1
|
Cheng CT, Ostrea Jr EM, Alviedo JNB, Banadera FP, Thomas RL. Fatty acid ethyl esters in meconium: A biomarker of fetal alcohol exposure and effect. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:380-386. [PMID: 33210553 PMCID: PMC7885053 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220971562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine if meconium fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in rat pups is a good biomarker of prenatal exposure and effect to alcohol, three groups of pregnant rats were studied: one control (pair fed) and two treatment groups given 25% alcohol at 2.2 or 5.5 g-1 kg-1 d-1. The pups were delivered on day 20 and, for each dam, were separated into a male and female group. The body, brain, intestines, and placenta of the pups were obtained, weighed, and stored at -20°C. The pups' intestines (as surrogate of meconium) from each group were pooled, and meconium was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy for FAEE. The meconium showed the following FAEE: ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, and ethyl linolenate and were only found in the alcohol-treated group and with high specificity but low sensitivity. Mean body weight of the pups was lower in the treatment groups compared to the control groups. Ethyl palmitate concentration correlated negatively to the pups' mean body and brain weights. Therefore, ethyl palmitate, stearate, and linolenate, in meconium of rat pups prenatally exposed to alcohol, are useful biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure, with ethyl palmitate a good biomarker of adverse effect on the pups' body and brain weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlie T Cheng
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Enrique M Ostrea Jr
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Joseph NB Alviedo
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Felix P Banadera
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ronald L Thomas
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boschen KE, Ptacek TS, Simon JM, Parnell SE. Transcriptome-Wide Regulation of Key Developmental Pathways in the Mouse Neural Tube by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1540-1550. [PMID: 32557641 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early gestational alcohol exposure is associated with severe craniofacial and CNS dysmorphologies and behavioral abnormalities during adolescence and adulthood. Alcohol exposure during the formation of the neural tube (gestational day [GD] 8 to 10 in mice; equivalent to4th week of human pregnancy) disrupts development of ventral midline brain structures such as the pituitary, septum, and ventricles. This study identifies transcriptomic changes in the rostroventral neural tube (RVNT), the region of the neural tube that gives rise to the midline structures sensitive to alcohol exposure during neurulation. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice were administered 2 doses of alcohol (2.9 g/kg) or vehicle 4 hours apart on GD 9.0. The RVNTs of embryos were collected 6 or 24 hours after the first dose and processed for RNA-seq. RESULTS Six hours following GD 9.0 alcohol exposure (GD 9.25), over 2,300 genes in the RVNT were determined to be differentially regulated by alcohol. Enrichment analysis determined that PAE affected pathways related to cell proliferation, p53 signaling, ribosome biogenesis, and immune activation. In addition, over 100 genes involved in primary cilia formation and function and regulation of morphogenic pathways were altered 6 hours after alcohol exposure. The changes to gene expression were largely transient, as only 91 genes identified as differentially regulated by prenatal alcohol at GD 10 (24 hours postexposure). Functionally, the differentially regulated genes at GD 10 were related to organogenesis and cell migration. CONCLUSIONS These data give a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of the embryonic transcriptome networks in regions of the neural tube that give rise to brain structures impacted by a neurulation-stage alcohol exposure. Identification of gene networks dysregulated by alcohol will help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of alcohol's actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Boschen
- From the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Travis S Ptacek
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott E Parnell
- From the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paukner A, Capitanio JP, Blozis SA. A new look at neurobehavioral development in rhesus monkey neonates (Macaca mulatta). Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23122. [PMID: 32187719 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) evaluates a newborn infant's autonomic, motor, state, temperament, and social-attentional systems, which can help to identify infants at risk of developmental problems. Given the prevalence of rhesus monkeys being used as an animal model for human development, here we aimed to validate a standardized test battery modeled after the NBAS for use with nonhuman primates called the Infant Behavioral Assessment Scale (IBAS), employing exploratory structural equation modeling using a large sample of rhesus macaque neonates (n = 1,056). Furthermore, we examined the repeated assessments of the common factors within the same infants to describe any changes in performance over time, taking into account two independent variables (infant sex and rearing condition) that can potentially affect developmental outcomes. Results revealed three factors (Orientation, State Control, and Motor Activity) that all increased over the 1st month of life. While infant sex did not have an effect on any factor, nursery-rearing led to higher scores on Orientation but lower scores on State Control and Motor Activity. These results validate the IBAS as a reliable and valuable research tool for use with rhesus macaque infants and suggest that differences in rearing conditions can affect developmental trajectories and potentially pre-expose infants to heightened levels of cognitive and emotional deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Paukner
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland.,Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center and Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Shelley A Blozis
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, California
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McQuire C, Daniel R, Hurt L, Kemp A, Paranjothy S. The causal web of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a review and causal diagram. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:575-594. [PMID: 30648224 PMCID: PMC7250957 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a leading cause of developmental disability. Prenatal alcohol use is the sole necessary cause of FASD, but it is not always sufficient. Multiple factors influence a child's susceptibility to FASD following prenatal alcohol exposure. Much of the FASD risk factor literature has been limited to discussions of association, rather than causation. While knowledge of predictor variables is important for identifying who is most at risk of FASD and for targeting interventions, causal knowledge is important for identifying effective mechanisms for prevention and intervention programmes. We conducted a systematic search and narrative synthesis of the evidence and used this to create a causal diagram (directed acyclic graph; DAG) to describe the causal pathways to FASD. Our results show that the aetiology of FASD is multifaceted and complex. FASD risk is determined by a range of lifestyle, sociodemographic, maternal, social, gestational, and genetic factors. The causal diagram that we present in this review provides a comprehensive summary of causal risk factors for FASD and can be used as a tool to inform data collection and statistical modelling strategies to minimise bias in future studies of FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl McQuire
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - R. Daniel
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - L. Hurt
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - A. Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - S. Paranjothy
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dudley DM, Aliota MT, Mohr EL, Newman CM, Golos TG, Friedrich TC, O'Connor DH. Using Macaques to Address Critical Questions in Zika Virus Research. Annu Rev Virol 2019; 6:481-500. [PMID: 31180813 PMCID: PMC7323203 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) and nonhuman primates have been inextricably linked since the virus was first discovered in a sentinel rhesus macaque in Uganda in 1947. Soon after ZIKV was epidemiologically associated with birth defects in Brazil late in 2015, researchers capitalized on the fact that rhesus macaques are commonly used to model viral immunity and pathogenesis, quickly establishing macaque models for ZIKV infection. Within months, the susceptibility of pregnant macaques to experimental ZIKV challenge and ZIKV-associated abnormalities in fetuses was confirmed. This review discusses key unanswered questions in ZIKV immunity and in the pathogenesis of thecongenital Zika virus syndrome. We focus on those questions that can be best addressed in pregnant nonhuman primates and lessons learned from developing macaque models for ZIKV amid an active epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Dudley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | - Matthew T Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA;
| | - Emma L Mohr
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA;
| | - Christina M Newman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - David H O'Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mulholland MM, Williams LE, Abee CR. Neonatal activity and state control differences among three squirrel monkey subspecies (Saimiri sciureus sciureus, S. boliviensis boliviensis, and S. boliviensis peruviensis). Am J Primatol 2019; 82:e23048. [PMID: 31502301 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Squirrel monkeys are a long-standing biomedical model, with multiple species and subspecies housed in research facilities. Few studies have examined the developmental differences between these subspecies, which may affect research outcomes. The primate neonatal neurobehavioral assessment was completed at 2 weeks of age with 279 dam-reared squirrel monkeys (188 Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis, 45 S. b. peruviensis, and 46 Saimiri. sciureus sciureus). Activity, orientation to stimuli, state control, and motor maturity scores, as well as startle responses and number of vocalizations were compared across subspecies and sex using factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVAs) controlling for birthweight. There were no differences in orientation or motor maturity scores (p > .05) among the three subspecies or between sexes; however, there were significant subspecies differences in motor activity and state control scores. Of the three subspecies, S. s. sciureus has the lowest state control and activity scores (p < .05). They also had the most exaggerated startle response/aversion to a sudden loud noise, vocalized significantly less, and were less likely to resist restraint during the assessment (p < .05). The three subspecies of squirrel monkeys did not differ in motor development and attention to external stimuli but were significantly different in state control and activity levels. Overall S. s. sciureus were less active, agitated, irritable, and easier to console compared to S. b. boliviensis and S. b. peruviensis. This supports field research on socioecology which documented different social structure and behavior in wild populations of S. s. sciureus compared to S. b. boliviensis and S. b. peruviensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Mulholland
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas.,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lawrence E Williams
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| | - Christian R Abee
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schneider ML, Moore CF, Ahlers EO, Barnhart TE, Christian BT, DeJesus OT, Engle JW, Holden JE, Larson JA, Moirano JM, Murali D, Nickles RJ, Resch LM, Converse AK. PET Measures of D1, D2, and DAT Binding Are Associated With Heightened Tactile Responsivity in Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Sensory Processing Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:29. [PMID: 31379528 PMCID: PMC6652150 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder (SPD), a developmental regulatory condition characterized by marked under- or over-responsivity to non-noxious sensory stimulation, is a common but poorly understood disorder that can profoundly affect mood, cognition, social behavior and adaptive life skills. Little is known about the etiology and neural underpinnings. Clinical research indicates that children with SPD show greater prevalence of difficulties in complex cognitive behavior including working memory, behavioral flexibility, and regulation of sensory and affective functions, which are related to prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatal, and midbrain regions. Neuroimaging may provide insight into mechanisms underlying SPD, and animal experiments provide important evidence that is not available in human studies. Rhesus monkeys (N = 73) were followed over a 20-year period from birth into old age. We focused on a single sensory modality, the tactile system, measured at 5-7 years, because of its critical importance for nourishment, attachment, and social reward in development. Positron emission tomography imaging was conducted at ages 12-18 years to quantify the availability of the D1 and D2 subtypes of the DA receptor (D1R and D2R), and the DA transporter (DAT). Heightened tactile responsivity was related to (a) elevated D1R in PFC overall, including lateral, ventrolateral, medial, anterior cingulate (aCg), frontopolar, and orbitofrontal (OFC) subregions, as well as nucleus accumbens (Acb), (b) reduced D2R in aCg, OFC, and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, and (c) elevated DAT in putamen. These findings suggest a mechanism by which DA pathways may be altered in SPD. These pathways are associated with reward processing and pain regulation, providing top-down regulation of sensory and affective processes. The balance between top-down cognitive control in the PFC-Acb pathway and bottom-up motivational function of the VTA-Acb-PFC pathway is critical for successful adaptive function. An imbalance in these two systems might explain DA-related symptoms in children with SPD, including reduced top-down regulatory function and exaggerated responsivity to stimuli. These results provide more direct evidence that SPD may involve altered DA receptor and transporter function in PFC, striatal, and midbrain regions. More work is needed to extend these results to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colleen F Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Ahlers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Todd E Barnhart
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bradley T Christian
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Onofre T DeJesus
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan W Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - James E Holden
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julie A Larson
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Moirano
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhanabalan Murali
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert J Nickles
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leslie M Resch
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Boschen KE, Keller SM, Roth TL, Klintsova AY. Epigenetic mechanisms in alcohol- and adversity-induced developmental origins of neurobehavioral functioning. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 66:63-79. [PMID: 29305195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The long-term effects of developmental alcohol and stress exposure are well documented in both humans and non-human animal models. Damage to the brain and attendant life-long impairments in cognition and increased risk for psychiatric disorders are debilitating consequences of developmental exposure to alcohol and/or psychological stress. Here we discuss evidence for a role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating these consequences. While we highlight some of the common ways in which stress or alcohol impact the epigenome, we point out that little is understood of the epigenome's response to experiencing both stress and alcohol exposure, though stress is a contributing factor as to why women drink during pregnancy. Advancing our understanding of this relationship is of critical concern not just for the health and well-being of individuals directly exposed to these teratogens, but for generations to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - S M Keller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - T L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - A Y Klintsova
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schneider ML, Moore CF, Adkins M, Barr CS, Larson JA, Resch LM, Roberts A. Sensory Processing in Rhesus Monkeys: Developmental Continuity, Prenatal Treatment, and Genetic Influences. Child Dev 2017; 88:183-197. [PMID: 27338151 PMCID: PMC5424533 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal sensory processing (tactile and vestibular function) was tested in 78 rhesus macaques from two experiments. At ages 4-5 years, striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding was examined using positron emission tomography. At ages 5-7 years, adult sensory processing was assessed. Findings were: (a) prenatal stress exposure yielded less optimal neonatal sensory processing; (b) animals carrying the short rh5-HTTLPR allele had less optimal neonatal sensory scores than monkeys homozygous for the long allele; (c) neonatal sensory processing was significantly related to striatal D2 receptor binding for carriers of the short allele, but not for animals homozygous for the long allele; and (d) there was moderate developmental continuity in sensory processing from the neonatal period to adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Colleen F Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University-Bozeman
| | - Miriam Adkins
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | - Julie A Larson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Leslie M Resch
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schultz-Darken N, Braun KM, Emborg ME. Neurobehavioral development of common marmoset monkeys. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:141-58. [PMID: 26502294 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) monkeys are a resource for biomedical research and their use is predicted to increase due to the suitability of this species for transgenic approaches. Identification of abnormal neurodevelopment due to genetic modification relies upon the comparison with validated patterns of normal behavior defined by unbiased methods. As scientists unfamiliar with nonhuman primate development are interested to apply genomic editing techniques in marmosets, it would be beneficial to the field that the investigators use validated methods of postnatal evaluation that are age and species appropriate. This review aims to analyze current available data on marmoset physical and behavioral postnatal development, describe the methods used and discuss next steps to better understand and evaluate marmoset normal and abnormal postnatal neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Schultz-Darken
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Katarina M Braun
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Marina E Emborg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Converse AK, Moore CF, Holden JE, Ahlers EO, Moirano JM, Larson JA, Resch LM, DeJesus OT, Barnhart TE, Nickles RJ, Murali D, Christian BT, Schneider ML. Moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure induces sex differences in dopamine d1 receptor binding in adult rhesus monkeys. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 38:2934-43. [PMID: 25581649 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the effects of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and/or prenatal stress exposure on (D1 R) binding in a non human primate model. The dopamine D1 R is involved in executive function, and it may play a role in cognitive behavioral deficits associated with prenatal alcohol and/or stress exposure. Little is known, however, about the effects of prenatal alcohol and/or stress exposure on the D1 R. We expected that prenatal insults would lead to alterations in D1 R binding in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum in adulthood. METHODS Rhesus macaque females were randomly assigned to moderate alcohol exposure and/or mild prenatal stress as well as a control condition during pregnancy. Thirty-eight offspring were raised identically and studied as adults by noninvasive in vivo neuroimaging using positron emission tomography with the D1 antagonist radiotracer [(11) C]SCH 23390. Radiotracer binding in PFC and striatum was evaluated by 2 (alcohol) × 2 (stress) × 2 (sex) analysis of variance. RESULTS In PFC, a significant alcohol × sex interaction was observed with prenatal alcohol exposure leading to increased [(11) C]SCH 23390 binding in male monkeys. No main effect of prenatal alcohol or prenatal stress exposure was observed. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure results in long-term increases in prefrontal dopamine D1 R binding in males. This may help explain gender differences in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders consequent to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Collapse
|
12
|
Braun K, Schultz-Darken N, Schneider M, Moore CF, Emborg ME. Development of a novel postnatal neurobehavioral scale for evaluation of common marmoset monkeys. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:401-417. [PMID: 25676438 PMCID: PMC4374045 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) monkeys when compared to rhesus macaques (Macaca mullatta) present several advantages for disease modeling, especially transgenic initiatives, as they commonly give birth to twins, which increases sample size, have accelerated development and a shorter life span that facilitates the analysis of the onset of age-related diseases. Yet, no tools are currently available to assess marmoset neurodevelopment during the initial first month of life. Here we report the creation of a novel Primate Postnatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale for marmoset monkeys (PPNAS-M) that was based on currently available scales for human and rhesus monkeys. Twenty-four healthy marmoset infants (12 females, 12 males) from 12 families were evaluated. The infant assessments involved 10-minute testing administered at 15 and 30 days after birth. The PPNAS-M consists of 41 noninvasive tests grouped into 5 testing categories: visual orienting, auditory and spatial orienting, motor responses, righting and body strength, and temperament tests. Testing at these two ages did not affect the overall health of the infants, suggesting that the PPNAS-M is a non-invasive testing tool. Significant maturation was demonstrated by increased scores in each of the five testing categories from postnatal day 15 to 30, with developmental patterns unique to marmosets. Principal component analysis defined 4 item groups (Orientation, State Control, Motor Maturity and Sensory Sensitivity) with 5 variables each. Orientation and State Control factors were highly similar to each other at both ages and correlated highly with previous item groupings used with rhesus macaques. Our results indicate that the PPNAS-M is a useful assessment tool for detecting neuromotor, attention, and temperament status of infant marmosets and that it is sensitive to developmental effects. Further studies to validate the PPNAS-M for the assessment of normal development versus early effects of developmental perturbations associated to prenatal exposures and transgenesis are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Braun
- Department of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Nancy Schultz-Darken
- Department of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Mary Schneider
- Department of Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Colleen F. Moore
- Department of Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Marina E. Emborg
- Department of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Golub MS, Hogrefe CE, Vandevoort CA. Binge drinking prior to pregnancy detection in a nonhuman primate: behavioral evaluation of offspring. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 38:551-6. [PMID: 24164332 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal scientific information is available to inform public health policy on binge drinking prior to pregnancy detection. The nonhuman primate provides a valuable animal model for examining consequences to reproduction and offspring function that may result from this common pattern of alcohol abuse. METHODS Adult female rhesus monkeys were dosed with 1.5 g/kg per day ethanol (EtOH) by gavage 2 d/wk beginning 7 months prior to mating and continuing to pregnancy detection at 19 to 20 days gestation. Postnatal evaluation of control (n = 6) and EtOH-treated (n = 4) infants included a neonatal neurobehavioral assessment, a visual paired comparison (cognitive) test at 35 days of age, and mother-infant interaction at 100 to 112 days of age. RESULTS Alcohol-exposed neonates did not differ from controls in posture and reflex measures. Longer durations of visual fixation, suggesting slower visual processing, and greater novelty preference were seen in the alcohol group. At early weaning age, as infants spent more time away from their dams, more of the reunions between mother and infant were initiated by the mothers in the alcohol-exposed group, suggesting a more immature mother-infant interaction. CONCLUSIONS Intermittent high-dose alcohol exposure (binge drinking) discontinued at early pregnancy detection in rhesus monkey can result in altered behavioral function in the infant. Mediating effects on ovum, reproductive tract, and early embryo can be explored in this model. Studies of longer-term consequences in human populations and animal models are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Golub
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, California
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Converse AK, Moore CF, Moirano JM, Ahlers EO, Larson JA, Engle JW, Barnhart TE, Murali D, Christian BT, DeJesus OT, Holden JE, Nickles RJ, Schneider ML. Prenatal stress induces increased striatal dopamine transporter binding in adult nonhuman primates. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:502-10. [PMID: 23726316 PMCID: PMC3775901 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the effects in adult offspring of maternal exposure to stress and alcohol during pregnancy, we imaged striatal and midbrain dopamine transporter (DAT) binding by positron emission tomography in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We also evaluated the relationship between DAT binding and behavioral responses previously found to relate to dopamine D2 receptor density (responsivity to tactile stimuli, performance on a learning task, and behavior during a learning task). METHODS Subjects were adult offspring derived from a 2 × 2 experiment in which pregnant monkeys were randomly assigned to control, daily mild stress exposure (acoustic startle), voluntary consumption of moderate-level alcohol, or both daily stress and alcohol. Adult offspring (n = 38) were imaged by positron emission tomography with the DAT ligand [(18)F]2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-fluoroethyl)-nortropane ([(18)F]FECNT). RESULTS Results showed that prenatal stress yielded an overall increase of 15% in [(18)F]FECNT binding in the striatum (p = .016), 17% greater binding in the putamen (p = .012), and 13% greater binding in the head of the caudate (p = .028) relative to animals not exposed to prenatal stress. Striatal [(18)F]FECNT binding correlated negatively with habituation to repeated tactile stimulation and positively with tactile responsivity. There were no significant effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on [(18)F]FECNT binding. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to mild daily stress during pregnancy yielded increases in striatal DAT availability that were apparent in adult offspring and were associated with behavioral characteristics reflecting tactile hyperresponsivity, a condition associated with problem behaviors in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K. Converse
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Corresponding author: , tel. 001/608/265.6604, T123 Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53704
| | | | | | | | - Julie A. Larson
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | | | | | | | | | - James E. Holden
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | - Mary L. Schneider
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schneider ML, Larson JA, Rypstat CW, Resch LM, Roberts A, Moore CF. Moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure enhances acoustic startle magnitude and disrupts prepulse inhibition in adult rhesus monkeys. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:1729-36. [PMID: 23763712 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure can contribute to a wide range of neurodevelopmental impairments in children and adults including behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders. In rhesus monkeys, we examined whether moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure would alter acoustic startle responses and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle. PPI is a highly quantifiable measure of inhibitory neural processes or sensorimotor gating associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS Acoustic startle and PPI of the acoustic startle were tested in 37 adult rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) from 4 experimental conditions: (i) moderate-level prenatal alcohol-exposed, (ii) prenatally stressed, (iii) moderate-level prenatal alcohol-exposed + prenatally stressed, and (iv) sucrose controls. RESULTS Prenatal alcohol-exposed monkeys showed a higher magnitude of acoustic startle response and disrupted PPI compared with monkeys not exposed to alcohol prenatally. Monkeys in all conditions showed higher hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses after undergoing the startle procedure, but HPA responses were unrelated to startle response magnitude, latency, or PPI. CONCLUSIONS Finding altered PPI in monkeys prenatally exposed to a moderate dose of alcohol suggests that reduced sensorimotor gating is 1 effect of prenatal alcohol exposure. Because reduced sensorimotor gating is observed in many neuropsychiatric disorders, sensorimotor gating deficits could be an aspect of the comorbidity between fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and mental health conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Disruption of the serotonin system has been implicated in anxiety and depression and a related genetic variation has been identified that may predispose individuals for these illnesses. The relationship of a functional variation of the serotonin transporter promoter gene (5-HTTLPR) on serotonin transporter binding using in vivo imaging techniques have yielded inconsistent findings when comparing variants for short (s) and long (l) alleles. However, a significant 5-HTTLPR effect on receptor binding at the 5-HT(1A) receptor site has been reported in humans, suggesting the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may play a role in serotonin (5-HT) function. Rhesus monkeys possess a 5-HTTLPR length polymorphism similar to humans and serve as an excellent model for studying the effects of this orthologous genetic variation on behaviors and neurochemical functions related to the 5-HT system. In this study, PET imaging of [(18)F]mefway was performed on 58 rhesus monkeys (33 l/l, 25 s-carriers) to examine the relation between 5-HT(1A) receptor-specific binding and 5-HTTLPR genotypes. Significantly lower 5-HT(1A) binding was found in s-carrier subjects throughout both cortical brain regions and the raphe nuclei. These results demonstrate that the underlying 5-HT neurochemical system is influenced by this functional polymorphism and illustrate the strong potential for extending the nonhuman primate model into investigating the role of this genetic variant on behavior and gene-environment interactions.
Collapse
|
17
|
Pfinder M, Kunst AE, Feldmann R, van Eijsden M, Vrijkotte TGM. Preterm birth and small for gestational age in relation to alcohol consumption during pregnancy: stronger associations among vulnerable women? Results from two large Western-European studies. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2013; 13:49. [PMID: 23433310 PMCID: PMC3607897 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-13-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inconsistent data on the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and a range of pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA) raise new questions. This study aimed to assess whether the association between low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and PTB and SGA differs according to maternal education, maternal mental distress or maternal smoking. METHODS The Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) Study (N = 5,238) and the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) (N = 16,301) are both large studies. Women provide information on alcohol intake in early pregnancy, 3 months postpartum and up to 17 years retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and stratified regression analyses were performed to examine the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and PTB and SGA, respectively. RESULTS No association was found between any level of prenatal alcohol exposure (non-daily, daily, non-abstaining) and SGA. The offspring of daily drinkers and non-abstainers had a lower risk of PTB [ABCD: odds ratio (OR) 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13, 0.77; KiGGS: OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57, 0.99]. Interactions with maternal education, maternal distress or maternal smoking were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Although these results should be interpreted with caution, both studies showed no adverse effects of low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure on PTB and SGA, not even in the offspring of women who were disadvantaged in terms of low education, high levels of distress, or smoking during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pfinder
- Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology, Faculty of Sociology, Bielefeld University, PO Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- FAS Ambulance, Polyclinic for Children’s and Youth Medicine, University Hospital Munster, Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33, 48129 Munster, Germany
| | - Anton E Kunst
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinhold Feldmann
- FAS Ambulance, Polyclinic for Children’s and Youth Medicine, University Hospital Munster, Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33, 48129 Munster, Germany
| | - Manon van Eijsden
- Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD), Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018 WT Amsterdam, PO Box 22001000 CE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Tanja G M Vrijkotte
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amiri S, Malek A, Sadegfard M, Abdi S. Pregnancy-related maternal risk factors of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case-control study. ISRN PEDIATRICS 2012; 2012:458064. [PMID: 22720167 PMCID: PMC3374940 DOI: 10.5402/2012/458064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background. The etiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex.This study was conducted to evaluate the pregnancy-related maternal risk factors of ADHD. Methods. 164 ADHD children attending to Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics compared with 166 normal children selected in a random-cluster method from primary schools. ADHD rating scale and clinical interview based on Schedule for Affective disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children (K-SADS) were used to diagnose ADHD cases and to select the control group. Results. The mean maternal age at pregnancy, duration of pregnancy, and the mean paternal age were alike in two groups. The ADHD children's mothers compared with those of control group had higher frequencies of somatic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and alcohol and cigarette exposure during the pregnancies (P < 0.01). Also birth by cesarean section was more common among mothers of ADHD children (P < 0.001). These factors plus trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy were significantly predictors of ADHD in children. Conclusions. Some pregnancy-related maternal factors may be considered as environmental risk factors for ADHD. Each of these factors considered in our study as a risk factor needs to be tested and confirmed through next methodologically appropriate researches in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahrokh Amiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychiatry Research Center (CPRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schneider ML, Moore CF, Adkins MM. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on behavior: rodent and primate studies. Neuropsychol Rev 2011; 21:186-203. [PMID: 21499982 PMCID: PMC4226068 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-011-9168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The use of alcohol by women during pregnancy is a continuing problem. In this review the behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol from animal models are described and related to studies of children and adults with FASD. Studies with monkeys and rodents show that prenatal alcohol exposure adversely affects neonatal orienting, attention and motor maturity, as well as activity level, executive function, response inhibition, and sensory processing later in life. The primate moderate dose behavioral findings fill an important gap between human correlational data and rodent mechanistic research. These animal findings are directly translatable to human findings. Moreover, primate studies that manipulated prenatal alcohol exposure and prenatal stress independently show that prenatal stress exacerbates prenatal alcohol-induced behavioral impairments, underscoring the need to consider stress-induced effects in fetal alcohol research. Studies in rodents and primates show long-term effects of prenatal and developmental alcohol exposure on dopamine system functioning, which could underpin the behavioral effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coe CL, Lubach GR, Crispen HR, Shirtcliff EA, Schneider ML. Challenges to maternal wellbeing during pregnancy impact temperament, attention, and neuromotor responses in the infant rhesus monkey. Dev Psychobiol 2010; 52:625-37. [PMID: 20882585 PMCID: PMC3065369 DOI: 10.1002/dev.20489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The relative maturity, alertness, and reactivity of an infant at birth are sensitive indices of the neonate's health, the quality of the pregnancy, and the mother's wellbeing. Even when fetal growth and gestation length have been normal, the maturing fetus can still be adversely impacted by both physical events and psychological challenges to the mother during the prenatal period. The following research evaluated 413 rhesus monkeys from 7 different types of pregnancies to determine which conditions significantly influenced the behavioral responsiveness and state of the young infant. A standardized test battery modeled after the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale for human newborns was employed. The largest impairments in orientation and increases in infant emotional reactivity were seen when female monkeys drank alcohol, even though consumed at only moderate levels during part of the pregnancy. The infants' ability to focus and attend to visual and auditory cues was also affected when the gravid female's adrenal hormones were transiently elevated for 2 weeks by ACTH administration. In addition, responses to tactile and vestibular stimulation were altered by both this ACTH treatment and psychological disturbance during gestation. Conversely, a 2-day course of antenatal corticosteroids 1 month before term resulted in infants with lower motor activity and reactivity. These findings highlight several pregnancy conditions that can affect a young infant's neurobehavioral status, even when otherwise healthy, and demonstrate that alterations or deficits are specific to the type of insult experienced by the mother and fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Coe
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53715, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Short SJ, Lubach GR, Karasin AI, Olsen CW, Styner M, Knickmeyer RC, Gilmore JH, Coe CL. Maternal influenza infection during pregnancy impacts postnatal brain development in the rhesus monkey. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 67:965-73. [PMID: 20079486 PMCID: PMC3235476 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal infection with influenza and other pathogens during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk for schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders. In rodent studies, maternal inflammatory responses to influenza affect fetal brain development. However, to verify the relevance of these findings to humans, research is needed in a primate species with more advanced prenatal corticogenesis. METHODS Twelve pregnant rhesus monkeys were infected with influenza, A/Sydney/5/97 (H3N2), 1 month before term (early third trimester) and compared with 7 control pregnancies. Nasal swabs and blood samples confirmed viral shedding and immune activation. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was conducted at 1 year; behavioral development and cortisol reactivity were also assessed. RESULTS Maternal infections were mild and self-limiting. At birth, maternally derived influenza-specific immunoglobulin G was present in the neonate, but there was no evidence of direct viral exposure. Birth weight and gestation length were not affected, nor were infant neuromotor, behavioral, and endocrine responses. However, magnetic resonance imaging analyses revealed significant reductions in cortical gray matter in flu-exposed animals. Regional analyses indicated the largest gray matter reductions occurred bilaterally in cingulate and parietal areas; white matter was also reduced significantly in the parietal lobe. CONCLUSIONS Influenza infection during pregnancy affects neural development in the monkey, reducing gray matter throughout most of the cortex and decreasing white matter in parietal cortex. These brain alterations are likely to be permanent, given that they were still present at the monkey-equivalent of older childhood and thus might increase the likelihood of later behavioral pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Short
- Department of Psychology, Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang N. Alcohol taxes and birth outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:1901-12. [PMID: 20623000 PMCID: PMC2898024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7051901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the relationships between alcohol taxation, drinking during pregnancy, and infant health. Merged data from the US Natality Detailed Files, as well as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1985-2002), data regarding state taxes on beer, wine, and liquor, a state- and year-fixed-effect reduced-form regression were used. Results indicate that a one-cent ($0.01) increase in beer taxes decreased the incidence of low-birth-weight by about 1-2 percentage points. The binge drinking participation tax elasticity is -2.5 for beer and wine taxes and -9 for liquor taxes. These results demonstrate the potential intergenerational impact of increasing alcohol taxes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schneider ML, Moore CF, Gajewski LL, Larson JA, Roberts AD, Converse AK, DeJesus OT. Sensory processing disorder in a primate model: evidence from a longitudinal study of prenatal alcohol and prenatal stress effects. Child Dev 2008; 79:100-13. [PMID: 18269511 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01113.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Disrupted sensory processing, characterized by over- or underresponsiveness to environmental stimuli, has been reported in children with a variety of developmental disabilities. This study examined the effects of prenatal stress and moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure on tactile sensitivity and its relationship to striatal dopamine system function in thirty-eight 5- to 7-year-old rhesus monkeys. The monkeys were from four experimental conditions: (a) prenatal alcohol exposed, (b) prenatal stress, (c) prenatal alcohol exposed + prenatal stress, and (d) sucrose controls. Increased D(2) receptor binding in the striatum, evaluated using positron emission tomography neuroimaging, was related to increased withdrawal (aversion) responses to repetitive tactile stimuli and reduced habituation across trials. Moreover, prenatal stress significantly increased overall withdrawal responses to repetitive tactile stimulation compared to no prenatal stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Kinesiology, 2175 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kraemer GW, Moore CF, Newman TK, Barr CS, Schneider ML. Moderate level fetal alcohol exposure and serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism affect neonatal temperament and limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in monkeys. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 63:317-24. [PMID: 17884019 PMCID: PMC2696278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2007] [Revised: 07/18/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A length polymorphism in the serotonin (5-HT) transporter gene promoter region in humans and rhesus monkeys affects functional characteristics of the brain 5-HT system. Prenatal alcohol exposure (FA-exposure) can have an impact on brain and psychosocial development that could interact with genetic endowment. This study determined whether moderate FA-exposure interacts with polymorphism in the 5-HT transporter gene to increase the incidence or severity of fetal alcohol effects in rhesus monkeys. METHODS The offspring of monkeys who did or did not consume moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy were assessed for temperament as neonates and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) in response to mother-infant separation at 6 months of age. Serotonin promoter region genotypes (homozygous s/s or heterozygous s/l versus homozygous l/l) were determined. RESULTS Prenatal alcohol exposed carriers of the s allele exhibited increased neonatal irritability and increased ACTH and CORT compared with FA-exposed monkeys homozygous for the l allele and monkeys that were not FA-exposed regardless of genotype. CONCLUSIONS The s allele of the 5-HT transporter increases the probability of neonatal irritability and increased stress responsiveness in FA-exposed monkeys, and this gene-environment interaction may affect psychosocial development. It is probable that FA-exposure contributes to 5-HT transporter gene-environment interactions in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary W. Kraemer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto-Mississauga, Canada
| | | | - Timothy K. Newman
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - National Institutes of Health
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina S. Barr
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - National Institutes of Health
| | - Mary L. Schneider
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| |
Collapse
|