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Xu X, Li F, Liu C, Wang Y, Yang Z, Xie G, Zhang T. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates abnormal behavior in valproic acid rat model of autism through rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 240:173788. [PMID: 38734150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment available currently. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a promising neuromodulation technique to treat autism. However, the mechanism how rTMS works remains unclear, which restrict the clinical application of magnetic stimulation in the autism treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of low-frequency rTMS on the autistic-like symptoms and explored if this neuroprotective effect was associated with synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. A rat model of autism was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats and male offspring were treated with 1 Hz rTMS daily for two weeks continuously. Behavior tests were performed to identify behavioral abnormality. Synaptic plasticity was measured by in vivo electrophysiological recording and Golgi-Cox staining. Synapse and inflammation associated proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Results showed prenatal VPA-exposed rats exhibited autistic-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Synaptic plasticity deficits and the abnormality expression of synapse-associated proteins were found in the hippocampus of prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Prenatal VPA exposure increased the level of inflammation cytokines and promoted the excessive activation of microglia. rTMS significantly alleviated the prenatal VPA-induced abnormalities including behavioral and synaptic plasticity deficits, and excessive neuroinflammation. TMS maybe a potential strategy for autism therapy via rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, 300130 Tianjin, China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Fangjuan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Guoming Xie
- Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, 315040 Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China.
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2
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Horata E, Ay H, Aslan D. Autistic-like behaviour and changes in thalamic cell numbers a rat model of valproic acid-induced autism; A behavioural and stereological study. Brain Res 2024; 1840:149047. [PMID: 38823508 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The contribution of the thalamus to the development and behavioural changes in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a neurodevelopmental syndrome, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in thalamic volume and cell number in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD model using stereological methods and to clarify the relationship between thalamus and ASD-like behaviour. Ten pregnant rats were administered a single dose (600 mg/kg) of VPA intraperitoneally on G12.5 (VPA group), while five pregnant rats were injected with 5 ml saline (control group). Behavioural tests were performed to determine appropriate subjects and ASD-like behaviours. At P55, the brains of the subjects were removed. The sagittal sections were stained with cresyl violet and toluidine blue. The thalamic and hemispheric volumes with their ratios, the total number of thalamic cells, neurons and non-neuronal cells were calculated using stereological methods. Data were compared using a t-test and a Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between behaviour and stereological outcomes. VPA-treated rats had lower sociability and sociability indexes. There was no difference in social novelty preference and anxiety. The VPA group had larger hemispheric volume, lower thalamic volume, and fewer neurons. The highest percentage decrease was in non-neuronal cells. There was a moderate positive correlation between the number of non-neuronal cells and sociability, thalamic volume and the number of neurons as well as the time spent in the light box. The correlation between behaviour and stereological data suggests that the thalamus is associated with ASD-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Horata
- Orthopedic Prosthesis Orthotics, Atatürk Health Services Vocational School, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Ay
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Duygu Aslan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
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Morel C, Paoli J, Camonin C, Marchal N, Grova N, Schroeder H. Comparison of predictive validity of two autism spectrum disorder rat models: Behavioural investigations. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:39-49. [PMID: 38761921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.05.002] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The valproic acid model has been shown to reproduce ASD-like behaviours observed in patients and is now widely validated for construct, face, and predictivity as ASD model in rat. The literature agrees on using a single exposition to 500 mg/kg of VPA at gestational day 12 to induce ASD phenotype with the intraperitoneal route being the most commonly used. However, some studies validated this model with repeated exposure by using oral route. The way of administration may be of great importance in the induction of the ASD phenotype and a comparison is greatly required. We compared two ASD models, one induced by a unique IP injection of 500 mg/kg of body weight at GD12 and the other one by repeated PO administration of 500 mg/kg of body weight/day between GD11 and GD13. The behavioural phenotypes of the offspring were assessed for the core signs of ASD (impaired social behaviour, stereotypical/repetitive behaviours, sensory/communication deficits) as well as anxiety as comorbidity, at developmental and juvenile stages in both sexes. The VPA IP model induced a more literature-compliant ASD phenotype than the PO one. These results confirmed that the mode of administration as well as the window of VPA exposure are key factors in the ASD-induction phenotype. Interestingly, the effects of VPA administration were similar at the developmental stage between both sexes and then tended to differ later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morel
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - J Paoli
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - C Camonin
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
| | - N Marchal
- UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - N Grova
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France; Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity-Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, Esch-Sur-Alzette L-4354, Luxembourg.
| | - H Schroeder
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
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Fonteneau M, Brugoux A, Jaccaz D, Donello JE, Banerjee P, Le Merrer J, Becker JA. The NMDA receptor modulator zelquistinel durably relieves behavioral deficits in three mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109889. [PMID: 38401792 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficient social communication and interaction together with restricted, stereotyped behaviors. Currently approved treatments relieve comorbidities rather than core symptoms. Since excitation/inhibition balance and synaptic plasticity are disrupted in ASD, molecules targeting excitatory synaptic transmission appear as highly promising candidates to treat this pathology. Among glutamatergic receptors, the NMDA receptor has received particular attention through the last decade to develop novel allosteric modulators. Here, we show that positive NMDA receptor modulation by zelquistinel, a spirocyclic β-lactam platform chemical, relieves core symptoms in two genetic and one environmental mouse models of ASD. A single oral dose of zelquistinel rescued, in a dose-response manner, social deficits and stereotypic behavior in Shank3Δex13-16-/- mice while chronic intraperitoneal administration promoted a long-lasting relief of such autistic-like features in these mice. Subchronic oral mid-dose zelquistinel treatment demonstrated durable effects in Shank3Δex13-16-/-, Fmr1-/- and in utero valproate-exposed mice. Carry-over effects were best maintained in the Fmr1 null mouse model, with social parameters being still fully recovered two weeks after treatment withdrawal. Among recently developed NMDA receptor subunit modulators, zelquistinel displays a promising therapeutic potential to relieve core symptoms in ASD patients, with oral bioavailability and long-lasting effects boding well for clinical applications. Efficacy in three mouse models with different etiologies supports high translational value. Further, this compound represents an innovative pharmacological tool to investigate plasticity mechanisms underlying behavioral deficits in animal models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathe Brugoux
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Déborah Jaccaz
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France; Unité Expérimentale de Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, INRAE UE 0028, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Julie Le Merrer
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jérôme Aj Becker
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
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5
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Hart JB, Poon RK, Ward RE, Hintze KJ, Freeman SM. Effects of Dietary Fiber on Short Chain Fatty Acid Receptor mRNA in Microglia and Serotonergic Neurons in the Mouse Brain. Neuroscience 2024; 544:88-101. [PMID: 38431042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are bioactive lipids that are released into the colon as a metabolite of bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. Beyond their function in the gastrointestinal tract, SCFAs can also have effects inthe brain, as a part of the gut-brain axis. Recent investigations into potential therapeutic interventions via the manipulation of the gut microbiome-and thus their SCFA metabolites-has been emerging as a new branch of personalized medicine,especially for mental health conditions. The current study sought to measure and localize SCFA receptors in the mouse brain. Two cell types have been implicated in the gut-brain axis: microglia and serotonergic neurons. We used fluorescentin situhybridization in brain sections from mice fed diets with different compositions of fat and fiber to quantify the mRNA levels of known gene markers of these two cell types and colocalize each with mRNA for free fatty acid receptors that bind SCFAs. We focused onmicroglia in the hippocampus and the serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe. We found high colocalization of SCFA receptors in both microglia and serotonergic neurons and discovered that SCFA receptor expression in the dorsal raphe is driven by fiber solubility, while SCFA receptor expression in the hippocampus is driven by fiber amount. Higher dietary fiber was associated with decreased tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Thus, our results indicate that the amount and solubility of dietary fiber can change gene expression in the brain's microglia and serotonin neurons, potentially via sensitivity to circulating levels of SCFAs produced in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna B Hart
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Robert K Poon
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Robert E Ward
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Korry J Hintze
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
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Mohtaj Khorassani Y, Moghimi A, Khakzad MR, Fereidoni M, Hassani D, Torbati Gah J. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression in valproic acid-exposed rats. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1385189. [PMID: 38562305 PMCID: PMC10982371 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1385189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential treatment for autism, although its effects on behavior and gene expression are not well understood. The GRIN2B gene, known for its involvement in encoding a glutamate receptor subunit crucial for neuron communication and associated with autism, was a focus of this study. Methods Using a rat model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid, we examined the impact of HBOT on autism-like behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: control, VPA (valproic acid-exposed), VPA+HBOT [2 atmosphere absolute (ATA)], and VPA+HBOT (2.5 ATA). The rats underwent several behavioral tests to assess social behavior, anxiety, stereotype and exploratory behaviors, and learning. Following the behavioral tests, the HBOT groups received 15 sessions of HBOT at pressures of 2 and 2.5 (ATA), and their behaviors were re-evaluated. Subsequently, real-time PCR was employed to measure GRIN2B gene expression in the frontal lobe. Results Our results indicated that HBOT significantly increased social interaction and exploratory behaviors in VPA-exposed rats, alongside elevated GRIN2B gene expression in their frontal lobe. Discussion Our findings imply that HBOT might have a potential role in ameliorating autism-related behaviors in the VPA rat model of autism through potential modulation of GRIN2B gene expression. However, additional research is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine the HBOT protocol for optimizing its effectiveness in improving autism-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Mohtaj Khorassani
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khakzad
- Innovative Medical Research Center and Department of Immunology, Mashhad Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoud Fereidoni
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Delaram Hassani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Torbati Gah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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7
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Seyedinia SA, Tarahomi P, Abbarin D, Sedaghat K, Rashidy-Pour A, Yaribeygi H, Vafaei AA, Raise-Abdullahi P. Saffron and crocin ameliorate prenatal valproic acid-induced autistic-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress in the male offspring rats. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2231-2241. [PMID: 37566156 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurobehavioral disease that induces cognitive and behavioral alterations, usually accompanied by oxidative stress in the brain. Crocus sativus (saffron) and its active ingredient, crocin, have potent antioxidative effects that may benefit autistic behaviors. This study aimed to determine the effects of saffron extract and crocin against brain oxidative stress and behavioral, motor, and cognitive deficits in an animal model of autism in male offspring rats. 14 female rats were randomly divided into the saline and valproic acid (VPA) groups. Then, they were placed with mature male rats to mate and produce offspring. VPA (500 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected on day 12.5 of pregnancy (gestational day, GD 12.5) to induce an experimental model of autism. 48 male pups were left undisturbed for 29 days. First-round behavioral tests (before treatments) were performed on 30-33 post-natal days (PND), followed by 28 days of treatment (PND 34-61) with saffron (30 mg/kg, IP), crocin (15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.), or saline (2 ml/kg, i.p.). The second round of behavioral tests (after treatments) was performed on PND 62-65 to assess the effects of the treatments on behavioral and cognitive features. In the end, animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and their brains were dissected to evaluate the brain oxidative stress parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). VPA injection into female rats increased anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced pain threshold, impaired motor functions, disturbed balance power, increased MDA, and decreased GSH and CAT in their male offspring. 28 days of treatment with saffron or crocin significantly ameliorated behavioral abnormalities, reduced MDA, and increased GSH and CAT levels. Brain oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autistic-like behaviors. Saffron and crocin ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors, pain responses, motor functions, and brain oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model of autism. Saffron and crocin may hold promise as herbal-based pharmacological treatments for individuals with autism. However, further histological evidence is needed to confirm their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ali Seyedinia
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parnia Tarahomi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Davood Abbarin
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Katayoun Sedaghat
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Habib Yaribeygi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Bey AL, Sabatos-DeVito M, Carpenter KLH, Franz L, Howard J, Vermeer S, Simmons R, Troy JD, Dawson G. Automated Video Tracking of Autistic Children's Movement During Caregiver-Child Interaction: An Exploratory Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06107-2. [PMID: 37642871 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective, quantitative measures of caregiver-child interaction during play are needed to complement caregiver or examiner ratings for clinical assessment and tracking intervention responses. In this exploratory study, we examined the feasibility of using automated video tracking, Noldus EthoVision XT, to measure 159 2-to-7-year-old autistic children's patterns of movement during play-based, caregiver-child interactions and examined their associations with standard clinical measures and human observational coding of caregiver-child joint engagement. Results revealed that autistic children who exhibited higher durations and velocity of movement were, on average, younger, had lower cognitive abilities, greater autism-related features, spent less time attending to the caregiver, and showed lower levels of joint engagement. After adjusting for age and nonverbal cognitive abilities, we found that children who remained in close proximity to their caregiver were more likely to engage in joint engagement that required support from the caregiver. These findings suggest that video tracking offers promise as a scalable, quantitative, and relevant measure of autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Bey
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maura Sabatos-DeVito
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly L H Carpenter
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Franz
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Institute for Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jill Howard
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Saritha Vermeer
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Simmons
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Troy
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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10
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Park G, Jang WE, Kim S, Gonzales EL, Ji J, Choi S, Kim Y, Park JH, Mohammad HB, Bang G, Kang M, Kim S, Jeon SJ, Kim JY, Kim KP, Shin CY, An JY, Kim MS, Lee YS. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via Rnf146 upregulation in a VPA-induced mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1783-1794. [PMID: 37524878 PMCID: PMC10474298 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with impaired social behavior and communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors such as prenatal drug exposure contribute to the development of ASD. However, how those prenatal factors induce behavioral deficits in the adult stage is not clear. To elucidate ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level, we performed a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic analysis on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) in utero, a widely used animal model of ASD. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in VPA-exposed mice showed significant overlap with ASD risk genes, including differentially expressed genes from the postmortem cortex of ASD patients. Functional annotations of the DEPs revealed significant enrichment in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is dysregulated by the upregulation of Rnf146 in VPA-exposed mice. Consistently, overexpressing Rnf146 in the PFC impaired social behaviors and altered the Wnt signaling pathway in adult mice. Furthermore, Rnf146-overexpressing PFC neurons showed increased excitatory synaptic transmission, which may underlie impaired social behavior. These results demonstrate that Rnf146 is critical for social behavior and that dysregulation of Rnf146 underlies social deficits in VPA-exposed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Eric Jang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyeon Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungeun Ji
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Park
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Geul Bang
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- New Biology Research Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Cell Fate Reprogramming and Control, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, 25159, Republic of Korea.
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Davoudi S, Rahdar M, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Chronic inhibition of astrocytic aquaporin-4 induces autistic-like behavior in control rat offspring similar to maternal exposure to valproic acid. Physiol Behav 2023:114286. [PMID: 37402416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114286] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Social communication and interaction deficits, memory impairment, and anxiety-like behavior are characterized in many people identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A thorough understanding of the specific aspects that contribute to the deficiencies associated with ASD can aid research into the etiology of the disorder while also providing targets for more effective intervention. As part of the ASD pathophysiology, alterations in synaptogenesis and abnormal network connections were seen in high-order brain areas, which control social behavior and communication. The early emergence of microglia during nervous system development may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and the pathobiology of ASD. Since aquaporin-4 (AQP4) appears to be required for the basic procedures of synapse activation, certain behavioral and cognitive impairments as well as disturbance in water homeostasis might likely arise from AQP4 deficiency. Here, through the measurement of the water content of the hippocampus and behavioral experiments we aim to explore the contribution of astrocytic AQP4 to the autism-like behavior induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure and whether inhibition of AQP4 per se can induce autistic-like behavior in control rats. Microinjection of TGN-020 (10µM, i.c.v), a specific AQP4 inhibitor, for 7 successive days before behavioral tasks from postnatal day 28 to 35 revealed that inhibition of AQP4 in the control offspring caused lower social interaction and locomotor activity, higher anxiety, and decreased ability to recognize novel objects, very similar to the behavioral changes observed in offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. However, VPA-exposed offspring treated with TGN-020, showed no further remarkable behavioral impairments than those detected in the autistic-like rats. Furthermore, both control offspring treated with TGN-020 and offspring exposed to VPA had a considerable accumulation of water in their hippocampi. But AQP4 inhibition did not affect the water status of the autistic-like rats. The findings of this study revealed that control offspring exhibited similar hippocampal water retention and behavioral impairments that were observed in maternal VPA-exposed offspring following inhibition of astrocytic AQP4, whereas, in autistic-like rats, it did not produce any significant change in water content and behaviors. Findings suggest that AQP4 deficiency could be associated with autistic disorder and may be a potential pharmaceutical target for treating autism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hernandez A, Delgado-González E, Varman Durairaj R, Reyes-Haro D, Martínez-Torres A, Espinosa F. Striatal Synaptic Changes and Behavior in Adult mouse Upon Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Brain Res 2023:148461. [PMID: 37308047 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction. Altered synaptogenesis and aberrant connectivity responsible for social behavior and communication have been reported in autism pathogenesis. Autism has a strong genetic and heritable component; however, environmental factors including toxins, pesticides, infection and in utero exposure to drugs such as VPA have also been implicated in ASD. Administration of VPA during pregnancy has been used as a rodent model to study pathophysiological mechanisms involved in ASD, and in this study, we used the mouse model of prenatal exposure to VPA to assess the effects on striatal and dorsal hippocampus function in adult mice. Alterations in repetitive behaviors and shift habits were observed in mice prenatally exposed to VPA. In particular, such mice presented a better performance in learned motor skills and cognitive deficits in Y-maze learning frequently associated with striatal and hippocampal function. These behavioral changes were associated with a decreased level of proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of excitatory synapses, such as Nlgn-1 and PSD-95. In conclusion, motor skill abilities, repetitive behaviors, and impaired flexibility to shift habits are associated with reduced striatal excitatory synaptic function in the adult mouse prenatally exposed to VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adan Hernandez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
| | - Evangelina Delgado-González
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Ragu Varman Durairaj
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Daniel Reyes-Haro
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Ataúlfo Martínez-Torres
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Felipe Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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Atia AA, Ashour RH, Zaki MM, Rahman KM, Ramadan NM. The comparative effectiveness of metformin and risperidone in a rat model of valproic acid-induced autism, Potential role for enhanced autophagy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1313-1332. [PMID: 37133558 PMCID: PMC10172247 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Risperidone is the first antipsychotic to be approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The potential efficacy of metformin in preventing and/or controlling ASD behavioral deficits was also recently reported. Suppression of hippocampus autophagy was suggested as a potential pathologic mechanism in ASD. OBJECTIVES Is metformin's ability to improve ASD clinical phenotype driven by its autophagy-enhancing properties? And does hippocampus autophagy enhancement underlie risperidone's efficacy as well? Both questions are yet to be answered. METHODS The effectiveness of metformin on alleviation of ASD-like behavioral deficits in adolescent rats exposed prenatally to valproic acid (VPA) was compared to that of risperidone. The potential modulatory effects of risperidone on hippocampal autophagic activity were also assessed and compared to those of metformin. RESULTS Male offspring exposed to VPA during gestation exhibited marked anxiety, social impairment and aggravation of stereotyped grooming; such deficits were efficiently rescued by postnatal risperidone or metformin therapy. This autistic phenotype was associated with suppressed hippocampal autophagy; as evidenced by reduced gene/dendritic protein expression of LC3B (microtubule-associated proteins 1 light chain 3B) and increased somatic P62 (Sequestosome 1) protein aggregates. Interestingly, compared to risperidone, the effectiveness of metformin in controlling ASD symptoms and improving hippocampal neuronal survival was well correlated to its ability to markedly induce pyramidal neuronal LC3B expression while lowering P62 accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our work highlights, for the first time, positive modulation of hippocampus autophagy as potential mechanism underlying improvements in autistic behaviors, observed with metformin, as well as risperidone, therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Aa Atia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Rehab H Ashour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Marwa Maf Zaki
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Karawan Ma Rahman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Nehal M Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt.
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Colniță A, Toma VA, Brezeștean IA, Tahir MA, Dina NE. A Review on Integrated ZnO-Based SERS Biosensors and Their Potential in Detecting Biomarkers of Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050499. [PMID: 37232860 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications in clinical diagnosis and spectral pathology are increasing due to the potential of the technique to bio-barcode incipient and differential diseases via real-time monitoring of biomarkers in fluids and in real-time via biomolecular fingerprinting. Additionally, the rapid advancements in micro/nanotechnology have a visible influence in all aspects of science and life. The miniaturization and enhanced properties of materials at the micro/nanoscale transcended the confines of the laboratory and are revolutionizing domains such as electronics, optics, medicine, and environmental science. The societal and technological impact of SERS biosensing by using semiconductor-based nanostructured smart substrates will be huge once minor technical pitfalls are solved. Herein, challenges in clinical routine testing are addressed in order to understand the context of how SERS can perform in real, in vivo sampling and bioassays for early neurodegenerative disease (ND) diagnosis. The main interest in translating SERS into clinical practice is reinforced by the practical advantages: portability of the designed setups, versatility in using nanomaterials of various matter and costs, readiness, and reliability. As we will present in this review, in the frame of technology readiness levels (TRL), the current maturity reached by semiconductor-based SERS biosensors, in particular that of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based hybrid SERS substrates, is situated at the development level TRL 6 (out of 9 levels). Three-dimensional, multilayered SERS substrates that provide additional plasmonic hot spots in the z-axis are of key importance in designing highly performant SERS biosensors for the detection of ND biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Colniță
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Institute of Biological Research, Department of Biochemistry and Experimental Biology, 48 Republicii, Branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Andreea Brezeștean
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Muhammad Ali Tahir
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nicoleta Elena Dina
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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de Oliveira Ferreira E, Pessoa Gomes JM, Neves KRT, Lima FAV, de Barros Viana GS, de Andrade GM. Maternal treatment with aripiprazole prevents the development of a valproic acid-induced autism-like phenotype in juvenile male mice. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:154-168. [PMID: 36853856 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Aripiprazole (APZ) is an atypical antipsychotic that can safeguard mice against autism-like behavior induced by valproic acid (VPA). In the present study, we examined the effects of maternal treatment with APZ (10 mg/kg) in juvenile mice prenatally exposed to VPA on neurodevelopmental behaviors, social interactions, communication, and working memory, as well as synaptophysin (SYP), synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and cell viability in the hippocampus. In addition, to evaluate possible APZ interference with the anticonvulsant properties of VPA on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were evaluated. Maternal treatment with APZ significantly prevented body weight loss, self-righting, eye-opening, social interactions, social communication, and working memory deficits in mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, the decrease in the SYP, SNAP-25, and MAP-2 expressions in the mPFC and cell death in the hippocampus was prevented by APZ. Furthermore, APZ (10 mg/kg) did not interfere with the anticonvulsant effect of VPA (15 mg/kg) in animals with PTZ-induced seizures. These findings indicate that maternal treatment with APZ in pregnant mice exposed to VPA protects animals against the ASD-like behavioral phenotype, and this effect may be related, at least in part, to synaptic plasticity and neuronal protection in the PFC and hippocampus. APZ may serve as an effective pharmacological therapeutic target against autistic behaviors in the VPA animal model of ASD, which should be further investigated to verify its clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Glauce Socorro de Barros Viana
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
- Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Geanne Matos de Andrade
- Department of Clinical Medicine
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
- Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Grgurevic N. Testing the extreme male hypothesis in the valproate mouse model; sex-specific effects on plasma testosterone levels and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, but not on parental behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1107226. [PMID: 36818606 PMCID: PMC9932272 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong male bias in prevalence and severity. The extreme male hypothesis proposed that autism is a manifestation of extreme male traits as evidenced by increased masculine behaviors, hypermasculinization of some brain regions, and alterations in androgen metabolism. In the present study, the extreme male hypothesis was tested in the valproate (VPA) mouse model. Methods Females of the C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse strain were treated with 500 mg/kg VPA on gestational day 12. Offspring of both sexes were tested at 3 to 4 months of age in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, sociability tests, and for parental behavior. After sacrifice at 5 to 6 months of age, plasma testosterone was measured in males, while the brains of both sexes were examined for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Results VPA treatment significantly increased plasma testosterone levels and decreased AVPV TH expression in males, whereas the expression of TH in females remained at the same level. In parental behavior test none of the pup-oriented behavior was affected by VPA treatment in both sexes, the exception was nest quality which was lower after VPA exposure in males, but not in females. Discussion Our results suggest a hypermasculinizing effect of VPA that occurred specifically in males but not in females, and this effect could be related to changes in androgen physiology. Nevertheless, a generalized interpretation of the extreme male hypothesis on brain and behavior should be avoided due to the complex effects of VPA.
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Zhang Y, Guo M, Zhang H, Wang Y, Li R, Liu Z, Zheng H, You C. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ST-III-fermented milk improves autistic-like behaviors in valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder mice by altering gut microbiota. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1005308. [PMID: 36505260 PMCID: PMC9729765 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1005308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising incidence. More and more studies have shown that abnormal microbiota composition may aggravate the behavioral symptoms and biological signs of ASD, and interventions of probiotics and diet have emerged as a potential improvement measure. Methods Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ST-III-fermented milk was applied as an oral intervention in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD mice model, and the effect of probiotic intake on autistic-related behaviors and gut microbiota composition was evaluated by behavioral tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Gender specificity was shown in VPA-induced behavioral abnormalities in a mouse model, and L. plantarum ST-III-fermented milk was effective in ameliorating the impaired social interaction in male ASD mouse models, but not for the anxiety behavior exhibited by female ASD mouse models. Meanwhile, dietary changes were found to be the main cause of the altered gut microbiota in mice, and additional intake of L. plantarum ST-III-fermented milk seemed to improve autistic-like behaviors in male ASD mouse models by modulating specific gut microbes. Discussion These findings suggest that L. plantarum ST-III-fermented milk may play a beneficial role in improving the behavioral symptoms of ASD and is expected to be one of the candidate functional foods for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Min Guo
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongfa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yuezhu Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai and Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Zhenmin Liu,
| | - Huajun Zheng
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Huajun Zheng,
| | - Chunping You
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China,Chunping You,
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Mishra A, Singla R, Kumar R, Sharma A, Joshi R, Sarma P, Kaur G, Prajapat M, Bhatia A, Medhi B. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Improved Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder via Modulating Glutamatergic Receptors in the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Rat Brains. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2942-2961. [PMID: 36166499 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuroinflammation-induced anomalous glutamate receptor activation has been identified as one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thus, the current study was designed to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a haemopoietic growth factor, an anti-inflammatory, and a neuroprotectant to decipher the underlying mechanism(s) in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced experimental model of ASD. Experimentally, the ASD rat model was induced by a single dose of VPA (600 mg/kg; i.p.) on gestation day 12.5 to the pregnant female rats. After birth, pups were treated with vehicle, normal saline 0.9% i.p., risperidone (2.5 mg/kg; i.p.), and G-CSF (10, 35, and 70 μg/kg; i.p.) from postnatal day (PND) 23 to 43. All the groups were subjected to various developmental and behavior tests from birth. The rats were sacrificed on PND 55, and their brain was excised and processed for biochemical parameters (oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, BDNF), histological examination (H&E, Nissl staining), NMDA, and AMPA receptor expression by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluation. Also, the possible interaction of the G-CSF with NMDA and AMPA receptors was evaluated using the in-silico method. The results of the study showed that in VPA-exposed rats, postnatal treatment of G-CSF rescued all the behavioral abnormalities, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters in a dose-dependent manner while risperidone did not show any significant results. The in-silico analysis showed the direct interaction of G-CSF with NMDA and AMPA receptors. The upregulated expression of NMDA and AMPA both in the prefrontal cortex as well as hippocampus was alleviated by G-CSF thereby validating its anti-inflammatory and excitoprotective properties. Thus, G-CSF demonstrated neuroprotection against the core symptoms of autism in the VPA-induced rodent model, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Rubal Singla
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Rohit Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - AmitRaj Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Rupa Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Phulen Sarma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Manisha Prajapat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh160012, India
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Mohammadkhani R, Ghahremani R, Salehi I, Safari S, Karimi SA, Zarei M. Impairment in social interaction and hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in a prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac221. [PMID: 36092302 PMCID: PMC9453432 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that prenatal valproic acid exposure in rats leads to autism-like behaviours and social deficits. Long-term potentiation changes in the brain have been proposed as a potential mechanism in the development of autistic behaviour. However, there are controversies regarding the effect of in utero valproic acid exposure on long-term potentiation. This study examined the social interaction and long-term potentiation induction in perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in male offspring of a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. On Embryonic Day 12.5, the pregnant dams received an injection of 500 mg/kg valproic acid (intraperitoneal) to produce the autism model. The sociability test was performed between Postnatal Days 37 and 40. The offsprings were urethane-anaesthetized and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus for surgery, electrode implantation and field potential recording on Postnatal Days 45–55. In the dentate gyrus region, excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude were measured. Valproic acid-exposed offspring showed significantly impaired social interaction. The birth weight in valproic acid-exposed rats was significantly lower than in control rats. The ability of dentate gyrus synapses to induce long-term potentiation was hampered by valproic acid exposure. The decreasing excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude of long-term potentiation provide evidence in favour of this notion. It is widely supposed that the hippocampus plays a central role in the process of learning and memory as well as social interaction and social memory. Therefore, deficiencies in hippocampal synaptic plasticity may be responsible, at least in part, for the social interaction deficits in valproic acid-exposed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Mohammadkhani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand , Birjand 9717434765 , Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
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Rahdar M, Hajisoltani R, Davoudi S, Karimi SA, Borjkhani M, Khatibi VA, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Alterations in the intrinsic discharge activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons associated with possible changes in the NADPH diaphorase activity in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Brain Res 2022; 1792:148013. [PMID: 35841982 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148013] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sensory abnormalities, social skills impairment and cognitive deficits. Although recent evidence indicated that induction of autism-like behavior in animal models causes abnormal neuronal excitability, the impact of autism on neuronal properties is still an important issue. Thus, new findings at the cellular level may shed light on the pathophysiology of autism and may help to find effective treatment strategies. Here, we investigated the behavioral, electrophysiological and histochemical impacts of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats. Findings revealed that VPA exposure caused a significant increase in the hot plate response latency. The novel object recognition ability was also impaired in VPA-exposed rats. Along with these behavioral alterations, neurons from VPA-exposed animals exhibited altered excitability features in response to depolarizing current injections relative to control neurons. In the VPA-exposed group, these changes consisted of a significant increase in the amplitude, evoked firing frequency and the steady-state standard deviation of spike timing of action potentials (APs). Moreover, the half-width, the AHP amplitude and the decay time constant of APs were significantly decreased in this group. These changes in the evoked electrophysiological properties were accompanied by intrinsic hyperexcitability and lower spike-frequency adaptation and also a significant increase in the number of NADPH-diaphorase stained neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of the VPA-exposed rats. Taken together, findings demonstrate that abnormal nociception and recognition memory is associated with alterations in the neuronal responsiveness and nitrergic system in a rat model of autism-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Hajisoltani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borjkhani
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran
| | - Vahid Ahli Khatibi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Wang J, Huang H, Liu C, Zhang Y, Wang W, Zou Z, Yang L, He X, Wu J, Ma J, Liu Y. Research Progress on the Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:859151. [PMID: 35619598 PMCID: PMC9128593 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.859151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to severe social behavioral difficulties, which mainly manifests as social communication and interaction disorders; narrow interests; and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, the prevalence of ASD has increased annually, and it has evolved from a rare disease to one with a high incidence among childhood developmental disorders. The pathogenesis of ASD is considered to be the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and early childhood can lead to the occurrence of ASD. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D intervention can significantly improve the symptoms of ASD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, exploring the neuroprotective mechanism of vitamin D against ASD is a huge challenge currently being worked on by current basic and clinical researchers, a task which is of great significance for the clinical promotion and optimization of vitamin D in the treatment of ASD. To further clarify the relationship between vitamin D and ASD, this review summarizes the correlation between vitamin D level and ASD, the effects of vitamin D supplementation on ASD, the possible mechanism of vitamin D involved in ASD, and insights from ASD animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunming Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Yangping Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuo Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Xuemei He
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinting Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ma,
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ma,
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23
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Galizio A, Odum AL. Reinforced behavioral variability in the valproate rat model of autism spectrum disorder. J Exp Anal Behav 2022; 117:576-596. [PMID: 35467762 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.760] [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: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to display restricted, repetitive behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Rats exposed to valproate (VPA) in utero have been shown to model symptoms of ASD. In previous research, VPA rats engaged in less social interaction and more repetitive responding than controls. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate behavioral variability in the VPA rat model of ASD by testing VPA and control rats in a reinforced-behavioral-variability operant task. In this procedure, rats emitted sequences of lever presses, some of which produced food. During baseline, food was delivered probabilistically, and variability was not required. Next, rats were exposed either to a variability contingency, in which food was only delivered following sequences that differed sufficiently from previous sequences (i.e., variability required), or to a yoked contingency, in which variability was not required. We hypothesized that VPA rats would behave less variably than controls in this task. However, VPA and control rats responded similarly variably when variability was required. Furthermore, VPA rats behaved slightly more variably than controls during baseline and yoked conditions, when variability was not required. These findings contribute to the complex literature surrounding the VPA rat model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Galizio
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology
| | - Amy L Odum
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology
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Morel C, Christophe A, Maguin-Gaté K, Paoli J, Turner JD, Schroeder H, Grova N. Head-to-Head Study of Developmental Neurotoxicity and Resultant Phenotype in Rats: α-Hexabromocyclododecane versus Valproic Acid, a Recognized Model of Reference for Autism Spectrum Disorders. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040180. [PMID: 35448441 PMCID: PMC9029525 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence is now growing that exposure to environmental pollutants during the critical early-life period of brain development may contribute to the emergence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study seeks to compare the developmental neurotoxicity of the α-isomer of hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD), a persistent brominated flame retardant, to the valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD in rodents. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, α-HBCDD (100 ng/kg/day p.o., GD0-PND21) and VPA (600 mg/kg i.p., GD12). Male offspring were tested for their neuromotor development from PND2-21. At PND21, brain functionality was assessed by measuring cytochrome oxidase activity (CO). Modifications in neuroglia and synaptic plasticity were evaluated in the cortex. Similar subtle behavioural changes related to neuromotor maturation and noise reaction were observed in both treated groups. At PND21, a reduction in CO activity was measured in the VPA group only, in specific areas including auditory nuclei, visual cortex, cingulate and frontal cortices. At the same age, α-HBCDD pointed out significant overexpression of cortical markers of synaptic plasticity while both treated groups showed a significant under expression of astrocyte proteins (S100-β and GFAP). Early-life exposure to a low dose of α-HBCDD may trigger neurobehavioural alterations in line with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Morel
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
| | - Armelle Christophe
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
| | - Katy Maguin-Gaté
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
| | - Justine Paoli
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
| | - Jonathan David Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg;
| | - Henri Schroeder
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
- Inserm U1256, NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Nancy, France; (C.M.); (A.C.); (K.M.-G.); (J.P.); (H.S.)
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg;
- Inserm U1256, NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Correspondence:
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Qi C, Chen A, Mao H, Hu E, Ge J, Ma G, Ren K, Xue Q, Wang W, Wu S. Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Imbalance Caused by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficits During Development in a Valproic Acid Mouse Model of Autism. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:860275. [PMID: 35465089 PMCID: PMC9019547 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.860275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, such as medication during pregnancy, are one of the major causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Valproic acid (VPA) intake during pregnancy has been reported to dramatically elevate autism risk in offspring. Recently, researchers have proposed that VPA exposure could induce excitatory or inhibitory synaptic dysfunction. However, it remains to be determined whether and how alterations in the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance contribute to VPA-induced ASD in a mouse model. In the present study, we explored changes in the E/I balance during different developmental periods in a VPA mouse model. We found that typical markers of pre- and postsynaptic excitatory and inhibitory function involved in E/I balance markedly decreased during development, reflecting difficulties in the development of synaptic plasticity in VPA-exposed mice. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that promotes the formation and maturation of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses during postnatal development, was severely reduced in the VPA-exposed group. Treatment with exogenous BDNF during the critical E/I imbalance period rescued synaptic functions and autism-like behaviors, such as social defects. With these results, we experimentally showed that social dysfunction in the VPA mouse model of autism might be caused by E/I imbalance stemming from BDNF deficits during the developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuchu Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Andi Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Erling Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junye Ge
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Center for Teacher Professional Ability Development, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guaiguai Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Keke Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qian Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenting Wang,
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Shengxi Wu,
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26
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Ma SY, KWAN KM. Size Anomaly and Alteration of GABAergic Enzymes Expressions in Cerebellum of a Valproic acid Mouse Model of Autism. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Human forebrain organoids reveal connections between valproic acid exposure and autism risk. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:130. [PMID: 35351869 PMCID: PMC8964691 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) exposure as an environmental factor that confers risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its functional mechanisms in the human brain remain unclear since relevant studies are currently restricted to two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models. To identify mechanisms by which VPA contribute to ASD risk in human, here we used human forebrain organoids (hFOs), in vitro derived three-dimensional cell cultures that recapitulate key human brain developmental features. We identified that VPA exposure in hFOs affected the expression of genes enriched in neural development, synaptic transmission, oxytocin signaling, calcium, and potassium signaling pathways, which have been implicated in ASD. Genes (e.g., CAMK4, CLCN4, DPP10, GABRB3, KCNB1, PRKCB, SCN1A, and SLC24A2) that affected by VPA were significantly overlapped with those dysregulated in brains or organoids derived from ASD patients, and known ASD risk genes, as well as genes in ASD risk-associated gene coexpression modules. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that VPA exposure affected the expression of genes in choroid plexus, excitatory neuron, immature neuron, and medial ganglionic eminence cells annotated in hFOs. Microelectrode array further identified that VPA exposure in hFOs disrupted synaptic transmission. Taken together, this study connects VPA exposure to ASD pathogenesis using hFOs, which is valuable for illuminating the etiology of ASD and screening for potential therapeutic targets.
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GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EFFECTS OF PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND PRENATAL ZINC ON BEHAVIOUR AND SYNAPTIC PROTEINS IN RATS. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 122:102092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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29
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Degraded cortical temporal processing in the valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:109000. [PMID: 35182575 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hearing disorders, such as abnormal speech perception, are frequently reported in individuals with autism. However, the mechanisms underlying these auditory-associated signature deficits in autism remain largely unknown. In this study, we documented significant behavioral impairments in the sound temporal rate discrimination task for rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), a well-validated animal model for studying the pathology of autism. In parallel, there was a large-scale degradation in temporal information-processing in their primary auditory cortices (A1) at both levels of spiking outputs and synaptic inputs. Substantially increased spine density of excitatory neurons and decreased numbers of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-labeled inhibitory inter-neurons were also recorded in the A1 after VPA exposure. Given the fact that cortical temporal processing of sound is associated with speech perception in humans, these results in the animal model of VPA exposure provide insight into a possible neurological mechanism underlying auditory and language-related deficits in individuals with autism.
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30
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Shahrbabaki SV, Jonaidi H, Sheibani V, Bashiri H. Early postnatal handling alters social behavior, learning, and memory of pre- and post-natal VPA-induced rat models of autism in a context-based manner. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Mild Hypophagia and Associated Changes in Feeding-Related Gene Expression and c-Fos Immunoreactivity in Adult Male Rats with Sodium Valproate-Induced Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020259. [PMID: 35205303 PMCID: PMC8871607 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A core yet understudied symptom of autism is aberrant eating behaviour, including extremely narrow food preferences. Autistic individuals often refuse to eat despite hunger unless preferred food is given. We hypothesised that, apart from aberrant preference, underfeeding stems from abnormal hunger processing. Utilising an adult male VPA rat, a model of autism, we examined intake of ‘bland’ chow in animals maintained on this diet continuously, eating this food after fasting and after both food and water deprivation. We assessed body weight in adulthood to determine whether lower feeding led to slower growth. Since food intake is highly regulated by brain processes, we looked into the activation (c-Fos immunoreactivity) of central sites controlling appetite in animals subjected to food deprivation vs. fed ad libitum. Expression of genes involved in food intake in the hypothalamus and brain stem, regions responsible for energy balance, was measured in deprived vs. sated animals. We performed our analyses on VPAs and age-matched healthy controls. We found that VPAs ate less of the ‘bland’ chow when fed ad libitum and after deprivation than controls did. Their body weight increased more slowly than that of controls when maintained on the ‘bland’ food. While hungry controls had lower c-Fos IR in key feeding-related areas than their ad libitum-fed counterparts, in hungry VPAs c-Fos was unchanged or elevated compared to the fed ones. The lack of changes in expression of feeding-related genes upon deprivation in VPAs was in contrast to several transcripts affected by fasting in healthy controls. We conclude that hunger processing is dysregulated in the VPA rat.
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Kim HY, Lee YJ, Kim SJ, Lee JD, Kim S, Ko MJ, Kim JW, Shin CY, Kim KB. Metabolomics profiling of valproic acid-induced symptoms resembling autism spectrum disorders using 1H NMR spectral analysis in rat model. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2022; 85:1-13. [PMID: 34445937 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1967821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been implicated in the manifestation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behavioral and functional changes both in human and rodents including mice and rats. The objective of this study was to determine metabolomics profiling and biomarkers related to VPA-induced symptoms resembling ASD using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectral data. VPA was administered to pregnant rats at gestation day 12.5 and effects measured subsequently in male 4-week-old offspring pups. The sociability of VPA-treated animals was significantly diminished and exhibited ASD-like behavior as evidenced by reduction of social adaptation disorder and lack of social interactions. To find biomarkers related to ASD, the following were collected prefrontal brain cortices, urine bladder and blood samples directly from heart puncture. In all samples, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) displayed significant clustering pattern differences between control and treated groups. Valine, taurine, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone were significantly decreased in brain cortices in treated rats. Serum metabolites of glucose, creatine phosphate, lactate, glutamine and threonine were significantly increased in VPA-administered animals. Urinary metabolites of pimelate, 3-hydroxyisovalerate and valerate were significantly reduced in VPA-treated rat, whereas galactose and galactonate levels were elevated. Various metabolites were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction metabolism and central nervous system disorders. Data demonstrated that VPA-induced alterations in endogenous metabolites of serum, urine, and brain cortex which might prove useful as biomarkers for symptoms resembling ASD as a model of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyang Yeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Center for Human Risk Assessment, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jae Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Dae Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Center for Human Risk Assessment, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam Republic of Korea
| | - Suhkmann Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Mee Jung Ko
- Department Of Neuroscience, School Of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woon Kim
- Department Of Neuroscience, School Of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department Of Neuroscience, School Of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Bong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Center for Human Risk Assessment, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam Republic of Korea
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Joseph TP, Zhou F, Sai LY, Chen H, Lin SL, Schachner M. Duloxetine ameliorates valproic acid-induced hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior, and social interaction deficits in zebrafish. Autism Res 2022; 15:27-41. [PMID: 34605202 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Currently available therapeutic agents against ASD have limited efficacy. Thus, searching for novel and effective drugs ameliorating core symptoms, in particular social deficits, is of utmost importance. Duloxetine (DLX), an antidepressant that has been identified as an agonist mimetic for the cell adhesion molecule L1, exhibits beneficial functions in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the rapid and persistent neuroprotective function of DLX following valproic acid (VPA)-triggered hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior and social deficits in zebrafish. Embryonic exposure to VPA reduced survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner, delayed hatching, and also resulted in a significant number of malformed larvae. After initial dose-response experiments in zebrafish larvae, 10 μM VPA exposure between 0.33 and 4.5 days post fertilization (dpf) was identified as an effective concentration that led to an early and persistent ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish. ASD-like elevated acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and reduced Akt-mTOR signaling was observed in zebrafish whole brain. Acute administration of DLX (4.5-6 dpf) reduced the VPA-induced ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish larvae. Additionally, such early-life acute DLX treatment had long-term effects in ameliorating social impairments, hyperactivity, and anxiety-like behaviors through adulthood. This was accompanied by reduced AChE activity and by normalized Akt-mTOR signaling. Overall, DLX treatment showed a long-term therapeutic effect on autistic-like behaviors, and alteration of AChE activity and Akt-mTOR signaling were identified as crucial in the VPA-induced ASD zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fang Zhou
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Liu Yang Sai
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Stanley Li Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Shafaghi A, Vakili Shahrbabaki SS, Aminzadeh A, Heidari MR, Shamsi Meymandi M, Bashiri H. The effect of early handling on anxiety-like behaviors of rats exposed to valproic acid pre-and post-natally. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 89:107050. [PMID: 34801733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.107050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, behaviorally defined disorder of the immature brain as a result of genetic and environmental risk factors, such as prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). This syndrome is known for its high prevalence. On the other hand, postnatal manipulations have been shown to affect brain development, cortical neuroscience, and pituitary-adrenal activity. In early handling (EH) procedure, pups are removed from their mother on a daily basis from birth to lactation, are physically touched, and exposed to the (a) new environment. In the present study, the effect of EH on anxiety-like behaviors in rats exposed pre- and post-natally to valproic acid was investigated. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly separated into six groups which are prenatal saline, Prenatal VPA, Prenatal VPA + EH and postnatal saline, Postnatal VPA, Postnatal VPA + EH. VPA administration was performed either on ED12.5 (600 mg/kg, i.p.) or PD 2-4 (400 mg/kg, s.c.). In the groups receiving EH, pups underwent physical handling from PD 1 to 21. On postnatal day 21 all offspring were weaned and the behavioral tests were performed on 30 and 31 days of age. Elevated plus maze and open field tests were used to investigate anxiety-like behaviors. RESULTS The results revealed that intraperitoneal injection of valrpoic acid (600 mg.kg) during pregnancy significantly reduced OAT% in males (p < 0.01) and females in a non-significant manner (p > 0.05). In comparison, rearing counts of prenatal VPA groups significantly increased in female sex (p < 0.05) in the EPM test. Following postnatal VPA administration (400 mg/kg), decrease in the time spent in central zone occurred in female rats in the open filed (p < 0.05), as well as a significant increase in the number of grooming of the male sex (p < 0.05). Applying Early Handling to male and female Wistar rats receiving prenatal VPA significantly reversed the OAT% fall (p < 0.05). EH in postnatally VPA exposed animals significantly decreased the OAT% and OAE% criteria, while increasing the locomotor activity of the female sex (p < 0.05). Compared with the postnatal VPA group, no significant change was reported in the EPM performance of postnatal VPA + EH group in neither of sexes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that injections of valproic acid during pregnancy lead to anxiety-like behaviors in male offspring, which EH can improve (attenuate) to some extent. VPA injections on the second to the fourth day of infancy did not have a profound effect on anxiety level. Further behavioral studies need to be performed using other devices to investigate anxiety-like behaviors and to determine the mechanisms involved in these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abouzar Shafaghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyyed Sajjad Vakili Shahrbabaki
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azadeh Aminzadeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mahmoud Reza Heidari
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Manzumeh Shamsi Meymandi
- Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran..
| | - Hamideh Bashiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.; Sirjan Faculty of Medical Science, Sirjan, Iran..
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Soria-Ortiz MB, Reyes-Ortega P, Martínez-Torres A, Reyes-Haro D. A Functional Signature in the Developing Cerebellum: Evidence From a Preclinical Model of Autism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727079. [PMID: 34540842 PMCID: PMC8448387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental conditions detected during childhood when delayed language onset and social deficits are observed. Children diagnosed with ASD frequently display sensorimotor deficits associated with the cerebellum, suggesting a dysfunction of synaptic circuits. Astroglia are part of the tripartite synapses and postmortem studies reported an increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the cerebellum of ASD patients. Astroglia respond to neuronal activity with calcium transients that propagate to neighboring cells, resulting in a functional response known as a calcium wave. This form of intercellular signaling is implicated in proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural precursors. Prenatal exposure to valproate (VPA) is a preclinical model of ASD in which premature migration and excess of apoptosis occur in the internal granular layer (IGL) of the cerebellum during the early postnatal period. In this study we tested calcium wave propagation in the IGL of mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Sensorimotor deficits were observed and IGL depolarization evoked a calcium wave with astrocyte recruitment. The calcium wave propagation, initial cell recruitment, and mean amplitude of the calcium transients increased significantly in VPA-exposed mice compared to the control group. Astrocyte recruitment was significantly increased in the VPA model, but the mean amplitude of the calcium transients was unchanged. Western blot and histological studies revealed an increased expression of GFAP, higher astroglial density and augmented morphological complexity. We conclude that the functional signature of the IGL is remarkably augmented in the preclinical model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Berenice Soria-Ortiz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Pamela Reyes-Ortega
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Ataúlfo Martínez-Torres
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Daniel Reyes-Haro
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
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Traetta ME, Uccelli NA, Zárate SC, Gómez Cuautle D, Ramos AJ, Reinés A. Long-Lasting Changes in Glial Cells Isolated From Rats Subjected to the Valproic Acid Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:707859. [PMID: 34421599 PMCID: PMC8374432 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic alterations concomitant with neuroinflammation have been described in patients and experimental models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the role of microglia and astroglia in relation to synaptic changes is poorly understood. Male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA, 450 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (control) at embryonic day 10.5 were used to study synapses, microglia, and astroglia in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) at postnatal days 3 and 35 (PND3 and PND35). Primary cultures of cortical neurons, microglia, and astroglia isolated from control and VPA animals were used to study each cell type individually, neuron-microglia and microglia-astroglia crosstalk. In the PFC of VPA rats, synaptic changes characterized by an increase in the number of excitatory synapses were evidenced at PND3 and persisted until PND35. At PND3, microglia and astroglia from VPA animals were morphologically similar to those of age-matched controls, whereas at PND35, reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis were observed in the PFC of VPA animals. Cortical neurons isolated from VPA rats mimicked in vitro the synaptic pattern seen in vivo. Cortical microglia and astroglia isolated from VPA animals exhibited reactive morphology, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a compromised miRNA processing machinery. Microglia from VPA animals also showed resistance to a phagocytic challenge. In the presence of neurons from VPA animals, microglia isolated from VPA rats revealed a non-reactive morphology and promoted neurite outgrowth, while microglia from control animals displayed a reactive profile and promoted dendritic retraction. In microglia-astroglia co-cultures, microglia from VPA animals displayed a reactive profile and exacerbated astrocyte reactivity. Our study indicates that cortical microglia from VPA animals are insensitive or adapted to neuronal cues expressed by neurons from VPA animals. Further, long-term in vivo microgliosis could be the result of altered microglia-astroglia crosstalk in VPA animals. Thus, our study highlights cortical microglia-astroglia communication as a new mechanism implicated in neuroinflammation in ASD; consequently, we propose that this crosstalk is a potential target for interventions in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Farmacología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nonthué Alejandra Uccelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Cristina Zárate
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dante Gómez Cuautle
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Farmacología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Klockars A, Pal T, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Neural Basis of Dysregulation of Palatability-Driven Appetite in Autism. Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:391-398. [PMID: 34417997 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cognitive, speech- and anxiety-related impairments have been the focus of the majority of studies. One consistently reported ASD symptom that has rarely attracted attention is disordered appetite. The goal of this paper is to assess whether ASD-related dysregulation of food intake impacts consumption of palatable foods, including sugar. RECENT FINDINGS Aberrant neural processing at the reward system level is at least partially responsible for excessive intake of palatable tastants, including sugar. Impaired oxytocin (OT) signaling likely contributes to the magnitude of this overconsumption. Since intake for reward is generally elevated in individuals with ASD, one strategy to curb sugar overconsumption might utilize presentation of alternative palatable food choices that are more nutritionally adequate than sucrose. Furthermore, OT, which is clinically tested to alleviate other ASD symptoms, might be an effective tool to curb overconsumption of sugar, as well as - likely - of other excessively ingested palatable foods, especially those that have sweet taste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Klockars
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Tapasya Pal
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Deemyad T, Puig S, Papale AE, Qi H, LaRocca GM, Aravind D, LaNoce E, Urban NN. Lateralized Decrease of Parvalbumin+ Cells in the Somatosensory Cortex of ASD Models Is Correlated with Unilateral Tactile Hypersensitivity. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:554-568. [PMID: 34347040 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab233] [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] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control of excitatory networks contributes to cortical functions. Increasing evidence indicates that parvalbumin (PV+)-expressing basket cells (BCs) are a major player in maintaining the balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I). Disruption of E/I balance in cortical networks is believed to be a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we report a lateralized decrease in the number of PV+ BCs in L2/3 of the somatosensory cortex in the dominant hemisphere of Shank3-/- and Cntnap2-/- mouse models of ASD. The dominant hemisphere was identified during a reaching task to establish each animal's dominant forepaw. Double labeling with anti-PV antibody and a biotinylated lectin (Vicia villosa lectin [VVA]) showed that the number of BCs was not different but rather, some BCs did not express PV (PV-), resulting in an elevated number of PV- VVA+ BCs. Finally, we showed that dominant hindpaws had higher mechanical sensitivity when compared with the other hindpaws. This mechanical hypersensitivity in the dominant paw strongly correlated with the decrease in the number of PV+ interneurons and reduced PV expression in the corresponding cortex. Together, these results suggest that the hypersensitivity in ASD patients could be due to decreased inhibitory inputs to the dominant somatosensory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Deemyad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Stephanie Puig
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Andrew E Papale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hang Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gregory M LaRocca
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deepthi Aravind
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma LaNoce
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nathaniel N Urban
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Hughes EM, Calcagno P, Sanchez C, Smith K, Kelly JP, Finn DP, Roche M. Mu-opioid receptor agonism differentially alters social behaviour and immediate early gene expression in male adolescent rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid versus controls. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:260-267. [PMID: 34197938 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mu-opioid receptors (MOPs) mediate and modulate social reward and social interaction. However, few studies have examined the functionality of this system in rodent models of social impairment. Deficits in social motivation and cognition are observed in rodents following pre-natal exposure to the anti-epileptic valproic acid (VPA), however it is not known whether MOP functionality is altered in these animals. The present study examined the effects of acute administration of the prototypical MOP agonist morphine (1 mg/kg) on social behavioural responding in the 3-chamber test and immediate early gene expression in adolescent rats (postnatal day 28-43) prenatally exposed to VPA vs saline-exposed controls. Pharmacokinetic analysis of morphine concentration, MOP binding and expression were also examined. The data revealed that sociability and social novelty preference in the 3-chamber test were reduced in rats prenatally exposed to VPA compared to saline-exposed control counterparts. Morphine reduced both sociability and social novelty preference behaviour in saline-, but not VPA-, exposed rats. Analysis of immediate early gene expression revealed that morphine reduced the expression of cfos in the prefrontal cortex of both saline- and VPA-exposed rats and reduced expression of cfos and junb in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats only. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed similar concentrations of morphine in the plasma and brain of both saline- and VPA-exposed rats and similar thalamic MOP occupancy levels. Gene and protein expression of MOP in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus did not differ between saline and VPA-exposed rats. These data indicate differential effects of morphine on social responding and immediate early gene expression in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats compared with saline-exposed controls. This study provides support for altered MOP functionality in rats prenatally exposed to VPA, which may underlie the social deficits observed in the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel M Hughes
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Patricia Calcagno
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - John P Kelly
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P Finn
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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Thornton AM, Humphrey RM, Kerr DM, Finn DP, Roche M. Increasing Endocannabinoid Tone Alters Anxiety-Like and Stress Coping Behaviour in Female Rats Prenatally Exposed to Valproic Acid. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123720. [PMID: 34207178 PMCID: PMC8233839 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the sex differences evident in the prevalence of autism, there is an increased awareness of the importance of including females in autism research to determine sexual dimorphism and sex-specific treatments. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoid modulators have been proposed as potential novel treatments for autism-related symptoms; however, few studies to date have examined if these pharmacological agents elicit sex-specific effects. The aim of the present study was to use the valproic acid (VPA) model of autism to compare the behavioural responses of male and female rats and examine the effects of increasing endocannabinoid tone on the behavioural responses of VPA-exposed female rats. These data revealed that VPA-exposed male, but not female, rats exhibit reduced social responding in the three-chamber and olfactory habituation/dishabituation (OHD) test during adolescence. In comparison, VPA-exposed female, but not male, adolescent rats exhibited anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT). In VPA-exposed female rats, increasing 2-AG levels augmented anxiety-like behaviour in the EPM and OFT, while increasing AEA levels reduced stress coping behaviour in the swim stress test. These data highlight sexual dimorphic behaviours in the VPA model and indicate that enhancing endocannabinoid levels may exacerbate negative affective behaviour in VPA-exposed females. Thus, considerations should be paid to the possible sex-specific effects of cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M. Thornton
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Rachel M. Humphrey
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniel M. Kerr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - David P. Finn
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Timing and Intertemporal Choice Behavior in the Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2414-2429. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ye J, Wang H, Cui L, Chu S, Chen N. The progress of chemokines and chemokine receptors in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:268-280. [PMID: 34077795 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders and the main symptoms of ASD are impairments in social communication and abnormal behavioral patterns. Studies have shown that immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation play a key role in ASD patients and experimental models. Chemokines are groups of small proteins that regulate cell migration and mediate inflammation responses via binding to chemokine receptors. Thus, chemokines/chemokine receptors may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders and associated with ASD. In this review, we summarize the research progress of chemokine aberrations in ASD and also review the recent progress of clinical treatment of ASD and pharmacological research related to chemokines/chemokine receptors. This review highlights the possible connection between chemokines/chemokine receptors and ASD, and provides novel potential targets for drug discovery of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junrui Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Liyuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Naihong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Adjimann TS, Argañaraz CV, Soiza-Reilly M. Serotonin-related rodent models of early-life exposure relevant for neurodevelopmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:280. [PMID: 33976122 PMCID: PMC8113523 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders including depression and anxiety are continuously rising their prevalence across the globe. Early-life experience of individuals emerges as a main risk factor contributing to the developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. That is, perturbing environmental conditions during neurodevelopmental stages can have detrimental effects on adult mood and emotional responses. However, the possible maladaptive neural mechanisms contributing to such psychopathological phenomenon still remain poorly understood. In this review, we explore preclinical rodent models of developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, focusing on the impact of early-life environmental perturbations on behavioral aspects relevant to stress-related and psychiatric disorders. We limit our analysis to well-established models in which alterations in the serotonin (5-HT) system appear to have a crucial role in the pathophysiological mechanisms. We analyze long-term behavioral outcomes produced by early-life exposures to stress and psychotropic drugs such as the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or the anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA). We perform a comparative analysis, identifying differences and commonalities in the behavioral effects produced in these models. Furthermore, this review discusses recent advances on neurodevelopmental substrates engaged in these behavioral effects, emphasizing the possible existence of maladaptive mechanisms that could be shared by the different models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara S. Adjimann
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla V. Argañaraz
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Li Z, You M, Che X, Dai Y, Xu Y, Wang Y. Perinatal exposure to BDE-47 exacerbated autistic-like behaviors and impairments of dendritic development in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:112000. [PMID: 33550075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may be a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). BDE-47 is one of the most common PBDEs and poses serious health hazards on the central nervous system (CNS). However, effects of perinatal exposure to BDE-47 on social behaviors and the potential mechanisms are largely unexplored. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether BDE-47 exposure during gestation and lactation led to autistic-like behaviors in offspring rats in the present study. Valproic acid (VPA), which is widely used to establish animal model of ASD, was also adopted to induce autistic-like behaviors. A battery of tests was conducted to evaluate social and repetitive behaviors in offspring rats. We found that perinatal exposure to BDE-47 caused mild autistic-like behaviors in offspring, which were similar but less severe to those observed in pups maternally exposed to VPA. Moreover, perinatal exposure to BDE-47 aggravated the autistic-like behaviors in pups maternally exposed to VPA. Abnormal dendritic development is known to be deeply associated with autistic-like behaviors. Golgi-Cox staining was used to observe the morphological characteristics of dendrites in the prefrontal cortex of pups. We found perinatal exposure to BDE-47 reduced dendritic length and complexity of branching pattern, and spine density in the offspring prefrontal cortex, which may contribute to autistic-like behaviors observed in the present study. Perinatal exposure to BDE-47 also exacerbated the impairments of dendritic development in pups maternally exposed to VPA. Besides, our study also provided the evidence that the inhibition of BDNF-CREB signaling, a key regulator of dendritic development, may be involved in the dendritic impairments induced by perinatal exposure to BDE-47 and/or VPA, and the consequent autistic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingdan You
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Che
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Dai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Alterations in Tau Protein Level and Phosphorylation State in the Brain of the Autistic-Like Rats Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063209. [PMID: 33809910 PMCID: PMC8004207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficient social interaction and communication besides repetitive, stereotyped behaviours. A characteristic feature of ASD is altered dendritic spine density and morphology associated with synaptic plasticity disturbances. Since microtubules (MTs) regulate dendritic spine morphology and play an important role in spine development and plasticity the aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in the content of neuronal α/β-tubulin and Tau protein level as well as phosphorylation state in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism. Our results indicated that maternal exposure to VPA induces: (1) decrease the level of α/β-tubulin along with Tau accumulation in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex; (2) excessive Tau phosphorylation and activation of Tau-kinases: CDK5, ERK1/2, and p70S6K in the cerebral cortex; (3) up-regulation of mTOR kinase-dependent signalling in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of adolescent rat offspring. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining showed histopathological changes in neurons (chromatolysis) in both analysed brain structures of rats prenatally exposed to VPA. The observed changes in Tau protein together with an excessive decrease in α/β-tubulin level may suggest destabilization and thus dysfunction of the MT cytoskeleton network, which in consequence may lead to the disturbance in synaptic plasticity and the development of autistic-like behaviours.
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Puig-Lagunes ÁA, Rocha L, Morgado-Valle C, BeltrÁn-Parrazal L, LÓpez-Meraz ML. Brain and plasma amino acid concentration in infant rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20190861. [PMID: 33729379 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120190861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is associated with alterations in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here, we aimed to determine the concentration of GABA, glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, taurine, and glycine in brain tissue and plasma of rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), a well-characterized experimental model of autism. Pregnant rats were injected with VPA (600mg/Kg) during the twelfth-embryonic-day. Control rats were injected with saline. On the fourteen-postnatal-day, rats from both groups (males and females) were anesthetized, euthanized by decapitation and their brain dissected out. The frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, brain stem and cerebellum were dissected and homogenized. Homogenates were centrifuged and supernatants were used to quantify amino acid concentrations by HPLC coupled with fluorometric detection. Blood samples were obtained by a cardiac puncture; plasma was separated and deproteinized to quantify amino acid concentration by HPLC. We found that, in VPA rats, glutamate and glutamine concentrations were increased in hippocampus and glycine concentration was increased in cortex. We did not find changes in other regions or in plasma amino acid concentration in the VPA group with respect to control group. Our results suggest that VPA exposure in utero may impair inhibitory and excitatory amino acid transmission in the infant brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Alberto Puig-Lagunes
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos, s/n, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 91010 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Calzada de los Tenorios, 235, 14330 Col. Granjas Coapa, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Consuelo Morgado-Valle
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos, s/n, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 91010 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Luis BeltrÁn-Parrazal
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos, s/n, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 91010 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - MarÍa-Leonor LÓpez-Meraz
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos, s/n, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 91010 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
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Traetta ME, Codagnone MG, Uccelli NA, Ramos AJ, Zárate S, Reinés A. Hippocampal neurons isolated from rats subjected to the valproic acid model mimic in vivo synaptic pattern: evidence of neuronal priming during early development in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2021; 12:23. [PMID: 33676530 PMCID: PMC7937248 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are synaptopathies characterized by area-specific synaptic alterations and neuroinflammation. Structural and adhesive features of hippocampal synapses have been described in the valproic acid (VPA) model. However, neuronal and microglial contribution to hippocampal synaptic pattern and its time-course of appearance is still unknown. METHODS Male pups born from pregnant rats injected at embryonic day 10.5 with VPA (450 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (control) were used. Maturation, exploratory activity and social interaction were assessed as autistic-like traits. Synaptic, cell adhesion and microglial markers were evaluated in the CA3 hippocampal region at postnatal day (PND) 3 and 35. Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons from control and VPA animals were used to study synaptic features and glutamate-induced structural remodeling. Basal and stimuli-mediated reactivity was assessed on microglia primary cultures isolated from control and VPA animals. RESULTS At PND3, before VPA behavioral deficits were evident, synaptophysin immunoreactivity and the balance between the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) were preserved in the hippocampus of VPA animals along with the absence of microgliosis. At PND35, concomitantly with the establishment of behavioral deficits, the hippocampus of VPA rats showed fewer excitatory synapses and increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance without microgliosis. Hippocampal neurons from VPA animals in culture exhibited a preserved synaptic puncta number at the beginning of the synaptogenic period in vitro but showed fewer excitatory synapses as well as increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance and resistance to glutamate-induced structural synaptic remodeling after active synaptogenesis. Microglial cells isolated from VPA animals and cultured in the absence of neurons showed similar basal and stimuli-induced reactivity to the control group. Results indicate that in the absence of glia, hippocampal neurons from VPA animals mirrored the in vivo synaptic pattern and suggest that while neurons are primed during the prenatal period, hippocampal microglia are not intrinsically altered. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests microglial role is not determinant for developing neuronal alterations or counteracting neuronal outcome in the hippocampus and highlights the crucial role of hippocampal neurons and structural plasticity in the establishment of the synaptic alterations in the VPA rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Gabriel Codagnone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nonthué Alejandra Uccelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Zárate
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Arkhipov AY, Samigullin DV, Semina II, Malomouzh AI. Functional Assessment of Peripheral
Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Rats with Fetal Valproate Syndrome. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Maturation of amygdala inputs regulate shifts in social and fear behaviors: A substrate for developmental effects of stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:11-25. [PMID: 33581221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress can negatively impact brain function and behaviors across the lifespan. However, stressors during adolescence have particularly harmful effects on brain maturation, and on fear and social behaviors that extend beyond adolescence. Throughout development, social behaviors are refined and the ability to suppress fear increases, both of which are dependent on amygdala activity. We review rodent literature focusing on developmental changes in social and fear behaviors, cortico-amygdala circuits underlying these changes, and how this circuitry is altered by stress. We first describe changes in fear and social behaviors from adolescence to adulthood and parallel developmental changes in cortico-amygdala circuitry. We propose a framework in which maturation of cortical inputs to the amygdala promote changes in social drive and fear regulation, and the particularly damaging effects of stress during adolescence may occur through lasting changes in this circuit. This framework may explain why anxiety and social pathologies commonly co-occur, adolescents are especially vulnerable to stressors impacting social and fear behaviors, and predisposed towards psychiatric disorders related to abnormal cortico-amygdala circuits.
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Yang JQ, Yang CH, Yin BQ. Combined the GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists attenuates autistic behaviors in a prenatal valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism. Behav Brain Res 2021; 403:113094. [PMID: 33359845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized primarily by two core behavioral symptoms of social communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Investigating the etiological process and identifying an appropriate therapeutic target remain as formidable challenges to overcome ASD due to numerous risk factors and complex symptoms associated with the disorder. Among the various mechanisms that contribute to ASD, the maintenance of excitation and inhibition balance emerged as a key factor to regulate proper functioning of neuronal circuitry. In this study, we employed prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) to establish a validated ASD mouse model and found impaired inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurotransmission through a presynaptic mechanism in these model mice, which was accompanied with decreased GABA release and GABA-A and GABA-B receptor subunits expression. And acute administration of individual GABA-A or GABA-B receptor agonists partially reversed autistic-like behaviors in the model mice. Furthermore, acute administration of the combined GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists palliated sociability deficits, anxiety and repetitive behaviors in the animal model of autistic-like behaviors, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of above cocktail in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Quan Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chao-Hua Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bao-Qi Yin
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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