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Ng THJ, Sarikahya MH, Hudson R, Szkudlarek HJ, Pérez-Valenzuela E, Uzuneser TC, Proud E, Gummerson D, Youssef M, Machado M, Zhaksylyk K, DeVuono MV, Chen C, Yeung KKC, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. Adolescent nicotine exposure induces long-term, sex-specific disturbances in mood and anxiety-related behavioral, neuronal and molecular phenotypes in the mesocorticolimbic system. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1171-1182. [PMID: 38521861 PMCID: PMC11109238 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01853-y] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The majority of lifetime smokers begin using nicotine during adolescence, a critical period of brain development wherein neural circuits critical for mood, affect and cognition are vulnerable to drug-related insults. Specifically, brain regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus, are implicated in both nicotine dependence and pathological phenotypes linked to mood and anxiety disorders. Clinical studies report that females experience higher rates of mood/anxiety disorders and are more resistant to smoking cessation therapies, suggesting potential sex-specific responses to nicotine exposure and later-life neuropsychiatric risk. However, the potential neural and molecular mechanisms underlying such sex differences are not clear. In the present study, we compared the impacts of adolescent nicotine exposure in male vs. female rat cohorts. We performed a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological and targeted protein expression analyses along with matrix assisted laser deionization imaging (MALDI) immediately post-adolescent exposure and later in early adulthood. We report that adolescent nicotine exposure induced long-lasting anxiety/depressive-like behaviors, disrupted neuronal activity patterns in the mPFC-VTA network and molecular alterations in various neural regions linked to affect, anxiety and cognition. Remarkably, these phenotypes were only observed in males and/or were expressed in the opposite direction in females. These findings identify a series of novel, sex-selective biomarkers for adolescent nicotine-induced neuropsychiatric risk, persisting into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsun Hay Jason Ng
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Enzo Pérez-Valenzuela
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Taygun C Uzuneser
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emma Proud
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Dana Gummerson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Miray Youssef
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Madeline Machado
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kuralay Zhaksylyk
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Chaochao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Ken K-C Yeung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada.
- Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), London, ON, Canada.
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2
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Foessl I, Ackert-Bicknell CL, Kague E, Laskou F, Jakob F, Karasik D, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Alonso N, Bjørnerem Å, Brandi ML, Busse B, Calado Â, Cebi AH, Christou M, Curran KM, Hald JD, Semeraro MD, Douni E, Duncan EL, Duran I, Formosa MM, Gabet Y, Ghatan S, Gkitakou A, Hassler EM, Högler W, Heino TJ, Hendrickx G, Khashayar P, Kiel DP, Koromani F, Langdahl B, Lopes P, Mäkitie O, Maurizi A, Medina-Gomez C, Ntzani E, Ohlsson C, Prijatelj V, Rabionet R, Reppe S, Rivadeneira F, Roshchupkin G, Sharma N, Søe K, Styrkarsdottir U, Szulc P, Teti A, Tobias J, Valjevac A, van de Peppel J, van der Eerden B, van Rietbergen B, Zekic T, Zillikens MC. A perspective on muscle phenotyping in musculoskeletal research. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:478-489. [PMID: 38553405 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.004] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal research should synergistically investigate bone and muscle to inform approaches for maintaining mobility and to avoid bone fractures. The relationship between sarcopenia and osteoporosis, integrated in the term 'osteosarcopenia', is underscored by the close association shown between these two conditions in many studies, whereby one entity emerges as a predictor of the other. In a recent workshop of Working Group (WG) 2 of the EU Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 'Genomics of MusculoSkeletal traits Translational Network' (GEMSTONE) consortium (CA18139), muscle characterization was highlighted as being important, but currently under-recognized in the musculoskeletal field. Here, we summarize the opinions of the Consortium and research questions around translational and clinical musculoskeletal research, discussing muscle phenotyping in human experimental research and in two animal models: zebrafish and mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Foessl
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Cheryl L Ackert-Bicknell
- Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erika Kague
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Franz Jakob
- Bernhard-Heine-Centrum für Bewegungsforschung und Lehrstuhl für Funktionswerkstoffe der Medizin und der Zahnheilkunde, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Karasik
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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3
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Ngema M, Xulu ND, Ngubane PS, Khathi A. Pregestational Prediabetes Induces Maternal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation and Results in Adverse Foetal Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5431. [PMID: 38791468 PMCID: PMC11122116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105431] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to result in foetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to adverse foetal outcomes. T2DM is preceded by prediabetes and shares similar pathophysiological complications. However, no studies have investigated the effects of maternal prediabetes on foetal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Hence, this study investigated the effects of pregestational prediabetes on maternal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Pre-diabetic (PD) and non-pre-diabetic (NPD) female Sprague Dawley rats were mated with non-prediabetic males. After gestation, male pups born from the PD and NPD groups were collected. Markers of HPA axis function, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone, were measured in all dams and pups. Glucose tolerance, insulin and gene expressions of mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors were further measured in all pups at birth and their developmental milestones. The results demonstrated increased basal concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone in the dams from the PD group by comparison to NPD. Furthermore, the results show an increase basal ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, disturbed MR and GR gene expression, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance assessed via the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) indices in the pups born from the PD group compared to NPD group at all developmental milestones. These observations reveal that pregestational prediabetes is associated with maternal dysregulation of the HPA axis, impacting offspring HPA axis development along with impaired glucose handling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4041, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; (M.N.); (N.D.X.); (P.S.N.)
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4
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Meng Y, Toledo-Rodriguez M, Fedorenko O, Smith PA. Sex and age affect depot expression of Ca2+ channels in rat white fat adipocytes. J Mol Endocrinol 2024; 72:e230108. [PMID: 38299791 PMCID: PMC10959010 DOI: 10.1530/jme-23-0108] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
White adipose tissue (WAT) requires extracellular Ca2+ influx for lipolysis, differentiation, and expansion. This partly occurs via plasma membrane Ca2+ voltage-dependent channels (CaVs). However, WFA exists in different depots whose function varies with age, sex, and location. To explore whether their CaV expression profiles also differ we used RNAseq and qPCR on gonadal, mesenteric, retroperitoneal, and inguinal subcutaneous fat depots from rats of different ages and sex. CaV expression was found dependent on age, sex, and WFA location. In the gonadal depots of both sexes a significantly lower expression of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 was seen for adults compared to pre-pubescent juveniles. A lower level of expression was also seen for CaV3.1 in adult male but not female gonadal WFA, the latter of whose expression remained unchanged with age. Relatively little expression of CaV3.2 and 3.2 was observed. In post-pubescent inguinal subcutaneous fat, where the third and fourth mammary glands are located, CaV3.1 was decreased in males but increased in females - thus suggesting that this channel is associated with mammogenesis; however, no difference in intracellular Ca2+ levels or adipocyte size were noted. For all adult depots, CaV3.1 expression was larger in females than males - a difference not seen in pre-pubescent rats. These observations are consistent with the changes of CaV3.1 expression seen in 3T3-L1 cell differentiation and the ability of selective CaV3.1 antagonists to inhibit adipogensis. Our results show that changes in CaV expression patterns occur in fat depots related to sexual dimorphism: reproductive tracts and mammogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Meng
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maria Toledo-Rodriguez
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Olena Fedorenko
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul A Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Hsieh KL, Sun TB, Huang KH, Lin CH, Tang LY, Liu CL, Chao CM, Chang CP. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112175. [PMID: 38341020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112175] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Bor Sun
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
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6
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Hedley KE, Cuskelly A, Callister RJ, Horvat JC, Hodgson DM, Tadros MA. The medulla oblongata shows a sex-specific inflammatory response to systemic neonatal lipopolysaccharide. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 389:578316. [PMID: 38394966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578316] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Early life inflammation has been linked to long-term modulation of behavioural outcomes due to the central nervous system, but it is now becoming apparent it is also linked to dysfunction of visceral physiology. The medulla oblongata contains a number of nuclei critical for homeostasis, therefore we utilised the well-established model of neonatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure to examine the immediate and long-term impacts of systemic inflammation on the medulla oblongata. Wistar rats were injected with LPS or saline on postnatal days 3 and 5, with tissues collected on postnatal days 7 or 90 in order to assess expression of inflammatory mediators and microglial morphology in autonomic regions of the medulla oblongata. We observed a distinct sex-specific response of all measured inflammatory mediators at both ages, as well as significant neonatal sex differences in inflammatory mediators within saline groups. At both ages, microglial morphology had significant changes in branch length and soma size in a sex-specific manner in response to LPS exposure. This data not only highlights the strong sex-specific response of neonates to LPS administration, but also the significant life-long impact on the medulla oblongata and the potential altered control of visceral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateleen E Hedley
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Annalisa Cuskelly
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Education, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J Callister
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jay C Horvat
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa A Tadros
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Chi L, Liu C, Gribonika I, Gschwend J, Corral D, Han SJ, Lim AI, Rivera CA, Link VM, Wells AC, Bouladoux N, Collins N, Lima-Junior DS, Enamorado M, Rehermann B, Laffont S, Guéry JC, Tussiwand R, Schneider C, Belkaid Y. Sexual dimorphism in skin immunity is mediated by an androgen-ILC2-dendritic cell axis. Science 2024; 384:eadk6200. [PMID: 38574174 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Males and females exhibit profound differences in immune responses and disease susceptibility. However, the factors responsible for sex differences in tissue immunity remain poorly understood. Here, we uncovered a dominant role for type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in shaping sexual immune dimorphism within the skin. Mechanistically, negative regulation of ILC2s by androgens leads to a reduction in dendritic cell accumulation and activation in males, along with reduced tissue immunity. Collectively, our results reveal a role for the androgen-ILC2-dendritic cell axis in controlling sexual immune dimorphism. Moreover, this work proposes that tissue immune set points are defined by the dual action of sex hormones and the microbiota, with sex hormones controlling the strength of local immunity and microbiota calibrating its tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chi
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Can Liu
- Multiscale Systems Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Inta Gribonika
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julia Gschwend
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dan Corral
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seong-Ji Han
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ai Ing Lim
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Claudia A Rivera
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Verena M Link
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexandria C Wells
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicolas Bouladoux
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicholas Collins
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Djalma S Lima-Junior
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michel Enamorado
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Roxane Tussiwand
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Yasmine Belkaid
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- NIAID Microbiome Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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8
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Mukadam AA, Chester JA. Line- and sex-dependent effects of juvenile stress on contextual fear- and anxiety-related behavior in high- and low-alcohol-preferring mouse lines. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114899. [PMID: 38342379 PMCID: PMC10954351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114899] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Juvenile stress (JS) is a known risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which are frequently co-morbid. Data suggest there may be common, genetically-influenced biological responses to stress that contribute to the development of both AUD and PTSD. The present study investigated the impact of JS on contextual fear learning and extinction, as well as corticosterone (CORT) responses before and after JS, before and after contextual fear conditioning (CFC), and after fear extinction in male and female high-alcohol-preferring (HAP2) and low-alcohol-preferring (LAP2) mouse lines. We also measured unconditioned anxiety-related behavior in the light-dark-transition test before CFC. HAP2 and LAP2 mice did not differ in fear acquisition, but HAP2 mice showed faster fear extinction compared to LAP2 mice. No effects of JS were seen in HAP2 mice, whereas in LAP2 mice, JS reduced fear acquisition in males and facilitated fear extinction in females. Females showed greater fear-related behavior relative to males, regardless of subgroup. HAP2 males demonstrated more anxiolytic-like responses than LAP2 males and LAP2 females demonstrated more anxiolytic-like responses than LAP2 males in the light-dark transition test. HAP2 and LAP2 mice did not differ in CORT during the juvenile stage; however, adult LAP2 mice showed greater CORT levels than HAP2 mice at baseline and after CFC and extinction testing. These findings build upon prior work in these unique mouse lines that differ in genetic propensity toward alcohol preference and provide new information regarding contextual fear learning and extinction mechanisms theorized to contribute to co-morbid AUD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbaaz A Mukadam
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Julia A Chester
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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9
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Przanowska RK, Chen Y, Uchida TO, Shibata E, Hao X, Rueda IS, Jensen K, Przanowski P, Trimboli A, Shibata Y, Leone G, Dutta A. Endo-reduplication in mouse liver after conditional mutation of ORC2 and combined mutation of ORC1 and ORC2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588006. [PMID: 38617300 PMCID: PMC11014565 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The six subunit Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) is essential for loading MCM2-7 at origins of DNA replication to promote initiation of DNA replication in organisms ranging from S. cerevisiae to humans. In rare instances, as in cancer cell-lines in culture with mutations in ORC1 , ORC2 or ORC5 , or in endo-reduplicating mouse hepatocytes in vivo without ORC1 , DNA replication has been observed in the virtual absence of individual ORC subunits. Although ORC1 is dispensable in the mouse liver for endo-reduplication, because of the homology of ORC1 with CDC6, it could be argued that CDC6 was substituting for ORC1 to restore functional ORC. Here, we have created mice with a conditional deletion of ORC2 , to demonstrate that mouse embryo fibroblasts require ORC2 for proliferation, but that the mouse hepatocytes can carry out DNA synthesis in vitro and endo-reduplicate in vivo , despite the deletion of ORC2 . Combining the conditional mutation of ORC1 and ORC2 revealed that the mouse liver can still carry out endo-reduplication despite the deletion of the two genes, both during normal development and after partial hepatectomy. Since endo-reduplication, like normal S phase replication, requires the presence of MCM2-7 on the chromatin, these results suggest that in primary hepatocytes there is a mechanism to load sufficient MCM2-7 to carry out effective DNA replication despite the virtual absence of two subunits of ORC.
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10
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Anima B, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Possible role of apelin on the ovarian steroidogenesis and uterine apoptosis of infantile mice: An in vitro study. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 238:106463. [PMID: 38246202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106463] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The expression of adipokines is well-known in the ovary and uterus. Recently we have shown that apelin and its receptor, APJ are developmentally regulated in the ovary and uterus of mice with elevation at postnatal day 14 (PND14). However, its role in the ovary and uterus of PND14 has not been investigated. Thus, we aimed to unravel the role of the apelin system (by APJ antagonist, ML221) on ovarian steroid secretion, proliferation, and apoptosis along with its role in uterine apoptosis in PND14 mice by in vitro approaches. The treatment of ML221 decreased estrogen, testosterone, and androstenedione secretion while increasing the progesterone secretion from the infantile ovary. These results suggest that apelin signaling would be important for ovarian estrogen synthesis in infantile mice (PND14). The abundance of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, aromatase, and active caspase3 increased in the infantile ovary after ML221 treatment. The expression of ERs and BCL2 were also down-regulated by ML221 treatment. The decreased BCL2 and increased active caspase3 by ML221 suggest the suppressive role of apelin on ovarian apoptosis. The APJ antagonist treatment also down-regulated the ER expression in the uterus along with increased active caspase3 and decreased BCL2 expression. In conclusion, apelin signaling inhibits the ovarian and uterine apoptosis via estrogen signaling in the ovary and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borgohain Anima
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India.
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11
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Campos-Ordoñez T, Buriticá J. Assessment of the inbred C57BL/6 and outbred CD1 mouse strains using a progressive ratio schedule during development. Physiol Behav 2024; 277:114485. [PMID: 38336087 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114485] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Inbred strains have a genetic similarity of at least 98.6% compared to their outbred counterparts. Several studies have shown that inbred C57BL/6 mice and outbred ICR (CD1) mice differ in locomotion, cognitive flexibility, and aggression. However, their performance in operant paradigms is not well understood. A progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement is a method of quantitative estimation of the incentive state of an animal for a reward by increasing response requirements for reinforcer delivery, which is relevant to assess the breakpoint (amount of response effort an animal is willing to invest for a single unit of reward). This study tested male and female C57BL/6 and CD1 mice with an open field to analyze locomotion. Then, we used conditioning chambers with a PR3 schedule for ten consecutive days (P30-P40). PR performance was measured with the breakpoint, and the mathematical principles of reinforcement (MPR) were used to estimate motivation, impulsivity, and motor skills to manipulate the operandum. We found that CD1 mice showed higher locomotor activity than C57BL/6 independently of sex. CD1 mice had a higher breakpoint. However, male CD1 mice gradually increased breakpoint until the last session. In the MPR model, CD1 mice showed decreased fixed paused parameter (impulsivity) than C57BL/6, independent of sex. Our data suggest that the higher breakpoint in CD1 strain may partially be related to impulsivity. Therefore, the MPR model can help identify factors that affect performances, such as motivation, impulsivity, and motor skills during a PR in adolescent CD1 and C57BL/6 mice. These findings are essential to characterize the differences in the behavioral performance between C57BL/6 and CD1 strains and their potential as animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Campos-Ordoñez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias. Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco 45200, México.
| | - Jonathan Buriticá
- Laboratorio de Cognición y Aprendizaje Comparado, Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Comportamiento, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco 44130, México.
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12
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Oliveira GDF, Nguyen AT, Carreras-Simons L, Niepsuj T, Gadelhak SH, Johnson AK, Abdalla A, Lev E, Torres Román SG, Fuchs SN, Jorgensen JS, Farhat WA, Auger AP. Puberty Blocker, Leuprolide, Reduces Sex Differences in Rough-and-Tumble Play and Anxiety-like Behavior in Juvenile Rats. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae046. [PMID: 38597659 PMCID: PMC11033216 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae046] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
We examined the effect of the puberty blocker, leuprolide acetate, on sex differences in juvenile rough-and-tumble play behavior and anxiety-like behavior in adolescent male and female rats. We also evaluated leuprolide treatment on gonadal and pituitary hormone levels and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-protein messenger RNA levels within the adolescent amygdala, a region important both for rough-and-tumble play and anxiety-like behavior. Our findings suggest that leuprolide treatment lowered anxiety-like behavior during adolescent development, suggesting that the maturation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone systems may be linked to increased anxiety. These data provide a potential new model to understand the emergence of increased anxiety triggered around puberty. Leuprolide also reduced masculinized levels of rough-and-tumble play behavior, lowered follicle-stimulating hormone, and produced a consistent pattern of reducing or halting sex differences of hormone levels, including testosterone, growth hormone, thyrotropin, and corticosterone levels. Therefore, leuprolide treatment not only pauses sexual development of peripheral tissues, but also reduces sex differences in hormones, brain, and behavior, allowing for better harmonization of these systems following gender-affirming hormone treatment. These data contribute to the intended use of puberty blockers in stopping sex differences from developing further with the potential benefit of lowering anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Faria Oliveira
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amber T Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Thomas Niepsuj
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Salma H Gadelhak
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Aimee K Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ashwakh Abdalla
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eden Lev
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sofia G Torres Román
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Samantha N Fuchs
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Walid A Farhat
- Division of Pediatric Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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13
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Gutierrez-Castellanos N, Sarra D, Godinho BS, Mainen ZF. Maturation of cortical input to dorsal raphe nucleus increases behavioral persistence in mice. eLife 2024; 13:e93485. [PMID: 38477558 PMCID: PMC10994666 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to persist toward a desired objective is a fundamental aspect of behavioral control whose impairment is implicated in several behavioral disorders. One of the prominent features of behavioral persistence is that its maturation occurs relatively late in development. This is presumed to echo the developmental time course of a corresponding circuit within late-maturing parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, but the specific identity of the responsible circuits is unknown. Here, we used a genetic approach to describe the maturation of the projection from layer 5 neurons of the neocortex to the dorsal raphe nucleus in mice. Using optogenetic-assisted circuit mapping, we show that this projection undergoes a dramatic increase in synaptic potency between postnatal weeks 3 and 8, corresponding to the transition from juvenile to adult. We then show that this period corresponds to an increase in the behavioral persistence that mice exhibit in a foraging task. Finally, we used a genetic targeting strategy that primarily affected neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, to selectively ablate this pathway in adulthood and show that mice revert to a behavioral phenotype similar to juveniles. These results suggest that frontal cortical to dorsal raphe input is a critical anatomical and functional substrate of the development and manifestation of behavioral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Sarra
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud FoundationLisbonPortugal
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Beatriz S Godinho
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud FoundationLisbonPortugal
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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14
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Arellano JI, Duque A, Rakic P. A coming-of-age story: adult neurogenesis or adolescent neurogenesis in rodents? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1383728. [PMID: 38505771 PMCID: PMC10948509 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1383728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
It is surprising that after more than a century using rodents for scientific research, there are no clear, consensual, or consistent definitions for when a mouse or a rat becomes adult. Specifically, in the field of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, where this concept is central, there is a trend to consider that puberty marks the start of adulthood and is not uncommon to find 30-day-old mice being described as adults. However, as others discussed earlier, this implies an important bias in the perceived importance of this trait because functional studies are normally done at very young ages, when neurogenesis is at its peak, disregarding middle aged and old animals that exhibit very little generation of new neurons. In this feature article we elaborate on those issues and argue that research on the postnatal development of mice and rats in the last 3 decades allows to establish an adolescence period that marks the transition to adulthood, as occurs in other mammals. Adolescence in both rat and mice ends around postnatal day 60 and therefore this age can be considered the onset of adulthood in both species. Nonetheless, to account for inter-individual, inter-strain differences in maturation and for possible delays due to environmental and social conditions, 3 months of age might be a safer option to consider mice and rats bona fide adults, as suggested by The Jackson Labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon I. Arellano
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alvaro Duque
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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15
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Green TR, Nguyen T, Dunker V, Ashton D, Ortiz JB, Murphy SM, Rowe RK. Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction Predicts Microglial Activation After Traumatic Brain Injury in Juvenile Rats. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:95-116. [PMID: 38404523 PMCID: PMC10890961 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0057] [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] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may exacerbate neuroinflammation post-injury. Few translational studies have examined BBB dysfunction and subsequent neuroinflammation post-TBI in juveniles. We hypothesized that BBB dysfunction positively predicts microglial activation and that vulnerability to BBB dysfunction and associated neuroinflammation are dependent on age at injury. Post-natal day (PND)17 and PND35 rats (n = 56) received midline fluid percussion injury or sham surgery, and immunoglobulin-G (IgG) stain was quantified as a marker of extravasated blood in the brain and BBB dysfunction. We investigated BBB dysfunction and the microglial response in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and motor cortex relative to age at injury and days post-injury (DPI; 1, 7, and 25). We measured the morphologies of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-labeled microglia using cell body area and perimeter, microglial branch number and length, end-points/microglial cell, and number of microglia. Data were analyzed using generalized hierarchical models. In PND17 rats, TBI increased levels of IgG compared to shams. Independent of age at injury, IgG in TBI rats was higher at 1 and 7 DPI, but resolved by 25 DPI. TBI activated microglia (more cells and fewer end-points) in PND35 rats compared to respective shams. Independent of age at injury, TBI induced morphological changes indicative of microglial activation, which resolved by 25 DPI. TBI rats had fewer cells and end-points per cell at 1 and 7 DPI than 25 DPI. Independent of TBI, PND17 rats had larger, more activated microglia than PND35 rats; PND17 TBI rats had larger cell body areas and perimeters than PND35 TBI rats. Importantly, we found support in both ages that IgG quantification predicted microglial activation after TBI. The number of microglia increased with increasing IgG, whereas branch length decreased with increasing IgG, which together indicate microglial activation. Our results suggest that stabilization of the BBB after pediatric TBI may be an important therapeutic strategy to limit neuroinflammation and promote recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha R.F. Green
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Tina Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Veronika Dunker
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Danielle Ashton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - J. Bryce Ortiz
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Sean M. Murphy
- Cumberland Biological and Ecological Researchers, Longmont, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel K. Rowe
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA
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16
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Rakotobe M, Fjerdingstad N, Ruiz-Reig N, Lamonerie T, D'Autréaux F. Central role of the habenulo-interpeduncular system in the neurodevelopmental basis of susceptibility and resilience to anxiety in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 191:106392. [PMID: 38145853 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Having experienced stress during sensitive periods of brain development strongly influences how individuals cope with later stress. Some are prone to develop anxiety or depression, while others appear resilient. The as-yet-unknown mechanisms underlying these differences may lie in how genes and environmental stress interact to shape the circuits that control emotions. Here, we investigated the role of the habenulo-interpeduncular system (HIPS), a critical node in reward circuits, in early stress-induced anxiety in mice. We found that habenular and IPN components characterized by the expression of Otx2 are synaptically connected and particularly sensitive to chronic stress (CS) during the peripubertal period. Stress-induced peripubertal activation of this HIPS subcircuit elicits both HIPS hypersensitivity to later stress and susceptibility to develop anxiety. We also show that HIPS silencing through conditional Otx2 knockout counteracts these effects of stress. Together, these results demonstrate that a genetic factor, Otx2, and stress interact during the peripubertal period to shape the stress sensitivity of the HIPS, which is shown to be a key modulator of susceptibility or resilience to develop anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malalaniaina Rakotobe
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Niels Fjerdingstad
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Nuria Ruiz-Reig
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Thomas Lamonerie
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France.
| | - Fabien D'Autréaux
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France. Fabien.D'
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17
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Westmark PR, Lyon G, Gutierrez A, Boeck B, Van Hammond O, Ripp N, Pagan-Torres NA, Brower J, Held PK, Scarlett C, Westmark CJ. Effects of Soy Protein Isolate on Fragile X Phenotypes in Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:284. [PMID: 38257177 PMCID: PMC10819477 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020284] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pediatric epidemic that is more prevalent in children with developmental disabilities. We hypothesize that soy protein-based diets increase weight gain and alter neurobehavioral outcomes. Our objective herein was to test matched casein- and soy protein-based purified ingredient diets in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, Fmr1KO mice. The experimental methods included assessment of growth; 24-7 activity levels; motor coordination; learning and memory; blood-based amino acid, phytoestrogen and glucose levels; and organ weights. The primary outcome measure was body weight. We find increased body weight in male Fmr1KO from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P224, male wild type (WT) from P32-P39, female Fmr1KO from P6-P18 and P168-P224, and female Fmr1HET from P9-P18 as a function of soy. Activity at the beginning of the light and dark cycles increased in female Fmr1HET and Fmr1KO mice fed soy. We did not find significant differences in rotarod or passive avoidance behavior as a function of genotype or diet. Several blood-based amino acids and phytoestrogens were significantly altered in response to soy. Liver weight was increased in WT and adipose tissue in Fmr1KO mice fed soy. Activity levels at the beginning of the light cycle and testes weight were greater in Fmr1KO versus WT males irrespective of diet. DEXA analysis at 8-months-old indicated increased fat mass and total body area in Fmr1KO females and lean mass and bone mineral density in Fmr1KO males fed soy. Overall, dietary consumption of soy protein isolate by C57BL/6J mice caused increased growth, which could be attributed to increased lean mass in males and fat mass in females. There were sex-specific differences with more pronounced effects in Fmr1KO versus WT and in males versus females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Greg Lyon
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Master’s Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Brynne Boeck
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Olivia Van Hammond
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Nathan Ripp
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicole Arianne Pagan-Torres
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Summer Research Opportunities Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - James Brower
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Patrice K. Held
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Cameron Scarlett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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18
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Barsky ST, Monks DA. Lifespan Effects of Muscle-Specific Androgen Receptor Overexpression on Body Composition of Male and Female Rats. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae012. [PMID: 38301268 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae012] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Androgenic actions of gonadal testosterone are thought to be a major mechanism promoting sex differences in body composition across the lifespan. However, this inference is based on studies of androgen receptor (AR) function in late adolescent or emerging adult rodents. Here we assess body composition and AR expression in skeletal muscle of rats at defined ages, comparing wild-type (WT) to transgenic human skeletal actin-driven AR overexpression (HSAAR) rats which overexpress AR in skeletal muscle. Male and female HSAAR and WT Sprague Dawley rats (N = 288) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning and tissue collection at postnatal day (PND) 1, 10, 21, 42, 70, 183, 243, and 365. Expected sex differences in body composition and muscle mass largely onset with puberty (PND-21), with no associated changes to skeletal muscle AR protein. In adulthood, HSAAR increased tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus mass in males, and reduced the expected gain in gonadal fat mass in both sexes. In WT rats, AR protein was reduced in soleus, but not TA, throughout life. Nonetheless, soleus AR protein expression was greater in male rats than female rats at all ages of sexual development, yet only at PND-70 in TA. Overall, despite muscle AR overexpression effects, results are inconsistent with major sex differences in body composition during sexual development being driven by changes in muscle AR, rather suggesting that changes in ligand promote sexual differentiation of body composition during pubertal timing. Nonetheless, increased skeletal muscle AR in adulthood can be sufficient to increase muscle mass in males, and reduce adipose in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tzivia Barsky
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Douglas Ashley Monks
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
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19
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Collignon A, Dion-Albert L, Ménard C, Coelho-Santos V. Sex, hormones and cerebrovascular function: from development to disorder. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38178239 PMCID: PMC10768274 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper cerebrovascular development and neurogliovascular unit assembly are essential for brain growth and function throughout life, ensuring the continuous supply of nutrients and oxygen. This involves crucial events during pre- and postnatal stages through key pathways, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Wnt signaling. These pathways are pivotal for brain vascular growth, expansion, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) maturation. Interestingly, during fetal and neonatal life, cerebrovascular formation coincides with the early peak activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, supporting the idea of sex hormonal influence on cerebrovascular development and barriergenesis.Sex hormonal dysregulation in early development has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders with highly sexually dimorphic features, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both disorders show higher prevalence in men, with varying symptoms between sexes, with boys exhibiting more externalizing behaviors, such as aggressivity or hyperactivity, and girls displaying higher internalizing behaviors, including anxiety, depression, or attention disorders. Indeed, ASD and ADHD are linked to high prenatal testosterone exposure and reduced aromatase expression, potentially explaining sex differences in prevalence and symptomatology. In line with this, high estrogen levels seem to attenuate ADHD symptoms. At the cerebrovascular level, sex- and region-specific variations of cerebral blood flow perfusion have been reported in both conditions, indicating an impact of gonadal hormones on the brain vascular system, disrupting its ability to respond to neuronal demands.This review aims to provide an overview of the existing knowledge concerning the impact of sex hormones on cerebrovascular formation and maturation, as well as the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we explore the concept of gonadal hormone interactions with brain vascular and BBB development to function, with a particular focus on the modulation of VEGF and Wnt signaling. We outline how these pathways may be involved in the underpinnings of ASD and ADHD. Outstanding questions and potential avenues for future research are highlighted, as uncovering sex-specific physiological and pathological aspects of brain vascular development might lead to innovative therapeutic approaches in the context of ASD, ADHD and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Collignon
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience and CERVO Brain Research Center, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Laurence Dion-Albert
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience and CERVO Brain Research Center, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Ménard
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience and CERVO Brain Research Center, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Vanessa Coelho-Santos
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Institute of Physiology, Coimbra, Portugal.
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20
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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21
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Evangelista S, Vazakidou P, Koekkoek J, Heinzelmann MT, Lichtensteiger W, Schlumpf M, Tresguerres JAF, Linillos-Pradillo B, van Duursen MBM, Lamoree MH, Leonards PEG. High throughput LC-MS/MS method for steroid hormone analysis in rat liver and plasma - unraveling methodological challenges. Talanta 2024; 266:124981. [PMID: 37516072 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124981] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive reference data for steroid hormones are lacking in rat models, particularly for early developmental stages and unconventional matrices as the liver. Therefore, we developed and validated an enzymatic, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify a panel of 23 steroid hormones in liver and plasma from adult and neonatal rats. Our approach tackles methodological challenges, focusing on undesired byproducts associated with specific enzymatic treatment, and enables a thorough assessment of potential interferences in complex matrices by utilizing unstripped plasma and liver. We propose an optimized enzymatic hydrolysis protocol using a recombinant β-glucuronidase/sulfatase mix (BGS mix) to efficiently deconjugate steroid phase II conjugates. The streamlined sample preparation and high-throughput solid phase extraction in a 96-well plate significantly accelerate sample processing for complex matrices and alarge number of samples. We were able to achieve the necessary sensitivity for accurately measuring the target analytes, particularly estrogens, in small sample sizes of 5-20 mg of liver tissue and 100 μL of plasma. Through the analysis of liver and plasma samples from adult and neonatal rats, including both sexes, our study showed a novel set of steroid hormone reference intervals. This study provides a reliable diagnostic tool for the quantification of steroids in rat models and gives insight in liver and plasma-related steroid hormone dynamics at early developmental stages. In addition, the method covers several pathway intermediates and extend the list of steroid hormones to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Evangelista
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel T Heinzelmann
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Walter Lichtensteiger
- GREEN Tox and Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margret Schlumpf
- GREEN Tox and Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jesus A F Tresguerres
- Departments of Physiology and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Linillos-Pradillo
- Departments of Physiology and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marja H Lamoree
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Dalla C, Jaric I, Pavlidi P, Hodes GE, Kokras N, Bespalov A, Kas MJ, Steckler T, Kabbaj M, Würbel H, Marrocco J, Tollkuhn J, Shansky R, Bangasser D, Becker JB, McCarthy M, Ferland-Beckham C. Practical solutions for including sex as a biological variable (SABV) in preclinical neuropsychopharmacological research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 401:110003. [PMID: 37918446 PMCID: PMC10842858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, many funding agencies have released guidelines on the importance of considering sex as a biological variable (SABV) as an experimental factor, aiming to address sex differences and avoid possible sex biases to enhance the reproducibility and translational relevance of preclinical research. In neuroscience and pharmacology, the female sex is often omitted from experimental designs, with researchers generalizing male-driven outcomes to both sexes, risking a biased or limited understanding of disease mechanisms and thus potentially ineffective therapeutics. Herein, we describe key methodological aspects that should be considered when sex is factored into in vitro and in vivo experiments and provide practical knowledge for researchers to incorporate SABV into preclinical research. Both age and sex significantly influence biological and behavioral processes due to critical changes at different timepoints of development for males and females and due to hormonal fluctuations across the rodent lifespan. We show that including both sexes does not require larger sample sizes, and even if sex is included as an independent variable in the study design, a moderate increase in sample size is sufficient. Moreover, the importance of tracking hormone levels in both sexes and the differentiation between sex differences and sex-related strategy in behaviors are explained. Finally, the lack of robust data on how biological sex influences the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), or toxicological effects of various preclinically administered drugs to animals due to the exclusion of female animals is discussed, and methodological strategies to enhance the rigor and translational relevance of preclinical research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Ivana Jaric
- Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavlina Pavlidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Anton Bespalov
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice (PAASP GmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martien J Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Neurosciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, USA
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordan Marrocco
- Department of Biology, Touro University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Shansky
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02128, USA
| | - Debra Bangasser
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jill B Becker
- Department of Psychology and Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Margaret McCarthy
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Baltimore MD, USA
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23
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Pollari E, Tegelberg S, Björklund H, Kälviäinen R, Lehesjoki AE, Haapalinna A. In depth behavioral phenotyping unravels complex motor disturbances in Cstb-/- mouse, a model for progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 1. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1325051. [PMID: 38179183 PMCID: PMC10764494 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1325051] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 1 (EPM1) is an autosomal recessively inherited childhood-adolescence onset neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the cystatin B (CSTB gene). The key clinical manifestation in EPM1 is progressive, stimulus-sensitive, in particular action-induced myoclonus. The cystatin B-deficient mouse model, Cstb-/-, has been described to present with myoclonic seizures and progressive ataxia. Here we describe results from in-depth behavioral phenotyping of the Cstb-/- mouse model in pure isogenic 129S2/SvHsd background covering ages from 1.5 to 6 months. We developed a method for software-assisted detection of myoclonus from video recordings of the Cstb-/- mice. Additionally, we observed that the mice were hyperactive and showed reduced startle response, problems in motor coordination and lack of inhibition. We were, however, not able to demonstrate an ataxic phenotype in them. This detailed behavioral phenotyping of the Cstb-/- mice reveals new aspects of this mouse model. The nature of the motor problems in the Cstb-/- mice seems to be more complex and more resembling the human phenotype than initially described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saara Tegelberg
- Folkhälsan Research Center and Medicum, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- Epilepsy Center, Neuro Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Elina Lehesjoki
- Folkhälsan Research Center and Medicum, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Lischinsky JE, Yin L, Shi C, Prakash N, Burke J, Shekaran G, Grba M, Corbin JG, Lin D. Transcriptionally defined amygdala subpopulations play distinct roles in innate social behaviors. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:2131-2146. [PMID: 37946049 PMCID: PMC10689240 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01475-5] [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: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Social behaviors are innate and supported by dedicated neural circuits, but the molecular identities of these circuits and how they are established developmentally and shaped by experience remain unclear. Here we show that medial amygdala (MeA) cells originating from two embryonically parcellated developmental lineages have distinct response patterns and functions in social behavior in male mice. MeA cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp2 (MeAFoxp2) are specialized for processing male conspecific cues and are essential for adult inter-male aggression. By contrast, MeA cells derived from the Dbx1 lineage (MeADbx1) respond broadly to social cues, respond strongly during ejaculation and are not essential for male aggression. Furthermore, MeAFoxp2 and MeADbx1 cells show differential anatomical and functional connectivity. Altogether, our results suggest a developmentally hardwired aggression circuit at the MeA level and a lineage-based circuit organization by which a cell's embryonic transcription factor profile determines its social information representation and behavioral relevance during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta E Lischinsky
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Luping Yin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chenxi Shi
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nandkishore Prakash
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jared Burke
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Govind Shekaran
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Grba
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua G Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Venkatesh VS, Nie T, Zajac JD, Grossmann M, Davey RA. The Utility of Preclinical Models in Understanding the Bone Health of Transgender Individuals Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2023; 21:825-841. [PMID: 37707757 PMCID: PMC10724092 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00818-2] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarise the evidence regarding the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone health in transgender people, to identify key knowledge gaps and how these gaps can be addressed using preclinical rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS Sex hormones play a critical role in bone physiology, yet there is a paucity of research regarding the effects of GAHT on bone microstructure and fracture risk in transgender individuals. The controlled clinical studies required to yield fracture data are unethical to conduct making clinically translatable preclinical research of the utmost importance. Novel genetic and surgical preclinical models have yielded significant mechanistic insight into the roles of sex steroids on skeletal integrity. Preclinical models of GAHT have the potential inform clinical approaches to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent fractures in transgender people undergoing GAHT. This review highlights the key considerations required to ensure the information gained from preclinical models of GAHT are informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun S Venkatesh
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Tian Nie
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Rachel A Davey
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia.
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26
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Nassau D, Deebel NA, Kresch E, Temple D, Kulandavelu S, Arora H, Ramasamy R. Age-dependent effect on contralateral testicular compensation after testicular loss. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:311-316. [PMID: 37751815 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study compensatory changes in testicular growth and the hormonal axis after unilateral orchiectomy in a neonatal, prepubertal, and pubertal/adult murine model. This is the first study to use a neonatal mouse survival surgery model. DESIGN A laboratory-based study examining a control, neonatal, prepubertal, and pubertal/adult mouse model. SETTING University-based basic science research laboratory. ANIMALS Control, neonatal (2-4 days of life), prepubertal (12-21 days of life), and pubertal/adult (42-44 days of life) C57BL/6 mouse models. INTERVENTION Unilateral orchiectomy in the neonatal, prepubertal, and pubertal/adult mouse models at their respective ages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Body and testis weight and testicular length in the long axis were measured in a blinded fashion. In a similar way, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone were assessed. RESULTS Testes from neonatal and prepubertal mice weighed more (110.5, 12.2 and 103.0, 7.2 mg, respectively) than the control mice (91, 11.9 mg). There was no difference between the postpubertal group and the control group. The degree of compensatory hypertrophy was greater in the neonatal group but not in the prepubertal group when compared with the postpubertal group. Differences in follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone were not statistically significant between the experimental and control arms. LH was significantly elevated in all experimental groups compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess testicular compensatory hypertrophy using a neonatal mouse survival surgery model. Testicular hypertrophy occurs when unilateral loss occurs before puberty, but not in adulthood in mice. Earlier testis loss may contribute to a greater degree of growth. Functionally, the unilateral testis can maintain eugonadal testosterone levels, but higher levels of LH are required after hemicastration to sustain eugonadal testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nassau
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Nicholas A Deebel
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
| | - Eliyahu Kresch
- Department of Urology, University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Davis Temple
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Shathiyah Kulandavelu
- Department of Pediatrics and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Himanshu Arora
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Florida
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27
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Maurya S, Tripathi S, Singh A. Ontogeny of adropin and its receptor expression during postnatal development and its pro-gonadal role in the ovary of pre-pubertal mouse. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 234:106404. [PMID: 37743028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106404] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Adropin, a highly conserved multifunctional peptide hormone, has a beneficial effect on the maintenance of gluco-lipid homeostasis, endothelial and cardiovascular functions. However, the expression and potential role of adropin in ovarian function are not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of adropin and GPR19 in the mice ovary during various stages of postnatal development. This study also explored whether the treatment of adropin can modulate the timing of puberty, for which pre-pubertal mice were treated with adropin. The result showed the intense immunoreactivity of adropin in TICs, while GPR19 immunoreactivity was noted in GCs in infantile, pre-pubertal, and pubertal mice ovary. Also, adropin and GPR19 are highly expressed in the CL of the ovary of reproductively active mice. The fact that adropin expression in the ovary at different stages of postnatal development positively correlated with circulating progesterone and estradiol indicated that it has a role in the production of steroid hormones. Furthermore, the results of in vivo studies in pre-pubertal mice showed that adropin promotes early folliculogenesis by enhancing the proliferation (PCNA) of GCs of cortical ovarian follicles and promotes estradiol production by enhancing the expression of GPR19, StAR, CYP11A1 and aromatase proteins. Also, adropin treatment increases the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and expression of cleaved caspase-3 and ERα proteins, which may result in increased apoptosis of medullary follicles leading to the formation of a well-developed interstitium with interstitial glandular cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that adropin may be a factor that accelerates pubertal development in the ovary and could be utilized as a therapeutic approach for treating pubertal delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Maurya
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shashank Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Ajit Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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28
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Yamada K, Nagae M, Mano T, Tsuchida H, Hazim S, Goto T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Inoue N, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. Sex difference in developmental changes in visualized Kiss1 neurons in newly generated Kiss1-Cre rats. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:227-238. [PMID: 37518187 PMCID: PMC10602768 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-019] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are master regulators of mammalian reproduction via direct stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and consequent gonadotropin release. Here, we generated novel Kiss1 (kisspeptin gene)-Cre rats and investigated the developmental changes and sex differences in visualized Kiss1 neurons of Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats. First, we validated Kiss1-Cre rats by generating Kiss1-expressing cell-specific Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1-KpKO) rats, which were obtained by crossing the current Kiss1-Cre rats with Kiss1-floxed rats. The resulting male Kiss1-KpKO rats lacked Kiss1 expression in the brain and exhibited hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, similar to the hypogonadal phenotype of global Kiss1 KO rats. Histological analysis of Kiss1 neurons in Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats revealed that tdTomato signals in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) were not affected by estrogen, and that tdTomato signals in the ARC, AVPV, and medial amygdala (MeA) were sexually dimorphic. Notably, neonatal AVPV tdTomato signals were detected only in males, but a larger number of tdTomato-expressing cells were detected in the AVPV and ARC, and a smaller number of cells in the MeA was detected in females than in males at postpuberty. These findings suggest that Kiss1-visualized rats can be used to examine the effect of estrogen feedback mechanisms on Kiss1 expression in the AVPV and ARC. Moreover, the Kiss1-Cre and Kiss1-visualized rats could be valuable tools for further detailed analyses of sexual differentiation in the brain and the physiological role of kisspeptin neurons across the brain in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mayuko Nagae
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tsuchida
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Safiullah Hazim
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Teppei Goto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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29
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Piotr M, Skieresz‐Szewczyk K, Jackowiak H, Celichowski J. Distribution and length of muscle spindles and their 3D visualisation in the medial gastrocnemius of male and female rats. J Anat 2023; 243:658-663. [PMID: 37230935 PMCID: PMC10485582 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13895] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The spatial distribution of the medial gastrocnemius muscle spindles of 10 male and 10 female rats was analysed under a light microscope, and for the first time, visualised using a 3D model of the muscle. Serial cross-sections of the medial gastrocnemius muscles were separated into 10 divisions along with the proximo-distal axis. The muscle spindles of the rat medial gastrocnemius were predominantly distributed on the proximo-medial divisions of the muscle. There were no sex-related differences in the distribution of the studied receptors. A single division contained an average of 2.71 receptors for animals of both sexes. Moreover, the calculated lengths of male and female rat muscle spindles were comparable, and average lengths did not significantly differ (3.30 ± 1.47 mm for male and 3.26 ± 1.32 mm for female rats). Therefore, the present results fill gaps in recent observations concerning similarities in muscle spindle numbers between male and female animals, despite significant differences in muscle mass and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Piotr
- Department of NeurobiologyPoznan University of Physical EducationPoznanPoland
| | - K. Skieresz‐Szewczyk
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyPoznan University of Life SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - H. Jackowiak
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyPoznan University of Life SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - J. Celichowski
- Department of NeurobiologyPoznan University of Physical EducationPoznanPoland
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30
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Barrachina F, Ottino K, Elizagaray ML, Gervasi MG, Tu LJ, Markoulaki S, Spallanzani RG, Capen D, Brown D, Battistone MA. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining sperm tolerance and male fertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306797120. [PMID: 37676910 PMCID: PMC10500189 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306797120] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) modulate tissue homeostatic processes and immune responses. Understanding tissue-Treg biology will contribute to developing precision-targeting treatment strategies. Here, we show that Tregs maintain the tolerogenic state of the testis and epididymis, where sperm are produced and mature. We found that Treg depletion induces severe autoimmune orchitis and epididymitis, manifested by an exacerbated immune cell infiltration [CD4 T cells, monocytes, and mononuclear phagocytes (MPs)] and the development of antisperm antibodies (ASA). In Treg-depleted mice, MPs increased projections toward the epididymal lumen as well as invading the lumen. ASA-bound sperm enhance sperm agglutination and might facilitate sperm phagocytosis. Tolerance breakdown impaired epididymal epithelial function and altered extracellular vesicle cargo, both of which play crucial roles in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability and subsequent embryo development. The affected mice had reduced sperm number and motility and severe fertility defects. Deciphering these immunoregulatory mechanisms may help to design new strategies to treat male infertility, as well as to identify potential targets for immunocontraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Barrachina
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Kiera Ottino
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Maia Lina Elizagaray
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
- Genetically Engineered Models Center, Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Leona J. Tu
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Styliani Markoulaki
- Genetically Engineered Models Center, Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Raul G. Spallanzani
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Diane Capen
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Dennis Brown
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Maria Agustina Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. In Vitro and In Vivo Models for Drug Transport Across the Blood-Testis Barrier. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1157-1168. [PMID: 37258305 PMCID: PMC10449102 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a selectively permeable membrane barrier formed by adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) in the seminiferous tubules of the testes that develops intercellular junctional complexes to protect developing germ cells from external pressures. However, due to this inherent defense mechanism, the seminiferous tubule lumen can act as a pharmacological sanctuary site for latent viruses (e.g., Ebola, Zika) and cancers (e.g., leukemia). Therefore, it is critical to identify and evaluate BTB carrier-mediated drug delivery pathways to successfully treat these viruses and cancers. Many drugs are unable to effectively cross cell membranes without assistance from carrier proteins like transporters because they are large, polar, and often carry a charge at physiologic pH. SCs express transporters that selectively permit endogenous compounds, such as carnitine or nucleosides, across the BTB to support normal physiologic activity, although reproductive toxicants can also use these pathways, thereby circumventing the BTB. Certain xenobiotics, including select cancer therapeutics, antivirals, contraceptives, and environmental toxicants, are known to accumulate within the male genital tract and cause testicular toxicity; however, the transport pathways by which these compounds circumvent the BTB are largely unknown. Consequently, there is a need to identify the clinically relevant BTB transport pathways in in vitro and in vivo BTB models that recapitulate human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for these xenobiotics. This review summarizes the various in vitro and in vivo models of the BTB reported in the literature and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of certain models for drug disposition studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drug disposition to the testes is influenced by the physical, physiological, and immunological components of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). But many compounds are known to cross the BTB by transporters, resulting in pharmacological and/or toxicological effects in the testes. Therefore, models that assess drug transport across the human BTB must adequately account for these confounding factors. This review identifies and discusses the benefits and limitations of various in vitro and in vivo BTB models for preclinical drug disposition studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
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Gomes-Silva AP, Cunha de Medeiros PD, Silva LN, Da Silva Araújo Santiago M, Perobelli JE. Exposure to manganese during sertoli cell formation and proliferation disturbs early testicular development in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108447. [PMID: 37499885 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108447] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is a metal and important micronutrient. However, exposure to supraphysiological levels of Mn, which occur through fungicides, atmospheric emissions, drainages, and spills, has been related to health risks, including morphometric changes in the male reproductive organs and impairment on gametogenesis and sperm quality, impacting the fertile ability of adult animals. Despite the relevance of the fetal/perinatal period for toxicological studies on Mn, previous data only deal with the physical and neurological development of the offspring, without mentioning their reproductive development. The present study investigated whether exposure to Mn during fetal/perinatal phase, specifically during the period of formation and proliferation of Sertoli cells, impairs the reproductive development of male offspring in early postnatal life. Therefore, pregnant Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 3 experimental groups: Ctl (received saline solution), Mn-9 (received 9 mg/kg of MnCl2), and Mn-90 (received 90 mg/kg of MnCl2). The female rats received the experimental treatment by gavage from gestational day 13 to lactational day 15, i.e., postnatal day (PND) 15 of the pups. Oxidative damage to the genetic material of germ and Sertoli cells, together with a decrease in connexin 43 immunolabeling were observed in the testis of male pups evaluated at PND 15. In addition, an increase in the seminiferous tubules presenting slight epithelium vacuolization and cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm were observed, without apparent epididymal changes. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that Mn perturbed the initial testicular development by altering Sertoli cell integrity through oxidative insult, which may compromise the spermatogenesis in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Priscila Gomes-Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology - LATOEX, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Paloma da Cunha de Medeiros
- Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology - LATOEX, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís Nogueira Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology - LATOEX, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcella Da Silva Araújo Santiago
- Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology - LATOEX, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Elaine Perobelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology - LATOEX, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, Brazil.
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Silberstein Y, Felmy F, Scheumann M. Encoding of Arousal and Physical Characteristics in Audible and Ultrasonic Vocalizations of Mongolian Gerbil Pups Testing Common Rules for Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2553. [PMID: 37627344 PMCID: PMC10451175 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162553] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, common rules for the encoding of arousal and physical characteristics of the sender are suggested based on a similar vocal production apparatus. In this study, we want to investigate to what extent vocalizations of developing Mongolian gerbil pups fulfill these rules. We recorded vocalizations of 28 Mongolian gerbil pups in four developmental stages using a separation paradigm, suggested to induce different arousal levels. For low arousal, a pup was placed in an arena isolated from its siblings and parents; for high arousal, the pup was additionally stressed through the simulation of a predator. An unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three call types: ultrasonic (USV), audible vocalizations (ADV), and transitions between both (USV-ADV). The USV and USV-ADV rate showed an age-dependent decrease, contrasting an age-dependent increase for ADVs. Vocal correlates for the encoding of arousal were found for USVs and of physical characteristics for USVs and ADVs. However, the pattern of encoding these cues differed between call types and only partly confirmed the common rules suggested for mammals. Our results show that divergent encoding patterns do not only differ between species but also between call types within a species, indicating that coding rules can be shaped by socio-ecological factors or call type specific production mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Silberstein
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Warde KM, Smith LJ, Basham KJ. Age-related Changes in the Adrenal Cortex: Insights and Implications. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad097. [PMID: 37564884 PMCID: PMC10410302 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function. This process affects all organs including the adrenal cortex, which normally functions to produce essential steroid hormones including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. With increasing age, features such as reduced adrenal cortex size, altered zonation, and increased myeloid immune cell infiltration substantially alter the structure and function of the adrenal cortex. Many of these hallmark features of adrenal cortex aging occur both in males and females, yet are more enhanced in males. Hormonally, a substantial reduction in adrenal androgens is a key feature of aging, which is accompanied by modest changes in aldosterone and cortisol. These hormonal changes are associated with various pathological consequences including impaired immune responses, decreased bone health, and accelerated age-related diseases. One of the most notable changes with adrenal aging is the increased incidence of adrenal tumors, which is sex dimorphic with a higher prevalence in females. Increased adrenal tumorigenesis with age is likely driven by both an increase in genetic mutations as well as remodeling of the tissue microenvironment. Novel antiaging strategies offer a promising avenue to mitigate adrenal aging and alleviate age-associated pathologies, including adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Warde
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lorenzo J Smith
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Panksepp JB, Lahvis GP. Sociability versus empathy in adolescent mice: Different or distinctive? LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2023; 83:101892. [PMID: 37614811 PMCID: PMC10443922 DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2023.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a growing number of pre-clinical studies have made use of the social abilities of mice, asking how gene variants (e.g., null, transgenic or mutant alleles) give rise to abnormalities in neurodevelopment. Two distinct courses of research provide the foundation for these studies. One course has mostly focused on how we can assess "sociability" using metrics, often automated, to quantitate mouse approach and withdrawal responses to a variety of social stimuli. The other course has focused on psychobiological constructs that underlie the socio-emotional capacities of mice, including motivation, reward and empathy. Critically, we know little about how measures of mouse sociability align with their underlying socio-emotional capacities. In the present work, we compared the expression of sociability in adolescent mice from several strains versus a precisely defined behavioral model of empathy that makes use of a vicarious fear learning paradigm. Despite substantial strain-dependent variation within each behavioral domain, we found little evidence of a relationship between these social phenotypes (i.e., the rank order of strain differences was unique for each test). By contrast, emission of ultrasonic vocalizations was highly associated with sociability, suggesting that these two measures reflect the same underlying construct. Taken together, our results indicate that sociability and vicarious fear learning are not manifestations of a single, overarching social trait. These findings thus underscore the necessity for a robust and diverse set of measures when using laboratory mice to model the social dimensions of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules B. Panksepp
- University of Wisconsin, Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Ave. Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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Uğurlu AK, Bideci A, Demirel AM, Kaplanoğlu GT, Dayanır D, Gülbahar Ö, Bulut TSD, Döğer E, Çamurdan MO. Is blue light exposure a cause of precocious puberty in male rats? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1190445. [PMID: 37409230 PMCID: PMC10319012 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1190445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our study aimed to examine the effects of blue light exposure on prepubertal male rats' puberty and testis tissue. Methods Eighteen 21-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups consisting of six rats in each group: Control Group (CG), Blue Light-6 hours (BL-6), and Blue Light-12 hours (BL-12). CG rats were maintained with 12/12-hour light-dark cycles. The rats of BL-6 and BL-12 were exposed to blue light (450-470nm/irradiance level 0.03uW/cm2) for 6 hours and 12 hours, respectively. Rats were exposed to blue light until the first signs of puberty. The ELISA method was used to analyze the serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, DHEA-S, leptin, ghrelin, melatonin, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. Testes were dissected for histomorphological examination. Results The medians of the pubertal entry days of the CG, BL-6, and BL-12 were 38th, 30th, and 28th days, respectively. (p:0.001) The FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations of all groups were similar. The FSH concentration increased as the LH concentration increased (r: 0.82 p: 0.001). The serum LH concentration increased as serum testosterone, and DHEAS decreased, respectively (r: -0.561, p: 0.01) (r:-0.55 p:0.01). Testicular lengths and weights of the BL groups were smaller compared to CG (p: 0.03),(p: 0.04). GPx was higher for BL-6 and BL-12 than the CG (p:0.021, p:0.024). Testis tissue was compatible with the pubertal period in all groups. As the blue light exposure time increased, spermatogenesis was suppressed, and capillary dilatation and edema in the testis tissue increased. Conclusion Our study is the first to show the effects of blue light exposure on male rats' puberty process. And we showed that exposure to blue light and the duration of exposure lead to precocious puberty in male rats. The blue light exposure suppressed spermatogenesis, marked vasodilatation in the interstitial area of the testis, and disrupted the integrity of the basement membrane. These findings intensified with increasing exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aysun Bideci
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Mürşide Demirel
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory Animals Breeding and Experimental Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Gülnur Take Kaplanoğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Duygu Dayanır
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Gülbahar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | - Esra Döğer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Mahmut Orhun Çamurdan
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Morel C, Martinez Sanchez I, Cherifi Y, Chartrel N, Diaz Heijtz R. Perturbation of maternal gut microbiota in mice during a critical perinatal window influences early neurobehavioral outcomes in offspring. Neuropharmacology 2023; 229:109479. [PMID: 36870672 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key environmental factor that shapes host development and physiology, including neural circuits formation and function. Concurrently, there has been growing concern that early-life antibiotic exposure may alter brain developmental trajectories, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we assessed whether perturbation of the maternal gut microbiota in mice during a narrow critical perinatal window (last week of pregnancy and first three postnatal days), induced by exposure to a commonly used broad-spectrum oral antibiotic (ampicillin), influences offspring neurobehavioral outcomes relevant to ASD. Our results demonstrate that neonatal offspring from antibiotic-treated dams display an altered pattern of ultrasonic communication, which was more pronounced in males. Moreover, juvenile male, but not female, offspring from antibiotic-treated dams showed reduced social motivation and social interaction, as well as context-dependent anxiety-like behavior. However, no changes were observed in locomotor or exploratory activity. This behavioral phenotype of exposed juvenile males was associated with reduced gene expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and several tight-junction proteins in the prefrontal cortex, a key region involved in the regulation of social and emotional behaviors, as well as a mild inflammatory response in the colon. Further, juvenile offspring from exposed dams also showed distinct alterations in several gut bacterial species, including, Lactobacillus murinus, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. Overall, this study highlights the importance of the maternal microbiome in early-life, and how its perturbation by a widely used antibiotic could contribute to atypical social and emotional development of offspring in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Morel
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM, NorDIC, UMR, 1239, F-76000, Rouen, France
| | | | - Yamina Cherifi
- University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM, NorDIC, UMR, 1239, F-76000, Rouen, France
| | - Nicolas Chartrel
- University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM, NorDIC, UMR, 1239, F-76000, Rouen, France
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Schwabenland M, Mossad O, Sievert A, Peres AG, Ringel E, Baasch S, Kolter J, Cascone G, Dokalis N, Vlachos A, Ruzsics Z, Henneke P, Prinz M, Blank T. Neonatal immune challenge poses a sex-specific risk for epigenetic microglial reprogramming and behavioral impairment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2721. [PMID: 37169749 PMCID: PMC10175500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While the precise processes underlying a sex bias in the development of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are unknown, there is growing evidence that an early life immune activation can contribute to the disease pathogenesis. When we mimicked an early systemic viral infection or applied murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) systemically in neonatal female and male mice, only male adolescent mice presented behavioral deficits, including reduced social behavior and cognition. This was paralleled by an increased amount of infiltrating T cells in the brain parenchyma, enhanced interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming of microglial cells. These microglial cells showed increased phagocytic activity, which resulted in abnormal loss of excitatory synapses within the hippocampal brain region. None of these alterations were seen in female adolescent mice. Our findings underscore the early postnatal period's susceptibility to cause sex-dependent long-term CNS deficiencies following infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Omar Mossad
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annika Sievert
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adam G Peres
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Ringel
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Baasch
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Cascone
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Dokalis
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Institute for Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Blank
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Santos S, Martins B, Sereno J, Martins J, Castelo-Branco M, Gonçalves J. Neurobehavioral sex-related differences in Nf1 +/- mice: female show a "camouflaging"-type behavior. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:24. [PMID: 37101298 PMCID: PMC10131355 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This condition has been associated with an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission and, consequently, an excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with autistic-like behavior in both human and animal models. Here, we explored the influence of biological sex in the GABAergic system and behavioral alterations induced by the Nf1+/- mutation in a murine model. METHODS Juvenile male and female Nf1+/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were used. Hippocampus size was assessed by conventional toluidine blue staining and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hippocampal GABA and glutamate levels were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which was complemented by western blot for the GABA(A) receptor. Behavioral evaluation of on anxiety, memory, social communication, and repetitive behavior was performed. RESULTS We found that juvenile female Nf1+/- mice exhibited increased hippocampal GABA levels. Moreover, mutant female displays a more prominent anxious-like behavior together with better memory performance and social behavior. On the other hand, juvenile Nf1+/- male mice showed increased hippocampal volume and thickness, with a decrease in GABA(A) receptor levels. We observed that mutant males had higher tendency for repetitive behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested a sexually dimorphic impact of Nf1+/- mutation in hippocampal neurochemistry, and autistic-like behaviors. For the first time, we identified a "camouflaging"-type behavior in females of an animal model of ASD, which masked their autistic traits. Accordingly, like observed in human disorder, in this animal model of ASD, females show larger anxiety levels but better executive functions and production of normative social patterns, together with an imbalance of inhibition/excitation ratio. Contrary, males have more externalizing disorders, such as hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, with memory deficits. The ability of females to camouflage their autistic traits creates a phenotypic evaluation challenge that mimics the diagnosis difficulty observed in humans. Thus, we propose the study of the Nf1+/- mouse model to better understand the sexual dimorphisms of ASD phenotypes and to create better diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sereno
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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40
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Gutiérrez-Menéndez A, Méndez M, Arias JL. Learning and metabolic brain differences between juvenile male and female rats in the execution of different training regimes of a spatial memory task. Physiol Behav 2023; 267:114203. [PMID: 37086830 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114203] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Spatial memory is responsible for encoding spatial information to form a path, storing this mental representation, and evaluating and recovering spatial configurations to find a target location in the environment. It is mainly supported by the hippocampus and its interaction with other structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, and emerges in rodents around postnatal day (PND) 20. Sex differences in spatial tasks have been found in adults, with a supposedly better performance in males. However, few studies have examined sex differences in orientation throughout postnatal development. This study aimed to analyse the performance of juvenile (PND 23) male (n=18) and female (n=21) Wistar rats in a spatial reference memory task in the Morris water maze (MWM) with two different training regimes in the acquisition phase, and their subjacent metabolic brain activity. Based on sex, subjects were assigned to two different groups: one that performed four learning trials per day (n=9 males and n=8 females) and the other that was submitted to two trials per day (n=9 males and n=13 females). After the behavioural protocols, metabolic activity was evaluated using cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry. Results showed no metabolic brain or behavioural differences in the four-trial protocol performance, in which both sexes reached the learning criterion on the fourth day. By contrast, the two-trial protocol revealed an advantage for females, who reached the learning criterion on day four, whereas males needed more training and succeeded on day six. The female group showed lower metabolic activity than the male group in the cingulate and prelimbic cortex. These results suggest a faster consolidation process in the female group than the male group. Further research is needed to understand sex differences in spatial memory at early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Gutiérrez-Menéndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Marta Méndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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41
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Rempuia V, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Evidence of the inhibitory role of visfatin in the testicular activity of mice during the infantile stage. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106306. [PMID: 37024018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Adipokines have emerged as regulators of gonadal function in many mammalian and non-mammalian species. In the present study, we have investigated the developmental expression of testicular and ovarian visfatin along with its possible role in the testicular activity infantile stages. Previously, our group has the extensive role of ovarian visfatin in relation to steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in female mice. To the best of our knowledge, no study has shown the role of visfatin in mice testis. Our results from the previous study and present study showed that visfatin in the testis and ovaries are developmentally regulated. To unravel the role of visfatin, we have used FK866, as visfatin inhibitor. FK866 was used as a visfatin inhibitor, to decipher the role of visfatin in the testis of mice. Our results showed that visfatin expression in the testis was developmentally regulated in the testis. Leydig cells as well as germ have shown the presence of visfatin in mice testis, which suggest its role in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, visfatin inhibition by FK866 significantly increased the testosterone secretion, and expression of AR, Bcl2, and ERα. The expression of GCNA was upregulated by FK866 treatment. These results suggest that visfatin has an inhibitory role in testicular steroidogenesis and germ cell proliferation in the infantile stage. Further research is required to define the precise role of visfatin in infantile mice testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanlal Rempuia
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India.
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42
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Markovics A, Lupo S, Patel N, Mikecz K, Sumner DR, Ross RD. SHP-1 Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Affects Early Postnatal Bone Development in Mice. Calcif Tissue Int 2023; 112:472-482. [PMID: 36725700 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01064-5] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) is an intracellular tyrosine phosphatase that plays a negative regulatory role in immune cell signaling. Absent or diminished SHP-1 catalytic activity results in reduced bone mass with enhanced bone resorption. Here, we sought to investigate if Shp1 overexpression leads to increased bone mass and improved mechanical properties. Male and female wildtype (WT) and SHP1-transgenic (Tg) mice at 28, 56, and 84 days of age were compared. We applied microcomputed tomography to assess femoral cortical bone geometry and trabecular architecture and 3-point mechanical bending to assess mid-diaphyseal structural and estimated material properties. Serum OPG, RANKL, P1NP, and CTX-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The majority of transgene effects were restricted to the 28-day-old mice. Trabecular bone volume per total volume, trabecular number, and connectivity density were greater in 28-day-old female SHP1-Tg mice when compared to WTs. SHP1-Tg female mice showed increased total and medullary areas, with no difference in cortical area and thickness. Cortical tissue mineral density was strongly genotype-dependent. Failure load, yield load, ultimate stress, and yield stress were all lower in 28-day-old SHP1-Tg females. In 28-day-old SHP1-Tg females, circulating levels of OPG and P1NP were higher and RANKL levels were lower than WT controls. Our study demonstrates a role for SHP-1 in early postnatal bone development; SHP-1 overexpression negatively impacted whole bone strength and material properties in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Markovics
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Sydney Lupo
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Niyati Patel
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katalin Mikecz
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D Rick Sumner
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan D Ross
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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43
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Klappenbach CM, Wang Q, Jensen AL, Glodosky NC, Delevich K. Sex and timing of gonadectomy relative to puberty interact to influence weight, body composition, and feeding behaviors in mice. Horm Behav 2023; 151:105350. [PMID: 36996734 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal sex steroids are important regulators of energy balance in adult rodents, and gonadectomy (GDX) has opposing effects on weight gain in sexually mature males and females. Puberty is associated with the emergence of sex differences in weight, body composition, and feeding behaviors, yet the role of gonadal hormones at puberty remains unclear. To address this, we performed GDX or sham surgery in male and female C57Bl/6 mice at postnatal day (P)25 (prepubertal) or P60 (postpubertal) timepoints and measured weight and body composition for 35 days, after which ad libitum and operant food intake was measured using Feeding Experimentation Device 3 (FED3s) in the home cage. Consistent with previous studies, postpubertal GDX caused weight gain in females and weight loss in males and increased adiposity in both sexes. However, prepubertal GDX decreased weight gain and altered body composition across the adolescent transition (P25 to P60) in males but had no effect in females. Despite the varied effects on weight, GDX decreased food intake and motivation for food as assessed in operant tasks regardless of sex or timing of surgery relative to puberty. Our findings indicate that GDX interacts with both sex and age at surgery to influence weight, body composition, and feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Klappenbach
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Allison L Jensen
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Nicholas C Glodosky
- Department of Psychology Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Kristen Delevich
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
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Lischinsky JE, Yin L, Shi C, Prakash N, Burke J, Shekaran G, Grba M, Corbin JG, Lin D. Hardwired to attack: Transcriptionally defined amygdala subpopulations play distinct roles in innate social behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532692. [PMID: 36993508 PMCID: PMC10055059 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Social behaviors are innate and supported by dedicated neural circuits, but it remains unclear whether these circuits are developmentally hardwired or established through social experience. Here, we revealed distinct response patterns and functions in social behavior of medial amygdala (MeA) cells originating from two embryonically parcellated developmental lineages. MeA cells in male mice that express the transcription factor Foxp2 (MeAFoxp2) are specialized for processing male conspecific cues even before puberty and are essential for adult inter-male aggression. In contrast, MeA cells derived from the Dbx1-lineage (MeADbx1) respond broadly to social cues and are non-essential for male aggression. Furthermore, MeAFoxp2 and MeADbx1 cells show differential anatomical and functional connectivity. Altogether, our results support a developmentally hardwired aggression circuit at the level of the MeA and we propose a lineage-based circuit organization by which a cell's embryonic transcription factor profile determines its social information representation and behavior relevance during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta E Lischinsky
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luping Yin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chenxi Shi
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nandkishore Prakash
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jared Burke
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Govind Shekaran
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Grba
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua G Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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45
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Pan X, Liu Y, Bao Y, Gao Y. Changes of development from childhood to late adulthood in rats tracked by urinary proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100539. [PMID: 37004987 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, studies of development have mainly focused on the embryonic stage and a short time thereafter. There has been little research on the whole life of an individual from childhood to aging and death. For the first time, we used non-invasive urinary proteome technology to track changes in several important developmental timepoints in a group of rats, covering 10 timepoints from childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and near death in old age. Similar to previous studies on puberty, proteins were detected involved in sexual or reproductive maturation, mature spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules (first seen), gonadal hormones, decline of oestradiol, brain growth, and central nervous system myelination, and our differential protein enrichment pathways also included reproductive system development, tube development, response to hormone, response to oestradiol, brain development, and neuron development. Similar to previous studies in young adults, proteins were detected involved in musculoskeletal maturity, peak bone mass, development of the immune system, and growth and physical development, and our differential protein enrichment pathways also included skeletal system development, bone regeneration, system development, immune system processes, myeloid leukocyte differentiation, growth, and developmental growth. Studies on aging-related changes in neurons and neurogenesis have been reported, and we also found relevant pathways in aged rats, such as regulation of neuronal synaptic plasticity and positive regulation of long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity. However, at all timepoints throughout life, there were many biological pathways revealed by differential urinary protein enrichment involving multiple organs, tissues, systems, etc., that have not been mentioned in existing studies. This study shows comprehensive and detailed changes in rat lifetime development through the urinary proteome, helping to fill the gap in development research. Moreover, it provides a new approach to monitoring changes in human health and diseases of aging using the urinary proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzhen Pan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China 100875
| | - Yongtao Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China 100875
| | - Yijin Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China 100875
| | - Youhe Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China 100875.
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46
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Gibbs LC, Oviedo JM, Ondigo BN, Fairfax KC. Maternal infection causes dysfunctional BCR signaling in male offspring due to aberrant Xist expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528357. [PMID: 36824836 PMCID: PMC9948949 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Infections during pregnancy with pathogens such as helminths correlate with altered immune responses to common childhood immunizations. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this remain unknown. Using our murine model of maternal schistosomiasis, when immunized, males from infected mothers had a lower frequency of antigen-specific germinal center B cells and downregulation of transcripts downstream of BCR signaling compared to males from uninfected mothers. This is driven by a reduction in developing B cell populations within the bone marrow of pups from infected mothers. Males from infected mothers were impacted to a greater extent than their female littermate counterparts. We found this defect to be caused by aberrant expression of the long non-coding RNA Xist in males leading to dysregulated Igα expression on developing B cells. This, for the first time, links dysfunctional BCR signaling with Xist expression, while also proposing a detrimental function for Xist expression in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C. Gibbs
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah; Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Juan M. Oviedo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah; Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Keke C. Fairfax
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah; Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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47
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Woodward EM, Ringland A, Ackerman J, Coutellier L. Prepubertal ovariectomy confers resilience to stress-induced anxiety in adult female mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 148:105997. [PMID: 36470154 PMCID: PMC9898172 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105997] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The increased vulnerability to stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders in women, including anxiety disorders, does not emerge until pubertal onset, suggesting a role for ovarian hormones in organizing sex-specific vulnerability to anxiety. Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the prefrontal cortex are a potential target for these ovarian hormones. PV+ interneurons undergo maturation during the adolescent period and have been shown to be sensitive to stress and to mediate stress-induced anxiety in female mice. To test the idea that ovarian hormones at puberty are necessary for the acquisition of sensitivity to stress, hypothetically driving the response of PV+ interneurons to stress, we performed ovariectomy or sham surgery before pubertal onset in female mice. These mice then were exposed to four weeks of unpredictable chronic mild stress in adulthood. We then assessed anxiety-like behavior and PV/FosB colocalization in the medial PFC. Additionally, we assessed stress-induced anxiety-like behavior in female mice following ovariectomy in adulthood to determine if puberty is a sensitive period for ovarian hormones in mediating vulnerability to stress. We found that prepubertal ovariectomy protects against the development of anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, an effect not found following ovariectomy in adulthood. This effect may be independent of ovarian hormones on prefrontal PV+ interneurons response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Woodward
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, 255 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research Building, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Amanda Ringland
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, 255 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research Building, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jennifer Ackerman
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, 255 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research Building, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Laurence Coutellier
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, 255 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research Building, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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48
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Stevanović-Silva J, Beleza J, Coxito P, Oliveira PJ, Ascensão A, Magalhães J. Gestational Exercise Antagonises the Impact of Maternal High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet on Liver Mitochondrial Alterations and Quality Control Signalling in Male Offspring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1388. [PMID: 36674144 PMCID: PMC9858977 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Maternal high-caloric nutrition and related gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are relevant modulators of the intrauterine environment, increasing the risk of liver metabolic alterations in mothers and offspring. In contrast, as a non-pharmacological approach against metabolic disorders, exercise is highly recommended in GDM treatment. We analysed whether gestational exercise (GE) protects mothers from diet-induced GDM metabolic consequences and mitigates liver mitochondrial deleterious alterations in their 6-week-old male offspring. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed with control or high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet and kept sedentary or submitted to GE. Male offspring were sedentary and fed with control diet. Sedentary HFHS mothers and their offspring showed impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and morphological evidence of mitochondrial remodelling. In contrast, GE-related beneficial effects were demonstrated by upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis signalling markers and mitochondrial fusion proteins and downregulation of mitochondrial fission protein. Alterations in miR-34a, miR-130b, and miR-494, associated with epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, suggested that GE is a more critical modulator of intergenerational changes in miRs expression than the maternal diet. Our data showed that GE positively modulated the altered hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics markers and quality control signalling associated with maternal HFHS-diet-related GDM in mothers and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Stevanović-Silva
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Beleza
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Coxito
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Ascensão
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Magalhães
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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49
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Glavonic E, Mitic M, Francija E, Petrovic Z, Adzic M. Sex-specific role of hippocampal NMDA-Erk-mTOR signaling in fear extinction of adolescent mice. Brain Res Bull 2023; 192:156-167. [PMID: 36410566 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.011] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a key phase of development for perturbations in fear extinction, with inability to adequately manage fear a potent factor for developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. However, while behavioral correlates of adolescent fear regulation are established to a degree, molecular mediators of extinction learning in adolescence remain largely unknown. In this study, we observed fear acquisition and fear extinction (across 4 and 7 days) of adolescent and adult mice of both sexes and investigated how hippocampal levels of different plasticity markers relate to extinction learning. While fear was acquired evenly in males and females of both ages, fear extinction was found to be impaired in adolescent males. We also observed lower levels of GluA1, GLUN2A and GLUN2B subunits in male adolescents following fear acquisition, with an increase in their expression, as well as the activity of Erk-mTOR pathway over subsequent extinction sessions, which was paralleled with improved extinction learning. On the other hand, we detected no changes in plasticity-related proteins after fear acquisition in females, with alterations in GluA1, GluA4 and GLUN2B levels across fear extinction sessions. Additionally, we did not discern any pattern regarding the Erk-mTOR activity in female mice associated with their extinction performance. Overall, our research identifies sex-specific synaptic properties in the hippocampus that underlie developmentally regulated differences in fear extinction learning. We also point out hippocampal NMDA-Erk-mTOR signaling as the driving force behind successful fear extinction in male adolescents, highlighting this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for fear-related disorders in the adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ester Francija
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Petrovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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50
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Sharma A, Michels LV, Pitsillides AA, Greeves J, Plotkin LI, Cardo V, Sims NA, Clarkin CE. Sexing Bones: Improving Transparency of Sex Reporting to Address Bias Within Preclinical Studies. J Bone Miner Res 2023; 38:5-13. [PMID: 36301601 PMCID: PMC10099537 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite knowledge that sexually dimorphic mechanisms regulate bone homeostasis, sex often remains unreported and unconsidered in preclinical experimental design. Failure to report sex could lead to inappropriate generalizations of research findings and less effective translation into clinical practice. Preclinical sex bias (preferential selection of one sex) is present across other fields, including neuroscience and immunology, but remains uninvestigated in skeletal research. For context, we first summarized key literature describing sexually dimorphic bone phenotypes in mice. We then investigated sex reporting practices in skeletal research, specifically how customary it is for murine sex to be included in journal article titles or abstracts and then determined whether any bias in sex reporting exists. Because sex hormones are important regulators of bone health (gonadectomy procedures, ie, ovariectomy [OVX] and orchidectomy [ORX], are common yet typically not reported with sex), we incorporated reporting of OVX and ORX terms, representing female and male mice, respectively, into our investigations around sex bias. Between 1999 and 2020, inclusion of sex in titles or abstracts was low in murine skeletal studies (2.6%-4.06%). Reporting of OVX and ORX terms was low (1.44%-2.64%) and reporting of OVX and ORX with sex uncommon (0.4%-0.3%). When studies were combined to include both sexes and OVX (representing female) and ORX terms (representing male), a bias toward reporting of female mice was evident. However, when the terms OVX and ORX were removed, a bias toward the use of male mice was identified. Thus, studies focusing on sex hormones are biased toward female reporting with all other studies biased in reporting of male mice. We now call upon journal editors to introduce consistent guidance for transparent and accessible reporting of murine sex in skeletal research to better monitor preclinical sex bias, to diversify development of treatments for bone health, and to enable global skeletal health equity. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikta Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lysanne V Michels
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew A Pitsillides
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Julie Greeves
- Army Health and Performance Research, Ministry of Defence, Andover, UK
| | - Lillian I Plotkin
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Valentina Cardo
- Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, Winchester, UK
| | - Natalie A Sims
- Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Claire E Clarkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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