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Nikkhouy P, Abbasnejad M, Esmaeili-Mahani S, Kooshki R. Mode of delivery alters sensitivity to thermal and chemical stimuli in adult rats: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2024; 22:101-110. [PMID: 38628778 PMCID: PMC11017211 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v22i2.15707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The mode of delivery might prompt a long-lasting alteration in physiological and behavioral responsiveness in offspring. Objective This study was intended to evaluate if the mode of delivery could alter sensitivity to thermal and chemical stimuli in female rats. Materials and Methods 56 adult female Wistar rats (200-220 gr) that were born by vaginal or cesarean section (C-section) were used (n = 28/each). Inflammatory pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin into the hind paw. The thermal nociceptive threshold was determined by tail-flick and hot plate tests. Besides, the Western blot test was used to evaluate the spinal cord levels of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins. Results Formalin-induced inflammation was significantly decreased in C-section group as compared to vaginally born rats (p < 0.001). The baseline nociceptive threshed and morphine-induced analgesia were significantly increased in C-section groups in comparison to vaginally born rats. In addition, the levels of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins were significantly decreased in the spinal cord of C-section rats as compared to vaginally born animals (p < 0.01). Morphine treatment could decrease the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun in the C-section group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Overall, C-section rats showed lower spinal nociceptive processing and neuronal activity later in life, compared to the vaginal born rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Nikkhouy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasnejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Kooshki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
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Kenkel WM, Kingsbury MA, Reinhart JM, Cetinbas M, Sadreyev RI, Carter CS, Perkeybile AM. Lasting consequences on physiology and social behavior following cesarean delivery in prairie voles. Horm Behav 2023; 150:105314. [PMID: 36731301 PMCID: PMC10023354 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cesarean delivery is associated with diminished plasma levels of several 'birth-signaling' hormones, such as oxytocin and vasopressin. These same hormones have been previously shown to exert organizational effects when acting in early life. For example, our previous work found a broadly gregarious phenotype in prairie voles exposed to oxytocin at birth. Meanwhile, cesarean delivery has been previously associated with changes in social behavior and metabolic processes related to oxytocin and vasopressin. In the present study, we investigated the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of cesarean delivery in prairie voles. After cross-fostering, vole pups delivered either via cesarean or vaginal delivery were studied throughout development. Cesarean-delivered pups responded to isolation differently in terms of their vocalizations (albeit in opposite directions in the two experiments), huddled in less cohesive groups under warmed conditions, and shed less heat. As young adults, we observed no differences in anxiety-like or alloparental behavior. However, in adulthood, cesarean-delivered voles of both sexes failed to form partner preferences with opposite sex conspecifics. In a follow-up study, we replicated this deficit in partner-preference formation among cesarean-delivered voles and were able to normalize pair-bonding behavior by treating cesarean-delivered vole pups with oxytocin (0.25 mg/kg) at delivery. Finally, we detected minor differences in regional oxytocin receptor expression within the brains of cesarean-delivered voles, as well as microbial composition of the gut. Gene expression changes in the gut epithelium indicated that cesarean-delivered male voles have altered gut development. These results speak to the possibility of unintended developmental consequences of cesarean delivery, which currently accounts for 32.9 % of deliveries in the U.S. and suggest that further research should be directed at whether hormone replacement at delivery influences behavioral outcomes in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Kenkel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States of America.
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - John M Reinhart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Murat Cetinbas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - C Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
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Cabré S, Ratsika A, Rea K, Stanton C, Cryan JF. Animal Models for Assessing Impact of C-Section Delivery on Biological Systems. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104555. [PMID: 35122781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104555] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in Caesarean section (C-section) births worldwide over the past two decades and although it is can be a life-saving procedure, the enduring effects on host physiology are now undergoing further scrutiny. Indeed, epidemiological data have linked C-section birth with multiple immune, metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases. Birth by C-section is known to alter the colonisation of the neonatal gut microbiota (with C-section delivered infants lacking vaginal microbiota associated with passing along the birth canal), which in turn can impact the development and maintenance of many important biological systems. Appropriate animal models are key to disentangling the role of missing microbes in brain health and disease in C-section births. In this review of preclinical studies, we interrogate the effects of C-section birth on the development (and maintenance) of several biological systems and we discuss the involvement of the gut microbiome on C-section-related alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Cabré
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Anna Ratsika
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Kieran Rea
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland; Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy P61 C996, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
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Chiesa M, Rabiei H, Riffault B, Ferrari DC, Ben-Ari Y. Brain Volumes in Mice are Smaller at Birth After Term or Preterm Cesarean Section Delivery. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3579-3591. [PMID: 33754629 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of cesarean section (CS) delivery has steadily increased over the past decades despite epidemiological studies reporting higher risks of neonatal morbidity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, little is known about the immediate impact of CS birth on the brain, hence the need of experimental studies to evaluate brain parameters following this mode of delivery. Using the solvent clearing method iDISCO and 3D imaging technique, we report that on the day of birth, whole-brain, hippocampus, and striatum volumes are reduced in CS-delivered as compared to vaginally-born mice, with a stronger effect observed in preterm CS pups. These results stress the impact of CS delivery, at term or preterm, during parturition and at birth. In contrast, cellular activity and apoptosis are reduced in mice born by CS preterm but not term, suggesting that these early-life processes are only impacted by the combination of preterm birth and CS delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Chiesa
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Hamed Rabiei
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Baptiste Riffault
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Diana Carolina Ferrari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Yehezkel Ben-Ari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
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Zuena AR, Casolini P, Venerosi A, Alemà GS, Nicoletti F, Calamandrei G. Selective reduction in the expression of type-1 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the hippocampus of adult rats born by caesarean section. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:333-341. [PMID: 33759234 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxia causes long-term neurobiological consequences, including alterations in mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunction. Changes in neurotransmitter receptors have been associated with these alterations, but little is known on how early hypoxia influences the expression and function of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in adult life. This is an important issue because mGlu receptors are implicated in mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Here, we examined the expression of mGlu1, mGlu5, and mGlu2/3 receptor subtypes in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and dorsal striatum in 6-month old Wistar rats (a) born by vaginal delivery; (b) born by caesarean section; and (c) born by caesarean section followed by 20 min of asphyxia. Unexpectedly, we found a large reduction of mGlu1α protein levels in the hippocampus of rats born by caesarean section regardless of the presence of asphyxia. No changes in mGlu1α receptor protein levels were found in the other brain regions. Levels of mGlu5 and mGlu2/3 receptors and levels of GluA2/3 and GluN1 subunits of AMPA and NMDA receptors did not differ among the three groups of rats in any brain region. These results are consistent with previous findings showing that changes in mGlu1 receptors occur within the epigenetic programming caused by early-life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Zuena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Casolini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldina Venerosi
- Centre for Behavioural Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Centre for Behavioural Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Roma, Italy
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Kenkel W. Birth signalling hormones and the developmental consequences of caesarean delivery. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12912. [PMID: 33145818 PMCID: PMC10590550 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rates of delivery by caesarean section (CS) are increasing around the globe and, although several epidemiological associations have already been observed between CS and health outcomes in later life, more are sure to be discovered as this practice continues to gain popularity. The components of vaginal delivery that protect offspring from the negative consequences of CS delivery in later life are currently unknown, although much attention to date has focused on differences in microbial colonisation. Here, we present the case that differing hormonal experiences at birth may also contribute to the neurodevelopmental consequences of CS delivery. Levels of each of the 'birth signalling hormones' (oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and the glucocorticoids) are lower following CS compared to vaginal delivery, and there is substantial evidence for each that manipulations in early life results in long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. We draw from the research traditions of neuroendocrinology and developmental psychobiology to suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive period, during which hormones achieve organisational effects. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from research on developmental programming by early-life stress that may inform research on CS, as a result of shared neuroendocrine mechanisms at work. We compare and contrast the effects of early-life stress with those of CS delivery and propose new avenues of research based on the links between the two bodies of literature. The research conducted to date suggests that the differences in hormone signalling seen in CS neonates may produce long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kenkel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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