistance. There was a significant decrease in anxiety and stress between baseline and day 8 and baseline and day 28. There was also a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality from baseline to day 28 measured by the Jenkins Sleep Scale. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study presents preliminary results for subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ's effectiveness and safety in GAD. The findings suggest that it is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible treatment option in this group of patients. Future randomised control trials are needed in this field to determine the efficacy of this treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Addis
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Vlad Martyn
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Hishani Ramanathan
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Grace K Wilkerson
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Kellie S Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sean D Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Hans Stampfer
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Gary K Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith
Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Long-Term Management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder with Low-Dose Continuous Infusions of Flumazenil: A Case Series. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12110430. [DOI: 10.3390/bs12110430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder associated with social and occupational impairment. Recently, a theory was postulated that dysfunctional gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAA) are implicated in anxiety symptomology, which could be corrected by flumazenil, an antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABAA receptor. Method: Participants had a primary diagnosis of GAD and were treated initially with an eight-day continuous low-dose flumazenil infusion (total 32 mg at a rate of 4 mg/24 h). Some participants were re-treated with a further four- or eight-day infusion. Treatment response was measured as a 50% reduction in anxiety or stress scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale—21 (DASS-21). Remission was measured as scores ≤3 or ≤7 on the anxiety and stress subscales of the DASS-21, respectively. Results: Eight cases are reported. All cases met the criteria for treatment response on the anxiety and stress subscale of the DASS-21. Remission was achieved in seven participants on the anxiety subscale and in five on the stress subscale. No changes in hepatic, renal, or haematological function were likely attributed to flumazenil. Conclusion: Data suggest that low-dose continuous flumazenil infusion manages GAD symptoms and is safe. Although these results are promising, future randomised control trials are required to confirm these results.
Collapse
|
17
|
Pisu MG, Concas L, Siddi C, Serra M, Porcu P. The Allopregnanolone Response to Acute Stress in Females: Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091262. [PMID: 36139100 PMCID: PMC9496329 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone ((3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one or 3α,5α-THP) plays a key role in the response to stress, by normalizing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function to restore homeostasis. Most studies have been conducted on male rats, and little is known about the allopregnanolone response to stress in females, despite that women are more susceptible than men to develop emotional and stress-related disorders. Here, we provide an overview of animal and human studies examining the allopregnanolone responses to acute stress in females in the context of stress-related neuropsychiatric diseases and under the different conditions that characterize the female lifespan associated with the reproductive function. The blunted allopregnanolone response to acute stress, often observed in female rats and women, may represent one of the mechanisms that contribute to the increased vulnerability to stress and affective disorders in women under the different hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout their lifespan. These studies highlight the importance of targeting neuroactive steroids as a therapeutic approach for stress-related disorders in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giuseppina Pisu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlotta Siddi
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Anxiety-like Behavior and GABAAR/BDZ Binding Site Response to Progesterone Withdrawal in a Stress-Vulnerable Strain, the Wistar Kyoto Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137259. [PMID: 35806264 PMCID: PMC9266311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137259] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress susceptibility could play a role in developing premenstrual anxiety due to abnormalities in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and impairments in the GABAA receptors’ benzodiazepine (BDZ) site. Hence, we studied the stress-vulnerable Wistar Kyoto rat strain (WKY) to evaluate progesterone withdrawal (PW) effects on anxiety, HPA axis response, and to explore indicators of GABAA functionality in the BDZ site. For five days, ovariectomized WKY rats were administered 2.0 mg/kg of progesterone. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats were tested in the anxiety-like burying behavior test (BBT) or elevated plus maze test (EPM), and corticosterone was determined. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding autoradiography served as the BDZ binding site index of the GABAA receptor in amygdala nuclei and hippocampus’s dentate gyrus (DG). Finally, different doses of diazepam in PW-WKY rats were tested in the BBT. PW induced anxiety-like behaviors in both BBT and EPM compared with No-PW rats. PW increased corticosterone, but was blunted when combined with PW and BBT. PW increased [3H]Flunitrazepam binding in the DG and central amygdala compared with No-PW rats. Diazepam at a low dose induced an anxiogenic-like response in PW rats, suggesting a paradoxical response to benzodiazepines. Overall, PW induced anxiety-like behavior, a blunted HPA axis response, and higher GABAAR/BZD binding site sensitivity in a stress-vulnerable rat strain. These findings demonstrate the role of stress-susceptibility in GABAAR functionality in a preclinical approximation of PMDD.
Collapse
|
19
|
Floris G, Asuni GP, Talani G, Biggio F, Pisu MG, Zanda MT, Contu L, Maciocco E, Serra M, Follesa P. Increased Voluntary Alcohol Consumption in Mice Lacking GABA B(1) Is Associated With Functional Changes in Hippocampal GABA A Receptors. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:893835. [PMID: 35755407 PMCID: PMC9218813 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.893835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) has been extensively involved in alcohol use disorders; however, the mechanisms by which this receptor modulates alcohol drinking behavior remain murky. In this study, we investigate alcohol consumption and preference in mice lacking functional GABABR using the 2-bottle choice paradigm. We found that GABAB(1), knockout (KO), and heterozygous (HZ) mice drank higher amounts of an alcoholic solution, preferred alcohol to water, and reached higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. The GABABR agonist GHB significantly reduced alcohol consumption in the GABAB(1) HZ and WT but not in the KO mice. Next, because of a functional crosstalk between GABABR and δ-containing GABAA receptor (δ-GABAAR), we profiled δ subunit mRNA expression levels in brain regions in which the crosstalk was characterized. We found a loss of the alcohol-sensitive GABAAR δ subunit in the hippocampus of the GABAB(1) KO alcohol-naïve mice that was associated with increased ɣ2 subunit abundance. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that these molecular changes were associated with increased phasic inhibition, suggesting a potential gain of synaptic GABAAR responsiveness to alcohol that has been previously described in an animal model of excessive alcohol drinking. Interestingly, voluntary alcohol consumption did not revert the dramatic loss of hippocampal δ-GABAAR occurring in the GABAB(1) KO mice but rather exacerbated this condition. Finally, we profiled hippocampal neuroactive steroids levels following acute alcohols administration in the GABAB(1) KO and WT mice because of previous involvement of GABABR in the regulation of cerebral levels of these compounds. We found that systemic administration of alcohol (1.5 g/kg) did not produce alcohol-induced neurosteroid response in the GABAB(1) KO mice but elicited an expected increase in the hippocampal level of progesterone and 3α,5α-THP in the WT controls. In conclusion, we show that genetic ablation of the GABAB(1) subunit results in increased alcohol consumption and preference that were associated with functional changes in hippocampal GABAAR, suggesting a potential mechanism by which preference for alcohol consumption is maintained in the GABAB(1) KO mice. In addition, we documented that GABAB(1) deficiency results in lack of alcohol-induced neurosteroids, and we discussed the potential implications of this finding in the context of alcohol drinking and dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Floris
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gino Paolo Asuni
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Biggio
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mary Tresa Zanda
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liliana Contu
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Maciocco
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Follesa
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent affecting up to 33.7% of people over a lifetime. Although many treatment options are available, they are often associated with unacceptable side-effect profiles and approximately one in three patients are treatment resistant. Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid acting as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABAA receptor, is synthesised in response to stress and acts to negatively modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. FINDINGS After chronic exposure to and withdrawal from allopregnanolone, an increase in α4β2δ GABAA receptors results in a reduced inhibitory effect of allopregnanolone, resulting in decreased inhibition and, therefore, increased neuronal excitability. The relationship between allopregnanolone and increased α4β2δ GABAA receptors has been demonstrated in animal models during methamphetamine withdrawal and puberty, events both associated with stress. The effect of allopregnanolone during these events is anxiogenic, a paradoxical action to its usual anxiolytic effects. Flumazenil, the GABAA receptor antagonist, has been shown to cause receptor internalisation of α4β2δ GABAA receptors, which may results in anxiolysis. CONCLUSION We propose that chronic stress and chronic exposure to and withdrawal from allopregnanolone in anxiety disorders result in alterations in GABAA receptor function, which can be corrected by flumazenil. As such, flumazenil may exhibit anxiolytic properties in patients with increased α4β2δ GABAA receptor expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Gallo
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gary K Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vitku J, Hill M, Kolatorova L, Kubala Havrdova E, Kancheva R. Steroid Sulfation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:839887. [PMID: 35281259 PMCID: PMC8904904 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.839887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sulfation and desulfation participates in the regulation of steroid bioactivity, metabolism and transport. The authors focused on sulfation and desulfation balance in three neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson´s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Circulating steroid conjugates dominate their unconjugated counterparts, but unconjugated steroids outweigh their conjugated counterparts in the brain. Apart from the neurosteroid synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS), most brain steroids cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from the periphery and then may be further metabolized. Therefore, steroid levels in the periphery partly reflect the situation in the brain. The CNS steroids subsequently influence the neuronal excitability and have neuroprotective, neuroexcitatory, antidepressant and memory enhancing effects. They also exert anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective actions. Like the unconjugated steroids, the sulfated ones modulate various ligand-gated ion channels. Conjugation by sulfotransferases increases steroid water solubility and facilitates steroid transport. Steroid sulfates, having greater half-lives than their unconjugated counterparts, also serve as a steroid stock pool. Sulfotransferases are ubiquitous enzymes providing massive steroid sulfation in adrenal zona reticularis and zona fasciculata.. Steroid sulfatase hydrolyzing the steroid conjugates is exceedingly expressed in placenta but is ubiquitous in low amounts including brain capillaries of BBB which can rapidly hydrolyze the steroid sulfates coming across the BBB from the periphery. Lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) plasma levels and reduced sulfotransferase activity are considered as risk factors in AD patients. The shifted balance towards unconjugated steroids can participate in the pathophysiology of PD and anti-inflammatory effects of DHEAS may counteract the MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vitku
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jana Vitku,
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucie Kolatorova
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radmila Kancheva
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ge A, Gutierrez EG, Wook Lee S, Shah S, Carmenate Y, Collard M, Crone NE, Krauss GL. Seizure triggers identified postictally using a smart watch reporting system. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108472. [PMID: 34942507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Persons with epilepsy (PWE) often report that seizure triggers can influence the occurrence and timing of seizures. Some previous studies of seizure triggers have relied on retrospective daily seizure diaries or surveys pertaining to all past seizures, recent and/or remote, in respondents. To assess the characteristics of seizure triggers at the granularity of individual seizures, we used a seizure-tracking app, called EpiWatch, on a smart watch system (Apple Watch and iPhone) in a national study of PWE. Participants tracked seizures during a 16-month study period using the EpiWatch app. Seizure tracking was initiated during a pre-ictal state or as the seizure was occurring and included collection of biosensor data, responsiveness testing, and completion of an immediate post-seizure survey. The survey evaluated seizure types, auras or warning symptoms, loss of awareness, use of rescue medication, and seizure triggers for each tracked seizure. Two hundred and thirty four participants tracked 2493 seizures. Ninety six participants reported triggers in 650 seizures: stress (65.8%), lack of sleep (30.5%), menstrual cycle (19.7%), and overexertion (18%) were the most common. Participants often reported having multiple combined triggers, frequent stress with lack of sleep, overexertion, or menses. Participants who reported triggers were more likely to be taking 3 or more anti-seizure medications compared to participants who did not report triggers. Participants were able to interact with the app and use mobile technology in this national study to record seizures and report common seizure triggers. These findings demonstrate the promise of longitudinal, self-reported data to improve our understanding of epilepsy and its related comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjie Ge
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Erie G Gutierrez
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Seung Wook Lee
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Samyak Shah
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Yaretson Carmenate
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Maxwell Collard
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Nathan E Crone
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Gregory L Krauss
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen S, Gao L, Li X, Ye Y. Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105682. [PMID: 34019980 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
HIV-1 Tat Protein Promotes Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Concurrent with the Potentiation of Oxycodone's Psychomotor Effects in Female Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050813. [PMID: 33946474 PMCID: PMC8147167 DOI: 10.3390/v13050813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with neuroendocrine dysfunction which may contribute to co-morbid stress-sensitive disorders. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) or -gonadal (HPG) axes are perturbed in up to 50% of HIV patients. The mechanisms are not known, but we have found the HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein to recapitulate the clinical phenotype in male mice. We hypothesized that HPA and/or HPG dysregulation contributes to Tat-mediated interactions with oxycodone, an opioid often prescribed to HIV patients, in females. Female mice that conditionally-expressed the Tat1-86 protein [Tat(+) mice] or their counterparts that did not [Tat(-) control mice] were exposed to forced swim stress (or not) and behaviorally-assessed for motor and anxiety-like behavior. Some mice had glucocorticoid receptors (GR) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF-R) pharmacologically inhibited. Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX). As seen previously in males, Tat elevated basal corticosterone levels and potentiated oxycodone's psychomotor activity in females. Unlike males, females did not demonstrate adrenal insufficiency and oxycodone potentiation was not regulated by GRs or CRF-Rs. Rather OVX attenuated Tat/oxycodone interactions. Either Tat or oxycodone increased anxiety-like behavior and their combination increased hypothalamic allopregnanolone. OVX increased basal hypothalamic allopregnanolone and obviated Tat or oxycodone-mediated fluctuations. Together, these data provide further evidence for Tat-mediated dysregulation of the HPA axis and reveal the importance of HPG axis regulation in females. HPA/HPG disruption may contribute vulnerability to affective and substance use disorders.
Collapse
|
25
|
Impact of Stress on Epilepsy: Focus on Neuroinflammation-A Mini Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084061. [PMID: 33920037 PMCID: PMC8071059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, is characterized by recurrent seizures and subsequent brain damage. Despite strong evidence supporting a deleterious impact on seizure occurrence and outcome severity, stress is an overlooked component in people with epilepsy. With regard to stressor duration and timing, acute stress can be protective in epileptogenesis, while chronic stress often promotes seizure occurrence in epilepsy patients. Preclinical research suggests that chronic stress promotes neuroinflammation and leads to a depressive state. Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity in people with epilepsy, resulting in a poor quality of life. Here, we summarize studies investigating acute and chronic stress as a seizure trigger and an important factor that worsens epilepsy outcomes and psychiatric comorbidities. Mechanistic insight into the impact of stress on epilepsy may create a window of opportunity for future interventions targeting neuroinflammation-related disorders.
Collapse
|
26
|
Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hernández-Arteaga E, Hernández-González M, Bonilla-Jaime H, Guevara MA, Ågmo A. Pubertal stress decreases sexual motivation and supresses the relation between cerebral theta rhythms and testosterone levels in adult male rats. Brain Res 2020; 1745:146937. [PMID: 32505750 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of stress during puberty on sexual motivation and the correlation between serum testosterone levels (T) and the absolute power of the theta electroencephalographic rhythms, recorded in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) of adult male rats. Thirty males of the stressed group (SG, housed 1 per cage from days 25-50) and 30 controls (CG, housed 5 per cage), were tested in copulatory interactions at 90 days of age. The above mentioned physiological parameters were obtained during the awake-quiet state in a sub-group without sexual motivation (WSM, n = 15, stimulated with a nonreceptive female) and a sub-group with sexual motivation (SM, n = 15, stimulated with a receptive-female). Pearson correlations (r) between these parameters were calculated for each sub-group and brain structure and then compared between sub-groups. SG presented higher mount and intromission latencies than CG. While CG-WSM showed a positive r between T levels and theta band (0.23-0.59), those CG-SM presented a negative r (-0.23 to -0.67). An r that tended towards zero (-0.31 to 0.29) was obtained in both stressed sub-groups. This study shows that pubertal stress suppresses the relation between serum T levels and theta rhythms in the mPFC and BLA in adult male rats. This is one of the first studies evaluating the association between these two physiological parameters specifically in the context of sexual motivation; thus increasing our understanding of the effect of pubertal stress on prefrontal-amygdaline functioning during the sexually-motivated state in male rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Psychology Department, Tromsø University, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize evidence regarding rat emotional experiences during carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure. The studies reviewed show that CO2 exposure is aversive to rats, and that rats respond to CO2 exposure with active and passive defense behaviors. Plasma corticosterone and bradycardia increased in rats exposed to CO2. As with anxiogenic drugs, responses to CO2 are counteracted by the administration of anxiolytics, SRIs, and SSRI's. Human studies reviewed indicate that, when inhaling CO2, humans experience feelings of anxiety fear and panic, and that administration of benzodiazepines, serotonin precursors, and SSRIs ameliorate these feelings. In vivo and in vitro rat studies reviewed show that brain regions, ion channels, and neurotransmitters involved in negative emotional responses are activated by hypercapnia and acidosis associated with CO2 exposure. On the basis of the behavioral, physiological, and neurobiological evidence reviewed, we conclude that CO2 elicits negative emotions in rats.
Collapse
|
29
|
Silva J, Shao AS, Shen Y, Davies DL, Olsen RW, Holschneider DP, Shao XM, Liang J. Modulation of Hippocampal GABAergic Neurotransmission and Gephyrin Levels by Dihydromyricetin Improves Anxiety. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1008. [PMID: 32742262 PMCID: PMC7364153 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. and are estimated to consume one-third of the country’s mental health spending. Although anxiolytic therapies are available, many patients exhibit treatment-resistance, relapse, or substantial side effects. An urgent need exists to explore the underlying mechanisms of chronic anxiety and to develop alternative therapies. Presently, we identified dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid that has anxiolytic properties in a mouse model of isolation-induced anxiety. Socially isolated mice demonstrated increased anxiety levels and reduced exploratory behavior measured by elevated plus-maze and open-field tests. Socially isolated mice showed impaired GABAergic neurotransmission, including reduction in GABAA receptor-mediated extrasynaptic tonic currents, as well as amplitude and frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents measured by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from hippocampal slices. Furthermore, intracellular ATP levels and gephyrin expression decreased in anxious animals. DHM treatment restored ATP and gephyrin expression, GABAergic transmission and synaptic function, as well as decreased anxiety-like behavior. Our findings indicate broader roles for DHM in anxiolysis, GABAergic neurotransmission, and synaptic function. Collectively, our data suggest that reduction in intracellular ATP and gephyrin contribute to the development of anxiety, and represent novel treatment targets. DHM is a potential candidate for pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Silva
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy S Shao
- Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daryl L Davies
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Richard W Olsen
- Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel P Holschneider
- Psychiatry and The Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xuesi M Shao
- Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jing Liang
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shirayama Y, Fujita Y, Oda Y, Iwata M, Muneoka K, Hashimoto K. Allopregnanolone induces antidepressant-like effects through BDNF-TrkB signaling independent from AMPA receptor activation in a rat learned helplessness model of depression. Behav Brain Res 2020; 390:112670. [PMID: 32437888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (ALLO, 3α5α-tetrahydroprogesterone) was found to be effective for depressed patients. Animal models of depression indicate that ALLO is associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Traditional antidepressant drugs produce antidepressant effects via the monoamine system, with consequent up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study was designed to examine whether the antidepressant effects of ALLO involve BDNF-TrkB signaling or α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor activation on the learned helplessness paradigm. The antidepressant-like effect of ALLO infusion into the cerebral ventricle was blocked by coinfusion of TrkB inhibitor ANA-12, but not by co-administration of AMPA receptor antagonist 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfoamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX). Thus, the antidepressant-like effect of ALLO involves BDNF signaling independent from AMPA receptor activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiko Shirayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara, Japan; Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Oda
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaaki Iwata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Katsumasa Muneoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Almeida FB, Nin MS, Barros HMT. The role of allopregnanolone in depressive-like behaviors: Focus on neurotrophic proteins. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100218. [PMID: 32435667 PMCID: PMC7231971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone; pharmaceutical formulation: brexanolone) is a neurosteroid that has recently been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression, promising to fill part of a long-lasting gap in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for depressive disorders. In this review, we explore the experimental research that characterized the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone, with a particular focus on the neurotrophic adaptations induced by this neurosteroid in preclinical studies. We demonstrate that there is a consistent decrease in allopregnanolone levels in limbic brain areas in rodents submitted to stress-induced models of depression, such as social isolation and chronic unpredictable stress. Further, both the drug-induced upregulation of allopregnanolone or its direct administration reduce depressive-like behaviors in models such as the forced swim test. The main drugs of interest that upregulate allopregnanolone levels are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which present the neurosteroidogenic property even in lower, non-SSRI doses. Finally, we explore how these antidepressant-like behaviors are related to neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus. The protagonist in this mechanism is likely the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BFNF), which is decreased in animal models of depression and may be restored by the normalization of allopregnanolone levels. The role of an interaction between GABA and the neurotrophic mechanisms needs to be further investigated.
Collapse
Key Words
- 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone
- BDNF
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Brexanolone
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- CUS, chronic unpredictable stress
- Depression
- EKR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- FST, forced swim test
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAAR, GABA type A receptor
- HSD, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Neurosteroid
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- PXR, pregnane xenobiotic receptor
- SBSS, selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- THP, tetrahydroprogesterone
- TSPO, 18 kDa translocator protein
- TrkB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- USV, ultrasonic vocalization
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, 90420-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Stress is ubiquitous in chronic medical conditions; however, the connections to psychiatric and neurologic conditions are not always clearly established. Epilepsy is a unique illness that is intimately intertwined with stress and anxiety not only as a result of the disease process but also as a cause of disease exacerbation. Anxiety and depression also involve stress management and often overlap with epilepsy. Anxiety symptoms themselves may be present as intrinsic aspects of seizure phenomena, either during the events or closely related to them. The pathways of stress and anxiety involve the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and explain at least in part how stress may lead to worsening seizure control. Ultimately, the study of stress, anxiety, and epilepsy offers insight into mind and body connections, and furthers understanding of neuropsychiatric illness.
Collapse
|
33
|
Devaud LL, Alavi M, Jensen JP, Helms ML, Nipper MA, Finn DA. Sexually divergent changes in select brain proteins and neurosteroid levels after a history of ethanol drinking and intermittent PTSD-like stress exposure in adult C57BL/6J mice. Alcohol 2020; 83:115-125. [PMID: 30529168 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human studies reported that the number of past-year stressors was positively related to current drinking patterns, including binge drinking. In animal models, exposure to predator odor stress (PS), considered a model of traumatic stress, consistently increased ethanol intake. Recently, we reported that repeated PS significantly increased ethanol intake and had a synergistic interaction with prior binge drinking (binge group) in male but not in female C57BL/6J mice, when compared to mice without prior binge exposure (control group). The current studies utilized plasma and dissected prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampal tissue from these animals and from age-matched naïve mice (naïve group). Western blots assessed relative protein levels of P450scc (an enzyme involved in the first step of steroidogenesis), of GABAA receptor α2 and α4 subunits, and of two proteins involved in synaptic plasticity - ARC (activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein) and synaptophysin. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry simultaneously quantified 10 neurosteroid levels in plasma. A history of ethanol drinking and PS exposure produced brain regional and sex differences in the changes in proteins examined as well as in the pattern of neurosteroid levels versus (vs.) values in naïve mice. For instance, P450scc levels were significantly increased only in binge and control female PFC and hippocampus vs. naïve mice. Some neurosteroid levels were significantly altered by binge treatment in both males and females, whereas others were only significantly altered in males. These sexually divergent changes in neurosteroid and protein levels add to evidence for sex differences in the neurochemical systems influenced by traumatic stress and a history of ethanol drinking.
Collapse
|
34
|
Cáceres ARR, Vega Orozco AS, Cabrera RJ, Laconi MR. "Rapid actions of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone on ovarian and hypothalamic steroidogenesis: Central and peripheral modulation". J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12836. [PMID: 32062869 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine whether an i.c.v. administration of allopregnanolone (ALLO) rapidly modifies the hypothalamic and ovarian 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) enzymatic activity and gene expression in in vivo and ex vivo systems in pro-oestrus (PE) and dioestrus I (DI) rats. Animals were injected with vehicle, ALLO, bicuculline or bicuculline plus ALLO and were then killed. In the in vivo experiment, the hypothalamus, ovaries and serum were extracted and analysed. In the ex vivo experiment, the superior mesenteric ganglion - ovarian nerve plexus - ovary system was extracted and incubated during 120 minutes at 37 ºC. The serum and ovarian compartment fluids were used to determine progesterone by radioimmunoanalysis. In the in vivo experiments, ALLO caused a decrease in hypothalamic and ovarian 3β-HSD enzymatic activity during PE. During DI, ALLO increased hypothalamic and ovarian 3β-HSD activity and gene expression. The ovarian 3β-HSD activity increased in both stages in the ex vivo system; gene expression increased only during DI. ALLO induced an increase in serum progesterone only in D1 and in the ovarian incubation liquids in both stages. All findings were reversed by an injection of bicuculline before ALLO. Ovarian steroidogenic changes could be attributed to signals coming from ganglion neurones, which are affected by the acute central neurosteroid stimulation. The i.c.v. administration of ALLO via the GABAergic system altered 3β-HSD activity and gene expression, modulating the neuroendocrine axis. The present study reveals the action that ALLO exerts on the GABAA receptor in both the central and peripheral nervous system and its relationship with hormonal variations. ALLO is involved in the "fine tuning" of neurosecretory functions as a potent modulator of reproductive processes in female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Adriana Soledad Vega Orozco
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Mendoza (INBIOMED-IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Jorge Cabrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Mendoza (INBIOMED-IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Morrow AL, Boero G, Porcu P. A Rationale for Allopregnanolone Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders: Basic and Clinical Studies. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:320-339. [PMID: 31782169 PMCID: PMC7018555 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For many years, research from around the world has suggested that the neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone or 3α,5α-THP) may have therapeutic potential for treatment of various symptoms of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). In this critical review, we systematically address all the evidence that supports such a suggestion, delineate the etiologies of AUDs that are addressed by treatment with allopregnanolone or its precursor pregnenolone, and the rationale for treatment of various components of the disease based on basic science and clinical evidence. This review presents a theoretical framework for understanding how endogenous steroids that regulate the effects of stress, alcohol, and the innate immune system could play a key role in both the prevention and the treatment of AUDs. We further discuss cautions and limitations of allopregnanolone or pregnenolone therapy with suggestions regarding the management of risk and the potential for helping millions who suffer from AUDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shaw JC, Crombie GK, Zakar T, Palliser HK, Hirst JJ. Perinatal compromise contributes to programming of GABAergic and glutamatergic systems leading to long-term effects on offspring behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12814. [PMID: 31758712 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence now shows that adversity during the perinatal period is a significant risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders long after the causative event. Despite stemming from a variety of causes, perinatal compromise appears to have similar effects on the developing brain, thereby resulting in behavioural disorders of a similar nature. These behavioural disorders occur in a sex-dependent manner, with males affected more by externalising behaviours such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and females by internalising behaviours such as anxiety. Regardless of the causative event or the sex of the offspring, these disorders may begin in childhood or adolescence but extend into adulthood. A mechanism by which adverse events in the perinatal period impact later in life behaviour has been shown to be the changing epigenetic landscape. Methylation of the GAD1/GAD67 gene, which encodes the key glutamate-to-GABA-synthesising enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 1, resulting in increased levels of glutamate, is one epigenetic mechanism that may account for a tendency towards excitation in disorders such as ADHD. Exposure of the fetus or the neonate to high levels of cortisol may be the mediator between perinatal compromise and poor behavioural outcomes because evidence suggests that increased glucocorticoid exposure triggers widespread changes in the epigenetic landscape. This review summarises the current evidence and recent literature about the impact of various perinatal insults on the epigenome and the common mechanisms that may explain the similarity of behavioural outcomes occurring following diverse perinatal compromise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamas Zakar
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Almeida J, Oliveira LA, Benini R, Crestani CC. Role of hippocampal nitrergic neurotransmission in behavioral and cardiovascular dysfunctions evoked by chronic social stress. Nitric Oxide 2020; 94:114-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
38
|
Wang L, Nabi G, Zhang T, Wu Y, Li D. Potential Neurochemical and Neuroendocrine Effects of Social Distancing Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:582288. [PMID: 33162938 PMCID: PMC7580381 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.582288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuefeng Wu
- *Correspondence: Yuefeng Wu, ; Dongming Li,
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hippocampal µ-opioid receptors on GABAergic neurons mediate stress-induced impairment of memory retrieval. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:977-992. [PMID: 31142818 PMCID: PMC7192851 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Stressful life events induce abnormalities in emotional and cognitive behaviour. The endogenous opioid system plays an essential role in stress adaptation and coping strategies. In particular, the µ-opioid receptor (μR), one of the major opioid receptors, strongly influences memory processing in that alterations in μR signalling are associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it remains unclear whether μR signalling contributes to memory impairments induced by acute stress. Here, we utilized pharmacological methods and cell-type-selective/non-cell-type-selective μR depletion approaches combined with behavioural tests, biochemical analyses, and in vitro electrophysiological recordings to investigate the role of hippocampal μR signalling in memory-retrieval impairment induced by acute elevated platform (EP) stress in mice. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed that hippocampal μRs were significantly activated during acute stress. Blockage of hippocampal μRs, non-selective deletion of μRs or selective deletion of μRs on GABAergic neurons (μRGABA) reversed EP-stress-induced impairment of memory retrieval, with no effect on the elevation of serum corticosterone after stress. Electrophysiological results demonstrated that stress depressed hippocampal GABAergic synaptic transmission to CA1 pyramidal neurons, thereby leading to excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance in a μRGABA-dependent manner. Pharmaceutically enhancing hippocampal GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory currents in stressed mice restored their memory retrieval, whereas inhibiting those currents in the unstressed mice mimicked the stress-induced impairment of memory retrieval. Our findings reveal a novel pathway in which endogenous opioids recruited by acute stress predominantly activate μRGABA to depress GABAergic inhibitory effects on CA1 pyramidal neurons, which subsequently alters the E/I balance in the hippocampus and results in impairment of memory retrieval.
Collapse
|
40
|
Bartolomé I, Llidó A, Darbra S, Pallarès M. Early postnatal allopregnanolone levels alteration and adult behavioral disruption in rats: Implication for drug abuse. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100208. [PMID: 32435661 PMCID: PMC7231993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the role that early postnatal levels of allopregnanolone play in the development of the CNS and adult behavior. Changes in allopregnanolone levels related to stress have been observed during early postnatal periods, and perinatal stress has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. The alteration of early postnatal allopregnanolone levels in the first weeks of life has been proven to affect adult behaviors, such as anxiety-related behaviors and the processing of sensory inputs. This review focuses on the first studies about the possible relationship between the early postnatal allopregnanolone levels and the vulnerability to abuse of drugs such as alcohol in adulthood, given that (1) changes in neonatal allopregnanolone levels affect novelty exploration and novelty seeking has been linked to vulnerability to drug abuse; (2) early postnatal administration of progesterone, the main allopregnanolone precursor, affects the maturation of dopaminergic meso-striatal systems, which have been related to novelty seeking and drug abuse; and (3) alcohol consumption increases plasma and brain allopregnanolone levels in animals and humans. Manipulating neonatal allopregnanolone by administering finasteride, an inhibitor of the 5α-reductase enzyme that participates in allopregnanolone synthesis, increases alcohol consumption and decreases the locomotor stimulant effects of low alcohol doses. At a molecular level, finasteride decreases dopamine and serotonin in ventral striatum and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. Preliminary results suggest that serotonin 5HT3 receptors could also be affected. Although an in-depth study is necessary, evidence suggests that there is a relation between early postnatal allopregnanolone and vulnerability to drug use/abuse. Early postnatal AlloP levels alteration affects brain maturation and adult behavior. Early stress interacts to AlloP influencing neuropsychiatric disorders vulnerability. Fluctuations in neonatal AlloP levels play a role in alcohol abuse vulnerability. Neonatal finasteride induces novelty-seeking profile and increases ethanol intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Bartolomé
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia I Metodologia en Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Llidó
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia I Metodologia en Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sònia Darbra
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia I Metodologia en Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Pallarès
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia I Metodologia en Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
GABA-A receptor modulating steroids in acute and chronic stress; relevance for cognition and dementia? Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100206. [PMID: 31921942 PMCID: PMC6948369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasing as the population worldwide ages. Therapeutics for these conditions is an unmet need. This review focuses on the role of the positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroid allopregnanolone (APα), it's role in underlying mechanisms for impaired cognition and of AD, and to determine options for therapy of AD. On one hand, APα given intermittently promotes neurogenesis, decreases AD-related pathology and improves cognition. On the other, continuous exposure of APα impairs cognition and deteriorates AD pathology. The disparity between these two outcomes led our groups to analyze the mechanisms underlying the difference. We conclude that the effects of APα depend on administration pattern and that chronic slightly increased APα exposure is harmful to cognitive function and worsens AD pathology whereas single administrations with longer intervals improve cognition and decrease AD pathology. These collaborative assessments provide insights for the therapeutic development of APα and APα antagonists for AD and provide a model for cross laboratory collaborations aimed at generating translatable data for human clinical trials.
Collapse
|
42
|
Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Sex, stress and steroids. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2487-2515. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Zhejiang University‐University of Edinburgh Joint Institute Haining Zhejiang China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Somalwar AR, Choudhary AG, Balasubramanian N, Sakharkar AJ, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide promotes reward seeking behavior in socially isolated rats. Brain Res 2019; 1728:146595. [PMID: 31830460 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Reward deficit, expressed as anhedonia, is one of the major symptoms associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, but the underlying maladaptations have not been understood. Herein, we test the hypothesis that the neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) may participate in the process. The study is justified since the peptide is a major player in inducing satiety and also processing of reward. The rats were socially isolated to induce reward deficit and conditioned to self-stimulate via an electrode in lateral hypothalamus (LH)-medial forebrain bundle (MFB) region. Compared to group-housed control rats, the socially isolated animals showed decreased lever press activity and elevated ICSS threshold indicating anhedonia-like condition. However, the effects of social isolation were alleviated by CART administered via intracerebroventricular route. The changes in the expression of CART protein and mRNA were screened using immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR methods, respectively. Socially isolated rats showed reduction in the expression of CART in the LH, nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) and posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) and CART mRNA in the Acb and LH. Double immunostaining with antibodies against CART and synaptophysin revealed significant loss of colabeled elements in LH, AcbSh and pVTA. We suggest that down-regulation of endogenous CARTergic system in the LH-pVTA-AcbSh reward circuitry may be causal to motivational anhedonia like phenotype seen in neuropsychiatric conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amita R Somalwar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Amit G Choudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | | | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411 007, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Boero G, Porcu P, Morrow AL. Pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone underlie therapeutic benefits in stress-related disease. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100203. [PMID: 31879693 PMCID: PMC6920111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
For several years, research from around the world has suggested that the neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) may have therapeutic potential for treatment of various stress-related diseases including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), as well as neurological and psychiatric conditions that are worsened in the presence of stress, such as multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and seizure disorders. In this review, we make the argument that the pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone account for its ability to promote recovery in such a wide variety of illnesses. Likewise, the allopregnanolone precursors, pregnenolone and progesterone, share many actions of allopregnanolone. Of course, pregnenolone and progesterone lack direct effects on GABAA receptors, but these compounds are converted to allopregnanolone in vivo. This review presents a theoretical framework for understanding how endogenous neurosteroids that regulate 1) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors, 2) corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and 3) pro-inflammatory signaling in the innate immune system and brain could play a key role in both the prevention and treatment of stress-related disease. We further discuss cautions and limitations of allopregnanolone or precursor therapy as well as the need for more clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Jackson KL, Head GA, Gueguen C, Stevenson ER, Lim K, Marques FZ. Mechanisms Responsible for Genetic Hypertension in Schlager BPH/2 Mice. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1311. [PMID: 31681017 PMCID: PMC6813185 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been 45 years since Gunther Schlager used a cross breeding program in mice to develop inbred strains with high, normal, and low blood pressure (BPH/2, BPN/3, and BPL/1 respectively). Thus, it is timely to gather together the studies that have characterized and explored the mechanisms associated with the hypertension to take stock of exactly what is known and what remains to be determined. Growing evidence supports the notion that the mechanism of hypertension in BPH/2 mice is predominantly neurogenic with some of the early studies showing aberrant brain noradrenaline levels in BPH/2 compared with BPN/3. Analysis of the adrenal gland using microarray suggested an association with the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Indeed, in support of this, there is a larger depressor response to ganglion blockade, which reduced blood pressure in BPH/2 mice to the same level as BPN/3 mice. Greater renal tyrosine hydroxylase staining and greater renal noradrenaline levels in BPH/2 mice suggest sympathetic hyperinnervation of the kidney. Renal denervation markedly reduced the blood pressure in BPH/2 but not BPN/3 mice, confirming the importance of renal sympathetic nervous activity contributing to the hypertension. Further, there is an important contribution to the hypertension from miR-181a and renal renin in this strain. BPH/2 mice also display greater neuronal activity of amygdalo-hypothalamic cardiovascular regulatory regions. Lesions of the medial nucleus of the amygdala reduced the hypertension in BPH/2 mice and abolished the strain difference in the effect of ganglion blockade, suggesting a sympathetic mechanism. Further studies suggest that aberrant GABAergic inhibition may play a role since BPH/2 mice have low GABAA receptor δ, α4 and β2 subunit mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, which are predominantly involved in promoting tonic neuronal inhibition. Allopregnanolone, an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, which increase the expression of these subunits in the amygdala and hypothalamus, is shown to reduce the hypertension and sympathetic nervous system contribution in BPH/2 mice. Thus far, evidence suggests that BPH/2 mice have aberrant GABAergic inhibition, which drives neuronal overactivity within amygdalo-hypothalamic brain regions. This overactivity is responsible for the greater sympathetic contribution to the hypertension in BPH/2 mice, thus making this an ideal model of neurogenic hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy L Jackson
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffrey A Head
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cindy Gueguen
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily R Stevenson
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kyungjoon Lim
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francine Z Marques
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Hypertension Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Balkaya M, Seidel JL, Sadeghian H, Qin T, Chung DY, Eikermann-Haerter K, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Ferrari MD, Ayata C. Relief Following Chronic Stress Augments Spreading Depolarization Susceptibility in Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Mice. Neuroscience 2019; 415:1-9. [PMID: 31299346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is the electrophysiological substrate of migraine aura, and a putative trigger of trigeminovascular activation and migraine headache. Many migraineurs report stress or relief after a stress triggers an attack. We tested whether various stress conditions might modulate CSD susceptibility and whether this is dependent on genetic factors. Male and female wild type and familial hemiplegic migraine type1 (FHM1) knock-in mice heterozygous for the S218L missense mutation were subjected to acute or chronic stress, or chronic stress followed by relief (36 h). Acute stress was induced by restraint and exposure to bright light and white noise (3 h). Chronic stress was induced for 28 days by two cycles of repeated exposure of mice to a rat (7 days), physical restraint (3 days), and forced swimming (3 days). Electrical CSD threshold and KCl-induced (300 mM) CSD frequency were determined in occipital cortex in vivo at the end of each protocol. Relief after chronic stress reduced the electrical CSD threshold and increased the frequency of KCl-induced CSDs in FHM1 mutants only. Acute or chronic stress without relief did not affect CSD susceptibility in either strain. Stress status did not affect CSD propagation speed, duration or amplitude. In summary, relief after chronic stress, but not acute or chronic stress alone, augments CSD in genetically susceptible mice. Therefore, enhanced CSD susceptibility may explain why, in certain patients, migraine attacks typically occur during a period of stress relief such as weekends or holidays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Balkaya
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jessica L Seidel
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Homa Sadeghian
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tao Qin
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - David Y Chung
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Katharina Eikermann-Haerter
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Neurology Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300, RC, the Netherlands; Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300, RC, the Netherlands
| | - Michel D Ferrari
- Department of Neurology Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300, RC, the Netherlands
| | - Cenk Ayata
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Stroke Service and Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Pisu MG, Boero G, Garau A, Casula C, Cisci S, Biggio F, Concas A, Follesa P, Maciocco E, Porcu P, Serra M. Are preconceptional stressful experiences crucial elements for the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder? Insights from an animal model. Neuropharmacology 2019; 157:107686. [PMID: 31247268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by changes in social interactions, impaired language and communication, fear responses and presence of repetitive behaviours. Although the genetic bases of ASD are well documented, the recent increase in clinical cases of idiopathic ASD indicates that several environmental risk factors could play a role in ASD aetiology. Among these, maternal exposure to psychosocial stressors during pregnancy has been hypothesized to affect the risk for ASD in offspring. Here, we tested the hypothesis that preconceptional stressful experiences might also represent crucial elements in the aetiology of ASD. We previously showed that social isolation stress during adolescence results in a marked decrease in the brain and plasma concentrations of progesterone and in the quality of maternal care that these female rats later provide to their young. Here we report that male offspring of socially isolated parents showed decreased agonistic behaviour and social transmission of flavour preference, impairment in reversal learning, increased seizure susceptibility, reduced plasma oxytocin levels, and increased plasma and brain levels of BDNF, all features resembling an ASD-like phenotype. These alterations came with no change in spatial learning, aggression, anxiety and testosterone plasma levels, and were sex-dependent. Altogether, the results suggest that preconceptional stressful experiences should be considered as crucial elements for the aetiology of ASD, and indicate that male offspring of socially isolated parents may be a useful animal model to further study the neurobiological bases of ASD, avoiding the adaptations that may occur in other genetic or pharmacologic experimental models of these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna Garau
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Casula
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sonia Cisci
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Biggio
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Follesa
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Maciocco
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences and Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Center of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pinna G. Animal Models of PTSD: The Socially Isolated Mouse and the Biomarker Role of Allopregnanolone. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:114. [PMID: 31244621 PMCID: PMC6579844 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating undertreated condition that affects 8%-13% of the general population and 20%-30% of military personnel. Currently, there are no specific medications that reduce PTSD symptoms or biomarkers that facilitate diagnosis, inform treatment selection or allow monitoring drug efficacy. PTSD animal models rely on stress-induced behavioral deficits that only partially reproduce PTSD neurobiology. PTSD heterogeneity, including comorbidity and symptoms overlap with other mental disorders, makes this attempt even more complicated. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that positively, potently and allosterically modulates GABAA receptors and, by this mechanism, regulates emotional behaviors, is mainly synthesized in brain corticolimbic glutamatergic neurons. In PTSD patients, allopregnanolone down-regulation correlates with increased PTSD re-experiencing and comorbid depressive symptoms, CAPS-IV scores and Simms dysphoria cluster scores. In PTSD rodent models, including the socially isolated mouse, decrease in corticolimbic allopregnanolone biosynthesis is associated with enhanced contextual fear memory and impaired fear extinction. Allopregnanolone, its analogs or agents that stimulate its synthesis offer treatment approaches for facilitating fear extinction and, in general, for neuropsychopathologies characterized by a neurosteroid biosynthesis downregulation. The socially isolated mouse model reproduces several other deficits previously observed in PTSD patients, including altered GABAA receptor subunit subtypes and lack of benzodiazepines pharmacological efficacy. Transdiagnostic behavioral features, including expression of anxiety-like behavior, increased aggression, a behavioral component to reproduce behavioral traits of suicidal behavior in humans, as well as alcohol consumption are heightened in socially isolated rodents. Potentials for assessing novel biomarkers to predict, diagnose, and treat PTSD more efficiently are discussed in view of developing a precision medicine for improved PTSD pharmacological treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lüscher B, Möhler H. Brexanolone, a neurosteroid antidepressant, vindicates the GABAergic deficit hypothesis of depression and may foster resilience. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31275559 PMCID: PMC6544078 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18758.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The GABAergic deficit hypothesis of depression states that a deficit of GABAergic transmission in defined neural circuits is causal for depression. Conversely, an enhancement of GABA transmission, including that triggered by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or ketamine, has antidepressant effects. Brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone, showed clinically significant antidepressant activity in postpartum depression. By allosterically enhancing GABA
A receptor function, the antidepressant activity of allopregnanolone is attributed to an increase in GABAergic inhibition. In addition, allopregnanolone may stabilize normal mood by decreasing the activity of stress-responsive dentate granule cells and thereby sustain resilience behavior. Therefore, allopregnanolone may augment and extend its antidepressant activity by fostering resilience. The recent structural resolution of the neurosteroid binding domain of GABA
A receptors will expedite the development of more selective ligands as a potential new class of central nervous system drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Lüscher
- Department of Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Center for Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders, The Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Hanns Möhler
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Maguire J. Neuroactive Steroids and GABAergic Involvement in the Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Associated With Major Depressive Disorder and Postpartum Depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:83. [PMID: 30906252 PMCID: PMC6418819 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and previous adverse life events are well-established risk factors for depression. Further, neuroendocrine disruptions are associated with both major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the mechanisms whereby stress contributes to the underlying neurobiology of depression remains poorly understood. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which mediates the body's neuroendocrine response to stress, is tightly controlled by GABAergic signaling and there is accumulating evidence that GABAergic dysfunction contributes to the impact of stress on depression. GABAergic signaling plays a critical role in the neurobiological effects of stress, not only by tightly controlling the activity of the HPA axis, but also mediating stress effects in stress-related brain regions. Deficits in neuroactive steroids and neurosteroids, some of which are positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), such as allopregnanolone and THDOC, have also been implicated in MDD and PPD, further supporting a role for GABAergic signaling in depression. Alterations in neurosteroid levels and GABAergic signaling are implicated as potential contributing factors to neuroendocrine dysfunction and vulnerability to MDD and PPD. Further, potential novel treatment strategies targeting these proposed underlying neurobiological mechanisms are discussed. The evidence summarized in the current review supports the notion that MDD and PPD are stress-related psychiatric disorders involving neurosteroids and GABAergic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Maguire
- Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|