1
|
Witherspoon E, Williams G, Zuczek N, Forcelli PA. Cenobamate suppresses seizures without inducing cell death in neonatal rats. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 158:109898. [PMID: 39002273 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109898] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
GABA modulators such as phenobarbital (PB) and sodium channel blockers such as phenytoin (PHT) have long been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for the epilepsies. In the context of neonatal seizures, both PB and PHT display incomplete clinical efficacy. Moreover, in animal models, neonatal exposure to these medications result in neurodegeneration raising concerns about safety. Cenobamate, a more recently approved medication, displays unique pharmacology as it is both a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, and a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker. While cenobamate is approved for adult use, its efficacy and safety profile against neonatal seizures is poorly understood. To address this gap, we assessed the efficacy and safety of cenobamate in immature rodents. Postnatal day (P)7 rat pups were pretreated with cenobamate and challenged with the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to screen for anti-seizure effects. In a separate experiment, P7 rats were treated with cenobamate, and brains were processed to assess induction of cell death. Cenobamate displays dose-dependent anti-seizure efficacy in neonatal rats. Unlike PHB and PHT, it does not induce neurotoxicity in P7 rats. Thus, cenobamate may be effective at treating neonatal seizures while avoiding unwanted neurotoxic side effects such as cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Witherspoon
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gabrielle Williams
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicholas Zuczek
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharpe C, Yang DZ, Haas RH, Reiner GE, Lee L, Capparelli EV. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data from the NEOLEV1 and NEOLEV2 studies. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2022-324952. [PMID: 38902005 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324952] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To confirm that levetiracetam (LEV) demonstrates predictable pharmacokinetics(PK) at higher doses and to study the pharmacodynamics(PD) of LEV. DESIGN Pharmacokinetic data from the NEOLEV1 and NEOLEV2 trials were analysed using a non-linear mixed effects modelling approach. A post hoc analysis of the effect of LEV on seizure burden was conducted. SETTING Neonatal intensive care unit. PATIENTS Term neonates with electrographically confirmed seizures. INTERVENTIONS In NEOLEV1, neonates with seizures persisting following phenobarbital (PHB) received LEV 20 or 40 mg/kg bolus followed by 5 or 10 mg/kg maintenance dose(MD) daily. In NEOLEV2, patients received a 40 mg/kg intravenous LEV load, followed by 10 mg/kg doses 8 hourly. If seizures persisted, a further 20 mg/kg intravenous load was given. If seizures persisted, PHB was given. PK data were collected from 16 NEOLEV1 patients and 33 NEOLEV2 patients. cEEG data from 48 NEOLEV2 patients were analysed to investigate onset of action and seizure burden reduction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) were determined. Covariates that significantly affected LEV disposition were identified. RESULTS Primary outcome: The median initial LEV level was 57 µg/mL (range 19-107) after the first loading dose and at least 12 µg/mL at 48 hours in all infants. CL and Vd were estimated to be 0.0538 L/hour and 0.832 L, respectively. A direct relationship between postnatal age and CL was observed. The final population pharmacokinetic(PopPK) model described the observed data well without significant biases. CL and Vd were described as CL (L/hour)=0.0538×(weight in kg/3.34)0.75×(postnatal age in days/5.5) 0.402 and Vd (L)=0.832×(weight in kg/3.34).Seizure burden reduced within 30 min of LEV administration. 28% of patients were completely seizure free after LEV. In an additional 25% of patients, seizure burden reduced by 50%. CONCLUSIONS LEV pharmacokinetics remained predictable at higher doses. Very high-dose LEV can now be studied in neonates. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01720667.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sharpe
- Paediatric Neurology, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Derek Z Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Richard H Haas
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gail E Reiner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lilly Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Edmund V Capparelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Topchiy I, Mohbat J, Folorunso OO, Wang ZZ, Lazcano-Etchebarne C, Engin E. GABA system as the cause and effect in early development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105651. [PMID: 38579901 PMCID: PMC11081854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105651] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain and through its actions on GABAARs, it protects against excitotoxicity and seizure activity, ensures temporal fidelity of neurotransmission, and regulates concerted rhythmic activity of neuronal populations. In the developing brain, the development of GABAergic neurons precedes that of glutamatergic neurons and the GABA system serves as a guide and framework for the development of other brain systems. Despite this early start, the maturation of the GABA system also continues well into the early postnatal period. In this review, we organize evidence around two scenarios based on the essential and protracted nature of GABA system development: 1) disruptions in the development of the GABA system can lead to large scale disruptions in other developmental processes (i.e., GABA as the cause), 2) protracted maturation of this system makes it vulnerable to the effects of developmental insults (i.e., GABA as the effect). While ample evidence supports the importance of GABA/GABAAR system in both scenarios, large gaps in existing knowledge prevent strong mechanistic conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Topchiy
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Julie Mohbat
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Oluwarotimi O Folorunso
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ziyi Zephyr Wang
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Elif Engin
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Quinlan S, Khan T, McFall D, Campos-Rodriguez C, Forcelli PA. Early life phenobarbital exposure dysregulates the hippocampal transcriptome. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1340691. [PMID: 38606173 PMCID: PMC11007044 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1340691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Phenobarbital (PB) and levetiracetam (LEV) are the first-line therapies for neonates with diagnosed seizures, however, a growing body of evidence shows that these drugs given during critical developmental windows trigger lasting molecular changes in the brain. While the targets and mechanism of action of these drugs are well understood-what is not known is how these drugs alter the transcriptomic landscape, and therefore molecular profile/gene expression during these critical windows of neurodevelopment. PB is associated with a range of neurotoxic effects in developing animals, from cell death to altered synaptic development to lasting behavioral impairment. LEV does not produce these effects. Methods: Here we evaluated the effects of PB and Lev on the hippocampal transcriptome by RNA sequencing. Neonatal rat pups were given a single dose of PB, Lev or vehicle and sacrificed 72 h later-at time at which drug is expected to be cleared. Results: We found PB induces broad changes in the transcriptomic profile (124 differentially expressed transcripts), as compared to relatively small changes in LEV-treated animals (15 transcripts). PB exposure decreased GABAergic and oligodendrocyte markers pvalb and opalin, and increased the marker of activated microglia, cd68 and the astrocyte- associated gene vegfa. These data are consistent with the existing literature showing developmental neurotoxicity associated with PB, but not LEV. Discussion: The widespread change in gene expression after PB, which affected transcripts reflective of multiple cell types, may provide a link between acute drug administration and lasting drug toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seán Quinlan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tahiyana Khan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - David McFall
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Patrick A. Forcelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghosh A, Quinlan S, Forcelli PA. Anti-seizure medication-induced developmental cell death in neonatal rats is unaltered by history of hypoxia. Epilepsy Res 2024; 201:107318. [PMID: 38430668 PMCID: PMC11018699 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107318] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many anti-seizure medications (ASMs) trigger neuronal cell death when administered during a confined period of early life in rodents. Prototypical ASMs used to treat early-life seizures such as phenobarbital induce this effect, whereas levetiracetam does not. However, most prior studies have examined the effect of ASMs in naïve animals, and the degree to which underlying brain injury interacts with these drugs to modify cell death is poorly studied. Moreover, the degree to which drug-induced neuronal cell death differs as a function of sex is unknown. METHODS We treated postnatal day 7 Sprague Dawley rat pups with vehicle, phenobarbital (75 mg/kg) or levetiracetam (200 mg/kg). Separate groups of pups were pre-exposed to either normoxia or graded global hypoxia. Separate groups of males and females were used. Twenty-four hours after drug treatment, brains were collected and processed for markers of cell death. RESULTS Consistent with prior studies, phenobarbital, but not levetiracetam, increased cell death in cortical regions, basal ganglia, hippocampus, septum, and lateral thalamus. Hypoxia did not modify basal levels of cell death. Females - collapsed across treatment and hypoxia status, displayed a small but significant increase in cell death as compared to males in the cingulate cortex, somatosensory cortex, and the CA1 and CA3 hippocampus; these effects were not modulated by hypoxia or drug treatment. CONCLUSION We found that a history of graded global hypoxia does not alter the neurotoxic profile of phenobarbital. Levetiracetam, which does not induce cell death in normal developing animals, maintained a benign profile on the background of neonatal hypoxia. We found a sex-based difference, as female animals showed elevated levels of cell death across all treatment conditions. Together, these data address several long-standing gaps in our understanding of the neurotoxic profile of antiseizure medications during early postnatal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjik Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sean Quinlan
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ceccanti M, Blum K, Bowirrat A, Dennen CA, Braverman ER, Baron D, Mclaughlin T, Giordano J, Gupta A, Downs BW, Bagchi D, Barh D, Elman I, Thanos PK, Badgaiyan RD, Edwards D, Gold MS. Future Newborns with Opioid-Induced Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Could Be Assessed with the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) Test and Potentially Treated Using Precision Amino-Acid Enkephalinase Inhibition Therapy (KB220) as a Frontline Modality Instead of Potent Opioids. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122015. [PMID: 36556236 PMCID: PMC9782293 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this nonsystematic review and opinion, including articles primarily selected from PubMed, we examine the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in order to craft a reasonable opinion to help forge a paradigm shift in the treatment and prevention of primarily opioid-induced NAS. Newborns of individuals who use illicit and licit substances during pregnancy are at risk for withdrawal, also known as NAS. In the US, the reported prevalence of NAS has increased from 4.0 per 1000 hospital births in 2010 to 7.3 per 1000 hospital births in 2017, which is an 82% increase. The management of NAS is varied and involves a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy. The preferred first-line pharmacological treatment for NAS is opioid therapy, specifically morphine, and the goal is the short-term improvement in NAS symptomatology. Nonpharmacological therapies are individualized and typically focus on general care measures, the newborn-parent/caregiver relationship, the environment, and feeding. When used appropriately, nonpharmacologic therapies can help newborns with NAS avoid or reduce the amount of pharmacologic therapy required and the length of hospitalization. In addition, genetic polymorphisms of the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) and mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) genes appear to affect the length of stay and the need for pharmacotherapy in newborns with prenatal opioid exposure. Therefore, based on this extensive literature and additional research, this team of coauthors suggests that, in the future, in addition to the current nonpharmacological therapies, patients with opioid-induced NAS should undergo genetic assessment (i.e., the genetic addiction risk severity (GARS) test), which can subsequently be used to guide DNA-directed precision amino-acid enkephalinase inhibition (KB220) therapy as a frontline modality instead of potent opioids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Ceccanti
- Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell’Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze (SITAC), ASL Roma1, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Kenneth Blum
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Mental Health & Sports, Exercise and Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, H-1053 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Dayton VA Medical Centre, Dayton, OH 45324, USA
- Reward Deficiency Clinics of America, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Center for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721172, India
- Department of Precision Behavioral Management, Transplicegen Therapeutics, Inc., LLC., Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Catherine A. Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Eric R. Braverman
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - David Baron
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Mental Health & Sports, Exercise and Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | | | - John Giordano
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Ketamine Infusion Clinic of South Florida, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, USA
| | - Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Bernard W. Downs
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern University College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Center for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721172, India
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Igor Elman
- Center for Pain and the Brain (PAIN Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Drew Edwards
- Neurogenesis Project, Jacksonville, FL 32223, USA
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meador KJ. Effects of Maternal Use of Antiseizure Medications on Child Development. Neurol Clin 2022; 40:755-768. [PMID: 36270689 PMCID: PMC9589915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.03.006] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most children born to women with epilepsy (WWE) are normal, but have increased risks for malformations and poor neuropsychological outcomes. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are among the most commonly prescribed teratogenic medications in women of childbearing age. However, WWE typically cannot avoid using ASMs during pregnancy. Teratogenic risks vary across ASMs. Valproate poses a special risk for anatomic and behavioral teratogenic risks compared with other ASMs. The risks for many ASMs remain uncertain. Women of childbearing potential taking ASMs should be taking folic acid. Breastfeeding while taking ASMs seems safe. WWE should receive informed consent outlining risks before conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, 213 Quarry Road, MC 5979, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5979, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Propofol and Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Early Childhood Do Not Influence Seizure Threshold in Adult Rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312367. [PMID: 34886095 PMCID: PMC8656979 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated that general anesthetics administered during the period of synaptogenesis may induce widespread neurodegeneration, which results in permanent cognitive and behavioral deficits. What remains to be elucidated is the extent of the potential influence of the commonly used hypnotics on comorbidities including epilepsy, which may have resulted from increased neurodegeneration during synaptogenesis. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that neuropathological changes induced by anesthetics during synaptogenesis may lead to changes in the seizure threshold during adulthood. Wistar rat pups were treated with propofol, sevoflurane, or saline on the sixth postnatal day. The long-term effects of prolonged propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on epileptogenesis were assessed using corneal kindling, pilocarpine-, and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models in adult animals. Body weight gain was measured throughout the experiment. No changes in the seizure threshold were observed in the three models. A significant weight gain after exposure to anesthetics during synaptogenesis was observed in the propofol group but not in the sevoflurane group. The results suggest that single prolonged exposure to sevoflurane or propofol during synaptogenesis may have no undesirable effects on epileptogenesis in adulthood.
Collapse
|
9
|
Osuntokun OS, Aderoju MO, Adebisi IE, Abayomi TA, Samuel Tokunbo O, Olayiwola G. Phenytoin–levetiracetam adjunctive treatment-induced neurotoxicity and deregulation of cholinergic neurotransmission with evidence of neurocognitive impairment in male Wistar rats. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/20905068.2021.1948157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Samson Osuntokun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Osun State University Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Mary Olabisi Aderoju
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Osun State University Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoluwa Esther Adebisi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Osun State University Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo Adekemi Abayomi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Osun State University Osogbo, Nigeria
| | | | - Gbola Olayiwola
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ziobro JM, Eschbach K, Shellhaas RA. Novel Therapeutics for Neonatal Seizures. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1564-1581. [PMID: 34386906 PMCID: PMC8608938 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal seizures are a common neurologic emergency for which therapies have not significantly changed in decades. Improvements in diagnosis and pathophysiologic understanding of the distinct features of acute symptomatic seizures and neonatal-onset epilepsies present exceptional opportunities for development of precision therapies with potential to improve outcomes. Herein, we discuss the pathophysiology of neonatal seizures and review the evidence for currently available treatment. We present emerging therapies in clinical and preclinical development for the treatment of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. Lastly, we discuss the role of precision therapies for genetic neonatal-onset epilepsies and address barriers and goals for developing new therapies for clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, 1540 E. Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Krista Eschbach
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Denver Anschutz School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, 1540 E. Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Samson Osuntokun O, Grace Akingboye B, Olayiwola G, Adekemi Abayomi T, Oladele Ayoka A. The impairment of motor coordination following chronic carbamazepine-levetiracetam combination treatment with evidence of corticocerebellar toxicity in male Wistar rats. Brain Res 2021; 1767:147565. [PMID: 34175264 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147565] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) or levetiracetam (LEV) and sub-therapeutic doses of the combination of the two conventional antiepileptics on some of the markers of motor coordination. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (140 ± 5 g) were randomized into 4 groups (n = 6). Group I rats received physiological saline (0.2 ml), group II were administered CBZ (25.0 mg/kg), group III received LEV (50 mg/kg), while group IV rats were given sub-therapeutic doses of CBZ (12.5 mg/kg) and LEV (25 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 28 days. Thereafter the animals were subjected to behavioral and biochemical investigations, while the frontal lobe and cerebellar tissue were preserved for histological investigation. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, and the results presented as mean ± SEM, analyzed using one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student- Newman Keuls post hoc analysis where appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was significant alteration in fine and skilled movement after the CBZ, and CBZ + LEV chronic treatment compared with the control. The CBZ, and CBZ + LEV combination treatment increased the frontal lobe and cerebellar activities of acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde concentration, tissue necrotic factor alpha and decreased the activities of super oxide dismutase relative to the control. Disorganization of the histoarchitecture of the frontal lobe and cerebellum was characterized by cellular atrophy, chromatolysis and hyalinization. Chronic CBZ, and CBZ + LEV combination treatment produced psychomotor dysfunction and neurotoxicity in this order CBZ + LEV > CBZ > LEV in the rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Samson Osuntokun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State.
| | - Busayo Grace Akingboye
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Gbola Olayiwola
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo Adekemi Abayomi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Oladele Ayoka
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hassan SA, Ali AAH, Yassine M, Sohn D, Pfeffer M, Jänicke RU, Korf HW, von Gall C. Relationship between locomotor activity rhythm and corticosterone levels during HCC development, progression, and treatment in a mouse model. J Pineal Res 2021; 70:e12724. [PMID: 33615553 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and stress are common symptoms in cancer patients and represent early side effects of cancer treatment which affect the life quality of the patients. CRF may partly depend on disruption of the circadian rhythm. Locomotor activity and corticosterone rhythms are two important circadian outputs which can be used to analyze possible effects on the circadian function during cancer development and treatment. The present study analyzes the relationship between locomotor activity rhythm, corticosterone levels, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, and radiotherapy treatment in a mouse model. HCC was induced in mice by single injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and chronic treatment of phenobarbital in drinking water. Another group received chronic phenobarbital treatment only. Tumor bearing animals were divided randomly into four groups irradiated at four different Zeitgeber time points. Spontaneous locomotor activity was recorded continuously; serum corticosterone levels and p-ERK immunoreaction in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were investigated. Phenobarbital treated mice showed damped corticosterone levels and a less stable 24 hours activity rhythm as well as an increase in activity during the light phase, reminiscent of sleep disruption. The tumor mice showed an increase in corticosterone level during the inactive phase and decreased activity during the dark phase, reminiscent of CRF. After irradiation, corticosterone levels were further increased and locomotor activity rhythms were disrupted. Lowest corticosterone levels were observed after irradiation during the early light phase; thus, this time might be the best to apply radiotherapy in order to minimize side effects.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Activity Cycles
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Biomarkers/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/chemically induced
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/physiopathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/radiotherapy
- Chronotherapy
- Circadian Rhythm
- Corticosterone/blood
- Diethylnitrosamine
- Disease Progression
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/blood
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/physiopathology
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/radiotherapy
- Locomotion
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Period Circadian Proteins/genetics
- Phenobarbital
- Phosphorylation
- Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/metabolism
- Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/physiopathology
- Time Factors
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Hassan
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, Suez, Egypt
| | - Amira A H Ali
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mona Yassine
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dennis Sohn
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiooncology, Clinic and Policlinic for Radiation Therapy and Radiooncology, Medical Faculty of Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martina Pfeffer
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reiner U Jänicke
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiooncology, Clinic and Policlinic for Radiation Therapy and Radiooncology, Medical Faculty of Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Horst-Werner Korf
- Institute of Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Charlotte von Gall
- Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of a potassium channel opener on brain injury and neurologic outcomes in an animal model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. Pediatr Res 2020; 88:202-208. [PMID: 31896131 PMCID: PMC7329576 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is the most common cause of brain injury in newborns and the survivors often develop cognitive and sensorimotor disabilities that undermine the quality of life. In the current study, we examined the effectiveness of flupirtine, a potassium channel opener, shown previously in an animal model to have strong anti-neonatal-seizure efficacy, to provide neuroprotection and alleviate later-life disabilities caused by neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. METHODS The rats were treated with a single dose of flupirtine for 4 days following HI induction in 7-day-old rats. The first dose of flupirtine was given after the induction of HI and during the reperfusion period. The effect of treatment was examined on acute and chronic brain injury, motor functions, and cognitive abilities. RESULTS Flupirtine treatment significantly reduced HI-induced hippocampal and cortical tissue loss at acute time point. Furthermore, at chronic time point, flupirtine reduced contralateral hippocampal volume loss and partially reversed learning and memory impairments but failed to improve motor deficits. CONCLUSION The flupirtine treatment regimen used in the current study significantly reduced brain injury at acute time point in an animal model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. However, these neuroprotective effects were not persistent and only modest improvement in functional outcomes were observed at chronic time points.
Collapse
|
14
|
Brusseau C, Burnette T, Heidel RE. Clonidine versus phenobarbital as adjunctive therapy for neonatal abstinence syndrome. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1050-1055. [PMID: 32424335 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare clonidine versus phenobarbital as adjunctive therapy in infants who failed monotherapy with morphine for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, open-label study of infants ≥ 35 weeks' gestation. Infants received clonidine or phenobarbital per protocol. Primary outcome was morphine treatment days. Secondary outcomes were inpatient adjunctive days, length of stay (LOS), triple therapy, safety, and readmission rates. RESULTS A total of 25 infants were treated with clonidine (n = 14) or phenobarbital (n = 11). Mean morphine treatment duration was significantly longer with clonidine (34.4 days, SD = 10.6) compared with phenobarbital (25.5 days, SD = 7.3, p = 0.026). The clonidine group also had higher inpatient adjunctive days (mean: 33.8 days [SD = 14.3] vs. 22 days [SD = 12.6], p = 0.042) and LOS (mean: 41.8 days [SD = 10.9] vs. 31 days [SD = 10]; p = 0.018) compared with phenobarbital. CONCLUSIONS Phenobarbital, as adjunctive therapy, led to significantly shorter duration of morphine therapy, inpatient adjunctive days, and length of stay compared with clonidine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Brusseau
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - Tara Burnette
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - R Eric Heidel
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sharpe C, Reiner GE, Davis SL, Nespeca M, Gold JJ, Rasmussen M, Kuperman R, Harbert MJ, Michelson D, Joe P, Wang S, Rismanchi N, Le NM, Mower A, Kim J, Battin MR, Lane B, Honold J, Knodel E, Arnell K, Bridge R, Lee L, Ernstrom K, Raman R, Haas RH. Levetiracetam Versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3182. [PMID: 32385134 PMCID: PMC7263056 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for neonatal seizures. Phenobarbital and phenytoin frequently fail to control seizures. There are concerns about the safety of seizure medications in the developing brain. Levetiracetam has proven efficacy and an excellent safety profile in older patients; therefore, there is great interest in its use in neonates. However, randomized studies have not been performed. Our objectives were to study the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam compared with phenobarbital as a first-line treatment of neonatal seizures. METHODS The study was a multicenter, randomized, blinded, controlled, phase IIb trial investigating the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam compared with phenobarbital as a first-line treatment for neonatal seizures of any cause. The primary outcome measure was complete seizure freedom for 24 hours, assessed by independent review of the EEGs by 2 neurophysiologists. RESULTS Eighty percent of patients (24 of 30) randomly assigned to phenobarbital remained seizure free for 24 hours, compared with 28% of patients (15 of 53) randomly assigned to levetiracetam (P < .001; relative risk 0.35 [95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.56]; modified intention-to-treat population). A 7.5% improvement in efficacy was achieved with a dose escalation of levetiracetam from 40 to 60 mg/kg. More adverse effects were seen in subjects randomly assigned to phenobarbital (not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS In this phase IIb study, phenobarbital was more effective than levetiracetam for the treatment of neonatal seizures. Higher rates of adverse effects were seen with phenobarbital treatment. Higher-dose studies of levetiracetam are warranted, and definitive studies with long-term outcome measures are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sharpe
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand;,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Gail E. Reiner
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Suzanne L. Davis
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Nespeca
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jeffrey J. Gold
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Rachel Kuperman
- Pediatric Neurology, University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California
| | - Mary Jo Harbert
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - David Michelson
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda, California
| | - Priscilla Joe
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Sonya Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Neggy Rismanchi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Ngoc Minh Le
- Neonatal Research Institute, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - Andrew Mower
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Jae Kim
- Division of NeoNatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Malcolm R. Battin
- Department of Neonatology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Brian Lane
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jose Honold
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Ellen Knodel
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Kathy Arnell
- Neonatal Research Institute, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - Renee Bridge
- Division of NeoNatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Lilly Lee
- Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Karin Ernstrom
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rema Raman
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Richard H. Haas
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Meador KJ, Pennell PB, May RC, Brown CA, Baker G, Bromley R, Loring DW, Cohen MJ. Effects of periconceptional folate on cognition in children of women with epilepsy: NEAD study. Neurology 2019; 94:e729-e740. [PMID: 31871217 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence suggests potential positive neuropsychological effects of periconceptional folate in both healthy children and children exposed in utero to antiseizure medications (ASMs). In this report, we test the hypothesis that periconceptional folate improves neurodevelopment in children of women with epilepsy by re-examining data from the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (NEAD) study. METHODS The NEAD study was an NIH-funded, prospective, observational, multicenter investigation of pregnancy outcomes in 311 children of 305 women with epilepsy treated with ASM monotherapy. Missing data points were imputed with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Multivariate analyses adjusted for multiple factors (e.g., maternal IQ, ASM type, standardized ASM dose, and gestational birth age) were performed to assess the effects of periconceptional folate on cognitive outcomes (i.e., Full Scale Intelligence Quotient [FSIQ], Verbal and Nonverbal indexes, and Expressive and Receptive Language indexes at 3 and 6 years of age, and executive function and memory function at 6 years of age). RESULTS Periconceptional folate was associated with higher FSIQ at both 3 and 6 years of age. Significant effects for other measures included Nonverbal Index, Expressive Language Index, and Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment Executive Function at 6 years of age, and Verbal Index and Receptive Language Index at 3 years of age. Nonsignificant effects included Verbal Index, Receptive Index, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Parent Questionnaire Executive Function, and General Memory Index at 6 years of age, and Nonverbal Index and Expressive Index at 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Use of periconceptional folate in pregnant women with epilepsy taking ASMs is associated with better cognitive development. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER NCT00021866.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimford J Meador
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA.
| | - Page B Pennell
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - Ryan C May
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - Carrie A Brown
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - Gus Baker
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - Rebecca Bromley
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - David W Loring
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | - Morris J Cohen
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (P.B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; The Emmes Corporation (R.C.M., C.A.B.), Rockville, MD; Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery (G.B.), University of Liverpool, Merseyside; Division of Evolution and Genomic Science (R.B.), School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta; and Pediatric Neuropsychology International (M.J.C.), Augusta, GA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Enhancing effect of aerobic training on learning and memory performance in rats after long-term treatment with Lacosamide via BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Behav Brain Res 2019; 370:111963. [PMID: 31116960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic training has a neuroprotective effect, reduces the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and facilitates functional recovery. The present study assesses the effect of aerobic training on cognitive functions, hippocampal BDNF/TrkB ligand receptor system expression and serum levels of BDNF and corticosterone in intact rats after chronic treatment with Lacosamide (LCM). Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. One group was exercised on a treadmill (Ex) and the other one was sedentary (Sed). Half of the rats from each group received saline (veh) while the other half - LCM. The rats underwent a month-long training and LCM treatment before being subjected to one active and two passive avoidance tests. Both trained groups increased significantly the number of avoidances compared with the sedentary animals during the learning session and on memory retention tests, while the number of avoidances of the LCM-treated rats was significantly lower in comparison with the saline-treated animals. Both passive avoidance tests revealed that trained animals spent more time in the lighted compartment or caused longer stay on the platform than did the sedentary rats during acquisition and short- and long-term memory retention tests. Aerobic training increased BDNF and TrkB hippocampal immunoreactivity. We found no significant difference between BDNF serum levels but corticosterone levels of the Sed-LCM rats were lower than those of the Sed-veh animals. Our results show that aerobic training increases the hippocampal BDNF/TrkB expression suggesting a role in preventing the negative effect of Lacosamide on cognitive functions in rats.
Collapse
|
18
|
Quinlan S, Merino-Serrais P, Di Grande A, Dussmann H, Prehn JHM, Ní Chonghaile T, Henshall DC, Jimenez-Mateos EM. The Anti-inflammatory Compound Candesartan Cilexetil Improves Neurological Outcomes in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Hypoxia. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1752. [PMID: 31396238 PMCID: PMC6667988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that mild hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures can trigger an acute neuroinflammatory response leading to long-lasting changes in brain excitability along with associated cognitive and behavioral deficits. The cellular elements and signaling pathways underlying neuroinflammation in this setting remain incompletely understood but could yield novel therapeutic targets. Here we show that brief global hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures in mice result in transient cytokine production, a selective expansion of microglia and long-lasting changes to the neuronal structure of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. Treatment of neonatal mice after hypoxia-seizures with the novel anti-inflammatory compound candesartan cilexetil suppressed acute seizure-damage and mitigated later-life aggravated seizure responses and hippocampus-dependent learning deficits. Together, these findings improve our understanding of the effects of neonatal seizures and identify potentially novel treatments to protect against short and long-lasting harmful effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Quinlan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Merino-Serrais
- Division for Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Departamento de Neurobiologia Funcional y de Sistemas, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Di Grande
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heiko Dussmann
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tríona Ní Chonghaile
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,INFANT Research Centre, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eva M Jimenez-Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mangat AK, Schmölzer GM, Kraft WK. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 24:133-141. [PMID: 30745219 PMCID: PMC6451887 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal abstinence syndrome is defined by signs and symptoms of withdrawal that infants develop after intrauterine maternal drug exposure. All infants with documented in utero opioid exposure, or a high pre-test probability of exposure should have monitoring with a standard assessment instrument such as a Finnegan Score. A Finnegan score of >8 is suggestive of opioid exposure, even in the absence of declared use during pregnancy. At least half of infants in most locales can be treated without the use of pharmacologic means. For this reason, symptom scores will drive the decision for pharmacologic therapy. Nevertheless, all infants, regardless of initial manifestations, should be first be managed with non-pharmacologic approaches which in turn, should not be considered as the sole alternative to drug therapy, but rather, as the base upon which all patients are treated. Those who continue to have symptoms despite supportive care should be pharmacologically treated, which in the most severe cases, is life-saving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A K Mangat
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Neonatal Research Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - G M Schmölzer
- Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Neonatal Research Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - W K Kraft
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Quinlan SMM, Rodriguez-Alvarez N, Molloy EJ, Madden SF, Boylan GB, Henshall DC, Jimenez-Mateos EM. Complex spectrum of phenobarbital effects in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxia-induced seizures. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9986. [PMID: 29968748 PMCID: PMC6030182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures in neonates, mainly caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, are thought to be harmful to the brain. Phenobarbital remains the first line drug therapy for the treatment of suspected neonatal seizures but concerns remain with efficacy and safety. Here we explored the short- and long-term outcomes of phenobarbital treatment in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures. Seizures were induced in P7 mice by exposure to 5% O2 for 15 minutes. Immediately after hypoxia, pups received a single dose of phenobarbital (25 mg.kg-1) or saline. We observed that after administration of phenobarbital seizure burden and number of seizures were reduced compared to the hypoxic period; however, PhB did not suppress acute histopathology. Behavioural analysis of mice at 5 weeks of age previously subjected to hypoxia-seizures revealed an increase in anxiety-like behaviour and impaired memory function compared to control littermates, and these effects were not normalized by phenobarbital. In a seizure susceptibility test, pups previously exposed to hypoxia, with or without phenobarbital, developed longer and more severe seizures in response to kainic acid injection compared to control mice. Unexpectedly, mice treated with phenobarbital developed less hippocampal damage after kainic acid than untreated counterparts. The present study suggests phenobarbital treatment in immature mice does not improve the long lasting functional deficits induces by hypoxia-induced seizures but, unexpectedly, may reduce neuronal death caused by exposure to a second seizure event in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M M Quinlan
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123, St Stephen Green, Dublin, 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123, St Stephen Green, Dublin, 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eleanor J Molloy
- Paediatrics, Academic Centre, Tallaght Hospital, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Neonatology, Coombe Women and Infants' University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Neonatology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen F Madden
- Data Science Centre, Beaux Lane House, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Geraldine B Boylan
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), Cork, Ireland.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123, St Stephen Green, Dublin, 2, Dublin, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), Cork, Ireland
| | - Eva M Jimenez-Mateos
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123, St Stephen Green, Dublin, 2, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aguilar BL, Malkova L, N'Gouemo P, Forcelli PA. Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats Display Anxiety-Like Behaviors and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities of Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:476. [PMID: 29997563 PMCID: PMC6030811 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric comorbidities, including both anxiety and depression. Despite high occurrences of depression and anxiety seen in human epilepsy populations, little is known about the etiology of these comorbidities. Experimental models of epilepsy provide a platform to disentangle the contribution of acute seizures, genetic predisposition, and underlying circuit pathologies to anxious and depressive phenotypes. Most studies to date have focused on comorbidities in acquired epilepsies; genetic models, however, allow for the assessment of affective phenotypes that occur prior to onset of recurrent seizures. Here, we tested male and female genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s) and Sprague-Dawley controls in a battery of tests sensitive to anxiety-like and depressive-like phenotypes. GEPR-3s showed increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field test, elevated plus maze, light-dark transition test, and looming threat test. Moreover, GEPR-3s showed impaired prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex, decreased sucrose preference index, and impaired novel object recognition memory. We also characterized defense behaviors in response to stimulation thresholds of deep and intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC), but found no difference between strains. In sum, GEPR-3s showed inherited anxiety, an effect that did not differ significantly between sexes. The anxiety phenotype in adult GEPR-3s suggests strong genetic influences that may underlie both the seizure disorder and the comorbidities seen in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Aguilar
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ludise Malkova
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Prosper N'Gouemo
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zucker I. Psychoactive drug exposure during breastfeeding: a critical need for preclinical behavioral testing. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1335-1346. [PMID: 29549392 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding women are excluded from clinical trials of psychoactive drugs because of ethical concerns. Animal testing, which often is predictive of adverse effects in humans, represents the only avenue available for assessing drug safety for human offspring exposed to drugs during lactation. I determined whether behavioral outcomes for children exposed during breastfeeding to antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications, analgesics, sedatives, and marijuana can be predicted by rodent studies of offspring exposed to drugs during lactation. Animal data were available for only 10 of 80 CNS-active drugs canvassed. Behavioral deficits in adolescence or adulthood in rats and mice after various drug exposures during lactation included reductions in sexual behavior, increased anxiety, hyperactivity, and impaired learning and memory. Whether similar adverse effects will emerge in adulthood in children exposed to drugs during breastfeeding is unknown. Rodent research has the potential to forecast impairments in breastfed children long before information emerges from post-marketing reports and should be prioritized during preclinical drug evaluation by the FDA for new drugs and for drugs currently prescribed off-label for lactating women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irving Zucker
- Departments of Psychology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA. .,Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kang SK, Ammanuel S, Thodupunuri S, Adler DA, Johnston MV, Kadam SD. Sleep dysfunction following neonatal ischemic seizures are differential by neonatal age of insult as determined by qEEG in a mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 116:1-12. [PMID: 29684437 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal seizures associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) pose a challenge in their acute clinical management and are often followed by long-term neurological consequences. We used a newly characterized CD-1 mouse model of neonatal ischemic seizures associated with age-dependent (P7 vs. P10) seizure severity and phenobarbital efficacy (i.e.; PB-resistant vs. PB-efficacious respectively) following unilateral carotid ligation. The long-term consequences following untreated neonatal seizures in P7 vs. P10 ligated pups were investigated using neurobehavioral testing, 24 h v- quantitative EEG -EMG (qEEG, qEMG), and western blot analyses in adult mice. Significant hyperactivity emerged in a small sub-set of mice in both age-groups associated with a failure to habituate during open-field (OF) testing. 24 h continuous qEEGs detected significantly altered sleep architecture due to long-wake cycles in both age-groups. Delta power (0.5-4 Hz) quantification during slow-wave-sleep (SWS) revealed significant SWS compensation in P10 ligates following periods of increased sleep pressure which the P7 ligate group failed to show. Theta/beta ratios deemed as negative correlation markers of attentional control were significantly higher only in the P10 ligates. These results indicate that neonatal age-dependent differences in the characteristics of ischemic neonatal seizures in CD-1 pups differentially modulate long-term outcomes, when evaluated with v-qEEG/EMG as adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Kang
- Department of Neuroscience, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - S Ammanuel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - S Thodupunuri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - D A Adler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - M V Johnston
- Department of Neuroscience, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Departments of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - S D Kadam
- Department of Neuroscience, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Departments of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Endesfelder S, Weichelt U, Schiller C, Winter K, von Haefen C, Bührer C. Caffeine Protects Against Anticonvulsant-Induced Impaired Neurogenesis in the Developing Rat Brain. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:173-187. [PMID: 29417440 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In preterm infants, phenobarbital is the first-line antiepileptic drug for neonatal seizures while caffeine is used for the treatment of apnea. Data from experimental animals suggest that phenobarbital and other anticonvulsants are toxic for the developing brain, while neuroprotective effects have been reported for caffeine both in newborn rodents and preterm human infants. To characterize the interaction of phenobarbital and caffeine in the hippocampus of the developing rodent brain, we examined the effects of both drugs given separately or together on postnatal neurogenesis after administration to neonatal rats throughout postnatal day (P) 4 to P6. Phenobarbital treatment (50 mg/kg) resulted in a significant decrease of proliferative capacity in the dentate gyrus. Phenobarbital also reduced expression of neuronal markers (doublecortin (DCX), calretinin, NeuN), neuronal transcription factors (Pax6, Sox2, Tbr1/2, Prox1), and neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT-3) up to 24 h after the last administration. The phenobarbital-mediated impairment of neurogenesis was largely ameliorated by preconditioning with caffeine (10 mg/kg). In contrast, caffeine alone reduced proliferative capacity and expression of the neuronal markers DCX and NeuN at 6 h, but increased expression of neurotrophins and neuronal transcription factors at 6 and 12 h. These results indicate that administration of phenobarbital during the vulnerable phase of brain development negatively interferes with neuronal development, which can be prevented in part by co-administration of caffeine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Endesfelder
- Department of Neonatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Weichelt
- Endowed Professorship of Immunotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Campus Golm, Karl-Liebknechtstraße 24-25, 14476, Potsdam - Golm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Schiller
- Department of Neonatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Winter
- Department of Neonatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clarissa von Haefen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Al-Muhtasib N, Sepulveda-Rodriguez A, Vicini S, Forcelli PA. Neonatal phenobarbital exposure disrupts GABAergic synaptic maturation in rat CA1 neurons. Epilepsia 2018; 59:333-344. [PMID: 29315524 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for the treatment of neonatal seizures. The use of phenobarbital continues despite growing evidence that it exerts suboptimal seizure control and is associated with long-term alterations in brain structure, function, and behavior. Alterations following neonatal phenobarbital exposure include acute induction of neuronal apoptosis, disruption of synaptic development in the striatum, and a host of behavioral deficits. These behavioral deficits include those in learning and memory mediated by the hippocampus. However, the synaptic changes caused by acute exposure to phenobarbital that lead to lasting effects on brain function and behavior remain understudied. METHODS Postnatal day (P)7 rat pups were treated with phenobarbital (75 mg/kg) or saline. On P13-14 or P29-37, acute slices were prepared and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal neurons. RESULTS At P14 we found an increase in miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) frequency in the phenobarbital-exposed as compared to the saline-exposed group. In addition to this change in mIPSC frequency, the phenobarbital group displayed larger bicuculline-sensitive tonic currents, decreased capacitance and membrane time constant, and a surprising persistence of giant depolarizing potentials. At P29+, the frequency of mIPSCs in the saline-exposed group had increased significantly from the frequency at P14, typical of normal synaptic development; at this age the phenobarbital-exposed group displayed a lower mIPSC frequency than did the control group. Spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) frequency was unaffected at either P14 or P29+. SIGNIFICANCE These neurophysiological alterations following phenobarbital exposure provide a potential mechanism by which acute phenobarbital exposure can have a long-lasting impact on brain development and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nour Al-Muhtasib
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alberto Sepulveda-Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zimcikova E, Simko J, Karesova I, Kremlacek J, Malakova J. Behavioral effects of antiepileptic drugs in rats: Are the effects on mood and behavior detectable in open-field test? Seizure 2017; 52:35-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
27
|
Huizenga MN, Wicker E, Beck VC, Forcelli PA. Anticonvulsant effect of cannabinoid receptor agonists in models of seizures in developing rats. Epilepsia 2017; 58:1593-1602. [PMID: 28691158 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although drugs targeting the cannabinoid system (e.g., CB1 receptor agonists) display anticonvulsant efficacy in adult animal models of seizures/epilepsy, they remain unexplored in developing animal models. However, cannabinoid system functions emerge early in development, providing a rationale for targeting this system in neonates. We examined the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting the cannabinoid system in three seizure models in developing rats. METHODS Postnatal day (P) 10, Sprague-Dawley rat pups were challenged with the chemoconvulsant methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) or pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), after treatment with either CB1/2 mixed agonist (WIN 55,212-2), CB1 agonist (arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide [ACEA]), CB2 agonist (HU-308), CB1 antagonist (AM-251), CB2 antagonist (AM-630), fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor (URB-597), or G protein-coupled receptor 55 agonist (O-1602). P20 Sprague-Dawley pups were challenged with DMCM after treatment with WIN, ACEA, or URB. Finally, after pretreatment with WIN, P10 Sprague-Dawley rats were challenged against acute hypoxia-induced seizures. RESULTS The mixed CB1/2 agonist and the CB1-specific agonist, but no other drugs, displayed anticonvulsant effects against clonic seizures in the DMCM model. By contrast, both CB1 and CB2 antagonism increased seizure severity. Similarly, we found that the CB1/2 agonist displayed antiseizure efficacy against acute hypoxia-induced seizures (automatisms, clonic and tonic-clonic seizures) and tonic-clonic seizures evoked by PTZ. Anticonvulsant effects were seen in P10 animals but not P20 animals. SIGNIFICANCE Early life seizures represent a significant cause of morbidity, with 30-40% of infants and children with epilepsy failing to achieve seizure remission with current pharmacotherapy. Identification of new therapies for neonatal/infantile epilepsy syndromes is thus of high priority. These data indicate that the anticonvulsant action of the CB system is specific to CB1 receptor activation during early development and provide justification for further examination of CB1 receptor agonists as novel antiepileptic drugs targeting epilepsy in infants and children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan N Huizenga
- Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Evan Wicker
- Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Veronica C Beck
- Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A.,Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sarangi SC, Kakkar AK, Kumar R, Gupta YK. Effect of lamotrigine, levetiracetam & topiramate on neurobehavioural parameters & oxidative stress in comparison with valproate in rats. Indian J Med Res 2017; 144:104-111. [PMID: 27834333 PMCID: PMC5116881 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.193296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Though newer antiepileptic drugs are considered safer than conventional antiepileptics, the effects of lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate on neurobehavioural functions are yet to be established. This study evaluated neurobehavioural parameters and oxidative stress markers in brain tissue of rats treated with lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate compared to sodium valproate. Methods: Five groups of male Wistar rats were treated respectively with normal saline (control), sodium valproate (370 mg/kg), lamotrigine (50 mg/kg), levetiracetam (310 mg/kg) and topiramate (100 mg/kg) for 45 days. Neurobehavioural parameters were assessed using elevated plus maze (EPM), actophotometer, rotarod, passive avoidance and Morris water maze (MWM) at baseline and at the end of treatment. Oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were estimated in rat brain at the end of treatment. Results: Valproate and lamotrigine showed no significant effect on learning and memory in passive avoidance and MWM tests. However, levetiracetam and topiramate reduced retention memory significantly as compared to control (P<0.01) and lamotrigine (P<0.05) groups. Performances on EPM, rotarod and actophotometer were not significantly different between the groups. In comparison to control group, MDA was higher in the levetiracetam and topiramate (360.9 and 345.9 nmol/g of homogenized brain tissue, respectively) groups. GSH and SOD activity were significantly reduced by valproate and levetiracetam treatment. Lamotrigine did not induce significant oxidative stress. Interpretation & conclusions: Long-term and therapeutic dose treatment with levetiracetam and topiramate significantly impaired learning and memory, which was not seen with valproate and lamotrigine in rats. Levetiracetam, topiramate and valproate augmented oxidative stress, whereas lamotrigine has little effect on it. These antiepileptic drugs are used in clinical practice, hence pharmacovigilance studies are required to evaluate their safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashish Kumar Kakkar
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; Department of Pharmacology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Yogendra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zucker I. Risk mitigation for children exposed to drugs during gestation: A critical role for animal preclinical behavioral testing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 77:107-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
30
|
Kellogg M, Meador KJ. Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2065-2070. [PMID: 28424947 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during critical periods of development may induce transient or long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits across cognitive, motor and behavioral domains. The developing nervous system may endure prolonged chronic exposure to AEDs during pregnancy (in utero) or during childhood, which can lead to neurodevelopmental defects such as congenital neural tube defects, lower IQ, language deficits, autism and ADHD. To date, valproate is the most widely recognized AED to significantly negatively affect neurodevelopment, and demonstrates greater adverse effects than any other AEDs that have been assessed. Although some AEDs appear to have low risk (i.e., lamotrigine, levetiracetam), other AEDs have been implicated in a variety of studies detailed below, and many AEDs have not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this review article is to summarize our current understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of AEDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Kellogg
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Mail Code 120, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dose-dependent effects of levetiracetam after hypoxia and hypothermia in the neonatal mouse brain. Brain Res 2016; 1646:116-124. [PMID: 27216570 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal asphyxia to the developing brain remains a major cause of morbidity. Hypothermia is currently the only established neuroprotective treatment available for term born infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, saving one in seven to eight infants from developing severe neurological deficits. Therefore, additional treatments with clinically applicable drugs are indispensable. This study investigates a potential additive neuroprotective effect of levetiracetam combined with hypothermia after hypoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal mice. 9-day-old C57BL/6-mice (P9) were subjected either to acute hypoxia or room-air. After 90min of systemic hypoxia (6% O2), pups were randomized into six groups: 1) vehicle, 2) low-dose levetiracetam (LEV), 3) high-dose LEV, 4) hypothermia (HT), 5) HT combined with low-dose LEV and 6) HT combined with high-dose LEV. Pro-apoptotic factors, neuronal structures, and myelination were analysed by histology and on protein level at appropriate time points. On P28 to P37 long-term outcome was assessed by neurobehavioral testing. Hypothermia confers acute and long-term neuroprotection by reducing apoptosis and preservation of myelinating oligodendrocytes and neurons in a model of acute hypoxia in the neonatal mouse brain. Low-dose LEV caused no adverse effects after neonatal hypoxic brain damage treated with hypothermia whereas administration of high-dose LEV alone or in combination with hypothermia increased neuronal apoptosis after hypoxic brain injury. LEV in low- dosage had no additive neuroprotective effect following acute hypoxic brain injury.
Collapse
|
32
|
Frankel S, Medvedeva N, Gutherz S, Kulick C, Kondratyev A, Forcelli PA. Comparison of the long-term behavioral effects of neonatal exposure to retigabine or phenobarbital in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 57:34-40. [PMID: 26921596 PMCID: PMC4828307 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anticonvulsant drugs, when given during vulnerable periods of brain development, can have long-lasting consequences on nervous system function. In rats, the second postnatal week approximately corresponds to the late third trimester of gestation/early infancy in humans. Exposure to phenobarbital during this period has been associated with deficits in learning and memory, anxiety-like behavior, and social behavior, among other domains. Phenobarbital is the most common anticonvulsant drug used in neonatology. Several other drugs, such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and clonazepam, have also been reported to trigger behavioral changes. A new generation anticonvulsant drug, retigabine, has not previously been evaluated for long-term effects on behavior. Retigabine acts as an activator of KCNQ channels, a mechanism that is unique among anticonvulsants. Here, we examined the effects retigabine exposure from postnatal day (P)7 to P14 on behavior in adult rats. We compared these effects with those produced by phenobarbital (as a positive control) and saline (as a negative control). Motor behavior was assessed by using the open field and rotarod, anxiety-like behavior by the open field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark transition task, and learning/memory by the passive avoidance task; social interactions were assessed in same-treatment pairs, and nociceptive sensitivity was assessed via the tail-flick assay. Motor behavior was unaltered by exposure to either drug. We found that retigabine exposure and phenobarbital exposure both induced increased anxiety-like behavior in adult animals. Phenobarbital, but not retigabine, exposure impaired learning and memory. These drugs also differed in their effects on social behavior, with retigabine-exposed animals displaying greater social interaction than phenobarbital-exposed animals. These results indicate that neonatal retigabine induces a subset of behavioral alterations previously described for other anticonvulsant drugs and extend our knowledge of drug-induced behavioral teratogenesis to a new mechanism of anticonvulsant action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Frankel
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Natalia Medvedeva
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Samuel Gutherz
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Catherine Kulick
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Alexei Kondratyev
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kaushal S, Tamer Z, Opoku F, Forcelli PA. Anticonvulsant drug-induced cell death in the developing white matter of the rodent brain. Epilepsia 2016; 57:727-34. [PMID: 27012547 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During critical periods of brain development, both seizures and anticonvulsant medications can affect neurodevelopmental outcomes. In rodent models, many anticonvulsants trigger neuronal apoptosis. However, white matter apoptosis (WMA) has not been examined after anticonvulsant drug treatment. Herein, we sought to determine if anticonvulsant drugs induced apoptosis in the developing white matter (WM) in a rodent model. METHODS Postnatal day (P)7 rats were treated with phenobarbital (PB-75), MK-801 (dizocilpine, 0.5), lamotrigine (LTG-20), carbamazepine (CBZ-100), phenytoin (PHT-50), levetiracetam (LEV-250), or saline; all doses are mg/kg. Brain tissue collected 24 h after treatment was stained using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. The number of degenerating cells within WM, that is, anterior commissure (AC), corpus callosum, cingulum, and hippocampus-associated WM tracts, was quantified. RESULTS Saline-treated rats showed low baseline level of apoptosis in developing WM on P8 in all the areas examined. PB, PHT, and MK-801 significantly increased apoptosis in all four brain areas examined. Exposure to CBZ, LTG, or LEV failed to increase apoptosis in all regions. SIGNIFICANCE Commonly used anticonvulsants (PB, PHT) cause apoptosis in the developing WM in a rat model; the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 has a similar effect. These results are consistent with reports of anesthesia-induced WMA during brain development. Consistent with the lack of neuronal apoptosis caused by LTG, LEV, and CBZ, these drugs did not cause WMA. Many infants treated with anticonvulsant drugs have underlying neurologic injury, including WM damage (e.g., following intraventricular hemorrhage [IVH] or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE]). The degree to which anticonvulsant drug treatment will alter outcomes in the presence of underlying injury remains to be examined, but avoiding drugs (when possible) that induce WMA may be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhasini Kaushal
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Zenab Tamer
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Freda Opoku
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Brown L, Gutherz S, Kulick C, Soper C, Kondratyev A, Forcelli PA. Profile of retigabine-induced neuronal apoptosis in the developing rat brain. Epilepsia 2016; 57:660-70. [PMID: 26865186 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute neonatal exposure to some, but not all, anticonvulsant drugs induces a profound increase in neuronal apoptosis in rats. Phenobarbital and phenytoin induce apoptosis at a therapeutically relevant dose range, lamotrigine and carbamazepine do so only at supratherapeutic doses or in polytherapy, and valproate does so even at subtherapeutic doses. Levetiracetam is devoid of pro-apoptotic effects. Retigabine, a new-generation drug, acts uniquely by enhancing the M-type potassium current. Because its safety profile in developing animals is unstudied, we sought to determine if retigabine would induce apoptosis. METHODS Postnatal day (P) 7 rat pups were treated with retigabine (5-30 mg/kg), vehicle (saline), or comparator drugs (phenobarbital, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or carbamazepine). Cell death was assessed using amino-cupric-silver staining. A separate group of animals was treated repeatedly (three times over 24 h) with retigabine (15 mg/kg) or vehicle. To establish a pharmacokinetic profile for retigabine, we measured plasma and brain levels after drug treatment. RESULTS Consistent with prior studies from our group and others, we found phenobarbital-induced cell death throughout thalamus, nucleus accumbens, and several neocortical areas. By contrast, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine were found to have no appreciable apoptotic effect on the aforementioned structures. Acute (single) exposure to retigabine, even at doses of 30 mg/kg, was also without effect on apoptosis. However, repeated (three times) exposure to retigabine triggered apoptosis in a subset of brain areas. The half-life of retigabine in plasma was 2.5 h, with appreciable concentrations reached in the brain within 1 h of administration. SIGNIFICANCE These data demonstrate that retigabine, like many other anticonvulsant drugs, is capable of triggering neuronal apoptosis in the developing rat brain. Unlike other drugs, repeated dosing of retigabine was necessary to induce this effect. This may be due to its shorter half-life as compared to other drugs, such as phenobarbital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Brown
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Samuel Gutherz
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Catherine Kulick
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Colin Soper
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Alexei Kondratyev
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Saldarriaga W, Lein P, González Teshima LY, Isaza C, Rosa L, Polyak A, Hagerman R, Girirajan S, Silva M, Tassone F. Phenobarbital use and neurological problems in FMR1 premutation carriers. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:141-147. [PMID: 26802682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a CGG expansion in the FMR1 gene located at Xq27.3. Patients with the premutation in FMR1 present specific clinical problems associated with the number of CGG repeats (55-200 CGG repeats). Premutation carriers have elevated FMR1 mRNA expression levels, which have been associated with neurotoxicity potentially causing neurodevelopmental problems or neurological problems associated with aging. However, cognitive impairments or neurological problems may also be related to increased vulnerability of premutation carriers to neurotoxicants, including phenobarbital. Here we present a study of three sisters with the premutation who were exposed differentially to phenobarbital therapy throughout their lives, allowing us to compare the neurological effects of this drug in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilmar Saldarriaga
- Research Group in Congenital & Perinatal Malformations, Dysmorphology and Clinical Genetics (MACOS),Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Departments of Morphology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Universidad del Valle, Hospital Universitario Del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Pamela Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Carolina Isaza
- Department of Morphology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Lina Rosa
- La Misericordia International Clinic, Barranquilla, Colombia; Instituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos, Barcelona, Spain; Autonomous University of Barcelona-Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew Polyak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics and the MIND Institute, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Marisol Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gill S, Hou Y, Li N, Pulido O, Bowers W. Developmental neurotoxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers mixture de71 in Sprague-Dawley rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 79:482-93. [PMID: 27294297 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1182001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are a class of brominated flame retardants that are recognized as global environmental contaminants and a potential adverse health risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the developmental impacts on rat Sprague-Dawley (SD) pups at postnatal day (PND) 11, 21, 50, 105, and 250 after perinatal exposure to a DE71 mixture. These PNDs corresponded to juveniles, young, and mature adults, respectively. The analysis included histopathological, transcriptional evaluation, and Western blots in both hippocampus and midbrain. There were no marked histopathological changes, but significant transcriptional alterations were observed at PND 21 and 250 in midbrain. These changes occurred in a number of the markers of the cholinergic system, including acetylcholinesterase, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, and structural gene,s including those of neurofilaments, cell adhesion molecules including N-cadherin and CAMKII, and cytokines. The markers were upregulated at least twofold or greater at PND 21. These biomarkers were predominantly altered in males at low dose (0.3 mg/kg), whereas females were affected only at high concentration (30 mg/kg). At PND 250 both males and females showed downregulation of markers in both intermediate- and high-dose groups. Our results support the findings that in utero and lactational exposure to DE71 mixture leads to transcriptional alterations in midbrain of adult SD rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santokh Gill
- a Regulatory Toxicology Research Division , Health Products and Foods Branch, Health Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Yangxun Hou
- a Regulatory Toxicology Research Division , Health Products and Foods Branch, Health Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Nanqin Li
- b Hazard Identification Division , Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Olga Pulido
- c Departmental of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Wayne Bowers
- b Hazard Identification Division , Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
- d Department of Neuroscience , Carleton University , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Many studies investigating cognitive outcomes in children of women with epilepsy report an increased risk of mental impairment. Verbal scores on neuropsychometric measures may be selectively more involved. While a variety of factors contribute to the cognitive problems of children of women with epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) appear to play a major role. The mechanisms by which AEDs affect neurodevelopmental outcomes remain poorly defined. Animal models suggest that AED-induced apoptosis, altered neurotransmitter environment, and impaired synaptogenesis are some of the mechanisms responsible for cognitive and behavioral teratogenesis. AEDs that are known to induce apoptosis, such as valproate, appear to affect children's neurodevelopment in a more severe fashion. Fetal valproate exposure has dose-dependent associations with reduced cognitive abilities across a range of domains, and these appear to persist at least until the age of 6. Some studies have shown neurodevelopmental deficiencies associated with the use of phenobarbital and possibly phenytoin. So far, most of the investigations available suggest that fetal exposures to lamotrigine or levetiracetam are safer with regard to cognition when compared with other AEDs. Studies on carbamazepine show contradictory results, but most information available suggests that major poor cognitive outcomes should not be attributed to this medication. Overall, children exposed to polytherapy prenatally appear to have worse cognitive and behavioral outcomes compared with children exposed to monotherapy, and with the unexposed. There is an increase risk of neurodevelopmental deficits when polytherapy involves the use of valproate versus other agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naymee J Velez-Ruiz
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Rd., Clinic A, 2nd Fl., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Meador KJ, Loring DW. Developmental effects of antiepileptic drugs and the need for improved regulations. Neurology 2015; 86:297-306. [PMID: 26519545 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are among the most common teratogenic drugs prescribed to women of childbearing age. AEDs can induce both anatomical (malformations) and behavioral (cognitive/behavioral deficits) teratogenicity. Only in the last decade have we begun to truly discriminate differential AED developmental effects. Fetal valproate exposure carries a special risk for both anatomical and behavioral teratogenic abnormalities, but the mechanisms and reasons for individual variability are unknown. Intermediate anatomical risks exist for phenobarbital and topiramate. Several AEDs (e.g., lamotrigine and levetiracetam) appear to possess low risks for both anatomical and behavioral teratogenesis. Despite advances in the past decade, our knowledge of the teratogenic risks for most AEDs and the underlying mechanisms remain inadequate. Further, the long-term effects of AEDs in neonates and older children remain uncertain. The pace of progress is slow given the lifelong consequences of diminished developmental outcomes, exposing children unnecessarily to potential adverse effects. It is imperative that new approaches be employed to determine risks more expediently. Our recommendations include a national reporting system for congenital malformations, federal funding of the North American AED Pregnancy Registry, routine meta-analyses of cohort studies to detect teratogenic signals, monitoring of AED prescription practices for women, routine preclinical testing of all new AEDs for neurodevelopmental effects, more specific Food and Drug Administration requirements to establish differential AED cognitive effects in children, and improved funding of basic and clinical research to fully delineate risks and underlying mechanisms for AED-induced anatomical and behavioral teratogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimford J Meador
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; and the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - David W Loring
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (K.J.M.), Stanford University, CA; and the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (D.W.L.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mundy WR, Padilla S, Breier JM, Crofton KM, Gilbert ME, Herr DW, Jensen KF, Radio NM, Raffaele KC, Schumacher K, Shafer TJ, Cowden J. Expanding the test set: Chemicals with potential to disrupt mammalian brain development. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 52:25-35. [PMID: 26476195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput test methods including molecular, cellular, and alternative species-based assays that examine critical events of normal brain development are being developed for detection of developmental neurotoxicants. As new assays are developed, a "training set" of chemicals is used to evaluate the relevance of individual assays for specific endpoints. Different training sets are necessary for each assay that would comprise a developmental neurotoxicity test battery. In contrast, evaluation of the predictive ability of a comprehensive test battery requires a set of chemicals that have been shown to alter brain development after in vivo exposure ("test set"). Because only a small number of substances have been well documented to alter human neurodevelopment, we have proposed an expanded test set that includes chemicals demonstrated to adversely affect neurodevelopment in animals. To compile a list of potential developmental neurotoxicants, a literature review of compounds that have been examined for effects on the developing nervous system was conducted. The search was limited to mammalian studies published in the peer-reviewed literature and regulatory studies submitted to the U.S. EPA. The definition of developmental neurotoxicity encompassed changes in behavior, brain morphology, and neurochemistry after gestational or lactational exposure. Reports that indicated developmental neurotoxicity was observed only at doses that resulted in significant maternal toxicity or were lethal to the fetus or offspring were not considered. As a basic indication of reproducibility, we only included a chemical if data on its developmental neurotoxicity were available from more than one laboratory (defined as studies originating from laboratories with a different senior investigator). Evidence from human studies was included when available. Approximately 100 developmental neurotoxicity test set chemicals were identified, with 22% having evidence in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William R Mundy
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Joseph M Breier
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kevin M Crofton
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David W Herr
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karl F Jensen
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas M Radio
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen C Raffaele
- Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Timothy J Shafer
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John Cowden
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Forcelli PA, Turner JR, Lee BG, Olson TT, Xie T, Xiao Y, Blendy JA, Kellar KJ. Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the methadone metabolite 2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline (EMDP). Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:46-56. [PMID: 26365569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The enhancement of GABAergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission has been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy and the focus of drug-discovery for anxiety and depressive disorders for several decades. However, the significant limitations of drugs used for these disorders underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may represent one such target. For example, mecamylamine, a non-competitive antagonist of nAChRs, displays positive effects in preclinical tests for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in rodents. In addition, nicotine elicits similar effects in rodent models, possibly by receptor desensitization. Previous studies (Xiao et al., 2001) have identified two metabolites of methadone, EMDP (2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline) and EDDP (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine), which are considered to be inactive at opiate receptors, as relatively potent noncompetitive channel blockers of rat α3β4 nAChRs. Here, we show that these compounds are likewise highly effective blockers of human α3β4 and α4β2 nAChRs. Moreover, we show that they display relatively low affinity for opiate binding sites labeled by [(3)H]-naloxone. We then evaluated these compounds in rats and mice in preclinical behavioral models predictive of potential anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy. We found that EMDP, but not EDDP, displayed robust effects predictive of anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy without significant effects on locomotor activity. Moreover, EMDP at behaviorally active doses, unlike mecamylamine, did not produce eyelid ptosis, suggesting it may produce fewer autonomic side effects than mecamylamine. Thus, the methadone metabolite EMDP may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of some affective disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bridgin G Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Teresa Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Powell EM. Breast is still best: no harmful effects of breastfeeding in women taking antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy Curr 2015; 15:10-2. [PMID: 25678877 PMCID: PMC4320947 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7597-15.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
|
42
|
Wurzman R, Forcelli PA, Griffey CJ, Kromer LF. Repetitive grooming and sensorimotor abnormalities in an ephrin-A knockout model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Behav Brain Res 2014; 278:115-28. [PMID: 25281279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
EphA receptors and ephrin-A ligands play important roles in neural development and synaptic plasticity in brain regions where expression persists into adulthood. Recently, EPHA3 and EPHA7 gene mutations were linked with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and developmental neurological delays, respectively. Furthermore, deletions of ephrin-A2 or ephrin-A3, which exhibit high binding affinity for EphA3 and EphA7 receptors, are associated with subtle deficits in learning and memory behavior and abnormalities in dendritic spine morphology in the cortex and hippocampus in mice. To better characterize a potential role for these ligands in ASDs, we performed a comprehensive behavioral characterization of anxiety-like, sensorimotor, learning, and social behaviors in ephrin-A2/-A3 double knockout (DKO) mice. The predominant phenotype in DKO mice was repetitive and self-injurious grooming behaviors such as have been associated with corticostriatal circuit abnormalities in other rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders. Consistent with ASDs specifically, DKO mice exhibited decreased preference for social interaction in the social approach assay, decreased locomotor activity in the open field, increased prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, and a shift towards self-directed activity (e.g., grooming) in novel environments, such as marble burying. Although there were no gross deficits in cognitive assays, subtle differences in performance on fear conditioning and in the Morris water maze resembled traits observed in other rodent models of ASD. We therefore conclude that ephrin-A2/-A3 DKO mice have utility as a novel ASD model with an emphasis on sensory abnormalities and restricted, repetitive behavioral symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wurzman
- Georgetown University, Department of Neuroscience, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America; Georgetown University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America; Georgetown University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America.
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Georgetown University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America; Georgetown University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Christopher J Griffey
- Georgetown University, Department of Biology, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Lawrence F Kromer
- Georgetown University, Department of Neuroscience, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America; Georgetown University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gutherz SB, Kulick CV, Soper C, Kondratyev A, Gale K, Forcelli PA. Brief postnatal exposure to phenobarbital impairs passive avoidance learning and sensorimotor gating in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 37:265-9. [PMID: 25112558 PMCID: PMC4170015 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for the treatment of neonatal seizures. However, mounting preclinical evidence suggests that even brief exposure to phenobarbital in the neonatal period can induce neuronal apoptosis, alterations in synaptic development, and long-lasting changes in behavioral functions. In the present report, we treated neonatal rat pups with phenobarbital and evaluated behavior in adulthood. Pups were treated initially with a loading dose (80 mg/kg) on postnatal day (P)7 and with a lower dose (40 mg/kg) on P8 and P9. We examined sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition), passive avoidance, and conditioned place preference for cocaine when the animals reached adulthood. Consistent with our previous reports, we found that three days of neonatal exposure to phenobarbital significantly impaired prepulse inhibition compared with vehicle-exposed control animals. Using a step-though passive avoidance paradigm, we found that animals exposed to phenobarbital as neonates and tested as adults showed significant deficits in passive avoidance retention compared with matched controls, indicating impairment in associative memory and/or recall. Finally, we examined place preference conditioning in response to cocaine. Phenobarbital exposure did not alter the normal conditioned place preference associated with cocaine exposure. Our findings expand the profile of behavioral toxicity induced by phenobarbital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel B. Gutherz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Catherine V. Kulick
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Colin Soper
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Alexei Kondratyev
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Karen Gale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Patrick A. Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Mikulecká A, Subrt M, Pařízková M, Mareš P, Kubová H. Consequences of early postnatal benzodiazepines exposure in rats. II. Social behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:169. [PMID: 24982619 PMCID: PMC4055859 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior represents an integral part of behavioral repertoire of rats particularly sensitive to pharmacological and environmental influences. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether early postnatal clonazepam (CZP) exposure can induce age-dependent changes related to expression of social behavior. The drug was administered from postnatal day (P) 7 until P11 at daily doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg i.p. We designed three experiments to assess whether exposure to CZP affects social behavior in respect to the age of rats and the test circumstances, specifically their familiarity with test conditions during adolescence (P32), social behavior in juveniles and adolescents (P18–P42) and social behavior in a resident-intruder paradigm. The frequency and duration of a various patterns of social behavior related to play and social investigation not related to play were evaluated. The results showed that CZP postnatal exposure decreased social play behavior regardless of age and familiarity or unfamiliarity of experimental environment but did not affect the social investigation per se. When rats were confronted with an intruder in their home cages intense wrestling and inhibition of genital investigation were found. In conclusion, these findings show that short-term CZP postnatal exposure inhibits social play behavior and alters specific patterns of social behavior in an age and environment related manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mikulecká
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Subrt
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Pařízková
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Mareš
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kubová
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Simko J, Fekete S, Gradosova I, Malakova J, Zivna H, Valis M, Palicka V, Zivny P. The effect of topiramate and lamotrigine on rat bone mass, structure and metabolism. J Neurol Sci 2014; 340:80-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
46
|
Halbsgut LR, Fahim E, Kapoor K, Hong H, Friedman LK. Certain secondary antiepileptic drugs can rescue hippocampal injury following a critical growth period despite poor anticonvulsant activity and cognitive deficits. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 29:466-77. [PMID: 24103817 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies have shown that many common secondary antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are ineffective at blocking seizures in adulthood; however, some afford neuroprotection. In early development, certain AEDs cause apoptosis; however, it is unknown whether these drugs are neurotoxic to the juvenile brain following a developmentally regulated proapoptotic period and whether they alter the seizure threshold, seizure-induced neuronal vulnerability, and/or cognitive function. Lamotrigine (LTG), carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA), and topiramate (TPM) were systemically administered to rat pups for 7days beginning on postnatal (P) day 14 (P14), then half the animals were injected with kainate (KA) to trigger seizures, an age when the CA1 subregion becomes preferentially sensitive to status epilepticus. Histological outcome, seizure severity, and learning and memory were determined with an electroencephalograph (EEG), silver impregnation, and a water-maze swim task. None of the AEDs tested significantly attenuated behavioral or electrographic seizures. Phenytoin increased mortality, identifying a detrimental side effect of this drug. The other drugs (LTG, VPA, TPM, and CBZ) afforded different amounts of protection to the CA1 subregion but not to the CA3 subregion or extrahippocampal structures. With the exception of VPA, AED-treated animals lagged behind during swim task acquisition. All groups improved in the water-maze swim task over time, particularly on the last trials; however, the average escape latency was still impaired for TPM-treated animals and all AED+KA-treated groups. Thus, while certain AEDs demonstrated some neuroprotective effects, poor antiepileptic activity, memory impairment, and other deleterious side effects were observed with these drugs suggesting that the search for potentially more effective and tolerated agents is essential for improving clinical outcome in children and adolescents with epilepsy.
Collapse
|
47
|
Forcelli PA, Soper C, Duckles A, Gale K, Kondratyev A. Melatonin potentiates the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital in neonatal rats. Epilepsy Res 2013; 107:217-23. [PMID: 24206906 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for neonatal seizures. However, questions regarding safety and efficacy of this drug make it particularly compelling to identify adjunct therapies that could boost therapeutic benefit. One potential adjunct therapy is melatonin. Melatonin is used clinically in neonatal and pediatric populations, and moreover, it exerts anticonvulsant actions in adult rats. However, it has not been previously evaluated for anticonvulsant effects in neonatal rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that melatonin would exert anticonvulsant effects, either alone, or in combination with phenobarbital. Postnatal day (P)7 rats were treated with phenobarbital (0-40mg/kg) and/or melatonin (0-80mg/kg) prior to chemoconvulsant challenge with pentylenetetrazole (100mg/kg). We found that melatonin significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant efficacy of phenobarbital, but did not exert anticonvulsant effects on its own. These data provide additional evidence for the further examination of melatonin as an adjunct therapy in neonatal/pediatric epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Creeley CE, Olney JW. Drug-Induced Apoptosis: Mechanism by which Alcohol and Many Other Drugs Can Disrupt Brain Development. Brain Sci 2013; 3:1153-81. [PMID: 24587895 PMCID: PMC3938204 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci3031153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy can cause a disability syndrome termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which may include craniofacial malformations, structural pathology in the brain, and a variety of long-term neuropsychiatric disturbances. There is compelling evidence that exposure to alcohol during early embryogenesis (4th week of gestation) can cause excessive death of cell populations that are essential for normal development of the face and brain. While this can explain craniofacial malformations and certain structural brain anomalies that sometimes accompany FASD, in many cases these features are absent, and the FASD syndrome manifests primarily as neurobehavioral disorders. It is not clear from the literature how alcohol causes these latter manifestations. In this review we will describe a growing body of evidence documenting that alcohol triggers widespread apoptotic death of neurons and oligodendroglia (OLs) in the developing brain when administered to animals, including non-human primates, during a period equivalent to the human third trimester of gestation. This cell death reaction is associated with brain changes, including overall or regional reductions in brain mass, and long-term neurobehavioral disturbances. We will also review evidence that many drugs used in pediatric and obstetric medicine, including general anesthetics (GAs) and anti-epileptics (AEDs), mimic alcohol in triggering widespread apoptotic death of neurons and OLs in the third trimester-equivalent animal brain, and that human children exposed to GAs during early infancy, or to AEDs during the third trimester of gestation, have a significantly increased incidence of FASD-like neurobehavioral disturbances. These findings provide evidence that exposure of the developing human brain to GAs in early infancy, or to alcohol or AEDs in late gestation, can cause FASD-like neurodevelopmental disability syndromes. We propose that the mechanism by which alcohol, GAs and AEDs produce neurobehavioral deficit syndromes is by triggering apoptotic death and deletion of neurons and OLs (or their precursors) from the developing brain. Therefore, there is a need for research aimed at deciphering mechanisms by which these agents trip the apoptosis trigger, the ultimate goal being to learn how to prevent these agents from causing neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John W. Olney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Khanna A, Walcott BP, Kahle KT. Limitations of Current GABA Agonists in Neonatal Seizures: Toward GABA Modulation Via the Targeting of Neuronal Cl(-) Transport. Front Neurol 2013; 4:78. [PMID: 23805124 PMCID: PMC3691543 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal intensive care has advanced rapidly in the last 40 years, with dramatic decreases in mortality and morbidity; however, for neonatal seizures, neither therapies nor outcomes have changed significantly. Basic and clinical studies indicate that seizures in neonates have long-term neurodevelopmental and psychiatric consequences, highlighting the need for novel pharmacotherapeutics. First-line treatments targeting GABAA receptors, like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, are limited in their efficacy and carry significant risks to the developing brain. Here, we review the use of current GABA agonist therapies for neonatal seizures and suggest other treatment strategies given recent developments in the understanding of disease pathogenesis. One promising avenue is the indirect manipulation of the GABAergic system, via the modulation of neuronal Cl− gradients, by targeting the cation-Cl− cotransporters (NKCC1 and KCC2) or their regulatory signaling molecules. This strategy might yield a novel class of more efficacious anti-epileptics with fewer side effects by specifically addressing disease pathophysiology. Moreover, this strategy may have ramifications for other adult seizure syndromes in which GABA receptor-mediated depolarizations play a pathogenic role, such as temporal lobe epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Khanna
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pressler R, Auvin S. Comparison of Brain Maturation among Species: An Example in Translational Research Suggesting the Possible Use of Bumetanide in Newborn. Front Neurol 2013; 4:36. [PMID: 23596438 PMCID: PMC3625921 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Pressler
- Institute of Child Health, University College London , London, UK ; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital , London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|