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Riveros ME, Leibold NK, Retamal MA, Ezquer F. Role of histaminergic regulation of astrocytes in alcohol use disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111009. [PMID: 38653364 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe, yet not fully understood, mental health problem. It is associated with liver, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal diseases, thereby highly increasing the morbidity and mortality of these individuals. Currently, there is no effective and safe pharmacological therapy for AUD. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase our knowledge about its neurophysiological etiology to develop new treatments specifically targeted at this health condition. Recent findings have shown an upregulation in the histaminergic system both in alcohol dependent individuals and in animals with high alcohol preference. The use of H3 histaminergic receptor antagonists has given promising therapeutic results in animal models of AUD. Interestingly, astrocytes, which are ubiquitously present in the brain, express the three main histamine receptors (H1, H2 and H3), and in the last few years, several studies have shown that astrocytes could play an important role in the development and maintenance of AUD. Accordingly, alterations in the density of astrocytes in brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex, ventral striatum, and hippocampus that are critical for AUD-related characteristics have been observed. These characteristics include addiction, impulsivity, motor function, and aggression. In this work, we review the current state of knowledge on the relationship between the histaminergic system and astrocytes in AUD and propose that histamine could increase alcohol tolerance by protecting astrocytes from ethanol-induced oxidative stress. This increased tolerance could lead to high levels of alcohol intake and therefore could be a key factor in the development of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Riveros
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Nicole K Leibold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Instituto de Ciencia e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Ciencia e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago. Chile; Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Bansal Y, Codeluppi SA, Banasr M. Astroglial Dysfunctions in Mood Disorders and Rodent Stress Models: Consequences on Behavior and Potential as Treatment Target. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6357. [PMID: 38928062 PMCID: PMC11204179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunctions have been consistently observed in patients affected with depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Although over the years our understanding of these changes, their origin, and their consequences on behavior and neuronal function has deepened, many aspects of the role of astroglial dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unknown. In this review, we summarize the known astroglial dysfunctions associated with MDD and PTSD, highlight the impact of chronic stress on specific astroglial functions, and how astroglial dysfunctions are implicated in the expression of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, focusing on behavioral consequences of astroglial manipulation on emotion-related and fear-learning behaviors. We also offer a glance at potential astroglial functions that can be targeted for potential antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Sierra A. Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Mounira Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M2J 4A6, Canada
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3
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Codeluppi SA, Xu M, Bansal Y, Lepack AE, Duric V, Chow M, Muir J, Bagot RC, Licznerski P, Wilber SL, Sanacora G, Sibille E, Duman RS, Pittenger C, Banasr M. Prefrontal cortex astroglia modulate anhedonia-like behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4632-4641. [PMID: 37696873 PMCID: PMC10914619 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Reductions of astroglia expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are consistently found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with depression and in rodent chronic stress models. Here, we examine the consequences of PFC GFAP+ cell depletion and cell activity enhancement on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. Using viral expression of diphtheria toxin receptor in PFC GFAP+ cells, which allows experimental depletion of these cells following diphtheria toxin administration, we demonstrated that PFC GFAP+ cell depletion induced anhedonia-like behavior within 2 days and lasting up to 8 days, but no anxiety-like deficits. Conversely, activating PFC GFAP+ cell activity for 3 weeks using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) reversed chronic restraint stress-induced anhedonia-like deficits, but not anxiety-like deficits. Our results highlight a critical role of cortical astroglia in the development of anhedonia and further support the idea of targeting astroglia for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Y Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A E Lepack
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - V Duric
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - M Chow
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Muir
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - R C Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P Licznerski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S L Wilber
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - G Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - E Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R S Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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4
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Codeluppi S, Xu M, Bansal Y, Lepack A, Duric V, Chow M, Muir. J, Bagot R, Licznerski P, Wilber S, Sanacora G, Sibille E, Duman R, Pittenger C, Banasr M. Prefrontal Cortex Astroglia Modulate Anhedonia-like Behavior. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3093428. [PMID: 37461693 PMCID: PMC10350119 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3093428/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Reductions of astroglia expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are consistently found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with depression and in rodent chronic stress models. Here, we examine the consequences of PFC GFAP+ cell depletion and cell activity enhancement on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. Using viral expression of diphtheria toxin receptor in PFC GFAP+ cells, which allows experimental depletion of these cells following diphtheria toxin administration, we demonstrated that PFC GFAP+ cell depletion induced anhedonia-like behavior within 2 days and lasting up to 8 days, but no anxiety-like deficits. Conversely, activating PFC GFAP+ cell activity for 3 weeks using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) reversed chronic restraint stress-induced anhedonia-like deficits, but not anxiety-like deficits. Our results highlight a critical role of cortical astroglia in the development of anhedonia and further support the idea of targeting astroglia for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M. Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Y. Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A.E. Lepack
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - V. Duric
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Iowa, USA
| | - M. Chow
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - J. Muir.
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - R.C. Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P. Licznerski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - S.L. Wilber
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - G. Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - E. Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - R.S. Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - C. Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - M. Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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5
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
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6
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Astroglia in the Vulnerability and Maintenance of Alcohol Use Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:255-279. [PMID: 34888838 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes induced in the morphology and the multiplicity of functional roles played by astrocytes in brain regions critical to the establishment and maintenance of alcohol abuse suggest that they make an important contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. The understanding of the relevant mechanisms accounting for that contribution is complicated by the fact that alcohol itself acts directly on astrocytes altering their metabolism, gene expression, and plasticity, so that the ultimate result is a complex interaction of various cellular pathways, including intracellular calcium regulation, neuroimmune responses, and regulation of neurotransmitter and gliotransmitter release and uptake. The recent years have seen a steady increase in the characterization of several of the relevant mechanisms, but much remains to be done for a full understanding of the astrocytes' contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol dependence and abuse and for using that knowledge in designing effective therapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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7
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Codeluppi SA, Chatterjee D, Prevot TD, Bansal Y, Misquitta KA, Sibille E, Banasr M. Chronic Stress Alters Astrocyte Morphology in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:842-853. [PMID: 34346493 PMCID: PMC8538896 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromorphological changes are consistently reported in the prefrontal cortex of patients with stress-related disorders and in rodent stress models, but the effects of stress on astrocyte morphology and the potential link to behavioral deficits are relatively unknown. METHODS To answer these questions, transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) promotor were subjected to 7, 21, or 35 days of chronic restraint stress (CRS). CRS-induced behavioral effects on anhedonia- and anxiety-like behaviors were measured using the sucrose intake and the PhenoTyper tests, respectively. Prefrontal cortex GFP+ or GFAP+ cell morphology was assessed using Sholl analysis, and associations with behavior were determined using correlation analysis. RESULTS CRS-exposed male and female mice displayed anxiety-like behavior at 7, 21, and 35 days and anhedonia-like behavior at 35 days. Analysis of GFAP+ cell morphology revealed significant atrophy of distal processes following 21 and 35 days of CRS. CRS induced similar decreases in intersections at distal radii for GFP+ cells accompanied by increased proximal processes. In males, the number of intersections at the most distal radius step significantly correlated with anhedonia-like behavior (r = 0.622, P < .05) for GFP+ cells and with behavioral emotionality calculated by z-scoring all behavioral measured deficits (r = -0.667, P < .05). Similar but not significant correlations were observed in females. No correlation between GFP+ cell atrophy with anxiety-like behavior was found. CONCLUSION Chronic stress exposure induces a progressive atrophy of cortical astroglial cells, potentially contributing to maladaptive neuroplastic and behavioral changes associated with stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra A Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dipashree Chatterjee
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Thomas D Prevot
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yashika Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Keith A Misquitta
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Etienne Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mounira Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Correspondence: Mounira Banasr, PhD, CAMH, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada ()
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8
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Erickson EK, Blednov YA, Harris RA, Mayfield RD. Glial gene networks associated with alcohol dependence. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10949. [PMID: 31358844 PMCID: PMC6662804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol abuse alters the molecular structure and function of brain cells. Recent work suggests adaptations made by glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, regulate physiological and behavioral changes associated with addiction. Defining how alcohol dependence alters the transcriptome of different cell types is critical for developing the mechanistic hypotheses necessary for a nuanced understanding of cellular signaling in the alcohol-dependent brain. We performed RNA-sequencing on total homogenate and glial cell populations isolated from mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) following chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure (CIE). Compared with total homogenate, we observed unique and robust gene expression changes in astrocytes and microglia in response to CIE. Gene co-expression network analysis revealed biological pathways and hub genes associated with CIE in astrocytes and microglia that may regulate alcohol-dependent phenotypes. Astrocyte identity and synaptic calcium signaling genes were enriched in alcohol-associated astrocyte networks, while TGF-β signaling and inflammatory response genes were disrupted by CIE treatment in microglia gene networks. Genes related to innate immune signaling, specifically interferon pathways, were consistently up-regulated across CIE-exposed astrocytes, microglia, and total homogenate PFC tissue. This study illuminates the cell-specific effects of chronic alcohol exposure and provides novel molecular targets for studying alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Erickson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712-01095, USA.
| | - Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712-01095, USA
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712-01095, USA
| | - R Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712-01095, USA
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9
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Lee KM, Mathies LD, Grotewiel M. Alcohol sedation in adult Drosophila is regulated by Cysteine proteinase-1 in cortex glia. Commun Biol 2019; 2:252. [PMID: 31286069 PMCID: PMC6610072 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although numerous studies have demonstrated that neuronal mechanisms regulate alcohol-related behaviors, very few have investigated the direct role of glia in behavioral responses to alcohol. The results described here begin to fill this gap in the alcohol behavior and gliobiology fields. Since Drosophila exhibit conserved behavioral responses to alcohol and their CNS glia are similar to mammalian CNS glia, we used Drosophila to begin exploring the role of glia in alcohol behavior. We found that knockdown of Cysteine proteinase-1 (Cp1) in glia increased Drosophila alcohol sedation and that this effect was specific to cortex glia and adulthood. These data implicate Cp1 and cortex glia in alcohol-related behaviors. Cortex glia are functionally homologous to mammalian astrocytes and Cp1 is orthologous to mammalian Cathepsin L. Our studies raise the possibility that cathepsins may influence behavioral responses to alcohol in mammals via roles in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
| | - Laura D. Mathies
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
| | - Mike Grotewiel
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
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10
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Verkhratsky A, Ho MS, Vardjan N, Zorec R, Parpura V. General Pathophysiology of Astroglia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:149-179. [PMID: 31583588 PMCID: PMC7188602 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial cells are involved in most if not in all pathologies of the brain. These cells can change the morpho-functional properties in response to pathology or innate changes of these cells can lead to pathologies. Overall pathological changes in astroglia are complex and diverse and often vary with different disease stages. We classify astrogliopathologies into reactive astrogliosis, astrodegeneration with astroglial atrophy and loss of function, and pathological remodelling of astrocytes. Such changes can occur in neurological, neurodevelopmental, metabolic and psychiatric disorders as well as in infection and toxic insults. Mutation in astrocyte-specific genes leads to specific pathologies, such as Alexander disease, which is a leukodystrophy. We discuss changes in astroglia in the pathological context and identify some molecular entities underlying pathology. These entities within astroglia may repent targets for novel therapeutic intervention in the management of brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Margaret S Ho
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Erickson EK, Grantham EK, Warden AS, Harris RA. Neuroimmune signaling in alcohol use disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 177:34-60. [PMID: 30590091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread disease with limited treatment options. Targeting the neuroimmune system is a new avenue for developing or repurposing effective pharmacotherapies. Alcohol modulates innate immune signaling in different cell types in the brain by altering gene expression and the molecular pathways that regulate neuroinflammation. Chronic alcohol abuse may cause an imbalance in neuroimmune function, resulting in prolonged perturbations in brain function. Likewise, manipulating the neuroimmune system may change alcohol-related behaviors. Psychiatric disorders that are comorbid with AUD, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and other substance use disorders, may also have underlying neuroimmune mechanisms; current evidence suggests that convergent immune pathways may be involved in AUD and in these comorbid disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of major neuroimmune cell-types and pathways involved in mediating alcohol behaviors, discuss potential mechanisms of alcohol-induced neuroimmune activation, and present recent clinical evidence for candidate immune-related drugs to treat AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Erickson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA.
| | - Emily K Grantham
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - Anna S Warden
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
| | - R A Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-01095, USA
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12
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Astrocyte-specific transcriptome responses to chronic ethanol consumption. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2018; 18:578-589. [PMID: 29305589 PMCID: PMC6033697 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-017-0012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes play critical roles in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including drug dependence. Little is known about the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on astrocyte gene expression. To address this gap in knowledge, we performed transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing of astrocytes isolated from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice following chronic ethanol consumption. Differential expression analysis revealed ethanol-induced changes unique to astrocytes that were not identified in total homogenate preparations. Astrocyte-specific gene expression revealed calcium-related signaling and regulation of extracellular matrix genes as responses to chronic ethanol use. These findings emphasize the importance of investigating expression changes in specific cellular populations to define molecular consequences of chronic ethanol consumption in mammalian brain.
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Verkhratsky A, Steardo L, Parpura V, Montana V. Translational potential of astrocytes in brain disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:188-205. [PMID: 26386136 PMCID: PMC4794425 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fundamentally, all brain disorders can be broadly defined as the homeostatic failure of this organ. As the brain is composed of many different cells types, including but not limited to neurons and glia, it is only logical that all the cell types/constituents could play a role in health and disease. Yet, for a long time the sole conceptualization of brain pathology was focused on the well-being of neurons. Here, we challenge this neuron-centric view and present neuroglia as a key element in neuropathology, a process that has a toll on astrocytes, which undergo complex morpho-functional changes that can in turn affect the course of the disorder. Such changes can be grossly identified as reactivity, atrophy with loss of function and pathological remodeling. We outline the pathogenic potential of astrocytes in variety of disorders, ranging from neurotrauma, infection, toxic damage, stroke, epilepsy, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, Alexander disease to neoplastic changes seen in gliomas. We hope that in near future we would witness glial-based translational medicine with generation of deliverables for the containment and cure of disorders. We point out that such as a task will require a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that will take in consideration the concerted operation of all the cell types in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples, SUN, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Naples, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine and Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vedrana Montana
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Adermark L, Bowers MS. Disentangling the Role of Astrocytes in Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1802-16. [PMID: 27476876 PMCID: PMC5407469 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Several laboratories recently identified that astrocytes are critical regulators of addiction machinery. It is now known that astrocyte pathology is a common feature of ethanol (EtOH) exposure in both humans and animal models, as even brief EtOH exposure is sufficient to elicit long-lasting perturbations in astrocyte gene expression, activity, and proliferation. Astrocytes were also recently shown to modulate the motivational properties of EtOH and other strongly reinforcing stimuli. Given the role of astrocytes in regulating glutamate homeostasis, a crucial component of alcohol use disorder (AUD), astrocytes might be an important target for the development of next-generation alcoholism treatments. This review will outline some of the more prominent features displayed by astrocytes, how these properties are influenced by acute and long-term EtOH exposure, and future directions that may help to disentangle astrocytic from neuronal functions in the etiology of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Adermark
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M. Scott Bowers
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Faulk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Northwestern University; Aptinyx,, Evanston, Il 60201, USA
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Elsayed M, Magistretti PJ. A New Outlook on Mental Illnesses: Glial Involvement Beyond the Glue. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:468. [PMID: 26733803 PMCID: PMC4679853 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental illnesses have long been perceived as the exclusive consequence of abnormalities in neuronal functioning. Until recently, the role of glial cells in the pathophysiology of mental diseases has largely been overlooked. However recently, multiple lines of evidence suggest more diverse and significant functions of glia with behavior-altering effects. The newly ascribed roles of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia have led to their examination in brain pathology and mental illnesses. Indeed, abnormalities in glial function, structure and density have been observed in postmortem brain studies of subjects diagnosed with mental illnesses. In this review, we discuss the newly identified functions of glia and highlight the findings of glial abnormalities in psychiatric disorders. We discuss these preclinical and clinical findings implicating the involvement of glial cells in mental illnesses with the perspective that these cells may represent a new target for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Elsayed
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Cellular Dynamics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre J Magistretti
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Cellular Dynamics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanne, Switzerland; Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwal, Saudi Arabia; Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, University of LausanneLausanne, Switzerland
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Poland RS, Bull C, Syed WA, Bowers MS. Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 26437131 PMCID: PMC4692606 DOI: 10.3791/53018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain microinjection can aid elucidation of the molecular substrates of complex behaviors, such as motivation. For this purpose rodents can serve as appropriate models, partly because the response to behaviorally relevant stimuli and the circuitry parsing stimulus-action outcomes is astonishingly similar between humans and rodents. In studying molecular substrates of complex behaviors, the microinjection of reagents that modify, augment, or silence specific systems is an invaluable technique. However, it is crucial that the microinjection site is precisely targeted in order to aid interpretation of the results. We present a method for the manufacture of surgical implements and microinjection needles that enables accurate microinjection and unlimited customizability with minimal cost. Importantly, this technique can be successfully completed in awake rodents if conducted in conjunction with other JoVE articles that covered requisite surgical procedures. Additionally, there are many behavioral paradigms that are well suited for measuring motivation. The progressive ratio is a commonly used method that quantifies the efficacy of a reinforcer to maintain responding despite an (often exponentially) increasing work requirement. This assay is sensitive to reinforcer magnitude and pharmacological manipulations, which allows reinforcing efficacy and/ or motivation to be determined. We also present a straightforward approach to program operant software to accommodate a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Poland
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
| | - Cecilia Bull
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
| | - Wahab A Syed
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
| | - M Scott Bowers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine;
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Bull C, Syed WA, Minter SC, Bowers MS. Differential response of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes in the rat prefrontal cortex following ethanol self-administration. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:650-8. [PMID: 25833026 PMCID: PMC4384186 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction is believed to contribute to the transition from controlled substance use to abuse. Because astrocytes have been suggested to play a key role in the development and maintenance of drug-seeking behaviors, we sought to determine whether PFC astrocytes are affected by ethanol (EtOH) self-administration. METHODS EtOH consumption was modeled in rats by 3 self-administration paradigms where EtOH was made concurrently available with water in the home cage either continuously (CEA) or intermittently (IEA). In the third paradigm, EtOH was only available in the operant chamber (OEA). To avoid the potential confound of acute EtOH effects, all rats were sacrificed after either 24-hour or 3-week abstinence. In all groups, the effect of EtOH consumption on PFC astrocytes was measured using unbiased stereological counting of cells expressing the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). GFAP immunoreactivity commonly changes in response to pharmacological insult or injury. RESULTS GFAP-positive astrocyte number increased in the prelimbic and anterior cingulate cortex regions of the PFC after IEA. No change was found in the infralimbic or orbitofrontal cortex after IEA. After 3-week abstinence, there was a reduction of astrocytes in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortex of the CEA cohort as well as a reduction in the orbitofrontal cortex of the OEA cohort. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that discrete PFC subregions contain GFAP-positive astrocyte populations that respond differentially to distinct EtOH consumption paradigms. A better understanding of how specific astrocyte populations uniquely adapt to EtOH consumption could provide insight for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bull
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Wahab A. Syed
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Sabrina C. Minter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - M. Scott Bowers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
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Rat nucleus accumbens core astrocytes modulate reward and the motivation to self-administer ethanol after abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:2835-45. [PMID: 24903651 PMCID: PMC4200494 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the active role that astrocytes play in modulating neuronal function and behavior is rapidly expanding, but little is known about the role that astrocytes may play in drug-seeking behavior for commonly abused substances. Given that the nucleus accumbens is critically involved in substance abuse and motivation, we sought to determine whether nucleus accumbens astrocytes influence the motivation to self-administer ethanol following abstinence. We found that the packing density of astrocytes that were expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein increased in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) during abstinence from EtOH self-administration. No change was observed in the nucleus accumbens shell. This increased NAcore astrocyte density positively correlated with the motivation for ethanol. Astrocytes can communicate with one another and influence neuronal activity through gap-junction hemichannels. Because of this, the effect of blocking gap-junction hemichannels on the motivation for ethanol was examined. The motivation to self-administer ethanol after 3 weeks abstinence was increased following microinjection of gap-junction hemichannel blockers into the NAcore at doses that block both neuronal and astrocytic channels. In contrast, no effect was observed following microinjection of doses that are not thought to block astrocytic channels or following microinjection of either dose into the nucleus accumbens shell. Additionally, the motivation for sucrose after 3 weeks abstinence was unaffected by NAcore gap-junction hemichannel blockers. Next, Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) were selectively expressed in NAcore astrocytes to test the effect of astrocyte stimulation. DREADD activation increased cytosolic calcium in primary astrocytes, facilitated responding for rewarding brain stimulation, and reduced the motivation for ethanol after 3 weeks abstinence. This is the first work to modulate drug-seeking behavior with astrocyte-specific DREADDs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that NAcore astrocytes can shape the motivation to self-administer ethanol; suggesting that the development of ligands which selectively stimulate astrocytes may be a successful strategy to abate ethanol-seeking behavior.
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ, Wilson BA, Hussain S, Meshram A, Rajkowska G, Stockmeier CA. Reduced connexin 43 immunolabeling in the orbitofrontal cortex in alcohol dependence and depression. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 55:101-9. [PMID: 24774648 PMCID: PMC4078739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Reduced density of glial cells and low levels of some astrocyte proteins have been described in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in depression and alcoholism, two disorders often comorbid. These regressive changes may also involve the communication between astrocytes via gap junctions and hemichannels, which play important regulatory roles in neurotransmission. We determined levels and morphological immunostaining parameters of connexin 43 (Cx43), the main protein subunit of astrocyte gap junctions/hemichannels, in the OFC of subjects with depression, alcoholism or comorbid depression/alcoholism as compared to non-psychiatric subjects. Postmortem brain samples from 23 subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), 16 with alcohol dependence, 13 with comorbid MDD and alcohol dependence, and 20 psychiatrically-normal comparison subjects were processed for western blots to determine Cx43 levels. Area fraction of Cx43 immunoreactivity, and density and average size of immunoreactive puncta were measured in histological sections. There was a significant, larger than 60 percent decrease in Cx43 level in the three psychiatric groups as compared to controls. Area fraction of immunoreactivity and immunoreactive punctum size were reduced in all psychiatric groups, but Cx43-immunoreactive puncta density was reduced only in alcohol-dependent subjects. Among psychiatric subjects, no difference in Cx43 levels or immunostaining was found between suicides and non-suicides. The present data suggest that dysfunction of the OFC is accompanied by reduction in the levels of gap junction protein Cx43 in depression and alcoholism, and reduction in density of Cx43 immunoreactive puncta only in alcoholism, pointing to altered gap junction or hemichannel-based communication in the pathophysiology of those disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
| | - Barbara A. Wilson
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Syed Hussain
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Ashish Meshram
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Grazyna Rajkowska
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Craig A. Stockmeier
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS,Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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Smith KL, John CS, Sypek EI, Ongür D, Cohen BM, Barry SM, Bechtholt AJ. Exploring the role of central astrocytic glutamate uptake in ethanol reward in mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:1307-14. [PMID: 24655029 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholism is associated with specific brain abnormalities revealed through postmortem studies, including a reduction in glial cell number and dysregulated glutamatergic neurotransmission. Whether these abnormalities contribute to the etiology of alcoholism, are consequences of alcohol use, or both is still unknown. METHODS We investigated the role of astrocytic glutamate uptake in ethanol (EtOH) binge drinking in mice, using the "drinking in the dark" (DID) paradigm by blocking the astrocytic glutamate transporter (GLT-1) with intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of dihydrokainic acid (DHK). To determine whether astrocytic glutamate uptake regulates the conditioned rewarding effects of EtOH, we examined the effects of ICV DHK on the acquisition and expression of EtOH-induced conditioned place preference. RESULTS Blocking central astrocytic glutamate uptake selectively attenuated EtOH binge drinking behavior in mice. DHK did not alter the acquisition or expression of preference for EtOH-associated cues, indicating that reduced astrocytic glutamate trafficking may decrease binge-like drinking without altering the conditioned rewarding effects of EtOH. CONCLUSIONS Several alternative conclusions are plausible, however, interpreting these data in the context of the human literature, these findings suggest that the reduction of glia in the alcoholic brain may not be a predisposing factor to developing alcoholism and could be a consequence of EtOH toxicity that decreases excessive EtOH intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts; Laboratory of Addictive Disorders, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Niciu MJ, Henter ID, Sanacora G, Zarate CA. Glial abnormalities in substance use disorders and depression: does shared glutamatergic dysfunction contribute to comorbidity? World J Biol Psychiatry 2014; 15:2-16. [PMID: 24024876 PMCID: PMC4180366 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2013.829585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preclinical and clinical research in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly mood and substance use disorders, have historically focused on neurons; however, glial cells-astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes - also play key roles in these disorders. METHODS Peer-reviewed PubMed/Medline articles published through December 2012 were identified using the following keyword combinations: glia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes/glia, microglia, substance use, substance abuse, substance dependence, alcohol, opiate, opioid, cocaine, psychostimulants, stimulants, and glutamate. RESULTS Depressive and substance use disorders are highly comorbid, suggesting a common or overlapping aetiology and pathophysiology. Reduced astrocyte cell number occurs in both disorders. Altered glutamate neurotransmission and metabolism - specifically changes in the levels/activity of transporters, receptors, and synaptic proteins potentially related to synaptic physiology - appear to be salient features of both disorders. Glial cell pathology may also underlie the pathophysiology of both disorders via impaired astrocytic production of neurotrophic factors. Microglial/neuroinflammatory pathology is also evident in both depressive and substance use disorders. Finally, oligodendrocyte impairment decreases myelination and impairs expression of myelin-related genes in both substance use and depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS Glial-mediated glutamatergic dysfunction is a common neuropathological pathway in both substance use and depression. Therefore, glutamatergic neuromodulation is a rational drug target in this comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Niciu
- Yale University Department of Psychiatry/Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC), Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU), New Haven, CT, USA,Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ioline D. Henter
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Yale University Department of Psychiatry/Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC), Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU), New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Sanacora G, Banasr M. From pathophysiology to novel antidepressant drugs: glial contributions to the pathology and treatment of mood disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:1172-9. [PMID: 23726152 PMCID: PMC3688253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Several structural and cellular changes, including marked glial anomalies, have been observed in association with major depressive disorder. Here we review these cellular alterations and highlight the importance of glial cell pathology, especially astroglial dysfunction, in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders with a particular interest in major depressive disorder. The functional role of astrocytes in glutamate uptake and glutamate/glutamine cycling is discussed, as is the deleterious effects of chronic stress on glial cell function. Lastly, we discuss the effect of antidepressants on glial cell function and the possibility of targeting glial cells in the quest to develop novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Sun JD, Liu Y, Yuan YH, Li J, Chen NH. Gap junction dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex induces depressive-like behaviors in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1305-20. [PMID: 22189291 PMCID: PMC3306892 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence has implicated glial anomalies in the pathophysiology of major depression disorder (MDD). Gap junctional communication is a main determinant of astrocytic function. However, it is unclear whether gap junction dysfunction is involved in MDD development. This study investigates changes in the function of astrocyte gap junction occurring in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) after chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), a rodent model of depression. Animals exposed to CUS and showing behavioral deficits in sucrose preference test (SPT) and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT) exhibited significant decreases in diffusion of gap junction channel-permeable dye and expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of astrocyte gap junction, and abnormal gap junctional ultrastructure in the PFC. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of typical antidepressants fluoxetine and duloxetine and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone on CUS-induced gap junctional dysfunction and depressive-like behaviors. The cellular and behavioral alterations induced by CUS were reversed and/or blocked by treatment with typical antidepressants or mifepristone, indicating that the mechanism of their antidepressant action may involve the amelioration of gap junction dysfunction and the cellular changes may be related to GR activation. We then investigated the effects of pharmacological gap junction blockade in the PFC on depressive-like behaviors. The results demonstrate that carbenoxolone (CBX) infusions induced anhedonia in SPT, and anxiety in NSFT, and Cx43 mimetic peptides Gap27 and Gap26 also induced anhedonia, a core symptom of depression. Together, this study supports the hypothesis that gap junction dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Dong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-He Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xiannongtan Street, Xuanwu District, Beijing 100050, China, Tel: +86 10 63165177, Fax: +86 10 63165177, E-mail:
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Dere E, Zlomuzica A. The role of gap junctions in the brain in health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 36:206-17. [PMID: 21664373 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions connect the cytosolic compartments of adjacent cells for direct electrotonic and metabolic cell-to-cell communication. Gap junctions between glial cells or neurons are ubiquitously expressed in the brain and play a role in brain development including cell differentiation, cell migration and survival, tissue homeostasis, as well as in human diseases including hearing loss, skin disease, neuropathies, epilepsy, brain trauma, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, gap junctions are involved in the synchronization and rhythmic oscillation of hippocampal and neocotical neuronal ensembles which might be important for memory formation and consolidation. In this review the accumulated evidence from mouse mutant and pharmacological studies using gap junction blockers is summarized and the progress made in dissecting the physiological, pathophysiological and behavioral roles of gap junction mediated intercellular communication in the brain is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekrem Dere
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 6, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, UMR 7102, Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, 9 quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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