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Locatelli M, Farina C. Role of copper in central nervous system physiology and pathology. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1058-1068. [PMID: 38989937 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper is a transition metal and an essential element for the organism, as alterations in its homeostasis leading to metal accumulation or deficiency have pathological effects in several organs, including the central nervous system. Central copper dysregulations have been evidenced in two genetic disorders characterized by mutations in the copper-ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B, Menkes disease and Wilson's disease, respectively, and also in multifactorial neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of copper in central nervous system physiology and pathology, reports about unbalances in copper levels and/or distribution under disease, describes relevant animal models for human disorders where copper metabolism genes are dysregulated, and discusses relevant therapeutic approaches modulating copper availability. Overall, alterations in copper metabolism may contribute to the etiology of central nervous system disorders and represent relevant therapeutic targets to restore tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Locatelli
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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2
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Hilton JBW, Kysenius K, Liddell JR, Mercer SW, Rautengarten C, Hare DJ, Buncic G, Paul B, Murray SS, McLean CA, Kilpatrick TJ, Beckman JS, Ayton S, Bush AI, White AR, Roberts BR, Donnelly PS, Crouch PJ. Integrated elemental analysis supports targeting copper perturbations as a therapeutic strategy in multiple sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00432. [PMID: 39164165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating affliction of the central nervous system (CNS) that involves demyelination of neuronal axons and neurodegeneration resulting in disability that becomes more pronounced in progressive forms of the disease. The involvement of neurodegeneration in MS underscores the need for effective neuroprotective approaches necessitating identification of new therapeutic targets. Herein, we applied an integrated elemental analysis workflow to human MS-affected spinal cord tissue utilising multiple inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry methodologies. These analyses revealed shifts in atomic copper as a notable aspect of disease. Complementary gene expression and biochemical analyses demonstrated that changes in copper levels coincided with altered expression of copper handling genes and downstream functionality of cuproenzymes. Copper-related problems observed in the human MS spinal cord were largely reproduced in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model during the acute phase of disease characterised by axonal demyelination, lesion formation, and motor neuron loss. Treatment of EAE mice with the CNS-permeant copper modulating compound CuII(atsm) resulted in recovery of cuproenzyme function, improved myelination and lesion volume, and neuroprotection. These findings support targeting copper perturbations as a therapeutic strategy for MS with CuII(atsm) showing initial promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B W Hilton
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen W Mercer
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Dominic J Hare
- Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Gojko Buncic
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bence Paul
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Elemental Scientific Lasers, LLC, 685 Old Buffalo Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
| | - Simon S Murray
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Trevor J Kilpatrick
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, 97331, United States
| | - Scott Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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3
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Gale J, Aizenman E. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of copper in the nervous system. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3505-3543. [PMID: 38747014 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16370] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a critical trace element in biological systems due the vast number of essential enzymes that require the metal as a cofactor, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase. Due its key role in oxidative metabolism, antioxidant defence and neurotransmitter synthesis, copper is particularly important for neuronal development and proper neuronal function. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that copper also serves important functions in synaptic and network activity, the regulation of circadian rhythms, and arousal. However, it is important to note that because of copper's ability to redox cycle and generate reactive species, cellular levels of the metal must be tightly regulated to meet cellular needs while avoiding copper-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential that the intricate system of copper transporters, exporters, copper chaperones and copper trafficking proteins function properly and in coordinate fashion. Indeed, disorders of copper metabolism such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease, as well as diseases linked to dysfunction of copper-requiring enzymes, such as SOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, demonstrate the dramatic neurological consequences of altered copper homeostasis. In this review, we explore the physiological importance of copper in the nervous system as well as pathologies related to improper copper handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elias Aizenman
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Vélez-Uriza F, Ordaz RP, Garay E, Cisneros-Mejorado AJ, Arellano RO. N-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (β-CCB) systemic administration promotes remyelination in the cuprizone demyelinating model in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13988. [PMID: 38886527 PMCID: PMC11183054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64501-x] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Demyelination is generated in several nervous system illnesses. Developing strategies for effective clinical treatments requires the discovery of promyelinating drugs. Increased GABAergic signaling through γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) activation in oligodendrocytes has been proposed as a promyelinating condition. GABAAR expressed in oligodendroglia is strongly potentiated by n-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (β-CCB) compared to that in neurons. Here, mice were subjected to 0.3% cuprizone (CPZ) added in the food to induce central nervous system demyelination, a well-known model for multiple sclerosis. Then β-CCB (1 mg/Kg) was systemically administered to analyze the remyelination status in white and gray matter areas. Myelin content was evaluated using Black-Gold II (BGII) staining, immunofluorescence (IF), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Evidence indicates that β-CCB treatment of CPZ-demyelinated animals promoted remyelination in several white matter structures, such as the fimbria, corpus callosum, internal capsule, and cerebellar peduncles. Moreover, using IF, it was observed that CPZ intake induced an increase in NG2+ and a decrease in CC1+ cell populations, alterations that were importantly retrieved by β-CCB treatment. Thus, the promyelinating character of β-CCB was confirmed in a generalized demyelination model, strengthening the idea that it has clinical potential as a therapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Vélez-Uriza
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, C.P. 76230, México
| | - Rainald Pablo Ordaz
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, C.P. 76230, México
| | - Edith Garay
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, C.P. 76230, México
| | - Abraham J Cisneros-Mejorado
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, C.P. 76230, México.
| | - Rogelio O Arellano
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, C.P. 76230, México.
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5
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Muzio L, Perego J. CNS Resident Innate Immune Cells: Guardians of CNS Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4865. [PMID: 38732082 PMCID: PMC11084235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094865] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the CNS has been considered for a long time an immune-privileged organ, it is now well known that both the parenchyma and non-parenchymal tissue (meninges, perivascular space, and choroid plexus) are richly populated in resident immune cells. The advent of more powerful tools for multiplex immunophenotyping, such as single-cell RNA sequencing technique and upscale multiparametric flow and mass spectrometry, helped in discriminating between resident and infiltrating cells and, above all, the different spectrum of phenotypes distinguishing border-associated macrophages. Here, we focus our attention on resident innate immune players and their primary role in both CNS homeostasis and pathological neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, two key interconnected aspects of the immunopathology of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Muzio
- Neuroimmunology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute of Experimental Neurology, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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6
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Kipp M. How to Use the Cuprizone Model to Study De- and Remyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1445. [PMID: 38338724 PMCID: PMC10855335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031445] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system whose cause is still largely unknown. Oligodendrocyte degeneration results in demyelination of axons, which can eventually be repaired by a mechanism called remyelination. Prevention of demyelination and the pharmacological support of remyelination are two promising strategies to ameliorate disease progression in MS patients. The cuprizone model is commonly employed to investigate oligodendrocyte degeneration mechanisms or to explore remyelination pathways. During the last decades, several different protocols have been applied, and all have their pros and cons. This article intends to offer guidance for conducting pre-clinical trials using the cuprizone model in mice, focusing on discovering new treatment approaches to prevent oligodendrocyte degeneration or enhance remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kipp
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute of Anatomy, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Hilton JBW, Kysenius K, Liddell JR, Mercer SW, Hare DJ, Buncic G, Paul B, Wang Y, Murray SS, Kilpatrick TJ, White AR, Donnelly PS, Crouch PJ. Evidence for decreased copper associated with demyelination in the corpus callosum of cuprizone-treated mice. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfad072. [PMID: 38178638 PMCID: PMC10797489 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad072] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Demyelination within the central nervous system (CNS) is a significant feature of debilitating neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and administering the copper-selective chelatorcuprizone to mice is widely used to model demyelination in vivo. Conspicuous demyelination within the corpus callosum is generally attributed to cuprizone's ability to restrict copper availability in this vulnerable brain region. However, the small number of studies that have assessed copper in brain tissue from cuprizone-treated mice have produced seemingly conflicting outcomes, leaving the role of CNS copper availability in demyelination unresolved. Herein we describe our assessment of copper concentrations in brain samples from mice treated with cuprizone for 40 d. Importantly, we applied an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methodology that enabled assessment of copper partitioned into soluble and insoluble fractions within distinct brain regions, including the corpus callosum. Our results show that cuprizone-induced demyelination in the corpus callosum was associated with decreased soluble copper in this brain region. Insoluble copper in the corpus callosum was unaffected, as were pools of soluble and insoluble copper in other brain regions. Treatment with the blood-brain barrier permeant copper compound CuII(atsm) increased brain copper levels and this was most pronounced in the soluble fraction of the corpus callosum. This effect was associated with significant mitigation of cuprizone-induced demyelination. These results provide support for the involvement of decreased CNS copper availability in demyelination in the cuprizone model. Relevance to human demyelinating disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B W Hilton
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen W Mercer
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Dominic J Hare
- Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Gojko Buncic
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bence Paul
- School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - YouJia Wang
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Simon S Murray
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Trevor J Kilpatrick
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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8
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Benson CA, Olson KL, Patwa S, Kauer SD, King JF, Waxman SG, Tan AM. Conditional Astrocyte Rac1KO Attenuates Hyperreflexia after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1670222023. [PMID: 37963762 PMCID: PMC10851682 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1670-22.2023] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is a hyperexcitability disorder that adversely impacts functional recovery and rehabilitative efforts after spinal cord injury (SCI). The loss of evoked rate-dependent depression (RDD) of the monosynaptic H-reflex is indicative of hyperreflexia, a physiological sign of spasticity. Given the intimate relationship between astrocytes and neurons, that is, the tripartite synapse, we hypothesized that astrocytes might have a significant role in post-injury hyperreflexia and plasticity of neighboring neuronal synaptic dendritic spines. Here, we investigated the effect of selective Rac1KO in astrocytes (i.e., adult male and female mice, transgenic cre-flox system) on SCI-induced spasticity. Three weeks after a mild contusion SCI, control Rac1wt animals displayed a loss of H-reflex RDD, that is, hyperreflexia. In contrast, transgenic animals with astrocytic Rac1KO demonstrated near-normal H-reflex RDD similar to pre-injury levels. Reduced hyperreflexia in astrocytic Rac1KO animals was accompanied by a loss of thin-shaped dendritic spine density on α-motor neurons in the ventral horn. In SCI-Rac1wt animals, as expected, we observed the development of dendritic spine dysgenesis on α-motor neurons associated with spasticity. As compared with WT animals, SCI animals with astrocytic Rac1KO expressed increased levels of the glial-specific glutamate transporter, glutamate transporter-1 in the ventral spinal cord, potentially enhancing glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft and reducing hyperreflexia in astrocytic Rac1KO animals. Taken together, our findings show for the first time that Rac1 activity in astrocytes can contribute to hyperreflexia underlying spasticity following SCI. These results reveal an opportunity to target cell-specific molecular regulators of H-reflex excitability to manage spasticity after SCI.Significance Statement Spinal cord injury leads to stretch reflex hyperexcitability, which underlies the clinical symptom of spasticity. This study shows for the first time that astrocytic Rac1 contributes to the development of hyperreflexia after SCI. Specifically, astrocytic Rac1KO reduced SCI-related H-reflex hyperexcitability, decreased dendritic spine dysgenesis on α-motor neurons, and elevated the expression of the astrocytic glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). Overall, this study supports a distinct role for astrocytic Rac1 signaling within the spinal reflex circuit and the development of SCI-related spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis A Benson
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Kai-Lan Olson
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Siraj Patwa
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Sierra D Kauer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Jared F King
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Andrew M Tan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510,
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
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Kipp M. Astrocytes: Lessons Learned from the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16420. [PMID: 38003609 PMCID: PMC10671869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216420] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, exhibit distinct myelin abnormalities at both the molecular and histological levels. These aberrations are closely linked to dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and alterations in myelin structure, which may be pivotal factors contributing to the disconnection of brain regions and the resulting characteristic clinical impairments observed in these conditions. Astrocytes, which significantly outnumber neurons in the central nervous system by a five-to-one ratio, play indispensable roles in the development, maintenance, and overall well-being of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Consequently, they emerge as potential key players in the onset and progression of a myriad of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, targeting astrocytes represents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in such disorders. To gain deeper insights into the functions of astrocytes in the context of myelin-related disorders, it is imperative to employ appropriate in vivo models that faithfully recapitulate specific aspects of complex human diseases in a reliable and reproducible manner. One such model is the cuprizone model, wherein metabolic dysfunction in oligodendrocytes initiates an early response involving microglia and astrocyte activation, culminating in multifocal demyelination. Remarkably, following the cessation of cuprizone intoxication, a spontaneous process of endogenous remyelination occurs. In this review article, we provide a historical overview of studies investigating the responses and putative functions of astrocytes in the cuprizone model. Following that, we list previously published works that illuminate various aspects of the biology and function of astrocytes in this multiple sclerosis model. Some of the studies are discussed in more detail in the context of astrocyte biology and pathology. Our objective is twofold: to provide an invaluable overview of this burgeoning field, and, more importantly, to inspire fellow researchers to embark on experimental investigations to elucidate the multifaceted functions of this pivotal glial cell subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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10
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Ibrahim Fouad G, Ahmed KA. Remyelinating activities of Carvedilol or alpha lipoic acid in the Cuprizone-Induced rat model of demyelination. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110125. [PMID: 37028277 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease with unknown etiology, MS is featured by multifocal demyelinated lesions distributed throughout the brain. It is assumed to result from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition. Therefore, different therapeutic approaches are aiming to stimulate remyelination which could be defined as an endogenous regeneration and repair of myelin in the central nervous system. Carvedilol is an adrenergic receptor antagonist. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a well-known antioxidant. Herein, we investigated the remyelination potential of Carvedilol or ALA post-Cuprizone (CPZ) intoxication. Carvedilol or ALA (20 mg/kg/d) was administrated orally for two weeks at the end of the five weeks of CPZ (0.6%) administration. CPZ provoked demyelination, enhanced oxidative stress, and stimulated neuroinflammation. Histological investigation of CPZ-induced brains showed obvious demyelination in the corpus callosum (CC). Both Carvedilol and ALA demonstrated remyelinating activities, with corresponding upregulation of the expression of MBP and PLP, the major myelin proteins, downregulation of the expression of TNF-α and MMP-9, and decrement of serum IFN-γ levels. Moreover, both Carvedilol and ALA alleviated oxidative stress, and ameliorated muscle fatigue. This study highlights the neurotherapeutic potential of Carvedilol or ALA in CPZ-induced demyelination, and offers a better model for the exploring of neuroregenerative strategies. The current study is the first to demonstrate a pro-remyelinating activity for Carvedilol, as compared to ALA, which might represent a potential additive benefit in halting demyelination and alleviating neurotoxicity. However, we could declare that Carvedilol showed a lower neuroprotective potential than ALA.
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11
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Leo H, Kipp M. Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings in the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416093. [PMID: 36555733 PMCID: PMC9783537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Remyelination therapies, which are currently under development, have a great potential to delay, prevent or even reverse disability in multiple sclerosis patients. Several models are available to study the effectiveness of novel compounds in vivo, among which is the cuprizone model. This model is characterized by toxin-induced demyelination, followed by endogenous remyelination after cessation of the intoxication. Due to its high reproducibility and ease of use, this model enjoys high popularity among various research and industrial groups. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings using this model and discuss the potential of some of the identified compounds to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Kipp
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-381-494-8400
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