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Giorgioni G, Bonifazi A, Botticelli L, Cifani C, Matteucci F, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Giannella M, Piergentili A, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Del Bello F. Advances in drug design and therapeutic potential of selective or multitarget 5-HT1A receptor ligands. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38808959 DOI: 10.1002/med.22049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1A-R) is a serotoninergic G-protein coupled receptor subtype which contributes to several physiological processes in both central nervous system and periphery. Despite being the first 5-HT-R identified, cloned and studied, it still represents a very attractive target in drug discovery and continues to be the focus of a myriad of drug discovery campaigns due to its involvement in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. The structure-activity relationship studies (SAR) performed over the last years have been devoted to three main goals: (i) design and synthesis of 5-HT1A-R selective/preferential ligands; (ii) identification of 5-HT1A-R biased agonists, differentiating pre- versus post-synaptic agonism and signaling cellular mechanisms; (iii) development of multitarget compounds endowed with well-defined poly-pharmacological profiles targeting 5-HT1A-R along with other serotonin receptors, serotonin transporter (SERT), D2-like receptors and/or enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase and phosphodiesterase, as a promising strategy for the management of complex psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, medicinal chemistry aspects of ligands acting as selective/preferential or multitarget 5-HT1A-R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last 7 years (2017-2023) have been discussed. The development of chemical and pharmacological 5-HT1A-R tools for molecular imaging have also been described. Finally, the pharmacological interest of 5-HT1A-R and the therapeutic potential of ligands targeting this receptor have been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfabio Giorgioni
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luca Botticelli
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Federica Matteucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Giannella
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Piergentili
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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2
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Mosconi MW, Stevens CJ, Unruh KE, Shafer R, Elison JT. Endophenotype trait domains for advancing gene discovery in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 37993779 PMCID: PMC10664534 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a diverse range of etiological processes, including both genetic and non-genetic causes. For a plurality of individuals with ASD, it is likely that the primary causes involve multiple common inherited variants that individually account for only small levels of variation in phenotypic outcomes. This genetic landscape creates a major challenge for detecting small but important pathogenic effects associated with ASD. To address similar challenges, separate fields of medicine have identified endophenotypes, or discrete, quantitative traits that reflect genetic likelihood for a particular clinical condition and leveraged the study of these traits to map polygenic mechanisms and advance more personalized therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. Endophenotypes represent a distinct class of biomarkers useful for understanding genetic contributions to psychiatric and developmental disorders because they are embedded within the causal chain between genotype and clinical phenotype, and they are more proximal to the action of the gene(s) than behavioral traits. Despite their demonstrated power for guiding new understanding of complex genetic structures of clinical conditions, few endophenotypes associated with ASD have been identified and integrated into family genetic studies. In this review, we argue that advancing knowledge of the complex pathogenic processes that contribute to ASD can be accelerated by refocusing attention toward identifying endophenotypic traits reflective of inherited mechanisms. This pivot requires renewed emphasis on study designs with measurement of familial co-variation including infant sibling studies, family trio and quad designs, and analysis of monozygotic and dizygotic twin concordance for select trait dimensions. We also emphasize that clarification of endophenotypic traits necessarily will involve integration of transdiagnostic approaches as candidate traits likely reflect liability for multiple clinical conditions and often are agnostic to diagnostic boundaries. Multiple candidate endophenotypes associated with ASD likelihood are described, and we propose a new focus on the analysis of "endophenotype trait domains" (ETDs), or traits measured across multiple levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, neural system, neuropsychological) along the causal pathway from genes to behavior. To inform our central argument for research efforts toward ETD discovery, we first provide a brief review of the concept of endophenotypes and their application to psychiatry. Next, we highlight key criteria for determining the value of candidate endophenotypes, including unique considerations for the study of ASD. Descriptions of different study designs for assessing endophenotypes in ASD research then are offered, including analysis of how select patterns of results may help prioritize candidate traits in future research. We also present multiple candidate ETDs that collectively cover a breadth of clinical phenomena associated with ASD, including social, language/communication, cognitive control, and sensorimotor processes. These ETDs are described because they represent promising targets for gene discovery related to clinical autistic traits, and they serve as models for analysis of separate candidate domains that may inform understanding of inherited etiological processes associated with ASD as well as overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Cassandra J Stevens
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kathryn E Unruh
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Robin Shafer
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jed T Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Teneqexhi P, Khalid A, Nisbett KE, Job GA, Messer WS, Ragozzino ME. The Partial M 1 Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Agonist, CDD-0102A, Differentially Modulates Glutamate Efflux in Striatal Subregions during Stereotyped Motor Behavior in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2699-2709. [PMID: 37434313 PMCID: PMC10401636 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00260] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse displays elevated repetitive motor behaviors. Treatment with the partial M1 muscarinic receptor agonist, CDD-0102A, attenuates stereotyped motor behaviors in BTBR mice. The present experiment investigated whether CDD-0102A modifies changes in striatal glutamate concentrations during stereotyped motor behavior in BTBR and B6 mice. Using glutamate biosensors, change in striatal glutamate efflux was measured during bouts of digging and grooming behavior with a 1 s time resolution. Mice displayed both decreases and increases in glutamate efflux during such behaviors. Magnitude of changes in glutamate efflux (decreases and increases) from dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum were significantly greater in BTBR mice compared to those of B6 mice. In BTBR mice, CDD-0102A (1.2 mg/kg) administered 30 min prior to testing significantly reduced the magnitude change in glutamate decreases and increases from the dorsolateral striatum and decreased grooming behavior. Conversely, CDD-0102A treatment in B6 mice potentiated glutamate decreases and increases in the dorsolateral striatum and elevated grooming behavior. The findings suggest that activation of M1 muscarinic receptors modifies glutamate transmission in the dorsolateral striatum and self-grooming behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Teneqexhi
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Alina Khalid
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Khalin E. Nisbett
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
- Graduate
Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois
Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Greeshma A. Job
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - William S. Messer
- Departments
of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicinal and Biological
Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Michael E. Ragozzino
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
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4
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Rey Hipolito AG, van der Heijden ME, Sillitoe RV. Physiology of Dystonia: Animal Studies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 169:163-215. [PMID: 37482392 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is currently ranked as the third most prevalent motor disorder. It is typically characterized by involuntary muscle over- or co-contractions that can cause painful abnormal postures and jerky movements. Dystonia is a heterogenous disorder-across patients, dystonic symptoms vary in their severity, body distribution, temporal pattern, onset, and progression. There are also a growing number of genes that are associated with hereditary dystonia. In addition, multiple brain regions are associated with dystonic symptoms in both genetic and sporadic forms of the disease. The heterogeneity of dystonia has made it difficult to fully understand its underlying pathophysiology. However, the use of animal models has been used to uncover the complex circuit mechanisms that lead to dystonic behaviors. Here, we summarize findings from animal models harboring mutations in dystonia-associated genes and phenotypic animal models with overt dystonic motor signs resulting from spontaneous mutations, neural circuit perturbations, or pharmacological manipulations. Taken together, an emerging picture depicts dystonia as a result of brain-wide network dysfunction driven by basal ganglia and cerebellar dysfunction. In the basal ganglia, changes in dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic signaling are found across different animal models. In the cerebellum, abnormal burst firing activity is observed in multiple dystonia models. We are now beginning to unveil the extent to which these structures mechanistically interact with each other. Such mechanisms inspire the use of pre-clinical animal models that will be used to design new therapies including drug treatments and brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro G Rey Hipolito
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.
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Alvarez BD, Morales CA, Oliver BL, Cavazos C, Amodeo LR, Amodeo DA. Impairments in operant probabilistic reversal learning in BTBR T+tf/J male and female mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 437:114111. [PMID: 36100009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with two core symptoms, impairments in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs). RRBs are commonly linked to a lack of behavioral flexibility, having a significant negative impact on daily functioning for ASD individuals and their caregivers. Commonly utilized tests of behavioral flexibility employ a traditional deterministic reward approach where choices are either correct or incorrect throughout testing. The incorporation of an 80 %/20 % probabilistic reversal learning paradigm allows for the examination of flexible behavior in the face of variable outcomes, a more ecologically relevant approach. In this task, one specific choice is reinforced on 80 % of trials and the opposite or incorrect choice is reinforced on 20% of trials. Upon successful discrimination learning, the reward contingencies are switched so that the correct choice is now reinforced 20% of trials and the incorrect choice reinforced 80 % of trials, making it the new optimal choice. This translational task has been previously validated in ASD individuals and animal models of ASD, including the BTBR T + tf/J strain. Our lab and others have demonstrated that male BTBR T + tf/J mice have higher expression of lower order RRBs and display deficits in spatial probabilistic reversal learning tasks using a T-maze apparatus. Instead, female BTBR mice do not express the same lower order RRBs and results are mixed on whether females demonstrate similar probabilistic reversal learning deficits in a T-maze. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the validity of using operant chambers to examine BTBR mouse performance on an 80 %/20 % probabilistic reversal learning task and to also examine the sex-specific differences in reversal learning performance in both mouse strains. Results show that BTBR mice, irrespective of sex, were impaired on the reversal learning, requiring more days and trials to reach reversal criterion compared to C57BL/6J mice. These results parallel previous strain findings in the spatial dependent T-maze task in male mice. Further error analysis showed that the impaired behavioral flexibility was due to elevated regressive errors and lose-shift probabilities. BTBR mice have more difficulty maintaining new choice patterns compared to C57BL/6J mice, which supports findings utilizing a spatial T-maze task. Together, these findings further support the use of the BTBR mouse as preclinical models of ASD due to their validity as an ASD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
| | - Cheyenne A Morales
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
| | - Brandon L Oliver
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
| | - Cassandra Cavazos
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
| | - Leslie R Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States.
| | - Dionisio A Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
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Arzuaga AL, Edmison DD, Mroczek J, Larson J, Ragozzino ME. Prenatal stress and fluoxetine exposure in mice differentially affect repetitive behaviors and synaptic plasticity in adult male and female offspring. Behav Brain Res 2023; 436:114114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Alvarez BD, Cavazos C, Morales CA, M. Lopez S, Amodeo DA. Impact of specific serotonin receptor modulation on restricted repetitive behaviors. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1078983. [PMID: 36620862 PMCID: PMC9816668 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1078983] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are commonly divided into two behavioral categories, lower-order and higher-order RRBs. Individuals displaying lower-order motoric RRBs may express repetitive hand flapping behaviors, body rocking back and forth movements, and continuous body spinning. Higher-order RRBs most commonly cover the behavior inflexibility and cognitive rigidity commonly found in disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Various neuropsychiatric disorders are plagued by RRBs yet no FDA-approved treatments have been identified. In rodents, lower-order RRBs are commonly measured through various tasks, such as repetitive self-grooming, marble burying, and stereotypic motor behaviors. This review focuses on the effects that modulation of specific serotonin receptors have on lower-order RRBs. Although there is research examining how changes in 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptor modulation, more research has focused on the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors. The accumulating data suggest that increasing 5-HT1A activation decreases RRBs while blocking 5-HT1A activation has no effect on RRBs. While there are mixed findings regarding the impact of 5-HT2A modulation on RRBs, the general trend shows mixed effects of 5-HT2A receptor activation RRB expression, whereas blockade generally decreases RRBs. 5-HT2C receptor activation can modulate RRBs in either direction depending on the 5-HT2C drug used, blocking 5-HT2C activation only seems to show therapeutic properties when 5-HT2C activation is already elevated. The other 5-HT receptors have been explored far less but show promise as potential targets for regulating RRBs. Although it is less clear due to the involvement of 5-HT1D, 5-HT1A activation increases RRBs, and blocking 5-HT1A tends to decrease RRBs. 5-HT2B activation could reduce RRBs, while inhibiting 5-HT2B does not impact RRBs. Increasing 5-HT3 has not been shown to affect RRBs. Yet, increases in RRBs have been observed in Htr3a KO mice. 5-HT6 receptor activation can increase RRBs, while blocking 5-HT6 activity tends to decrease RRBs. Lastly, neither increasing or blocking 5-HT7 activity can reduce RRBs. In sum, there is no uniform pattern in whether all specific 5-HT receptors affect RRBs in either direction, instead, there is evidence suggesting that different 5-HT receptors can modulate RRBs in different directions. Further researching the less explored receptors and aiming to understand why these receptors can differently modulate RRBs, may play a key role in developing therapeutics that treat RRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Cassandra Cavazos
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Cheyenne A. Morales
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Shannon M. Lopez
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Dionisio A. Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Dionisio A. Amodeo
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8
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Kanen JW, Luo Q, Rostami Kandroodi M, Cardinal RN, Robbins TW, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL, den Ouden HEM. Effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on reinforcement learning in humans. Psychol Med 2022; 53:1-12. [PMID: 36411719 PMCID: PMC10600934 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The non-selective serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) holds promise as a treatment for some psychiatric disorders. Psychedelic drugs such as LSD have been suggested to have therapeutic actions through their effects on learning. The behavioural effects of LSD in humans, however, remain incompletely understood. Here we examined how LSD affects probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) in healthy humans. METHODS Healthy volunteers received intravenous LSD (75 μg in 10 mL saline) or placebo (10 mL saline) in a within-subjects design and completed a PRL task. Participants had to learn through trial and error which of three stimuli was rewarded most of the time, and these contingencies switched in a reversal phase. Computational models of reinforcement learning (RL) were fitted to the behavioural data to assess how LSD affected the updating ('learning rates') and deployment of value representations ('reinforcement sensitivity') during choice, as well as 'stimulus stickiness' (choice repetition irrespective of reinforcement history). RESULTS Raw data measures assessing sensitivity to immediate feedback ('win-stay' and 'lose-shift' probabilities) were unaffected, whereas LSD increased the impact of the strength of initial learning on perseveration. Computational modelling revealed that the most pronounced effect of LSD was the enhancement of the reward learning rate. The punishment learning rate was also elevated. Stimulus stickiness was decreased by LSD, reflecting heightened exploration. Reinforcement sensitivity differed by phase. CONCLUSIONS Increased RL rates suggest LSD induced a state of heightened plasticity. These results indicate a potential mechanism through which revision of maladaptive associations could occur in the clinical application of LSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W. Kanen
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Qiang Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Center for Computational Psychiatry, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mojtaba Rostami Kandroodi
- Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf N. Cardinal
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Trevor W. Robbins
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David J. Nutt
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Neuroscape Psychedelics Division, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hanneke E. M. den Ouden
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Alemán-Laporte J, Alvarado G, Antiorio ATFB, Trías JF, Rojas-Carvajal M, Mori CMC. Effect of the analgesics dipyrone, tramadol and meloxicam on the behavior of laboratory rats. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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10
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Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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11
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Collins SM, O’Connell CJ, Reeder EL, Norman SV, Lungani K, Gopalan P, Gudelsky GA, Robson MJ. Altered Serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) Receptor Signaling Underlies Mild TBI-Elicited Deficits in Social Dominance. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:930346. [PMID: 35910378 PMCID: PMC9337880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.930346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a leading cause of disability in the United States, with the generation of neuropsychiatric complications such as depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, and suicidality being common comorbidities. Serotonin (5-HT) signaling is linked to psychiatric disorders; however, the effects of neurotrauma on normal, homeostatic 5-HT signaling within the central nervous system (CNS) have not been well characterized. We hypothesize that TBI alters specific components of 5-HT signaling within the CNS and that the elucidation of specific TBI-induced alterations in 5-HT signaling may identify novel targets for pharmacotherapies that ameliorate the neuropsychiatric complications of TBI. Herein, we provide evidence that closed-head blast-induced mild TBI (mTBI) results in selective alterations in cortical 5-HT2A receptor signaling. We find that mTBI increases in vivo cortical 5-HT2A receptor sensitivity and ex vivo radioligand binding at time points corresponding with mTBI-induced deficits in social behavior. In contrast, in vivo characterizations of 5-HT1A receptor function revealed no effect of mTBI. Notably, we find that repeated pharmacologic activation of 5-HT2A receptors post-injury reverses deficits in social dominance resulting from mTBI. Cumulatively, these studies provide evidence that mTBI drives alterations in cortical 5-HT2A receptor function and that selective targeting of TBI-elicited alterations in 5-HT2A receptor signaling may represent a promising avenue for the development of pharmacotherapies for TBI-induced generation of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Collins
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christopher J. O’Connell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Evan L. Reeder
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sophia V. Norman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kainat Lungani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Poornima Gopalan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Gary A. Gudelsky
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew J. Robson
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew J. Robson,
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12
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Serotonin Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126515. [PMID: 35742963 PMCID: PMC9223717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors as well as difficulties with social interaction and communication. According to reports for prevalence rates of ASD, approximately 1~2% of children worldwide have been diagnosed with ASD. Although there are a couple of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)—approved drugs for ASD treatment such as aripiprazole and risperidone, they are efficient for alleviating aggression, hyperactivity, and self-injury but not the core symptoms. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as a neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in the early neurodevelopmental stage. In particular, 5-HT has been known to regulate a variety of neurobiological processes including neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, shaping neuronal circuits, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Given the roles of serotonergic systems, the 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) become emerging as potential therapeutic targets in the ASD. In this review, we will focus on the recent development of small molecule modulators of 5-HTRs as therapeutic targets for the ASD treatment.
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13
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Winiarski M, Kondrakiewicz L, Kondrakiewicz K, Jędrzejewska‐Szmek J, Turzyński K, Knapska E, Meyza K. Social deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice vary with ecological validity of the test. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12814. [PMID: 35621219 PMCID: PMC9744492 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Translational value of mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders depends heavily on the accuracy with which they replicate symptoms observed in the human population. In mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) these include, among others, social affiliation, and communication deficits as well as impairments in understanding and perception of others. Most studies addressing these issues in the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse, an idiopathic model of ASD, were based on short dyadic interactions of often non-familiar partners placed in a novel environment. In such stressful and variable conditions, the reproducibility of the phenotype was low. Here, we compared physical conditions and the degree of habituation of mice at the time of testing in the three chambered social affiliation task, as well as parameters used to measure social deficits and found that both the level of stress and human bias profoundly affect the results of the test. To minimize these effects, we tested social preference and network dynamics in mice group-housed in the Eco-HAB system. This automated recording allowed for long-lasting monitoring of differences in social repertoire (including interest in social stimuli) in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and normosocial c57BL/6J mice. With these observations we further validate the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse as a model for ASD, but at the same time emphasize the need for more ecological testing of social behavior within all constructs of the Systems for Social Processes domain (as defined by the Research Domain Criteria framework).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Winiarski
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY – Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Ludwika Kondrakiewicz
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY – Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Kacper Kondrakiewicz
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY – Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland,NeuroElectronics Research FlandersLeuvenBelgium
| | - Joanna Jędrzejewska‐Szmek
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | | | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY – Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Ksenia Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, BRAINCITY – Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
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14
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Wießner I, Olivieri R, Falchi M, Palhano-Fontes F, Oliveira Maia L, Feilding A, B Araujo D, Ribeiro S, Tófoli LF. LSD, afterglow and hangover: Increased episodic memory and verbal fluency, decreased cognitive flexibility. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 58:7-19. [PMID: 35158230 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.01.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelics acutely impair cognitive functions, but these impairments decline with growing experiences with psychedelics and microdoses may even exert opposing effects. Given the recent evidence that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity, this explorative study aimed at investigating the potential of psychedelics to sub-acutely change cognition. For this, we applied a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with 24 healthy volunteers receiving 50 μg lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or an inactive placebo. Sub-acute changes in cognition were measured 24 h after dosing, including memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, ROCF; 2D Object-Location Memory Task, OLMT; Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT), verbal fluency (phonological; semantic; switch), design fluency (basic; filter; switch), cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST), sustained and switching attention (Trail Making Test, TMT), inhibitory control (Stroop Task) and perceptual reasoning (Block Design Test, BDT). The results show that when compared to placebo and corrected for Body Mass Index (BMI) and abstinence period from psychedelics, LSD sub-acutely improved visuospatial memory (ROCF immediate recall points and percentage, OLMT consolidation percentage) and phonological verbal fluency and impaired cognitive flexibility (WCST: fewer categories achieved; more perseveration, errors and conceptual level responses). In conclusion, the low dose of LSD moderately induced both "afterglow" and "hangover". The improvements in visuospatial memory and phonological fluency suggest that LSD-assisted therapy should be explored as a novel treatment perspective in conditions involving memory and language declines such as brain injury, stroke or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wießner
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rodolfo Olivieri
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Falchi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Feilding
- The Beckley Foundation, Beckley Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Draulio B Araujo
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Shao J, Zhang F, Chen C, Wang Y, Wang Q, Zhou J. Brain Network for Exploring the Change of Brain Neurotransmitter 5-Hydroxytryptamine of Autism Children by Resting-State EEG. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5451277. [PMID: 35502411 PMCID: PMC9056263 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5451277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The study was aimed at understanding the brain network and the change rule of brain neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in autism children through resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). 20 autistic children in hospital were selected and defined as the observation group. Meanwhile, 20 healthy children were defined as the control group. EEG signals were collected for the two groups. Fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm was used to extract features of EEG signals, and DTF was applied for the causal association between multichannel EEG signals. The two groups were compared for the average function value and regional efficiency of the brain neurotransmitter 5-HT. The results showed that the classification accuracy of frontal F7 channel, left frontal FP1 channel, and temporal T6 channel was 95.2%, 95.3%, and 91.2%, respectively. The average of high beta frequency band, low beta frequency band, theta frequency band, and alpha frequency band in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group under the optimal threshold (P < 0.05). Compared with normal subjects (34.27), the average function of 5-HT in the brain was 20.13 in patients with low function and 45.74 in patients with hyperfunction. In conclusion, FCM algorithm can feature extraction of EEG signals, especially in the frontal F7 channel, the left frontal FP1 channel, and the TEMPORAL T6 channel, which has high classification accuracy and can well express the EEG signals of autistic children. The level of 5-HT in autistic children is lower than that in healthy people, and it is closely related to loneliness and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shao
- Department of Physical Diagnostics, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Antifibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chuanzhi Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Physical Diagnostics, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Fever Clinics, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000 Heilongjiang, China
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16
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Tian J, Gao X, Yang L. Repetitive Restricted Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Mechanism to Development of Therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:780407. [PMID: 35310097 PMCID: PMC8924045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.780407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive restricted behaviors (RRBs). It is usually detected in early childhood. RRBs are behavioral patterns characterized by repetition, inflexibility, invariance, inappropriateness, and frequent lack of obvious function or specific purpose. To date, the classification of RRBs is contentious. Understanding the potential mechanisms of RRBs in children with ASD, such as neural connectivity disorders and abnormal immune functions, will contribute to finding new therapeutic targets. Although behavioral intervention remains the most effective and safe strategy for RRBs treatment, some promising drugs and new treatment options (e.g., supplementary and cell therapy) have shown positive effects on RRBs in recent studies. In this review, we summarize the latest advances of RRBs from mechanistic to therapeutic approaches and propose potential future directions in research on RRBs.
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17
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Meng Y, Xu D, Zhang W, Meng W, Lan X, Wang X, Li M, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Yang H, Zhang R, Zhen Z. Effect of Early Swimming on the Behavior and Striatal Transcriptome of the Shank3 Knockout Rat Model of Autism. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:681-694. [PMID: 35387206 PMCID: PMC8979754 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s357338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by social behavior deficits and stereotyped behaviors in childhood that lacks satisfactory medical intervention. Early swimming intervention is a noninvasive method combining enriched environment and exercise, which has been proven to improve brain development in young children and to treat neurodevelopmental diseases. METHODS In this study, we tested the autism-like behavior of rats with deletions in exons 11-21 of the Shank3 gene and evaluated the effect of early swimming intervention (from postnatal day 8 to 60) on the behavior of this animal model of autism. In addition, the transcriptomes of the striatal tissues of wild-type, Shank3 knockout and Shank3 knockout swimming groups rats were analyzed. RESULTS Shank3 knockout rats exhibit core symptoms of autism, and early swimming improved the social and stereotyped behaviors in this autism rat model. Transcriptomics results revealed that compared to the wild-type group, 291 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the striatum of the Shank3 knockout group. Compared to Shank3 knockout group, 534 DEGs were identified in the striatum of Shank3 knockout swimming group. The DEGs annotated by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway shows that the impacts of Shank3 deletion were primarily reflected in synaptic structure, development, morphology, receptor function and signaling, and swimming primarily changed the terms related to the synapses in the striatum of Shank3 knockout rats, including the morphology, structure, composition, development and regulation of synapses. CONCLUSION Early swimming intervention can ameliorate behavioral abnormalities caused by Shank3 knockout, by a mechanism that may involve the process of striatal synaptic development and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchen Meng
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Xu
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weinan Zhang
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenshu Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Lan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjuan Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haodong Yang
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiping Zhen
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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18
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Athnaiel O, Job GA, Ocampo R, Teneqexhi P, Messer WS, Ragozzino ME. Effects of the Partial M1 Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Agonist CDD-0102A on Stereotyped Motor Behaviors and Reversal Learning in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:64-74. [PMID: 34791301 PMCID: PMC8756088 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a set of neurodevelopmental disorders marked by a lack of social interaction, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors. There is a paucity of pharmacological treatments to reduce core ASD symptoms. Various lines of evidence indicate that reduced brain muscarinic cholinergic receptor activity may contribute to an ASD phenotype. METHODS The present experiments examined whether the partial M1 muscarinic receptor agonist, 5-(3-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine hydrochloride (CDD-0102A), alleviates behavioral flexibility deficits and/or stereotyped motor behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Behavioral flexibility was tested using a reversal learning test. Stereotyped motor behaviors were measured by eliciting digging behavior after removal of nesting material in a home cage and by measuring repetitive grooming. RESULTS CDD-0102A (0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg but not 1.2 mg/kg) injected prior to reversal learning attenuated a deficit in BTBR mice but did not affect performance in B6 mice. Acute CDD-0102A treatment (1.2 and 3 mg/kg) reduced self-grooming in BTBR mice and reduced digging behavior in B6 and BTBR mice. The M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist VU0255035 (3 mg/kg) blocked the effect of CDD-0102A on grooming behavior. Chronic treatment with CDD-0102A (1.2 mg/kg) attenuated self-grooming and digging behavior in BTBR mice. Direct CDD-0102A infusions (1 µg) into the dorsal striatum reduced elevated digging behavior in BTBR mice. In contrast, CDD-0102A injections in the frontal cortex were not effective. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that treatment with a partial M1 muscarinic receptor agonist may reduce repetitive behaviors and restricted interests in autism in part by stimulating striatal M1 muscarinic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onella Athnaiel
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Greeshma A Job
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Roberto Ocampo
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Pamela Teneqexhi
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William S Messer
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael E Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Correspondence: Dr Michael E. Ragozzino, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60607, USA ()
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19
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Psilocybin therapy increases cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:574. [PMID: 34750350 PMCID: PMC8575795 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin has shown promise for the treatment of mood disorders, which are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction including cognitive rigidity. Recent studies have proposed neuropsychoplastogenic effects as mechanisms underlying the enduring therapeutic effects of psilocybin. In an open-label study of 24 patients with major depressive disorder, we tested the enduring effects of psilocybin therapy on cognitive flexibility (perseverative errors on a set-shifting task), neural flexibility (dynamics of functional connectivity or dFC via functional magnetic resonance imaging), and neurometabolite concentrations (via magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in brain regions supporting cognitive flexibility and implicated in acute psilocybin effects (e.g., the anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC). Psilocybin therapy increased cognitive flexibility for at least 4 weeks post-treatment, though these improvements were not correlated with the previously reported antidepressant effects. One week after psilocybin therapy, glutamate and N-acetylaspartate concentrations were decreased in the ACC, and dFC was increased between the ACC and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Surprisingly, greater increases in dFC between the ACC and PCC were associated with less improvement in cognitive flexibility after psilocybin therapy. Connectome-based predictive modeling demonstrated that baseline dFC emanating from the ACC predicted improvements in cognitive flexibility. In these models, greater baseline dFC was associated with better baseline cognitive flexibility but less improvement in cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between cognitive and neural flexibility. Whereas some enduring increases in neural dynamics may allow for shifting out of a maladaptively rigid state, larger persisting increases in neural dynamics may be of less benefit to psilocybin therapy.
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20
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Nash A, Aumann TD, Pigoni M, Lichtenthaler SF, Takeshima H, Munro KM, Gunnersen JM. Lack of Sez6 Family Proteins Impairs Motor Functions, Short-Term Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility and Alters Dendritic Spine Properties. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:2167-2184. [PMID: 31711114 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez6), Sez6-Like (Sez6L), and Sez6-Like 2 (Sez6L2) comprise a family of homologous proteins widely expressed throughout the brain that have been linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Here, we use Sez6 triple knockout (TKO) mice, which lack all three Sez6 family proteins, to demonstrate that Sez6 family proteins regulate dendritic spine structure and cognitive functions, motor learning, and maintenance of motor functions across the lifespan. Compared to WT controls, we found that Sez6 TKO mice had impaired motor learning and their motor coordination was negatively affected from 6 weeks old and declined more rapidly as they aged. Sez6 TKO mice had reduced spine density in the hippocampus and dendritic spines were shifted to more immature morphologies in the somatosensory cortex. Cognitive testing revealed that they had enhanced stress responsiveness, impaired working, and spatial short-term memory but intact spatial long-term memory in the Morris water maze albeit accompanied by a reversal deficit. Our study demonstrates that the lack of Sez6 family proteins results in phenotypes commonly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders making it likely that Sez6 family proteins contribute to the complex etiologies of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Nash
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timothy D Aumann
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Pigoni
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich 81377, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Takeshima
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kathryn M Munro
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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21
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Arakawa H. Implication of the social function of excessive self-grooming behavior in BTBR T +ltpr3 tf/J mice as an idiopathic model of autism. Physiol Behav 2021; 237:113432. [PMID: 33901528 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by two core behavioral characteristics, namely, restricted repetitive behaviors and impaired social-communicative functioning. BTBR T+ltpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice provide a valuable animal model for ASD to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these two behavioral characteristics of ASD. This study examined the social function of excessive grooming behavior in BTBR mice as a phenotype of restricted repetitive behaviors. Compared to the control C57BL/6 J (B6) strain, BTBR mice showed increased self-grooming when placed alone in a test apparatus, and this behavior was even more evident when confronted with a stimulus mouse (either B6 or BTBR) in a three-chamber test apparatus. While B6 mice tended to groom their face/snout region on the empty side of the chamber, BTBR mice showed excessive grooming with frequent transitions among grooming body regions on the side of the chamber containing a social stimulus. Acute systemic injection of buspirone,a serotonin 1A receptor agonist, as an anxiolytic, facilitated approach behavior toward social stimuli in the three-chamber setting in both B6 and BTBR mice. However, this treatment did not affect grooming behavior in B6 mice and significantly enhanced self-grooming in BTBR mice. These behaviors in BTBR mice suggest a potential signaling function of grooming in response to social stimuli, in which bodywide grooming of BTBR mice expressed in the proximity of social opponents may stimulate the release of olfactory (possibly dismissive) signals. Consequently, the putative neural mechanisms underlying excessive grooming may differ from those regulating social approaches that are associated with anxiolytic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan.
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22
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Impact of specific serotonin receptor modulation on behavioral flexibility. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 209:173243. [PMID: 34314738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is known to play a critical role in regulation of essential neural processes, whereas more recent research highlights serotonin's modulatory effects on cognition and executive functioning. Current examinations have identified specific serotonin receptors for their direct impact on behavioral flexibility. Providing definitive evidence for the impact of specific receptor targets on behavioral flexibility is difficult, due to the range of behavioral tests used. Due to limited studies and the sheer amount of different serotonin receptor targets, beginning to bring these studies together is important for the field. Our current review of the literature aims to differentiate how modulation of specific 5-HT receptors affects behavioral flexibility. Although more studies have examined 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT6 receptors, it is unclear why this is the case. Above all, there are some paradoxical results pertaining to these receptor targets. There is a clear distinction between 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, which conveys that these two receptor subtypes have inverse effects when compared to each other. In addition, some findings support one another, such as upregulation of 5-HT6 receptors impairs flexibility, while blockade alleviates this impairment in both drug-induced and disease model rodent studies. Further understanding how modulatory effects of specific 5-HT receptors impact behavioral flexibility is imperative to advance the development of new therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders afflicted by behavioral inflexibility.
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Rodnyy AY, Kulikova EA, Kondaurova EM, Naumenko VS. Serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 Receptors in the Brain of the BTBR Mouse the Model of Autism. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Lacivita E, Niso M, Mastromarino M, Garcia Silva A, Resch C, Zeug A, Loza MI, Castro M, Ponimaskin E, Leopoldo M. Knowledge-Based Design of Long-Chain Arylpiperazine Derivatives Targeting Multiple Serotonin Receptors as Potential Candidates for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1313-1327. [PMID: 33792287 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by core symptoms such as impaired social interaction and communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. To date, there are no effective treatments for these core symptoms. Several studies have shown that the brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission system is altered in both ASD patients and animal models of the disease. Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that targeting 5-HT receptors may treat the core symptoms of ASD and associated intellectual disabilities. In fact, stimulation of the 5-HT1A receptor reduces repetitive and restricted behaviors; blockade of the 5-HT2A receptor reduces both learning deficits and repetitive behavior, and activation of the 5-HT7 receptor improves cognitive performances and reduces repetitive behavior. On such a basis, we have designed novel arylpiperazine derivatives pursuing unprecedently reported activity profiles: dual 5-HT7/5-HT1A receptor agonist properties and mixed 5-HT7 agonist/5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist properties. Seventeen new compounds were synthesized and tested in radioligand binding assay at the target receptors. We have identified the dual 5-HT1AR/5-HT7R agonists 8c and 29 and the mixed 5-HT1AR agonist/5-HT7R agonist/5-HT2AR antagonist 20b. These compounds are metabolically stable in vitro and have suitable central nervous system druglike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Lacivita
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Mastromarino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Garcia Silva
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cibell Resch
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Zeug
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - María I. Loza
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marián Castro
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Avda. de Barcelona, s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia−Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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25
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Geuther BQ, Peer A, He H, Sabnis G, Philip VM, Kumar V. Action detection using a neural network elucidates the genetics of mouse grooming behavior. eLife 2021; 10:e63207. [PMID: 33729153 PMCID: PMC8043749 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Automated detection of complex animal behaviors remains a challenging problem in neuroscience, particularly for behaviors that consist of disparate sequential motions. Grooming is a prototypical stereotyped behavior that is often used as an endophenotype in psychiatric genetics. Here, we used mouse grooming behavior as an example and developed a general purpose neural network architecture capable of dynamic action detection at human observer-level performance and operating across dozens of mouse strains with high visual diversity. We provide insights into the amount of human annotated training data that are needed to achieve such performance. We surveyed grooming behavior in the open field in 2457 mice across 62 strains, determined its heritable components, conducted GWAS to outline its genetic architecture, and performed PheWAS to link human psychiatric traits through shared underlying genetics. Our general machine learning solution that automatically classifies complex behaviors in large datasets will facilitate systematic studies of behavioral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asaf Peer
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborUnited States
| | - Hao He
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborUnited States
| | | | | | - Vivek Kumar
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborUnited States
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26
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The Multi-Targeting Ligand ST-2223 with Histamine H 3 Receptor and Dopamine D 2/D 3 Receptor Antagonist Properties Mitigates Autism-Like Repetitive Behaviors and Brain Oxidative Stress in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041947. [PMID: 33669336 PMCID: PMC7920280 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communicative impairments, as well as repetitive and restricted behaviors (RRBs). With the limited effectiveness of current pharmacotherapies in treating repetitive behaviors, the present study determined the effects of acute systemic treatment of the novel multi-targeting ligand ST-2223, with incorporated histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and dopamine D2/D3 receptor affinity properties, on ASD-related RRBs in a male Black and Tan BRachyury (BTBR) mouse model of ASD. ST-2223 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly mitigated the increase in marble burying and self-grooming, and improved reduced spontaneous alternation in BTBR mice (all p < 0.05). Similarly, reference drugs memantine (MEM, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) and aripiprazole (ARP, 1 mg/kg, i.p.), reversed abnormally high levels of several RRBs in BTBR (p < 0.05). Moreover, ST-2223 palliated the disturbed anxiety levels observed in an open field test (all p < 0.05), but did not restore the hyperactivity parameters, whereas MEM failed to restore mouse anxiety and hyperactivity. In addition, ST-2223 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated oxidative stress status by decreasing the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing the levels of decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in different brain parts of treated BTBR mice (all p < 0.05). These preliminary in vivo findings demonstrate the ameliorative effects of ST-2223 on RRBs in a mouse model of ASD, suggesting its pharmacological prospective to rescue core ASD-related behaviors. Further confirmatory investigations on its effects on various brain neurotransmitters, e.g., dopamine and histamine, in different brain regions are still warranted to corroborate and expand these initial data.
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27
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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28
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Dunn JT, Mroczek J, Patel HR, Ragozzino ME. Tandospirone, a Partial 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist, Administered Systemically or Into Anterior Cingulate Attenuates Repetitive Behaviors in Shank3B Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:533-542. [PMID: 32619232 PMCID: PMC7689206 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several cases of autism spectrum disorder have been linked to mutations in the SHANK3 gene. Haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene contributes to Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which often presents an autism spectrum disorder phenotype along with moderate to severe intellectual disability. A SHANK3 gene deletion in mice results in elevated excitation of cortical pyramidal neurons that alters signaling to other brain areas. Serotonin 1A receptors are highly expressed on layer 2 cortical neurons and are known to have inhibitory actions. Serotonin 1A receptor agonist treatment in autistic cases with SHANK3 mutations and possibly other cases may restore excitatory and inhibitory balance that attenuates core symptoms. METHODS A series of experiments investigated the effects of acute tandospirone treatment on spatial learning and self-grooming, subchronic treatment of tandospirone on self-grooming behavior, and the effect of tandospirone infusion into the anterior cingulate on self-grooming behavior. RESULTS Only male Shank3B+/- mice exhibited a spatial learning deficit and elevated self-grooming. Acute i.p. injection of tandospirone, 0.01 and 0.06 mg/kg in male Shank3B+/- mice, attenuated a spatial acquisition deficit by improving sensitivity to positive reinforcement and reduced elevated self-grooming behavior. Repeated tandospirone (0.06 mg/kg) treatment attenuated elevated self-grooming behavior in male Shank3B+/- mice. Tandospirone injected into the anterior cingulate/premotor area reduced self-grooming behavior in male Shank3B+/- mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that stimulation of cortical serotonin 1A receptors may reduce repetitive behaviors and cognitive impairments as observed in autism spectrum disorder, possibly by attenuating an excitation/inhibition imbalance. Further, tandospirone may serve as a treatment in autism spectrum disorder and other disorders associated with SHANK3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Dunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jessica Mroczek
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Harsh R Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael E Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Correspondence: Michael E. Ragozzino, PhD, Department of Psychology, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60607 ()
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29
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Odland AU, Jessen L, Kristensen JL, Fitzpatrick CM, Andreasen JT. The 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor agonists DOI and 25CN-NBOH decrease marble burying and reverse 8-OH-DPAT-induced deficit in spontaneous alternation. Neuropharmacology 2019; 183:107838. [PMID: 31693871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psychedelics are increasingly recognized as potentially useful treatments of psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and drug dependence. There is limited understanding of the way they exert their therapeutic action, but inhibition of rigid behavior and cognition has been suggested as a key factor. To examine the role of 5-HT2ARs in modulating repetitive behavior, we tested two 5-HT2AR agonists, DOI, and the selective 25CN-NBOH, in two mouse tests of compulsive-like behavior. Using adult C57BL/6JOlaHsd male mice, we examined the effects of the two compounds on digging behavior in the marble burying test and on 8-OH-DPAT-disrupted spontaneous alternation behavior in the Y-maze. Both compounds dose-dependently decreased digging behavior in the marble burying test, indicating anti-compulsivity effects, which were not related to non-specific locomotor inhibition. Both 5-HT2AR agonists also reversed 8-OH-DPAT-reduced alternation ratio in the spontaneous alternation behavior test, although the effects were less pronounced than in the marble burying test. This suggests that the 5-HT2AR promotes exploratory behavior, but that the deficit produced by 8-OH-DPAT is too excessive to be fully reversed by 5-HT2AR agonists. This study shows that agonism of 5-HT2AR reduces repetitive behavioral patterns, supporting the theory that this is a potential new treatment approach to disorders of cognitive or behavioral inflexibility. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Lea Jessen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Ciarán M Fitzpatrick
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
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30
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Antagonists for serotonin receptors ameliorate rhabdomyolysis induced by 25D-NBOMe, a psychoactive designer drug. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-019-00495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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31
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Cai Y, Wang L, Nalvarte I, Xiao R, Li X, Fan X. Citalopram attenuates social behavior deficits in the BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J mouse model of autism. Brain Res Bull 2019; 150:75-85. [PMID: 31047973 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core symptoms: impaired social communication and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and/or restricted interests. Alterations in serotonergic signaling are involved in the genesis of ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported to reduce repetitive behaviors and rescue social deficits in ASD mouse models and patients. In the present study, we examined the potential of citalopram (a representative selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on sociability and repetitive behaviors in the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse model of ASD. We found that the deficits of sociability in the BTBR mice were reversed by a 20 mg/kg dose of citalopram treatment without any adverse effects on locomotor activity or anxiety level. In addition, both high (20 mg/kg) and low (10 mg/kg) doses decreased the repetitive behavior of marble burying but did not affect self-grooming behavior. Furthermore, both doses were shown to have antidepressant-like activity in both the B6 and the BTBR mice in the tail suspension test. Taken together, these findings further demonstrate that citalopram can alleviate behavioral abnormalities in the BTBR autism model and lend support to the hypothesis that SSRIs may be potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of behavioral dysfunctions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Cai
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet Hälsovägen 7C, Neo, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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32
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Lewis MH, Primiani CT, Muehlmann AM. Targeting Dopamine D 2, Adenosine A 2A, and Glutamate mGlu 5 Receptors to Reduce Repetitive Behaviors in Deer Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 369:88-97. [PMID: 30745415 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive behaviors are seemingly purposeless patterns of behavior that vary little in form and are characteristic of many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurologic disorders. Our work has identified an association between hypofunctioning of the indirect basal ganglia pathway and the expression of repetitive behavior in the deer mouse model. In this study, we targeted indirect pathway cells of the striatum with single drugs and drug combinations that bind to dopamine D2, adenosine A2A, and glutamate mGlu5 receptors. These receptors function both individually and as receptor heteromers. We found that only the triple drug cocktail (L-741,626+CGS21680+CDPPB) that was designed to increase striatal indirect basal ganglia pathway cell function reduced repetitive behavior in adult male deer mice. No single drug or double drug combinations were effective at selectively reducing repetitive behavior. We found this triple drug cocktail reduced repetitive behavior in both short-acting and long-acting formulations and was effective throughout 7 days of daily administration. Conversely, another triple drug cocktail (quinpirole+SCH58261+MTEP) that was designed to further reduce striatal indirect basal ganglia pathway cell function caused a significant increase in repetitive behavior. Significant and behaviorally selective effects on repetitive behavior were only achieved with the triple drug cocktails that included doses of L-741,626 and quinpirole that have off-target effects (e.g., dopamine D3 receptors). These data further a role for decreased indirect basal ganglia pathway activation in repetitive behavior and suggest that targeting these receptors and/or heteromeric complexes on the indirect pathway neurons of the striatum may offer pharmacotherapeutic benefit for individuals with repetitive behavior disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Amber M Muehlmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Piantadosi PT, Lieberman AG, Pickens CL, Bergstrom HC, Holmes A. A novel multichoice touchscreen paradigm for assessing cognitive flexibility in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 26:24-30. [PMID: 30559117 PMCID: PMC6298539 DOI: 10.1101/lm.048264.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility refers to various processes which enable behaviors to be modified on the basis of a change in the contingencies between stimuli or responses and their associated outcomes. Reversal learning is a form of cognitive flexibility which measures the ability to adjust responding based on a switch in the stimulus–outcome contingencies of, typically two, perceptually distinct stimuli. Reversal tasks have provided valuable insight into the neural basis of cognitive flexibility, implicating brain regions including the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). However, with two-stimulus reversal, it is difficult to determine whether response errors are due excessive perseveration, deficient learning, or other problems with updating. To address this limitation, we developed a mouse three-choice touchscreen-based visual reversal task, in which the contingencies of two stimuli were switched on reversal but a third, simultaneously presented, stimulus was never reinforced. We found that, in male C57BL/6J mice, responding at the previously rewarded stimulus predominated over the newly and never-reinforced stimuli during early reversal. Next, we showed that acute pharmacological inhibition of lOFC, but not dmPFC, impaired early reversal performance, relative to noninactivated controls. Interestingly, however, lOFC inactivation deficits were characterized by increased choice of the never-reinforced stimulus and a decrease in (perseverative-like) responding at the previously rewarded stimulus. These effects are inconsistent with the historical notion of lOFC mediating response inhibition and closer to recent views of the lOFC's role in response/outcome tracking. Overall, these findings provide initial support the utility of this novel paradigm for studying cognitive flexibility and its underlying neural substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Piantadosi
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Abby G Lieberman
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Charles L Pickens
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Hadley C Bergstrom
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, USA
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p38α MAPK signaling drives pharmacologically reversible brain and gastrointestinal phenotypes in the SERT Ala56 mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10245-E10254. [PMID: 30297392 PMCID: PMC6205438 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809137115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder with limited treatment options. Activation of p38 MAPK signaling networks has been identified in ASD, and p38 MAPK signaling elevates serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) activity, effects mimicked by multiple, hyperfunctional SERT coding variants identified in ASD subjects. Mice expressing the most common of these variants (SERT Ala56) exhibit hyperserotonemia, a biomarker observed in ASD subjects, as well as p38 MAPK-dependent SERT hyperphosphorylation, elevated hippocampal 5-HT clearance, hypersensitivity of CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptors, and behavioral and gastrointestinal perturbations reminiscent of ASD. As the α-isoform of p38 MAPK drives SERT activation, we tested the hypothesis that CNS-penetrant, α-isoform-specific p38 MAPK inhibitors might normalize SERT Ala56 phenotypes. Strikingly, 1-week treatment of adult SERT Ala56 mice with MW150, a selective p38α MAPK inhibitor, normalized hippocampal 5-HT clearance, CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities, social interactions, and colonic motility. Conditional elimination of p38α MAPK in 5-HT neurons of SERT Ala56 mice restored 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities as well as social interactions, mirroring effects of MW150. Our findings support ongoing p38α MAPK activity as an important determinant of the physiological and behavioral perturbations of SERT Ala56 mice and, more broadly, supports consideration of p38α MAPK inhibition as a potential treatment for core and comorbid phenotypes present in ASD subjects.
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35
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5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD386088 impairs behavioral flexibility and working memory. Behav Brain Res 2018; 349:8-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Mann T, Zilles K, Dikow H, Hellfritsch A, Cremer M, Piel M, Rösch F, Hawlitschka A, Schmitt O, Wree A. Dopamine, Noradrenaline and Serotonin Receptor Densities in the Striatum of Hemiparkinsonian Rats following Botulinum Neurotoxin-A Injection. Neuroscience 2018; 374:187-204. [PMID: 29421436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) that causes a dopamine (DA) deficit in the caudate-putamen (CPu) accompanied by compensatory changes in other neurotransmitter systems. These changes result in severe motor and non-motor symptoms. To disclose the role of various receptor binding sites for DA, noradrenaline, and serotonin in the hemiparkinsonian (hemi-PD) rat model induced by unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection, the densities of D1, D2/D3, α1, α2, and 5HT2A receptors were longitudinally visualized and measured in the CPu of hemi-PD rats by quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography. We found a moderate increase in D1 receptor density 3 weeks post lesion that decreased during longer survival times, a significant increase of D2/D3 receptor density, and 50% reduction in 5HT2A receptor density. α1 receptor density remained unaltered in hemi-PD and α2 receptors demonstrated a slight right-left difference increasing with post lesion survival. In a second step, the possible role of receptors on the known reduction of apomorphine-induced rotations in hemi-PD rats by intrastriatally injected Botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) was analyzed by measuring the receptor densities after BoNT-A injection. The application of this neurotoxin reduced D2/D3 receptor density, whereas the other receptors mainly remained unaltered. Our results provide novel data for an understanding of the postlesional plasticity of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic receptors in the hemi-PD rat model. The results further suggest a therapeutic effect of BoNT-A on the impaired motor behavior of hemi-PD rats by reducing the interhemispheric imbalance in D2/D3 receptor density.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mann
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - K Zilles
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Research Center Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany; JARA - Translational Brain Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, D-52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - H Dikow
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - A Hellfritsch
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - M Cremer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Research Center Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - M Piel
- Institute of Nuclear Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Fritz-Strassmann-Weg 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - F Rösch
- Institute of Nuclear Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Fritz-Strassmann-Weg 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - A Hawlitschka
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - O Schmitt
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - A Wree
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
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Amodeo DA, Cuevas L, Dunn JT, Sweeney JA, Ragozzino ME. The adenosine A 2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680, attenuates a probabilistic reversal learning deficit and elevated grooming behavior in BTBR mice. Autism Res 2017; 11:223-233. [PMID: 29193861 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date there are limited options for treating this core symptomology. Treatments that stimulate adenosine A2A receptors may represent a promising approach for reducing RRBs in ASD. This is because A2A receptors are expressed on striatal neurons of the basal ganglia indirect pathway. Under activation of this pathway has been associated with RRBs while activation of A2A receptors leads to increased activity of the indirect basal ganglia pathway. The present studies investigated whether acute, systemic treatment with CGS21680, an A2A receptor agonist attenuates elevated self-grooming and a probabilistic reversal learning deficit in the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR) mouse model of idiopathic autism. The effects of this treatment were also investigated in C57BL/6J (B6) mice as a comparison strain. Using a spatial reversal learning test with 80/20 probabilistic feedback, comparable to one in which ASD individuals exhibit deficits, CGS 21680 (0.005 and 0.01mg/kg) attenuated a reversal learning deficit in BTBR mice. Enhancement in probabilistic reversal learning performance resulted from CGS 21680 improving the consistent maintenance of new adaptive behavioral choice patterns after reversal. CGS 21680 at 0.01 mg, but not 0.005 mg, also reduced self-grooming behavior in BTBR mice. CGS 21680 did not affect self-grooming or reversal learning in B6 mice. These findings demonstrate that A2A receptor agonists may be a promising receptor target in the treatment of RRBs in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 223-233. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY The present experiments determined whether the drug, CGS 21680, that facilitates activation of adenosine A2A receptors in the brain, would reduce repetitive and inflexible behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. CGS 21680 treatment in BTBR mice reduced repetitive and inflexible behaviors. In the control C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strain, CGS 21680 did not affect performance. These findings suggest that stimulation of brain adenosine A2A receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionisio A Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street [M/C 285], Chicago, IL, 60607-7137.,Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407-2393
| | - Laura Cuevas
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street [M/C 285], Chicago, IL, 60607-7137
| | - Jeffrey T Dunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street [M/C 285], Chicago, IL, 60607-7137
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45219
| | - Michael E Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street [M/C 285], Chicago, IL, 60607-7137
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Lacivita E, Perrone R, Margari L, Leopoldo M. Targets for Drug Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2017; 60:9114-9141. [PMID: 29039668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Various factors are involved in the etiopathogenesis of ASD, including genetic factors, environmental toxins and stressors, impaired immune responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. The heterogeneity in the phenotype among ASD patients and the complex etiology of the condition have long impeded the advancement of the development of pharmacological therapies. In the recent years, the integration of findings from mouse models to human genetics resulted in considerable progress toward the understanding of ASD pathophysiology. Currently, strategies to treat core symptoms of ASD are directed to correct synaptic dysfunctions, abnormalities in central oxytocin, vasopressin, and serotonin neurotransmission, and neuroinflammation. Here, we present a survey of the studies that have suggested molecular targets for drug development for ASD and the state-of-the-art of medicinal chemistry efforts in related areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Lacivita
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro , via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Perrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro , via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche di Base, Neuroscienze e Organi di Senso, Unità di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro , Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro , via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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Autism-like behavior in the BTBR mouse model of autism is improved by propofol. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:175-187. [PMID: 28341205 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of impaired social interactions, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent studies in humans and animal-models suggest that reduced GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain may underlie autism-related behavioral symptoms. It has been shown that propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, facilitates γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission. The present study investigated whether propofol improved autistic phenotypes in BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of idiopathic autism. We found that i.p. injection of propofol in BTBR mice significantly improved aspects of social approach and repetitive behaviors without affecting reciprocal social interactions and without any detrimental effects in C57BL/6J mice. The ability of propofol to improve autistic phenotypes in BTBR mice through GABAergic neurotransmission suggests a potential pharmacological target for interventions to treat symptoms of autism.
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Meyza KZ, Blanchard DC. The BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism - Current view on mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:99-110. [PMID: 28167097 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder, with current estimates of more than 1% of affected children across nations. The patients form a highly heterogeneous group with only the behavioral phenotype in common. The genetic heterogeneity is reflected in a plethora of animal models representing multiple mutations found in families of affected children. Despite many years of scientific effort, for the majority of cases the genetic cause remains elusive. It is therefore crucial to include well-validated models of idiopathic autism in studies searching for potential therapeutic agents. One of these models is the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mouse. The current review summarizes data gathered in recent research on potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the autism-like behavioral phenotype of this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Z Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland.
| | - D C Blanchard
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa,1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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