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Nicosia N, Giovenzana M, Misztak P, Mingardi J, Musazzi L. Glutamate-Mediated Excitotoxicity in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental and Adult Mental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6521. [PMID: 38928227 PMCID: PMC11203689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain wherein it controls cognitive functional domains and mood. Indeed, brain areas involved in memory formation and consolidation as well as in fear and emotional processing, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, are predominantly glutamatergic. To ensure the physiological activity of the brain, glutamatergic transmission is finely tuned at synaptic sites. Disruption of the mechanisms responsible for glutamate homeostasis may result in the accumulation of excessive glutamate levels, which in turn leads to increased calcium levels, mitochondrial abnormalities, oxidative stress, and eventually cell atrophy and death. This condition is known as glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and is considered as a pathogenic mechanism in several diseases of the central nervous system, including neurodevelopmental, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, these disorders share neuroplasticity impairments in glutamatergic brain areas, which are accompanied by structural remodeling of glutamatergic neurons. In the current narrative review, we will summarize the role of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in both the pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions of neurodevelopmental and adult mental diseases with a focus on autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Indeed, glutamatergic drugs are under preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of different mental diseases that share glutamatergic neuroplasticity dysfunctions. Although clinical evidence is still limited and more studies are required, the regulation of glutamate homeostasis is attracting attention as a potential crucial target for the control of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Nicosia
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mattia Giovenzana
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Dichrocephala integrifolia Aqueous Extract Antagonises Chronic and Binges Ethanol Feeding-Induced Memory Dysfunctions: Insights into Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1620816. [PMID: 36110196 PMCID: PMC9470300 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1620816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol consumption is widely accepted despite its addictive properties and its mind-altering effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of Dichrocephala integrifolia against, memory impairment, on a mouse model of chronic and binges ethanol feeding. Mice were divided, into groups of 8 animals each, and received distilled water, Dichrocephala integrifolia aqueous extract (25; 50; 100; or 200 mg/kg) or memantine (200 mg/kg) once a day, while fe, with Lieber-DeCarli control (sham group only) or Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet ad libitum for 28 days. The Y maze and the novel object recognition (NOR) tests were used to evaluate spatial short-term and recognition memory, respectively. Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione levels, and proinflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, TNF-α, and Il-6) were evaluated in brain homogenates following behavioral assessments. The results showed that chronic ethanol administration in mice was associated with a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the spontaneous alternation percentage and the discrimination index, in the Y maze and the NOR tests, respectively. It significantly (p < 0.01) increased oxidative stress and inflammation markers levels in the brain. Dichrocephala integrifolia (100 and 200 mg/kg) as well as memantine (200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the percentage of spontaneous alternation and the discrimination index, in the Y maze and NOR tests, respectively. Dichrocephala integrifolia (100 and 200 mg/kg) likewise memantine (200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.01) alleviated ethanol-induced increase, in the brain malondialdehyde level, nitric oxide, Il-1β, TNF-α, and Il-6. From these findings, it can be concluded that Dichrocephala integrifolia counteracted memory impairment, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation induced by chronic ethanol consumption in mice.
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Montemitro C, Angebrandt A, Wang TY, Pettorruso M, Abulseoud OA. Mechanistic insights into the efficacy of memantine in treating certain drug addictions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110409. [PMID: 34324921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The deleterious effects of the drug addiction epidemic are compounded by treatment strategies that are only marginally efficacious. Memantine is a unique glutamatergic medication with proven ability to attenuate drug addiction in preclinical models. However, clinical translational studies are inconsistent. In this review, we summarize preclinical evidences and clinical trials that investigated the efficacy of memantine in treating patients with alcohol, opiate, cocaine, and nicotine use disorders and discuss the results from a mechanistic point of view. Memantine has shown efficacy in reducing alcohol and opiate craving, consumption, and withdrawal severity. However, in cocaine and nicotine use disorders, memantine did not have significant effect on cravings or consumption. Additionally, memantine was associated with increased subjective effects of alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine. We discuss possible mechanisms behind this variability. Since memantine transiently blocks NMDA receptors and protects neurons from overstimulation by excessive synaptic glutamate, its efficacy should be observed in drug phases that cause hyperglutamatergic states, while hypoglutamatergic drug use states would not resolve with blocking NMDA receptors. Second, memantine pharmacokinetic studies have been done in rodents and healthy volunteers, but not in patients with substance use disorder. Memantine, opiates, cocaine, and nicotine share the same transporter family at the blood brain barrier. This shared transport mechanism could impact brain concentrations of memantine and its effects. In conclusion, memantine remains an intriguing compound in our pharmacopeia with controversial results in treating certain aspects of drug addiction. Further studies are needed to understand the clinical and biological correlates of its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Montemitro
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience & Imaging, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Angebrandt
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tzu-Yun Wang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience & Imaging, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Italy
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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4
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Lee J, Naik V, Orzabal M, Lunde-Young R, Ramadoss J. Morphological alteration in rat hippocampal neuronal dendrites following chronic binge prenatal alcohol exposure. Brain Res 2021; 1768:147587. [PMID: 34297994 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147587] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) may result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The hippocampus has been recognized as a vulnerable target to alcohol-induced developmental damage. However, the effect of prenatal exposure to alcohol on dendritic morphological adaptations throughout the hippocampal fields in the developing brain still remains largely unknown in the context of FASD. We hypothesized that chronic binge alcohol exposure during pregnancy alters dendrite arborization throughout the developing rat hippocampus. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either a pair-fed control (PF-Cont) or a binge alcohol (Alcohol) treatment group. Alcohol dams were acclimatized via a once-daily orogastric gavage of 4.5 g/kg alcohol from gestational day (GD) 5-10 and progressed to 6 g/kg alcohol from GD 11-21. Pair-fed dams similarly received isocaloric maltose dextrin. After parturition, all dams received an ad libitum diet and nursed their offspring until postnatal day (PND) 10 when the pup brains were collected for morphological analysis. PAE increased dendritic arborization and complexities of CA1, CA2/3, and DG neurons in the PND 10 rat hippocampus. The number of primary dendrites, total dendritic length, and number of dendritic branches were significantly increased following PAE, and Sholl analysis revealed significantly more intersections of the dendritic processes in PND 10 offspring following PAE compared with those in the PF-Cont group. We conclude that chronic binge PAE significantly alters hippocampal dendritic morphology in the developing hippocampus. We conjecture that this morphological alteration in postnatal rat hippocampal dendrites following chronic binge prenatal alcohol exposure may play a critical role in FASD neurobiological phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehoon Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Vishal Naik
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Marcus Orzabal
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Raine Lunde-Young
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jayanth Ramadoss
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly is associated with compromise in neurobiological and/or neurobehavioral processes. The severity of this compromise varies across individuals and outcomes, as does the degree to which recovery of function is achieved. This narrative review first summarizes neurobehavioral, neurophysiological, structural, and neurochemical aberrations/deficits that are frequently observed in people with AUD after detoxification. Subsequent sections review improvements across these domains during recovery, taking into account modulators of recovery to the extent permitted. Where appropriate, the discussion includes work integrating outcomes across domains, leveraging the strengths of diverse experimental methods. Interventions to ameliorate neurobiological or neurobehavioral deficits do not constitute a primary objective of this review. However, their consideration is a logical inclusion. Therefore, a limited introduction to existing methods is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ben Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Hoffman J, Yu J, Kirstein C, Kindy MS. Combined Effects of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Alcohol Drinking on the Neuroinflammatory Cytokine Response and Cognitive Behavioral Outcomes. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110876. [PMID: 33228251 PMCID: PMC7699568 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between alcohol consumption and traumatic brain injury (TBI) often focuses on alcohol consumption increasing the likelihood of incurring a TBI, rather than alcohol use outcomes after TBI. However, patients without a history of an alcohol use disorder can also show increased problem drinking after single or multiple TBIs. Alcohol and mild TBI share diffuse deleterious neurological impacts and cognitive impairments; therefore, the purpose of these studies was to determine if an interaction on brain and behavior outcomes occurs when alcohol is consumed longitudinally after TBI. To examine the impact of mild repetitive TBI (rmTBI) on voluntary alcohol consumption, mice were subjected to four mild TBI or sham procedures over a 2 week period, then offered alcohol (20% v/v) for 2 weeks using the two-bottle choice, drinking in the dark protocol. Following the drinking period, mice were evaluated for neuroinflammatory cytokine response or tested for cognitive and behavioral deficits. Results indicate no difference in alcohol consumption or preference following rmTBI as compared to sham; however, increases in the neuroinflammatory cytokine response due to alcohol consumption and some mild cognitive behavioral deficits after rmTBI and alcohol consumption were observed. These data suggest that the cytokine response to alcohol drinking and rmTBI + alcohol drinking is not necessarily aggregate, but the combination does result in an exacerbation of cognitive behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (M.S.K.); Tel.: +1-919-843-4389 (J.H.)
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Cheryl Kirstein
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Mark S. Kindy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (M.S.K.); Tel.: +1-919-843-4389 (J.H.)
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Lewis B, Merlo L, Greene W, Welch E, Nixon SJ. Randomized trial to assess safety/feasibility of memantine administration during residential treatment for alcohol use disorder: a pilot study. J Addict Dis 2020; 38:91-99. [PMID: 32050864 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1721404] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) system is critically involved in the pathogenesis and neurobehavioral sequelae of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and constitutes a potential pharmacotherapeutic target. Memantine (Namenda) is an FDA-approved NMDAr antagonist with suggested utility in AUD, however its safety and tolerability during long-term administration among recently-detoxified patients remains uncharacterized. This pilot study assessed safety, feasibility, and several secondary measures of interest, during a 4-week period of residential AUD treatment. Participants (N = 18) met diagnostic criteria for AUD. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, escalating-dose design was utilized. Assessments of medication side-effects were conducted weekly. At intake, week 2, and study completion, participants completed a battery assessing affective symptomatology, craving, and neurocognitive function. Medication groups reported equivalent side effects and severity. Medication compliance was high, and did not differ by group. No memantine effects were observed in secondary outcome measures. Memantine maintains a profile of high tolerability and low side-effects during post-detoxification AUD treatment. These data suggest a more aggressive dosing/escalation schedule may be used safely in future trials designed to ascertain improvements in neurocognitive function, affect, and/or craving as primary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Merlo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,UF Health Florida Recovery Center, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - William Greene
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,UF Health Florida Recovery Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Welch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Addiction Research & Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Bird CW, Barber MJ, Post HR, Jacquez B, Chavez GJ, Faturos NG, Valenzuela CF. Neonatal ethanol exposure triggers apoptosis in the murine retrosplenial cortex: Role of inhibition of NMDA receptor-driven action potential firing. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107837. [PMID: 31689422 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ethanol during the last trimester equivalent of human pregnancy causes apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain, an effect that is thought to be mediated, in part, by inhibition of NMDA receptors. However, NMDA receptors can rapidly adapt to the acute effects of ethanol and are ethanol resistant in some populations of developing neurons. Here, we characterized the effect of ethanol on NMDA and non-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain region involved in the integration of different modalities of spatial information that is among the most sensitive regions to ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. A single 4-h exposure to ethanol vapor of 7-day-old transgenic mice that express the Venus fluorescent protein in interneurons triggered extensive apoptosis in the RSC. Slice electrophysiological recordings showed that bath-applied ethanol inhibits NMDA and non-NMDA receptor excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in pyramidal neurons and interneurons; however, we found no evidence of acute tolerance development to this effect after the 4-h in-vivo ethanol vapor exposure. Acute bath application of ethanol reduced action potential firing evoked by synaptic stimulation to a greater extent in pyramidal neurons than interneurons. Submaximal inhibition of NMDA EPSCs, but not non-NMDA EPSCs, mimicked the acute effect of ethanol on synaptically-evoked action potential firing. These findings indicate that partial inhibition of NMDA receptors by ethanol has sizable effects on the excitability of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the developing RSC, and suggest that positive allosteric modulators of these receptors could ameliorate ethanol intoxication-induced neurodegeneration during late stages of fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark W Bird
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Megan J Barber
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Hilary R Post
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Belkis Jacquez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Glenna J Chavez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Nicholas G Faturos
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - C Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
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Hyperlocomotion and anxiety- like behavior induced by binge ethanol exposure in rat neonates. Possible ameliorative effects of Omega 3. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112022. [PMID: 31181220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy may cause neurocognitive and behavioral disorders that can persist until adulthood. Epidemiological data has revealed an alarming increase in the frequency of alcohol intake in pregnant women. Nutritional variables may also have an impact on the behavioral alterations occasioned by alcohol during development. Moreover, omega-3, a polyunsaturated fatty acid necessary for normal brain development, is deficient in ethanol-treated animals. Although studies have shown that omega-3 supplementation after prenatal ethanol (EtOH) treatment improves some disorders, there are no reports about acute treatment with omega-3 in binge alcohol neurotoxic models during postnatal development. The goal of this study was to determine whether an administration of omega-3, after an acute ethanol dose in neonates, would be able to attenuate alcohol effects in offspring. Male/ female rats were administered ethanol (2.5 g/kg s.c. at 0 and 2 h) or saline on postnatal day (PND) 7, with a single dose of omega-3 (720 mg/kg) 15 min after the last alcohol injection. It was have found that EtOH-treated animals showed hyperlocomotion on PND 14 (pre-juvenile), and anxiety-like behavior was observed at all the three ages studied. Administration of omega-3 after EtOH treatment reduced hyperlocomotion and the anxiety-like behaviors on PND 14, but did not diminish the anxiety on either PND 20 or 30 (juvenile). In conclusion, acute ethanol exposure produced neurobehavioral alterations that persisted in the offspring, with omega-3 able to ameliorate these effects on PND 14. These data are relevant considering that omega-3 administration may have therapeutic effects through mitigating some of ethanol´s damaging consequences.
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Cheng Y, Wang X, Wei X, Xie X, Melo S, Miranda RC, Wang J. Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol Induces Functional and Structural Plasticity in Dopamine D1 Receptor-Expressing Neurons of the Dorsomedial Striatum. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:10.1111/acer.13806. [PMID: 29870053 PMCID: PMC6281858 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a leading cause of hyperactivity in children. Excitation of dopamine D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a brain region that controls voluntary behavior, is known to induce hyperactivity in mice. We therefore hypothesized that PAE-linked hyperactivity was due to persistently altered glutamatergic activity in DMS D1-MSNs. METHODS Female Ai14 tdTomato reporter mice were given access to alcohol in an intermittent access, 2-bottle choice paradigm before pregnancy, and following mating with male D1-Cre mice, through the pregnancy period, and until postnatal day (P) 10. Locomotor activity was tested in juvenile (P21) and adult (P133) offspring, and alcohol-conditioned place preference (CPP) was measured in adult offspring. Glutamatergic activity in DMS D1-MSNs of adult PAE and control mice was measured by slice electrophysiology, followed by measurements of dendritic morphology. RESULTS Our voluntary maternal alcohol consumption model resulted in increased locomotor activity in juvenile PAE mice, and this hyperactivity was maintained into adulthood. Furthermore, PAE resulted in a higher alcohol-induced CPP in adult offspring. Glutamatergic activity onto DMS D1-MSNs was also enhanced by PAE. Finally, PAE increased dendritic complexity in DMS D1-MSNs in adult offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our model of PAE does result in persistent hyperactivity in offspring. In adult PAE offspring, hyperactivity is accompanied by potentiated glutamatergic strength and afferent connectivity in DMS D1-MSNs, an outcome that is also consistent with the observed increase in alcohol preference in PAE offspring. Consequently, a PAE-sensitive circuit, centered within the D1-MSN, may be linked to behavioral outcomes of PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Sebastian Melo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
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Li P, Zhu ML, Pan GP, Lu JX, Zhao FR, Jian X, Liu LY, Wan GR, Chen Y, Ping S, Wang SX, Hu CP. Vitamin B6 prevents isocarbophos-induced vascular dementia in rats through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor signaling. Clin Exp Hypertens 2017; 40:192-201. [PMID: 28872356 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2017.1356844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that the long-term exposure of organophosphorus induces vascular dementia (VD) in rats. As a coenzyme, vitamin B6 is mainly involved in the regulation of metabolisms. Whether vitamin B6 improves VD remains unknown. METHODS The model of VD was induced by feeding rats with isocarbophos (0.5 mg/kg per two day, 12 weeks). The blood flow of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in rat was assessed by transcranial Doppler (TCD). The learning and memory were evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. RESULTS Administration of vitamin B6 increased the blood flow in the right and left posterior cerebral arteries and improved the functions of learning and memory in isocarbophos-treated rats. Vitamin B6 increased the protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) 2B, postsynaptic densities (PSDs) protein 95, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) in the hippocampus, which were decreased by isocarbophos in rats. Morphological analysis by light microscope and electronic microscope indicated disruptions of the hippocampus caused by isocarbophos were normalized by vitamin B6. Importantly, the antagonist of NMDAR signaling by eliprodil abolished these beneficial effects produced by vitamin B6 on PCA blood flow, learning, memory, and hippocampus structure in rats, as well as the protein expression of NMDAR 2B, PSDs protein 95, and CaMK-II in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION Vitamin B6 activates NMDAR signaling to prevent isocarbophos-induced VD in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- a Department of Pharmacology , Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Mo-Li Zhu
- c The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research , Qilu Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Guo-Pin Pan
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Jun-Xiu Lu
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Fan-Rong Zhao
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Xu Jian
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Li-Ying Liu
- a Department of Pharmacology , Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Guang-Rui Wan
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Yuan Chen
- c The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research , Qilu Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Song Ping
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China
| | - Shuang-Xi Wang
- b College of Pharmacy , School of Basic Medicine and Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University , Xinxiang , China.,c The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research , Qilu Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Chang-Ping Hu
- a Department of Pharmacology , Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University , Changsha , China
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12
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MacIlvane NM, Pochiro JM, Hurwitz NR, Goodfellow MJ, Lindquist DH. Recognition memory is selectively impaired in adult rats exposed to binge-like doses of ethanol during early postnatal life. Alcohol 2016; 57:55-63. [PMID: 28340966 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to alcohol in utero can induce a variety of physical and mental impairments, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This study explores the persistent cognitive consequences of ethanol administration in rat pups over postnatal days (PD) 4-9, modeling human third trimester consumption. Between PD65-70, ethanol-exposed (5E) and control rats were evaluated in two variants of recognition memory, the spontaneous novel object recognition (NOR) task, using 20 and 240 min sample-to-test delays, and the associative object-in-context (OIC) task, using a 20 min delay. No treatment group differences were observed in object exploration during the sample session for any task. In the 20 min NOR test session the 5E rats explored the novel object significantly less than controls, relative to the total time exploring both objects. Postnatal ethanol exposure is hypothesized to impede object memory consolidation in the perirhinal cortex of 5E rats, hindering their ability to discriminate between familiar and novel objects at short delays. The 5E rats performed as well or better than control rats in the 240 min NOR and the 20 min OIC tasks, indicating developmental ethanol exposure selectively impairs the retention and expression of recognition memories in young adult rats.
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13
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Boschen KE, Ruggiero MJ, Klintsova AY. Neonatal binge alcohol exposure increases microglial activation in the developing rat hippocampus. Neuroscience 2016; 324:355-66. [PMID: 26996510 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the developing immune system can have long-term negative consequences on cognition and behavior. Teratogens, such as alcohol, activate microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, which could contribute to the lifelong deficits in learning and memory observed in humans with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and in rodent models of FASD. The current study investigates the microglial response of the brain 24 h following neonatal alcohol exposure (postnatal days (PDs) 4-9, 5.25 g/kg/day). On PD10, microglial cell counts and area of cell territory were assessed using unbiased stereology in the hippocampal subfields CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG), and hippocampal expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes was analyzed. A significant decrease in microglial cell counts in CA1 and DG was found in alcohol-exposed and sham-intubated (SI) animals compared to undisturbed suckle controls (SCs), suggesting overlapping effects of alcohol exposure and intubation alone on the neuroimmune response. Cell territory was decreased in alcohol-exposed animals in CA1, CA3, and DG compared to controls, suggesting the microglia have shifted to a more activated state following alcohol treatment. Furthermore, both alcohol-exposed and SI animals had increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, CD11b, and CCL4; in addition, CCL4 was significantly increased in alcohol-exposed animals compared to SI as well. Alcohol-exposed animals also showed increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β compared to both SI and SCs. In summary, the number and activation of microglia in the neonatal hippocampus are both affected in a rat model of FASD, along with increased gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study shows that alcohol exposure during development induces a neuroimmune response, potentially contributing to long-term alcohol-related changes to cognition, behavior and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 108 Wolf Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - M J Ruggiero
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 108 Wolf Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - A Y Klintsova
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 108 Wolf Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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14
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Barron S, Hawkey A, Fields L, Littleton JM. Animal Models for Medication Development and Application to Treat Fetal Alcohol Effects. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 126:423-40. [PMID: 27055621 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol consumption during pregnancy can have lifelong consequences for the offspring, their family and society. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include a range of physical and behavioral effects with the most significant impact occurring as a result of the effects of ethanol on the developing central nervous system (CNS). To date, there are no FDA approved drugs that have been tested that prevent/reduce or specifically treat the symptoms of FASD. There are several promising lines of research from rodent models aimed at reducing the neurotoxic effects of ethanol on the developing CNS or in treating the resulting behavioral impairments but these have not yet moved to clinical testing. The current review discusses some of the most promising targets for intervention and provides a review of the past and ongoing efforts to develop and screen pharmacological treatments for reducing the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Barron
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
| | - A Hawkey
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - L Fields
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - J M Littleton
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Naprogenix, Inc., Lexington, KY, United States
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15
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Topper LA, Baculis BC, Valenzuela CF. Exposure of neonatal rats to alcohol has differential effects on neuroinflammation and neuronal survival in the cerebellum and hippocampus. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:160. [PMID: 26337952 PMCID: PMC4558631 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of preventable birth defects, yet drinking during pregnancy remains prevalent worldwide. Studies suggest that activation of the neuroimmune system plays a role in the effects of alcohol exposure during the rodent equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy (i.e., first week of neonatal life), particularly by contributing to neuronal loss. Here, we performed a comprehensive study investigating differences in the neuroimmune response in the cerebellum and hippocampus, which are important targets of third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure. Methods To model heavy, binge-like alcohol exposure during this period, we exposed rats to alcohol vapor inhalation during postnatal days (P)3–5 (blood alcohol concentration = 0.5 g/dL). The cerebellar vermis and hippocampus of rat pups were analyzed for signs of glial cell activation and neuronal loss by immunohistochemistry at different developmental stages. Cytokine production was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction during peak blood alcohol concentration and withdrawal periods. Additionally, adolescent offspring were assessed for alterations in gait and spatial memory. Results We found that this paradigm causes Purkinje cell degeneration in the cerebellar vermis at P6 and P45; however, no signs of neuronal loss were found in the hippocampus. Significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in both brain regions during alcohol withdrawal periods. Although astrocyte activation occurred in both the hippocampus and cerebellar vermis, microglial activation was observed primarily in the latter. Conclusions These findings suggest that heavy, binge-like third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure has time- and brain region-dependent effects on cytokine levels, morphological activation of microglia and astrocytes, and neuronal survival. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0382-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Topper
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, MSC08 4740, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Brian C Baculis
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, MSC08 4740, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
| | - C Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, MSC08 4740, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
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16
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Boschen KE, Criss KJ, Palamarchouk V, Roth TL, Klintsova AY. Effects of developmental alcohol exposure vs. intubation stress on BDNF and TrkB expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of neonatal rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 43:16-24. [PMID: 25805052 PMCID: PMC4442714 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure causes significant deficits in hippocampal and cortical neuroplasticity, resulting in alterations to dendritic arborization, hippocampal adult neurogenesis, and performance on learning tasks. The current study investigated the impact of neonatal alcohol exposure (postnatal days 4-9, 5.25 g/kg/day) on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor in the hippocampal and frontal cortex of infant Long-Evans rats. Levels of BDNF protein were increased in the hippocampus, but not frontal cortex, of alcohol-exposed rats 24h after the last dose, when compared with undisturbed (but not sham-intubated) control animals. BDNF protein levels showed a trend toward increase in hippocampus of sham-intubated animals as well, suggesting an effect of the intubation procedure. TrkB protein was increased in the hippocampus of alcohol-exposed animals compared to sham-intubated pups, indicating an alcohol-specific effect on receptor expression. In addition, expression of bdnf total mRNA in alcohol-exposed and sham-intubated pups was enhanced in the hippocampus; however, there was a differential effect of alcohol and intubation stress on exon I- and IV-specific mRNA transcripts. Further, plasma corticosterone was found to be increased in both alcohol-exposed and sham-intubated pups compared to undisturbed animals. Upregulation of BDNF could potentially represent a neuroprotective mechanism activated following alcohol exposure or stress. The results suggest that alcohol exposure and stress have both overlapping and unique effects on BDNF, and highlight the need for the stress of intubation to be taken into consideration in studies that implement this route of drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - K J Criss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - V Palamarchouk
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - T L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - A Y Klintsova
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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17
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Objective assessment of ADHD core symptoms in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Physiol Behav 2014; 148:45-50. [PMID: 25447751 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficits are often observed in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in this population. This study used an objective assessment tool to examine differences between alcohol-exposed and non-exposed children on core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Two groups of individuals, aged 7-14years, participated in the study: alcohol-exposed children (AE, n=43), and non-exposed children (CON, n=54). Subjects were evaluated with the Quotient ADHD System, which provides objective data on ADHD core symptoms by combining an infrared motion tracking system and a computerized continuous performance task. Twelve separate ANCOVAs controlling for the effects of age and sex, were conducted on attention and motion variables. Results revealed that in comparison to the CON group, the AE group was significantly (p's<.05) less accurate, made an increased number of omission errors, had longer response latencies, and increased variability in response time. Moreover, the AE group spent less time staying still, and made an increased number of head movements, which traveled a larger distance, covered a greater area, and demonstrated a less complex movement pattern. No significant group differences were observed on the number of commission errors and temporal scaling. Our findings provide further support for the notion that inattention is a core deficit in children prenatally exposed to alcohol. Results from this study are also consistent with parent reports of increased hyperactivity. The Quotient ADHD System may be a useful objective measure of ADHD symptomatology in children with FASD.
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18
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Drew PD, Kane CJM. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and neuroimmune changes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 118:41-80. [PMID: 25175861 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801284-0.00003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The behavioral consequences of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are serious and persist throughout life. The causative mechanisms underlying FASD are poorly understood. However, much has been learned about FASD from human structural and functional studies as well as from animal models, which have provided a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying FASD. Using animal models of FASD, it has been recently discovered that ethanol induces neuroimmune activation in the developing brain. The resulting microglial activation, production of proinflammatory molecules, and alteration in expression of developmental genes are postulated to alter neuron survival and function and lead to long-term neuropathological and cognitive defects. It has also been discovered that microglial loss occurs, reducing microglia's ability to protect neurons and contribute to neuronal development. This is important, because emerging evidence demonstrates that microglial depletion during brain development leads to long-term neuropathological and cognitive defects. Interestingly, the behavioral consequences of microglial depletion and neuroimmune activation in the fetal brain are particularly relevant to FASD. This chapter reviews the neuropathological and behavioral abnormalities of FASD and delineates correlates in animal models. This serves as a foundation to discuss the role of the neuroimmune system in normal brain development, the consequences of microglial depletion and neuroinflammation, the evidence of ethanol induction of neuroinflammatory processes in animal models of FASD, and the development of anti-inflammatory therapies as a new strategy for prevention or treatment of FASD. Together, this knowledge provides a framework for discussion and further investigation of the role of neuroimmune processes in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Drew
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Cynthia J M Kane
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
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