Lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behavior is associated with α₁-adrenoceptor dependent downregulation of the membrane GluR1 subunit in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental area

Antidepressant effect of teriflunomide via oligodendrocyte protection in a mouse model

Addressing the treatment of depression is crucial; nevertheless, the etiology and pathogenesis remain unelucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of teriflunomide (TF) on corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. Notably, TF administration resulted in a substantial amelioration of anxiety and depression-like behaviors observed in CORT-treated mice. This was evidenced by behavioral assessments conducted via the sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT), novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). The administration of CORT inflicts damage upon oligodendrocytes and neurons within the hippocampus. Our findings indicate that TF offers significant protective effects on oligodendrocytes, mitigating apoptosis both invivo and invitro. Additionally, TF was found to counteract the CORT-induced neuronal loss and synaptic damage, as demonstrated by an increase in Nissl-positive cells across hippocampal regions CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG) alongside elevated levels of synapse-related proteins including PSD-95 and synaptophysin. Additionally, TF treatment facilitated a reduction in the levels of apoptosis-related proteins while simultaneously augmenting the levels of Bcl2. Our findings indicate that TF administration effectively mitigates CORT-induced depression-like behaviors and reverses damage to oligodendrocytes and neurons in the hippocampus, suggesting TF as a promising candidate for depression.

ApoE4 dysregulation incites depressive symptoms and mitochondrial impairments in mice

Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is involved in the stress-response processes and is hypothesized to be a risk factor for depression by means of mitochondrial dysfunction. However, their exact roles and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. ApoE4 transgenic mice (B6. Cg-ApoEtm1Unc Cdh18Tg( GFAP-APOE i4)1Hol /J) were subjected to stress (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) to elucidate the aetiology of ApoE4-induced depression. LPS treatment significantly aggravated depression-like behaviours, concurrent with neuroinflammation and impaired mitochondrial changes, and melatonin/Urolithin A (UA) + 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) reversed these effects in ApoE4 mice. Concurrently, ApoE4 mice exhibited mitophagy deficits, which could be further exacerbated by LPS stimulation, as demonstrated by reduced Atg5, Beclin-1 and Parkin levels, while PINK1 levels were increased. However, these changes were reversed by melatonin treatment. Additionally, proteomic profiling suggested mitochondria-related signalling and network changes in ApoE4 mice, which may underlie the exaggerated response to LPS. Furthermore, HEK 293T cells transfected with ApoE4 showed mitochondria-associated protein and mitophagy defects, including PGC-1α, TFAM, p-AMPKα, PINK1 and LC3B impairments. Additionally, it aggravates mitochondrial impairment (particularly mitophagy), which can be attenuated by triggering autophagy. Collectively, ApoE4 dysregulation enhanced depressive behaviour upon LPS stimulation.

Mechanistic insights into the anti-depressant effect of curcumin based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Curcumin (CUR) exhibits a definite curative effect in the treatment of depression. To identify potential antidepressant targets and mechanisms of action of CUR. This study used network pharmacology to explore the signaling pathways and CUR-related targets in depression. C57BL/6 J mice (male,12-14 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): saline-treated (control mice), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), LPS + CUR (50 mg/kg/day, intragastrically), and LPS + CUR + LY294002 (7.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally). After 1 week, behavioral tests were performed. Then, neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of mice was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. We uncovered the main active mechanism of CUR against depression using Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways showed that the most significantly enriched pathway in CUR against depression was the PI3K-Akt pathway. Moreover, 52 targets were significantly correlated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and CUR-related targets. In addition, among the top 50 targets ranked by degree in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, there were 23 targets involved in the 52 intersection targets. Administration of LPS alone extended immobility time in the open field test (OFT) and tail suspension test (TST) and decreased sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test (SPT). Pretreatment with CUR relieved LPS-induced changes in the behavioral tests, activity of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and inflammatory response. Moreover, inhibition of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by LY294002 blocked the therapeutic effects of CUR. Our study indicates that CUR may be an effective antidepressant agent in an LPS-induced mouse model, partly because of its anti-inflammatory action through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Aging impairs recovery from stress-induced depression in male rats possibly by alteration of microRNA-101 expression and Rac1/RhoA pathway in the prefrontal cortex

Along with altering brain responses to stress, aging may also impair recovery from depression symptoms. In the present study, we investigated depressive-like behaviors in young and aged rats and assayed the levels of microRNA-101 (miR-101), Rac1/RhoA, PSD-95, and GluR1 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) after stress cessation and after a recovery period. Young (3 months old) and aged (22 months old) male Wistar rats were divided into six groups; Young control (YNG), young rats received chronic stress for four weeks (YNG + CS), young rats received chronic stress for four weeks followed by a 6-week recovery period (YNG + CS + REC), Aged control (AGED), aged rats received chronic stress for four weeks (AGED + CS), and aged rats received chronic stress for four weeks followed by a 6-week recovery period (AGED + CS + REC). Stress-induced depression, evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST), was yet observed after the recovery period in aged but not in young rats, which were accompanied by unchanged levels of miR-101, Rac1/RhoA, GluR1, and PSD-95 in the PFC of aged rats. These data suggested that impaired synaptic plasticity of glutamatergic synapses via the miR-101/Rac1/RhoA pathway may contribute to the delayed behavioral recovery after stress exposure observed in aging animals.

eIF4E phosphorylation mediated LPS induced depressive-like behaviors via ameliorated neuroinflammation and dendritic loss

The translational defect has emerged as a common feature of neurological disorders. Studies have suggested that alterations between opposing and balanced synaptic protein synthesis and turnover processes could lead to synaptic abnormalities, followed by depressive symptoms. Further studies link this phenomenon with eIF4E and TrkB/BDNF signaling. However, the interplay between the eIF4E and TrkB/BDNF signaling in the presence of neuroinflammation is yet to be explored. To illuminate the role of eIF4E activities within LPS-induced neuroinflammation and depression symptomology, we applied animal behavioral, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches. In addition, we sought to determine whether eIF4E dysregulated activities correlate with synaptic protein loss via the TrkB/BDNF pathway. Our results showed that LPS administration induced depressive-like behaviors, accompanied by neuroinflammation, reduced spine numbers, and synaptic protein dysregulation. Concurrently, LPS treatment enhanced eIF4E phosphorylation and TrkB/BDNF signaling defects. However, eFT508 treatment rescued the LPS-elicited neuroinflammation and depressive behaviors, as well as altered eIF4E phosphorylation, synaptic protein expression, and TrkB/BDNF signaling. The causal relation of eIF4E with BDNF signaling was further explored with TrkB antagonist K252a, which could reverse the effects of eFT508, validating the interplay between the eIF4E and TrkB/BDNF signaling in regulating depressive behaviors associated with neuroinflammation via synaptic protein translational regulation. In conclusion, our results support the involvement of eIF4E-associated translational dysregulation in synaptic protein loss via TrkB/BDNF signaling, eventually leading to depressiven-like behaviors upon inflammation-linked stress.

Short-term memory impairment following recovery from systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

The relationship between neuroinflammation and mental disorders has been recognized and investigated for over 30 years. Diseases of systemic or peripheral inflammation, such as sepsis, peritonitis, and infection, are associated with increased risk of mental disorders with neuroinflammation. To elucidate the pathogenesis, systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice is often used. LPS-injected mice exhibit behavioral abnormalities with glial activation. However, these studies are unlikely to recapitulate the clinical pathophysiology of human patients, as most studies focus on the acute inflammatory response with systemic symptoms occurring within 24 h of LPS injection. In this study, we focus on the effects of LPS on behavioral abnormalities following recovery from systemic symptoms and investigate the mechanisms of pathogenesis. Several behavioral tests were performed in LPS-injected mice, and to assess neuroinflammation, the time course of the morphological change and expression of inflammatory factors in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia were investigated. At 7 days post-LPS injection, mice exhibited short-term memory impairment accompanied by the suppression of neuronal activity and increases in morphologically immature spines. Glial cells were transiently activated in the hippocampus concomitant with upregulation of the microglial phagocytosis marker CD68 3 days after injection. Here we show that transient glial cell activation in the acute response phase affects neuronal activity and behavior following recovery from systemic symptoms. These findings provide novel insights for studies using the LPS-induced inflammation model and that will contribute to the development of treatments for mental disorders of this etiology.

Salidroside Ameliorates Depression by Suppressing NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis via P2X7/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Depression is a common and serious mental disorder. Data on its pathogenesis remain unclear and the options of drug treatments are limited. Here, we explored the role of pyroptosis, a novel pro-inflammatory programmed cell death process, in depression as well as the anti-depression effects and mechanisms of salidroside (Sal), a bioactive extract from Rhodiola rosea L. We established a corticosterone (CORT)-induced or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice in vivo, and CORT, or nigericin (NLRP3 agonist)-induced PC12 cells in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that Sal profoundly mediated CORT or LPS-induced depressive behavior and improved synaptic plasticity by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. The data showed upregulation of proteins associated with NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, including NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved GSDMD. The molecular docking simulation predicted that Sal would interact with P2X7 of the P2X7/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. In addition, our findings showed that the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis was regulated by P2X7/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Interestingly, Sal was shown to ameliorate depression via suppression of the P2X7/NF-κB/NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis, and rescued nigericin-induced pyroptosis in the PC12 cells. Besides, knock down of the NLRP3 gene by siRNA markedly increased the inhibitory effects of Sal on pyroptosis and proinflammatory responses. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that pyroptosis plays a crucial role in depression, and Sal ameliorates depression by suppressing the P2X7/NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Thus, our study provides new insights into the potential treatment options for depression.

Evidence for Effects of Extracellular Vesicles on Physical, Inflammatory, Transcriptome and Reward Behaviour Status in Mice

Immune-inflammatory activation impacts extracellular vesicles (EVs), including their miRNA cargo. There is evidence for changes in the EV miRNome in inflammation-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. This mouse study investigated: (1) effects of systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and chronic social stress (CSS) on plasma EV miRNome; and (2) physiological, transcriptional, and behavioural effects of peripheral or central delivered LPS-activated EVs in recipient mice. LPS or CSS effects on the plasma EV miRNome were assessed by using microRNA sequencing. Recipient mice received plasma EVs isolated from LPS-treated or SAL-treated donor mice or vehicle only, either intravenously or into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), on three consecutive days. Bodyweight, spleen or NAc transcriptome and reward (sucrose) motivation were assessed. LPS and CSS increased the expression of 122 and decreased expression of 20 plasma EV miRNAs, respectively. Peripheral LPS-EVs reduced bodyweight, and both LPS-EVs and SAL-EVs increased spleen expression of immune-relevant genes. NAc-infused LPS-EVs increased the expression of 10 immune-inflammatory genes. Whereas motivation increased similarly across test days in all groups, the effect of test days was more pronounced in mice that received peripheral or central LPS-EVs compared with other groups. This study provides causal evidence that increased EV levels impact physiological and behavioural processes and are of potential relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Ultrasound Stimulation of Prefrontal Cortex Improves Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mice

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammatory responses may influence brain neurochemical pathways, inducing depressive-like behaviors. Ultrasound stimulation (US) is a promising non-invasive treatment for neuropsychiatric diseases. We investigated whether US can suppress inflammation and improve depressive-like behaviors. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide to induce depressive-like behaviors. Ultrasound wave was delivered into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for 30 min. Depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated through the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and elevated plus maze (EPM). Biochemical analyses were performed to assess the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the PFC and serum. The results indicated that US of the PFC significantly improved depressive-like behaviors in the TST (p < 0.05) and FST (p < 0.05). Anxiety-like behaviors also improved in the EPM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the lipopolysaccharide-mediated upregulation of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the PFC was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by US. In addition, no tissue damage was observed. Overall, US of PFC can effectively improve lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviors, possibly through the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the PFC. US may be a safe and promising tool for improvement of depression.

Case report: Prazosin augmentation for treating comorbid treatment-resistant depression and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder

Psychological trauma in childhood can lead to post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) with protracted comorbid depression, which responds poorly to conventional antidepressants. Previous studies have shown that prazosin, an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, can help eliminate nightmares and improve sleep quality and suicidal ideation in PTSD patients. This case report presents that prazosin had a rapid antidepressant effect in a female adolescent PTSD patient with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Prazosin improved not only depression symptoms but also sleep quality, suicidal ideation, and cognitive function. Prazosin was well tolerated without obvious adverse effects. Our preliminary study suggests that further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of prazosin in treating PTSD patients with comorbid TRD.

Are Noradrenergic Transmission Reducing Drugs Antidepressants?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a significant public health problem worldwide, and revised treatment strategies are therefore urgently needed, including the creation of novel antidepressant compounds or using existing molecular entities in new ways. Etiologic theories of MDD from decades ago have suggested that synaptic deficiencies of monoaminergic neurotransmitters play a causative role in this neuropsychiatric disorder, and that boosting monoamines with drugs such as SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs has antidepressant effects and in some individuals can even induce hypomania or mania. While other factors, such as various intracellular molecular pathways and hippocampal neurogenesis, undoubtedly also play a role in MDD, monoaminergic boosting drugs nonetheless have clearly demonstrated antidepressant properties. There is also, however, a body of studies in the preclinical literature suggesting that monoaminergic transmission reducing drugs, including noradrenergic ones, also have antidepressant-like behavioral properties in rodents. Given that there is increasing evidence that the monoamines have u-shaped or Janus-faced dose-response properties, in which a mid-range value is "optimal" in a variety of behavioral and physiological processes, it is plausible that either too much or too little synaptic norepinephrine in key circuits may exacerbate MDD in some individuals. Here we briefly review rodent depression-related behavioral data, focusing on the forced swim test, from three major classes of noradrenergic transmission reducing drugs (alpha2 agonists, beta blockers, alpha1 antagonists), and find much support for the hypothesis that they have antidepressant-like properties. Whether these drugs are antidepressants in human subjects remains to be determined.

Cinnamomum verum-derived O-methoxycinnamaldehyde prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behavior in mice via NFAT mRNA stability in T lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

Depressive-like behaviors are related to inflammatory immune activation. Cinnamomum verum (CV) has anti-inflammatory effects, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects after immunological activation still remain elusive.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CV in improving depressive-like behavior and explore its underlying mechanism in T lymphocytes.

METHODS

Mice were randomly divided into Control, LPS, LPS plus fluoxetine, LPS plus CV, and LPS plus MCA groups. Behavior was evaluated using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The experimental group mice were exposed to LPS to induce depressive-like behavior. Cell viability was measured upon treating splenic T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cells with CV. Cytokine activity was measured using ELISA and RT-qPCR. The components of CV were analyzed by HPLC. NFAT expression was evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and luciferase assay. To verify the half-life of NFAT mRNA, Jurkat cells were treated with actinomycin D for 1.5, 3, and 4.5 h.

RESULTS

CV effectively prevents inflammation-induced depressive-like behaviors. CV dose-dependently decreased protein and mRNA levels of TNFα and IL-2. Inhibition of TNFα and IL-2 production involves an MCA-mediated decrease in NFAT mRNA level, rather than inhibition of nuclear translocation. This mechanism was independent of NFAT transcription inducer p38 MAPK; it can be attributed to the promotion of NFAT mRNA decay.

CONCLUSION

Overall, MCA might be an alternative or adjuvant to existing NFAT-targeting immunosuppressants for clinical prophylaxis or therapy in the context of inflammation-induced depressive disorder or other T-cell-associated inflammatory disorders.

Automated home-cage monitoring as a potential measure of sickness behaviors and pain-like behaviors in LPS-treated mice

The use of endotoxin, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a model of sickness behavior, has attracted recent attention. To objectively investigate sickness behavior along with its pain-like behaviors in LPS-treated mice, the behavioral measurement requires accurate methods, which reflects clinical relevance. While reflexive pain response tests have been used for decades for pain assessment, its accuracy and clinical relevance remain problematic. Hence, we used automated home-cage monitoring LABORAS to evaluate spontaneous locomotive behaviors in LPS-induced mice. LPS-treated mice displayed sickness behaviors including pain-like behaviors in automated home-cage monitoring characterized by decreased mobile behaviors (climbing, locomotion, rearing) and increased immobility compared to that of the control group in both short- and long-term locomotive assessments. Here, in short-term measurement, both in the open-field test and automated home-cage monitoring, mice demonstrated impaired locomotive behaviors. We also assessed 24 h long-term locomotor activity in the home-cage system, which profiled the diurnal behaviors of LPS-stimulated mice. The results demonstrated significant behavioral impairment in LPS-stimulated mice compared to the control mice in both light and dark phases. However, the difference is more evident in the dark phase compared to the light phase owing to the nocturnal activity of mice. In addition, the administration of indomethacin as a pharmacological intervention improved sickness behaviors in the open-field test as well as automated home-cage monitoring, confirming that automated home-cage monitoring could be potentially useful in pharmacological screening. Together, our results demonstrate that automated home-cage monitoring could be a feasible alternative to conventional methods, such as the open-field test and combining several behavioral assessments may provide a better understanding of sickness behavior and pain-like behaviors in LPS-treated mice.

Genetic Polymorphism of rs13306146 Affects α2AAR Expression and Associated With Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Women Who Received Cesarean Section

Postpartum depressive symptom (PDS) is a common psychological and mental disorder after giving birth. Our previous studies showing the application of dexmedetomidine, an α₂-AR agonist, can significantly improve maternal sleep, as well as relieve and reduce the incidence of PDS. This study investigated the association between α_{2 A} AR gene polymorphisms and PDS. A total of 568 cesarean section patients were enrolled; the incidence of PDS is 18.13% (103 with PDS, 465 with non-PDS). The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale score ≥10 was used to diagnose PDS at 42 days after delivery. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms of α_2AR were sequenced by pyrosequencing. The effect of rs13306146 A > G polymorphism on α_2AR transcription and the regulation of miR-646 on α_2AR expression were assessed by dual luciferase reporter assays or gene transfection. Increased stress during pregnancy, poor relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, spousal relationship, domestic violence, antenatal depression, self-harm ideation, and stressful life events were all associated with increased PDS incidence (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis found that the α_2AAR rs13306146 polymorphism was associated with PDS after adjusting confounding variables. The transcriptional function of the α_2AAR rs13306146 A allele was decreased compared with the G allele, and the α_2AAR expression level was correspondingly decreased (p < 0.05), as the strongest binding ability of miR-646 to the α_2AAR rs13306146 AA genotype. The effect of α_2AAR rs13306146 A > G polymorphism may change the binding ability of miR-646 at the 3'UTR of the α_2AAR gene, affecting the expression of α_2AAR. This study supports the involvement of the norepinephrine system in the pathogenesis of PDS. Genotypes of α_2AAR may be novel and useful biomarkers for PDS.

What Animal Models Can Tell Us About Long-Term Psychiatric Symptoms in Sepsis Survivors: a Systematic Review

Lower sepsis mortality rates imply that more patients are discharged from the hospital, but sepsis survivors often experience sequelae, such as functional disability, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric morbidity. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these long-term disabilities are not fully understood. Considering the extensive use of animal models in the study of the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, it seems adopting this approach to improve our knowledge of postseptic psychiatric symptoms is a logical approach. With the purpose of gathering and summarizing the main findings of studies using animal models of sepsis-induced psychiatric symptoms, we performed a systematic review of the literature on this topic. Thus, 140 references were reviewed, and most of the published studies suggested a time-dependent recovery from behavior alterations, despite the fact that some molecular alterations persist in the brain. This review reveals that animal models can be used to understand the mechanisms that underlie anxiety and depression in animals recovering from sepsis.

Ibrutinib alleviates LPS-induced neuroinflammation and synaptic defects in a mouse model of depression

Previous studies have demonstrated a close association between an altered immune system and major depressive disorders, and inhibition of neuroinflammation may represent an alternative mechanism to treat depression. Recently, the anti-inflammatory activity of ibrutinib has been reported. However, the effect of ibrutinib on neuroinflammation-induced depression and its underlying mechanism has not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the potential anti-depressive role and mechanism of ibrutinib against neuroinflammation-induced depression and synaptic defects. Our results showed that ibrutinib treatment significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behaviors and neuroinflammation via inhibiting NF-kB activation, decreasing proinflammatory cytokine levels, and normalizing redox signaling and its downstream components, including Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2, as well as glial cell activation markers, such as Iba-1 and GFAP. Further, ibrutinib treatment inhibited LPS-activated inflammasome activation by targeting NLRP3/P38/Caspase-1 signaling. Interestingly, LPS reduced the number of dendritic spines and expression of BDNF, and synaptic-related markers, including PSD95, snap25, and synaptophysin, were improved by ibrutinib treatment in the hippocampal area of the mouse brain. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ibrutinib can alleviate neuroinflammation and synaptic defects, suggesting it has antidepressant potential against LPS-induced neuroinflammation and depression.

Fluoxetine regulates eEF2 activity (phosphorylation) via HDAC1 inhibitory mechanism in an LPS-induced mouse model of depression

BACKGROUND

Selective serotonin reuptaker inhibitors, including fluoxetine, are widely studied and prescribed antidepressants, while their exact molecular and cellular mechanism are yet to be defined. We investigated the involvement of HDAC1 and eEF2 in the antidepressant mechanisms of fluoxetine using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior model.

METHODS

For in vivo analysis, mice were treated with LPS (2 mg/kg BW), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg BW), HDAC1 activator (Exifone: 54 mg/kg BW) and NH125 (1 mg/kg BW). Depressive-like behaviors were confirmed via behavior tests including OFT, FST, SPT, and TST. Cytokines were measured by ELISA while Iba-1 and GFAP expression were determined by immunofluorescence. Further, the desired gene expression was measured by immunoblotting. For in vitro analysis, BV2 cell lines were cultured; treated with LPS, exifone, and fluoxetine; collected; and analyzed.

RESULTS

Mice treated with LPS displayed depression-like behaviors, pronounced neuroinflammation, increased HDAC1 expression, and reduced eEF2 activity, as accompanied by altered synaptogenic factors including BDNF, SNAP25, and PSD95. Fluoxetine treatment exhibited antidepressant effects and ameliorated the molecular changes induced by LPS. Exifone, a selective HDAC1 activator, reversed the antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects of fluoxetine both in vivo and in vitro, supporting a causing role of HDAC1 in neuroinflammation allied depression. Further molecular mechanisms underlying HDAC1 were explored with NH125, an eEF2K inhibitor, whose treatment reduced immobility time, altered pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NLRP3 expression. Moreover, NH125 treatment enhanced eEF2 and GSK3β activities, BDNF, SNAP25, and PSD95 expression, but had no effects on HDAC1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine may involve HDAC1-eEF2 related neuroinflammation and synaptogenesis.

Involvement of PKCβI-SERT activity in stress vulnerability of mice exposed to twice-swim stress

Stress vulnerability and pathogenic mechanisms in stress-related disorders are strongly associated with the functions of serotonin transporter (SERT). SERT phosphorylation induces a reduction of the serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) transport properties, its phosphorylation regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). However, the functional relationship between regulated SERT activity by PKC and stress vulnerability remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether the functional regulation of SERT by PKC was involved in stress vulnerability using mice exposed to twice-swim stress that exhibited the impairment of social behaviors. The mild-swim stress (6 min) given just before the social interaction test did not affect the social behaviors of mice. However, mice exposed to strong-swim stress (15 min) became vulnerable to the mild-swim stress, and subsequent social behaviors were impaired. Chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, exacerbated decreased sociality in mice exposed to acute mild-swim stress. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, ameliorated the impairment of social behaviors in mice exposed to twice-swim stress. Phosphorylated PKCβI or SERT and 5-HT levels were decreased in the prefrontal cortex of twice-stressed mice. These decreases were attenuated by PMA. Our findings demonstrate that mice exposed to twice-swim stress developed stress vulnerability, which may be involved in the regulation of SERT phosphorylation and 5-HT levels accompanying PKCβI activity.

Early-life-trauma triggers interferon-β resistance and neurodegeneration in a multiple sclerosis model via downregulated β1-adrenergic signaling

Environmental triggers have important functions in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, phenotype, and trajectory. Exposure to early life trauma (ELT) has been associated with higher relapse rates in MS patients; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well-defined. Here we show ELT induces mechanistic and phenotypical alterations during experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE). ELT sustains downregulation of immune cell adrenergic receptors, which can be attributed to chronic norepinephrine circulation. ELT-subjected mice exhibit interferon-β resistance and neurodegeneration driven by lymphotoxin and CXCR2 involvement. These phenotypic changes are observed in control EAE mice treated with β1 adrenergic receptor antagonist. Conversely, β1 adrenergic receptor agonist treatment to ELT mice abrogates phenotype changes via restoration of immune cell β1 adrenergic receptor function. Our results indicate that ELT alters EAE phenotype via downregulation of β1 adrenergic signaling in immune cells. These results have implications for the effect of environmental factors in provoking disease heterogeneity and might enable prediction of long-term outcomes in MS.

Gαq protein signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulate the lipopolysaccharide-induced despair-like behavior in mice

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly comorbid with anxiety disorders. It has been reported that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is important for the induction of anxiety and MDD. Recently, the Gαq protein signaling within the BNST is involved in the induction of anxiety through Gαq protein signaling-mediated RNA-editing of GluR2 subunit, which produces the calcium (Ca²⁺)-impermeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. On the other hand, the role of Gαq protein signaling within the BNST on the induction of MDD has never been reported yet. Therefore, we investigated whether Gαq protein signaling-producing the Ca²⁺-impermeable AMPA receptors in the BNST is involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior, particularly, despair-like behavior. When mice were systemically challenged with a single dose of LPS (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.), the immobility time during tail suspension test (TST) was increased 24 h after LPS injection. However, pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of neomycin (6.5 mM, 0.125 µL/side), an inhibitor of phospholipase C that is activated by Gαq protein-coupled receptor stimulation, extended the LPS-induced increase in the immobility time of TST. Furthermore, the co-pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of neomycin with 1-naphthylacetyl spermine (3 mM, 0.125 µL/side), an antagonist of Ca²⁺-permeable AMPA receptor, to mimic one of the final forms of Gαq protein activation, abolished the aggravated effect of neomycin and significantly shortened the immobility time compared with the control mice with an intra-BNST injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid before LPS injection. However, pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of MDL-12,330A (10 µM, 0.125 µL/side), an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase that is activated by Gαs protein-coupled receptor stimulation, did not affect the LPS-induced increase in the immobility time of TST. These results indicate that the Gαq protein signaling-mediated RNA-editing of GluR2, which produces the Ca²⁺-impermeable AMPA receptors within the BNST, regulates the LPS-induced despair-like behavior.

A Proposed Role for Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Damaging Behavior in Pigs

Sickness can change our mood for the worse, leaving us sad, lethargic, grumpy and less socially inclined. This mood change is part of a set of behavioral symptoms called sickness behavior and has features in common with core symptoms of depression. Therefore, the physiological changes induced by immune activation, for example following infection, are in the spotlight for explaining mechanisms behind mental health challenges such as depression. While humans may take a day off and isolate themselves until they feel better, farm animals housed in groups have only limited possibilities for social withdrawal. We suggest that immune activation could be a major factor influencing social interactions in pigs, with outbreaks of damaging behavior such as tail biting as a possible result. The hypothesis presented here is that the effects of several known risk factors for tail biting are mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins produced by the immune system, and their effect on neurotransmitter systems. We describe the background for and implications of this hypothesis.

Potential role of primed microglia during obesity on the mesocorticolimbic circuit in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease which involves functional and structural defects in selective central nervous system (CNS) regions that harm function and individual ability to process and respond to external stimuli. Individuals with ASD spend less time engaging in social interaction compared to non-affected subjects. Studies employing structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging reported morphological and functional abnormalities in the connectivity of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway between the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in response to social stimuli, as well as diminished medial prefrontal cortex in response to visual cues, whereas stronger reward system responses for the non-social realm (e.g., video games) than social rewards (e.g., approval), associated with caudate nucleus responsiveness in ASD children. Defects in the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway have been modulated in transgenic murine models using D2 dopamine receptor heterozygous (D2+/-) or dopamine transporter knockout mice, which exhibit sociability deficits and repetitive behaviors observed in ASD phenotypes. Notably, the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway is modulated by systemic and central inflammation, such as primed microglia, which occurs during obesity or maternal overnutrition. Therefore, we propose that a positive energy balance during obesity/maternal overnutrition coordinates a systemic and central inflammatory crosstalk that modulates the dopaminergic neurotransmission in selective brain areas of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway. Here, we will describe how obesity/maternal overnutrition may prime microglia, causing abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway, postulating a possible immune role in the development of ASD.

Melatonin Act as an Antidepressant via Attenuation of Neuroinflammation by Targeting Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling

Physical or psychological stress can cause an immunologic imbalance that disturbs the central nervous system followed by neuroinflammation. The association between inflammation and depression has been widely studied in recent years, though the molecular mechanism is still largely unknown. Thus, targeting the signaling pathways that link stress to neuroinflammation might be a useful strategy against depression. The current study investigated the protective effect of melatonin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and depression. Our results showed that LPS treatment significantly induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Moreover, LPS-treatment enhanced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β, NF-κB phosphorylation, and glial cell activation markers including GFAP and Iba-1 in the brain of mice. Melatonin treatment significantly abolished the effect of LPS, as indicated by improved depressive-like behaviors, reduced cytokines level, reduced oxidative stress, and normalized LPS-altered Sirt1, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression. However, the melatonin protective effects were reduced after luzindole administration. Collectively, it is concluded that melatonin receptor-dependently protects against LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors via counteracting LPS-induced neuroinflammation.

Synthetic enhancer compounds, besides acting on biogenic amine system, influence the glutamate transmission and stress response

Pharmaceutically available enhancer selegiline/(-)-deprenyl (DEP) in the clinically used dose shows antidepressant effect, but nothing is known about this effect in enhancer dose, and its effect on co-morbid anxiety. Moreover, data about the antidepressant/antianxiety effects of the serotonin-influencing enhancer, (2R)-1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)-N-propylpentane-2-amine (BPAP) are also missing. The aim of the present paper is to establish the role of enhancer regulation in anxiety and follow the changes in the phosphorylation of glutamate subunits in prefrontal cortex as well as stress-related organ and hormonal changes as possible background mechanism. The effect of 3-week-treatment of rats with specific (0.001 mg/kg for DEP, 0.0001 mg/kg for BPAP) and non-specific (0.1 mg/kg for DEP, 0.05 mg/kg for BPAP) enhancer doses were evaluated on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field (OF) tests. Phosphorylated glutamatergic GluR1 and GluN2B subunits were analyzed by Western blot. Changes in the stress-regulatory system were evaluated by measuring the organ weights and blood corticosterone concentrations. Non-specific enhancer doses had a tendency for anxiolysis on EPM, while only 0.1 mg/kg DEP elevated motility in OF. Specific enhancer doses significantly increased the expression of both glutamatergic receptor subunits; non-specific doses elevated only pGluR1. Treatments had no effects on stress-like organ weights; however, the specific enhancer doses significantly reduced the dark phase resting corticosterone levels. The study proved the enhancer-sensitivity of the glutamatergic transmitter system and suggested enhancer-induced stabilization of stress-hormone levels without major impact on non-stimulated anxiety-like behavior.

Inflammation-induced behavioral changes is driven by alterations in Nrf2-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in mouse hippocampus: Role of fluoxetine

Inflammation has been associated with the progression of many neurological diseases. Peripheral inflammation has also been vaguely linked to depression-like symptoms in animal models, but the underlying pathways that orchestrate inflammation-induced behavioral or molecular changes in the brain are still elusive. We have recently shown that intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to Swiss albino mice triggers systemic inflammation, leading to an activated immune response along with changes in monoamine levels in the brain. Herein we pinpoint the fundamental pathways linking peripheral inflammation and depression-like behavior in a mouse model, thereby identifying suitable targets of intervention to combat the situation. We show that LPS-induced peripheral inflammation provoked a depression-like behavior in mice and a distinct pro-inflammatory bias in the hippocampus, as evident from increased microglial activation and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and activation of NFκB-p65 pathway. Significant alterations in Nrf2-dependent cellular redox status, coupled with altered autophagy and increased apoptosis were noticed in the hippocampus of LPS-exposed mice. We and others have previously shown that, fluoxetine (an anti-depressant) has effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by virtue of its abilities to regulate NFκB and Nrf2 signaling. We observed that treatment with fluoxetine or the Nrf2 activator tBHQ (tert-butyl hydroquinone), could reverse depression-like-symptoms and mitigate alterations in autophagy and cell death pathways in the hippocampus by activating Nrf2-dependent gene expressions. Taken together, the data suggests that systemic inflammation potentiates Nrf2-dependent changes in cell death and autophagy pathway in the hippocampus, eventually leading to major pathologic sequelae associated with depression. Therefore, targeting Nrf2 could be a novel approach in combatting depression and ameliorating its associated pathogenesis.

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of depression: a focus on reward circuitry

Depression is a complex disorder that takes an enormous toll on individual health. As affected individuals display a wide variation in their clinical symptoms, the precise neural mechanisms underlying the development of depression remain elusive. Although it is impossible to phenocopy every symptom of human depression in rodents, the preclinical field has had great success in modeling some of the core affective and neurovegetative depressive symptoms, including social withdrawal, anhedonia, and weight loss. Adaptations in select cell populations may underlie these individual depressive symptoms and new tools have expanded our ability to monitor and manipulate specific cell types. This review outlines some of the most recent preclinical discoveries on the molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms in reward circuitry that underlie the expression of behavioral constructs relevant to depressive symptoms.

Involvement of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the anti-inflammatory effect of the antidepressant clomipramine

BACKGROUND

Depression has recently been referred to as a neuroimmune disease because it is characterized by inflammatory changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Studies have demonstrated that microglial activation plays a crucial role in releasing inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby contributing to depression, the mechanism underlying which remains unclear.

METHODS

First, we examined microglial activation and inflammatory changes in C57BL/6 male mice injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 mg/kg), which leads to depressive behaviors in mice that were attenuated by the antidepressant clomipramine. Second, we utilized a BV2 cell line and primary microglial cultures to determine the inflammatory response in vitro, and the effects of clomipramine exerted on the inflammatory response using real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. Third, we utilized NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) knock-out (KO) mice to prove that NLRP3 is involved in the effects of clomipramine.

RESULTS

The results showed that LPS injection induced depressive-like behaviors in mice, as assessed using several behavioral tests including body weight, and forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The LPS-induced expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha could be downregulated by clomipramine pre-treatment both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibitory effect of clomipramine on the LPS-induced increase in cytokines was found at both the protein and gene levels. Clomipramine significantly reduced the LPS-induced increase in NLRP3 gene expression in BV2 cells. Furthermore, we utilized NLRP3 KO mice to explore whether NLPP3 was involved in this process and found that clomipramine treatment inhibits the LPS-induced increased expression of IL-1β.

CONCLUSION

These results imply that clomipramine could attenuate depressive behaviors and neuroinflammation induced by LPS via partial regulation of NLRP3.

Abnormalities in Inflammatory Cytokines Confer Susceptible to Chronic Neuropathic Pain-related Anhedonia in a Rat Model of Spared Nerve Injury

Objective

Patients with chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) have a higher incidence to develop depression. However, its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Here we aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in CNP-related anhedonia, which is a core symptom of depression, and to explore the effects of ketamine and parecoxib on pain and anhedonia.

Methods

A rat model of spared nerve injury (SNI) was constructed to mimic CNP. Hierarchical cluster analysis of sucrose preference test (SPT) was applied to classify the SNI rats into anhedonia susceptible and unsusceptible. Inflammatory cytokines in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of brain, serum and L2–5 spinal cord were measured. Moreover, effects of ketamine or parecoxib on mechanical withdrawal test (MWT) and SPT in anhedonia susceptible rats were detected.

Results

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was increased in mPFC, serum and and spinal cord of anhedonia susceptible rats. Furthermore, anhedonia susceptible and unsusceptible rats both increased the interleukin (IL)-1β level in mPFC, serum and spinal cord. IL-6 was altered in serum and spinal cord, but not in mPFC. IL-10 was significantly altered in mPFC and serum, but not in spinal cord. Additionally, ketamine treatment significantly attenuated the decreased results of MWT and SPT in anhedonia susceptible rats, and that parecoxib significantly improved the MWT score, but failed to alter the result of SPT.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that abnormalities in inflammatory cytokines confer susceptible to anhedonia in a rat model of SNI. Ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, has pharmacological benefits to alleviate pain and anhedonia symptoms.

Study on Antidepressant Activity of Pseudo-Ginsenoside HQ on Depression-Like Behavior in Mice

Suppressive effects of ginsenoside Rh₂ (Rh₂), (24R)-pseudo-ginsenoside HQ (R-PHQ), and (24S)-pseudo-ginsenoside HQ (S-PHQ) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior were evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Pretreatment with Rh₂, R-PHQ, and S-PHQ significantly decreased immobility time in FST and TST with clear dose-dependence, and significantly downregulated levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, and upregulated superoxide dismutase activity in the hippocampus of LPS-challenged mice. Furthermore, R-PHQ and S-PHQ significantly increased the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1), and nuclear-related factor 2, and inhibited the phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB-α and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the hippocampus of LPS-challenged mice. Additionally, the antidepressant-like effect of R-PHQ was found related to the dopaminergic (DA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic, and noradrenaline systems, while the antidepressive effect of S-PHQ was involved in the DA and GABAergic systems. Taken together, these results suggested that Rh₂, R-PHQ, and S-PHQ produced significant antidepressant-like effects, which may be related to the BDNF/TrkB and Sirt1/NF-κB signaling pathways.

The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory markers in blood and brain and on behavior in individually-housed pigs

Most of us have experienced deterioration of mood while ill. In humans, immune activation is associated with lethargy and social withdrawal, irritability and aggression; changes in social motivation could, in theory, lead to less functional interactions. This might also be the case for animals housed in close confinement. Tail biting in pigs is an example of damaging social behavior, and sickness is thought to be a risk factor for tail biting outbreaks. One possible mechanism whereby sickness may influence behavior is through cytokines. To identify possible mediators between immune activation and behavioral change, we injected 16 gilts with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; O111:B4; 1.5 μg kg^-1 IV through a permanent catheter). In LPS-treated pigs, a significant increase in cortisol, TNF-α, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-8 was observed alongside decreased activity within the first 6 h after the injection. CRP was elevated at 12 and 24 h after injection, and food intake was reduced for the first 24 h after injection. Three days post-injection, LPS pigs had lower levels of noradrenaline in their hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Pigs injected with LPS also had higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in their frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Thus, a low dose of LPS can induce changes in brain cytokine levels and neurotransmitter levels that persist after inflammatory and stress markers in the periphery have returned to baseline levels.

The Dopamine Receptor D3 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

BACKGROUND

The altered expression and function of dopamine receptor D3 (D3R) in patients and animal models have been correlated with depression disease severity. However, the morphological alterations and biological effects of D3R in the brain after inflammation-induced depressive-like behavior remain elusive.

METHODS

In the present study, we ascertained the changes of D3R expression in the brain regions after depressive-like behavior induced by peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway after activation or inhibition of D3R in the brain of depressive mice were also investigated.

RESULTS

LPS caused a significant reduction of D3R in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and nucleus accumbens (NAc), which are areas related to the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Pretreatment with pramipexole (PPX), a preferential D3R agonist, showed antidepressant effects on LPS-induced depression-like behavior through preventing changes in LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6), BDNF, and ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway in the VTA and NAc. In opposition, treatment with a D3R selective antagonist NGB 2904 alone made mice susceptible to depression-like effects and caused changes in accordance with the LPS-induced alterations in proinflammatory cytokines, BDNF, and the ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway in the mPFC and NAc.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide a relevant mechanism for D3R in LPS-induced depressive-like behavior via its mediation of proinflammatory cytokines and potential cross-effects between BDNF and the ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway.

Molecular mechanism of noradrenaline during the stress-induced major depressive disorder

Chronic stress-induced depression is a common hallmark of many psychiatric disorders with high morbidity rate. Stress-induced dysregulation of noradrenergic system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. Lack of monoamine in the brain has been believed to be the main causative factor behind pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and several antidepressants functions by increasing the monoamine level at the synapses in the brain. However, it is undetermined whether the noradrenergic receptor stimulation is critical for the therapeutic effect of antidepressant. Contrary to noradrenergic receptor stimulation, it has been suggested that the desensitization of β-adrenoceptor is involved in the therapeutic effect of antidepressant. In addition, enhanced noradrenaline (NA) release is central response to stress and thought to be a risk factor for the development of MDD. Moreover, fast acting antidepressant suppresses the hyperactivation of noradrenergic neurons in locus coeruleus (LC). However, it is unclear how they alter the firing activity of LC neurons. These inconsistent reports about antidepressant effect of NA-reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) and enhanced release of NA as a stress response complicate our understanding about the pathophysiology of MDD. In this review, we will discuss the role of NA in pathophysiology of stress and the mechanism of therapeutic effect of NA in MDD. We will also discuss the possible contributions of each subtype of noradrenergic receptors on LC neurons, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and brain derived neurotrophic factor-induced hippocampal neurogenesis during stress and therapeutic effect of NRIs in MDD.

Association of social defeat stress-induced anhedonia-like symptoms with mGluR1-dependent decrease in membrane-bound AMPA-GluR1 in the mouse ventral midbrain

Anhedonia is a core symptom of social defeat stress (SDS)-induced depression associated with the reward system. We previously reported that decreased membrane-bound AMPA-GluR1 in the reward system is associated with lipopolysaccharide-induced anhedonia-like symptoms. Since group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation reduces the surface density of GluR1, we examined whether group I mGluR-dependent decrease in membrane-bound GluR1 in the reward system is involved in SDS-induced anhedonia-like symptoms. Mice exposed to SDS for 4 consecutive days had markedly decreased membrane-bound GluR1 and GluR2 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and membrane-bound GluR1 in the ventral midbrain (VM) along with lower sucrose preference (SP). Intra-PFC injection of the group I mGluR agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 100 μmol) demonstrated decrease in membrane-bound GluR1 and GluR2 in the PFC 2 and 24 h and membrane-bound GluR1 in the VM 24 h after injection. Moreover, intra-PFC injection of DHPG decreased SP only in the second 24-h (24-48 h) period. Conversely, intra-VM injection of DHPG decreased SP in both the first and second 24-h period and decreased membrane-bound GluR1 in the VM 2 and 24 h after injection. Pre-treatment with the mGluR1 antagonist JNJ16259685 (30 mg/kg, subcutaneous) prevented SDS-decreased SP and membrane-bound GluR1 in the VM. The mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP; 10 mg/kg, subcutaneous) prevented SDS-induced decrease in membrane-bound GluR1 and GluR2 in the PFC, whereas MPEP did not affect SDS-induced decrease in SP and membrane-bound GluR1 in the VM. These results suggest that mGluR1-mediated decrease in membrane-bound GluR1 in VM is involved in SDS-induced anhedonia-like symptoms.

Acute Neuroinflammation Promotes Cell Responses to 1800 MHz GSM Electromagnetic Fields in the Rat Cerebral Cortex

Mobile phone communications are conveyed by radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, including pulse-modulated global system for mobile communications (GSM)-1800 MHz, whose effects on the CNS affected by pathological states remain to be specified. Here, we investigated whether a 2-h head-only exposure to GSM-1800 MHz could impact on a neuroinflammatory reaction triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 2-week-old or adult rats. We focused on the cerebral cortex in which the specific absorption rate (SAR) of RF averaged 2.9 W/kg. In developing rats, 24 h after GSM exposure, the levels of cortical interleukin-1ß (IL1ß) or NOX2 NADPH oxidase transcripts were reduced by 50 to 60%, in comparison with sham-exposed animals (SAR = 0), as assessed by RT-qPCR. Adult rats exposed to GSM also showed a 50% reduction in the level of IL1ß mRNA, but they differed from developing rats by the lack of NOX2 gene suppression and by displaying a significant growth response of microglial cell processes imaged in anti-Iba1-stained cortical sections. As neuroinflammation is often associated with changes in excitatory neurotransmission, we evaluated changes in expression and phosphorylation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in the adult cerebral cortex by Western blot analyses. We found that GSM exposure decreased phosphorylation at two residues on the GluA1 AMPAR subunit (serine 831 and 845). The GSM-induced changes in gene expressions, microglia, and GluA1 phosphorylation did not persist 72 h after RF exposure and were not observed in the absence of LPS pretreatment. Together, our data provide evidence that GSM-1800 MHz can modulate CNS cell responses triggered by an acute neuroinflammatory state.

The Role of Neural Plasticity in Depression: From Hippocampus to Prefrontal Cortex

Neural plasticity, a fundamental mechanism of neuronal adaptation, is disrupted in depression. The changes in neural plasticity induced by stress and other negative stimuli play a significant role in the onset and development of depression. Antidepressant treatments have also been found to exert their antidepressant effects through regulatory effects on neural plasticity. However, the detailed mechanisms of neural plasticity in depression still remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the recent literature to elaborate the possible mechanistic role of neural plasticity in depression. Taken together, these findings may pave the way for future progress in neural plasticity studies.

Locus Ceruleus Norepinephrine Release: A Central Regulator of CNS Spatio-Temporal Activation?

Norepinephrine (NE) is synthesized in the Locus Coeruleus (LC) of the brainstem, from where it is released by axonal varicosities throughout the brain via volume transmission. A wealth of data from clinics and from animal models indicates that this catecholamine coordinates the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) and of the whole organism by modulating cell function in a vast number of brain areas in a coordinated manner. The ubiquity of NE receptors, the daunting number of cerebral areas regulated by the catecholamine, as well as the variety of cellular effects and of their timescales have contributed so far to defeat the attempts to integrate central adrenergic function into a unitary and coherent framework. Since three main families of NE receptors are represented-in order of decreasing affinity for the catecholamine-by: α2 adrenoceptors (α2Rs, high affinity), α1 adrenoceptors (α1Rs, intermediate affinity), and β adrenoceptors (βRs, low affinity), on a pharmacological basis, and on the ground of recent studies on cellular and systemic central noradrenergic effects, we propose that an increase in LC tonic activity promotes the emergence of four global states covering the whole spectrum of brain activation: (1) sleep: virtual absence of NE, (2) quiet wake: activation of α2Rs, (3) active wake/physiological stress: activation of α2- and α1-Rs, (4) distress: activation of α2-, α1-, and β-Rs. We postulate that excess intensity and/or duration of states (3) and (4) may lead to maladaptive plasticity, causing-in turn-a variety of neuropsychiatric illnesses including depression, schizophrenic psychoses, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit. The interplay between tonic and phasic LC activity identified in the LC in relationship with behavioral response is of critical importance in defining the short- and long-term biological mechanisms associated with the basic states postulated for the CNS. While the model has the potential to explain a large number of experimental and clinical findings, a major challenge will be to adapt this hypothesis to integrate the role of other neurotransmitters released during stress in a centralized fashion, like serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine, as well as those released in a non-centralized fashion, like purines and cytokines.

Neonatal Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced neurobehavioral impairments and neuroinflammation in adult mice

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is routinely administered to human neonates worldwide. BCG has recently been identified as a neuroprotective immune mediator in several neuropathological conditions, exerting neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease and slowing the progression of clinically isolated syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis. The immune system is significantly involved in brain development, and several types of neonatal immune activations exert influences on the brain and behavior following a secondary immune challenge in adulthood. However, whether the neonatal BCG vaccination affects the brain in adulthood remains to be elucidated. In the present study, newborn C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously with BCG (10⁵ colony forming units) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). A total of 12 weeks later, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with 330 µg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PBS. The present study reported that the neonatal BCG vaccination alleviated sickness, anxiety and depression-like behavior, lessened the impairments in hippocampal cell proliferation and downregulated the proinflammatory responses in the serum and brain that were induced by the adult LPS challenge. However, BCG vaccination alone had no evident influence on the brain and behavior in adulthood. In conclusion, the neonatal BCG vaccination alleviated the neurobehavioral impairments and neuroinflammation induced by LPS exposure in adult mice, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role of the neonatal BCG vaccination in adulthood.

Inflammation Models of Depression in Rodents: Relevance to Psychotropic Drug Discovery

Inflammation and depression are closely inter-related; inflammation induces symptoms of depression and, conversely, depressed mood and stress favor an inflammatory phenotype. The mechanisms that mediate the ability of inflammation to induce symptoms of depression are intensively studied at the preclinical level. This review discusses how it has been possible to build animal models of inflammation-induced depression based on clinical data and to explore critical mechanisms downstream of inflammation. Namely, we focus on the ability of inflammation to increase the activity of the tryptophan-degrading enzyme, indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, which leads to the production of kynurenine and downstream neuroactive metabolites. By acting on glutamatergic neurotransmission, these neuroactive metabolites play a key role in the development of depression-like behaviors. An important outcome of the preclinical research on inflammation-induced depression is the identification of potential novel targets for antidepressant treatments, which include targeting the kynurenine system and production of downstream metabolites, altering transport of kynurenine into the brain, and modulating glutamatergic transmission.