1
|
Pramod RK, Atul PK, Pandey M, Anbazhagan S, Mhaske ST, Barathidasan R. Care, management, and use of ferrets in biomedical research. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:10. [PMID: 38532510 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00197-4] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a small domesticated species of the family Mustelidae within the order Carnivora. The present article reviews and discusses the current state of knowledge about housing, care, breeding, and biomedical uses of ferrets. The management and breeding procedures of ferrets resemble those used for other carnivores. Understanding its behavior helps in the use of environmental enrichment and social housing, which promote behaviors typical of the species. Ferrets have been used in research since the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a suitable non-rodent model in biomedical research because of its hardy nature, social behavior, diet and other habits, small size, and thus the requirement of a relatively low amount of test compounds and early sexual maturity compared with dogs and non-human primates. Ferrets and humans have numerous similar anatomical, metabolic, and physiological characteristics, including the endocrine, respiratory, auditory, gastrointestinal, and immunological systems. It is one of the emerging animal models used in studies such as influenza and other infectious respiratory diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, cardiac research, gastrointestinal disorders, neuroscience, and toxicological studies. Ferrets are vulnerable to many human pathogenic organisms, like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), because air transmission of this virus between them has been observed in the laboratory. Ferrets draw the attention of the medical community compared to rodents because they occupy a distinct niche in biomedical studies, although they possess a small representation in laboratory research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravindran Kumar Pramod
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India.
| | - Pravin Kumar Atul
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - Mamta Pandey
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - S Anbazhagan
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - Suhas T Mhaske
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - R Barathidasan
- ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marengo L, Barey A, Salguero A, Fabio MC, Cendán CM, Morón-Henche I, D'Addario C, Pautassi RM. Neurobehavioral alterations induced by third-trimester gestation-equivalent ethanol exposure are inhibited by folate administration. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22426. [PMID: 37860900 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22426] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) causes several neurobehavioral impairments in the fetus. Postnatal days (PDs) 4-9 in rodents are considered equivalent to the third trimester of gestation in humans. This period is characterized by high rates of synaptogenesis and myelination and the maturation of key structures and transmitter systems. Nutritional supplements, such as folate, have gained attention as putative treatments to mitigate detrimental effects of PEE. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism and heightens antioxidant defenses. The present study examined neurobehavioral effects of the concurrent administration of folate (20 mg/kg/day) and ethanol (5 g/kg/day) during PDs 4-9 in male and female Wistar rats. During PDs 16-18, the rat pups were tested for anxiety-like and exploratory activity in the light-dark box (LDB), open field (OF), and concentric square field (CSF) tests. After weaning, they were tested for sucrose preference and ethanol intake. Neonatal ethanol exposure reduced body weight in infancy but did not enhance ethanol self-administration or significantly affect performance in the OF or LDB. Neonatal ethanol exposure also reduced sucrose intake in the preference test and increased shelter-seeking in the CSF, and folate significantly inhibited these effects. The present findings suggest that folate, a treatment that is devoid of serious side effects, can ameliorate some neurobehavioral effects of PEE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marengo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agostina Barey
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agustín Salguero
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cruz Miguel Cendán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada and Biosanitary Research Institute ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Morón-Henche
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behaviour (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marengo L, Fabio MC, Bernal IS, Salguero A, Molina JC, Morón I, Cendán CM, D'Addario C, Pautassi RM. Folate administration ameliorates neurobehavioral effects of prenatal ethanol exposure. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:63-75. [PMID: 36722686 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2159425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) induces heightened ethanol intake at adolescence in preclinical studies. Ethanol intake alters the absorption of folate, a methyl-group donor critical for numerous cellular functions. The prenatal administration of folate is, therefore, a promising approach to reduce the effects of PEE.Objectives: Experiment 1 determined if prenatal folate modulated the effects of PEE on ethanol intake, anxiety-like response, and exploratory behaviors (Experiment 1) in Wistar rats. Experiment 2 assessed, in rats not given PEE, if postnatal folate reversed effects of ethanol exposure at postnatal days 28-42. Experiment 3 assessed if folate altered blood ethanol levels (BELs).Methods: Experiment 1 involved 242 (125 male) adolescent Wistar rats derived from dams given folate (20 mg/kg, gestational days - GD- 13-20) + ethanol (2.0 g/kg, GD 17-20), ethanol, or vehicle only at pregnancy. Experiment 2 involved 29 male adolescents administered vehicle or ethanol doses co-administered or not with folate. In Experiment 3 twelve adult females were tested for BELs after folate administration. These tests were applied: intake tests, light dark box (LDB), elevated plus maze, open field and concentric square field.Results: PEE heightened ethanol intake (η2 ps = 0.06-07) and induced hyperactivity and a reduced latency to exit the white area of the LDB (η2 ps = 0.12-17). These effects were partially inhibited by folate (p > .05). Rats exposed to ethanol exposure at adolescence exhibited reduced motor activity (η2 p = .17), regardless of folate treatment. Folate did not affect BELs.Conclusion: Folate administration should be considered as a preventive or acute treatment to attenuate the neurobehavioral effects of PEE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marengo
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ivan Servín Bernal
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agustín Salguero
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Morón
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CIMCYC), Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cruz Miguel Cendán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM) Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, and Biosanitary Research Institute ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sharma N, Luhach K, Golani LK, Singh B, Sharma B. Vinpocetine, a PDE1 modulator, regulates markers of cerebral health, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a rat model of prenatal alcohol-induced experimental attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Alcohol 2022; 105:25-34. [PMID: 35995260 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.08.005] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to induce symptomatology associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by altering neurodevelopmental trajectories. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) is expressed centrally and has been used in various experimental brain conditions. We investigated the role of vinpocetine, a PDE1 inhibitor, on behavioral phenotypes and important biochemical deficits associated with a PAE rat model of ADHD. Protein markers of cerebral health (synapsin-IIa, BDNF, and pCREB), inflammation (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), and oxidative stress (TBARS, GSH, and SOD) were analyzed in three brain regions (frontal cortex, striatum, and cerebellum). Hyperactivity, inattention, and anxiety introduced in the offspring due to PAE were assayed using open-field, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze, respectively. Administration of vinpocetine (10 & 20 mg/kg, p.o. [by mouth]) to PAE rat offspring for 4 weeks resulted in improvement of the behavioral profile of the animals. Additionally, levels of protein markers such as synapsin-IIa, BDNF, pCREB, IL-10, SOD, and GSH were found to be significantly increased, with a significant reduction in markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and TBARS in selected brain regions of vinpocetine-treated animals. Vinpocetine, a selective PDE1 inhibitor, rectified behavioral phenotypes associated with ADHD, possibly by improving cerebral function, reducing brain inflammation, and reducing brain oxidative stress. This study provides preliminary analysis and suggests that the PDE1 enzyme may be an important pharmacological tool to study ADHD as a result of PAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niti Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Kanishk Luhach
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Lalit K Golani
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Bhagwat Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Binge-like Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Causes Impaired Cellular Differentiation in the Embryonic Forebrain and Synaptic and Behavioral Defects in Adult Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060793. [PMID: 35741678 PMCID: PMC9220802 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An embryo’s in-utero exposure to ethanol due to a mother’s alcohol drinking results in a range of deficits in the child that are collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Prenatal ethanol exposure is one of the leading causes of preventable intellectual disability. Its neurobehavioral underpinnings warrant systematic research. We investigated the immediate effects on embryos of acute prenatal ethanol exposure during gestational days (GDs) and the influence of such exposure on persistent neurobehavioral deficits in adult offspring. We administered pregnant C57BL/6J mice with ethanol (1.75 g/kg) (GDE) or saline (GDS) intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 0 h and again at 2 h intervals on GD 8 and GD 12. Subsequently, we assessed apoptosis, differentiation, and signaling events in embryo forebrains (E13.5; GD13.5). Long-lasting effects of GDE were evaluated via a behavioral test battery. We also determined the long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity-related protein expression in adult hippocampal tissue. GDE caused apoptosis, inhibited differentiation, and reduced pERK and pCREB signaling and the expression of transcription factors Pax6 and Lhx2. GDE caused persistent spatial and social investigation memory deficits compared with saline controls, regardless of sex. Interestingly, GDE adult mice exhibited enhanced repetitive and anxiety-like behavior, irrespective of sex. GDE reduced synaptic plasticity-related protein expression and caused hippocampal synaptic plasticity (LTP and LTD) deficits in adult offspring. These findings demonstrate that binge-like ethanol exposure at the GD8 and GD12 developmental stages causes defects in pERK–pCREB signaling and reduces the expression of Pax6 and Lhx2, leading to impaired cellular differentiation during the embryonic stage. In the adult stage, binge-like ethanol exposure caused persistent synaptic and behavioral abnormalities in adult mice. Furthermore, the findings suggest that combining ethanol exposure at two sensitive stages (GD8 and GD12) causes deficits in synaptic plasticity-associated proteins (Arc, Egr1, Fgf1, GluR1, and GluN1), leading to persistent FASD-like neurobehavioral deficits in mice.
Collapse
|
6
|
Luhach K, Kulkarni GT, Singh VP, Sharma B. Vinpocetine amended prenatal valproic acid induced features of ASD possibly by altering markers of neuronal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Autism Res 2021; 14:2270-2286. [PMID: 34415116 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology and phenotypes. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) inhibitors are known to provide benefits in various brain conditions manifesting similar behavioral phenotypes. The pharmacological consequences of vinpocetine administration a PDE1 inhibitor in prenatal-valproic acid (pre-VPA) induced ASD related behavioral phenotypes (social behavior deficits, repetitive behavior, anxiety, hyperlocomotion, and nociception) was assessed. Also, effects on important biochemical markers of neuronal function (DCX-neurogenesis, BDNF-neuronal survival, synapsin-IIa-synaptic transmission, pCREB-neuronal transcription factor), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] and glutathione (GSH) were studied in important brain areas (frontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). Further, neuronal cell viability was determined in dentate gyrus using Nissl staining. Pre-VPA administration resulted into impaired behavior, brain biochemistry, and neuronal cell viability. Administration of vinpocetine resulted in improvements of pre-VPA impaired social behavior, repetitive behavior, anxiety, locomotion, and nociception. Also, vinpocetine resulted in a significant increase in the levels of BDNF, synapsin-IIa, DCX, pCREB/CREB, IL-10, and GSH along with significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, TBARS, number of pyknotic and chromatolytic cells in different brain areas of pre-VPA group. Finally, high association between behavioral parameters and biochemical parameters was observed upon Pearson's correlation analysis. Vinpocetine, a PDE1 inhibitor rectified important behavioral phenotypes related with ASD, possibly by improving neuronal function, brain inflammation and brain oxidative stress. Thus, PDE1 may be a possible target for further understanding ASD. LAY SUMMARY: ASD is a brain developmental disorder with a wide array of genetic and environmental factors. Many targets have been identified till date, but a clinical treatment is still afar. The results of this study indicate that vinpocetine administration resulted in amelioration of ASD associated symptomatology in rats, prenatally exposed to VPA. Our research adds a widely expressed brain enzyme PDE1, as a possible novel pharmacological target and opens-up a new line of enquiry for ASD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanishk Luhach
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Vijay P Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Academy of scientific and Innovative research, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.,CNS and CVS Pharmacology, Conscience Research, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meador KJ, Leeman-Markowski B, Medina AE, Illamola SM, Seliger J, Novak G, Lin C, Ivanisevic M, Razavi B, Marino S, Boyd A, Loring DW. Vinpocetine, cognition, and epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 119:107988. [PMID: 33957389 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vinpocetine has been shown to enhance memory in animal models, with possible cognitive benefit in humans. The present study sought to demonstrate if vinpocetine can enhance cognition in healthy volunteers or patients with epilepsy. In addition, we compare blood levels of vinpocetine and its active metabolite (apovincaminic acid; AVA) in humans and animals to further characterize factors related to possible therapeutic benefit. METHODS The cognitive effects of vinpocetine were assessed in healthy adult volunteers (n = 8) using a double-blind, randomized, crossover design at single doses (placebo, 10, 20, and 60 mg oral). Cognitive effects of vinpocetine in patients with focal epilepsy (n = 8) were tested using a double-blind, randomized, crossover design at single doses (placebo, 20 mg oral) followed by one-month open label at 20 mg oral three times a day. The neuropsychological battery included both computerized and non-computerized tests. Levels of vinpocetine and AVA in the human studies were compared to levels in 45 mice across time dosed at 5-20 mg/kg intraperitoneal of vinpocetine. RESULTS No significant cognitive benefits were seen in healthy volunteers or patients with epilepsy. No appreciable side effects occurred. Vinpocetine and AVA levels were lower in humans than animals. CONCLUSIONS Vinpocetine was well tolerated, but was not associated with positive cognitive effects. However, blood levels obtained in humans were substantially less than levels in animals obtained from dosages known to be effective in one model. This suggests that higher dosages are needed in humans to assess vinpocetine's cognitive efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Beth Leeman-Markowski
- Department of Neurology, New York University and VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, NY, NY USA.
| | | | - Sílvia M Illamola
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Jordan Seliger
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Gloria Novak
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Christine Lin
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | | | - Babak Razavi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Susan Marino
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | | | - David W Loring
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zang J, Wu Y, Su X, Zhang T, Tang X, Ma D, Li Y, Liu Y, Weng Z, Liu X, Tsang CK, Xu A, Lu D. Inhibition of PDE1-B by Vinpocetine Regulates Microglial Exosomes and Polarization Through Enhancing Autophagic Flux for Neuroprotection Against Ischemic Stroke. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:616590. [PMID: 33614626 PMCID: PMC7889976 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes contribute to cell–cell communications. Emerging evidence has shown that microglial exosomes may play crucial role in regulation of neuronal functions under ischemic conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms of microglia-derived exosome biosynthesis are largely unknown. Herein, we reported that the microglial PDE1-B expression was progressively elevated in the peri-infarct region after focal middle cerebral artery occlusion. By an oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) ischemic model in cells, we found that inhibition of PDE1-B by vinpocetine in the microglial cells promoted M2 and inhibited M1 phenotype. In addition, knockdown or inhibition of PDE1-B significantly enhanced the autophagic flux in BV2 cells, and vinpocetine-mediated suppression of M1 phenotype was dependent on autophagy in ischemic conditions. Co-culture of BV2 cells and neurons revealed that vinpocetine-treated BV2 cells alleviated OGD-induced neuronal damage, and treatment of BV2 cells with 3-MA abolished the observed effects of vinpocetine. We further demonstrated that ischemia and vinpocetine treatment significantly altered microglial exosome biogenesis and release, which could be taken up by recipient neurons and regulated neuronal damage. Finally, we showed that the isolated exosome per se from conditioned BV2 cells is sufficient to regulate cortical neuronal survival in vivo. Taken together, these results revealed a novel microglia-neuron interaction mediated by microglia-derived exosomes under ischemic conditions. Our findings further suggest that PDE1-B regulates autophagic flux and exosome biogenesis in microglia which plays a crucial role in neuronal survival under cerebral ischemic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiankun Zang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yousheng Wu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanlin Su
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xionglin Tang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Dan Ma
- Section of Molecular Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yufeng Li
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze'an Weng
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanzhuo Liu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi Kwan Tsang
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anding Xu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Montagud-Romero S, Cantacorps L, Fernández-Gómez FJ, Núñez C, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M, Milanés MV, Valverde O. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in alcohol intake and withdrawal in adolescent mice exposed to alcohol during early life stages. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110025. [PMID: 32599136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol interferes with foetal development and prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to adverse effects known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. We aimed to assess the underlying neurobiological mechanisms involved in alcohol intake and withdrawal in adolescent mice exposed to alcohol during early life stages, in discrete brain areas. Pregnant C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to binge alcohol drinking from gestation to weaning. Subsequently, alcohol seeking and taking behaviour were evaluated in male adolescent offspring, as assessed in the two-bottle choice and oral self-administration paradigms. Brain area samples were analysed to quantify AMPAR subunits GluR1/2 and pCREB/CREB expression following alcohol self-administration. We measured the expression of mu and kappa opioid receptors both during acute alcohol withdrawal (assessing anxiety alterations by the EPM test) and following reinstatement in the two-bottle choice paradigm. In addition, alcohol metabolism was analysed by measuring blood alcohol concentrations under an acute dose of 3 g/kg alcohol. Our findings demonstrate that developmental alcohol exposure enhances alcohol intake during adolescence, which is associated with a decrease in the pCREB/CREB ratio in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum, while the GluR1/GluR2 ratio showed a decrease in the hippocampus. Moreover, PLAE mice showed behavioural alterations, such as increased anxiety-like responses during acute alcohol withdrawal, and higher BAC levels. No significant changes were identified for mu and kappa opioid receptors mRNA expression. The current study highlights that early alcohol exposed mice increased alcohol consumption during late adolescence. Furthermore, a diminished CREB signalling and glutamatergic neuroplasticity are proposed as underpinning neurobiological mechanisms involved in the sensitivity to alcohol reinforcing properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco José Fernández-Gómez
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Núñez
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Milanés
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Neurosciences Programme, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanders O, Rajagopal L. Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Epidemiology with a Mechanistic Rationale. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2020; 4:185-215. [PMID: 32715279 PMCID: PMC7369141 DOI: 10.3233/adr-200191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies, clinical trials, and reviews suggest increasing 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with phosphodiesterase inhibitors is disease-modifying in Alzheimer's disease (AD). cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) signaling are disrupted in AD. cAMP/PKA and cGMP/PKG activate cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). CREB binds mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, inducing synaptogenesis, memory, and neuronal survival gene (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α). cAMP/PKA and cGMP/PKG activate Sirtuin-1, which activates PGC1α. PGC1α induces mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant genes (e.g.,Nrf2) and represses BACE1. cAMP and cGMP inhibit BACE1-inducing NFκB and tau-phosphorylating GSK3β. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We review efficacy-testing clinical trials, epidemiology, and meta-analyses to critically investigate whether phosphodiesteraseinhibitors prevent or treat AD. RESULTS Caffeine and cilostazol may lower AD risk. Denbufylline and sildenafil clinical trials are promising but preliminary and inconclusive. PF-04447943 and BI 409,306 are ineffective. Vinpocetine, cilostazol, and nicergoline trials are mixed. Deprenyl/selegiline trials show only short-term benefits. Broad-spectrum phosphodiesterase inhibitor propentofylline has been shown in five phase III trials to improve cognition, dementia severity, activities of daily living, and global assessment in mild-to-moderate AD patients on multiple scales, including the ADAS-Cogand the CIBIC-Plus in an 18-month phase III clinical trial. However, two books claimed based on a MedScape article an 18-month phase III trial failed, so propentofylline was discontinued. Now, propentofylline is used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction, which, like AD, involves age-associated wild-type Aβ deposition. CONCLUSION Phosphodiesterase inhibitors may prevent and treat AD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang C, Yan C. Updates of Recent Vinpocetine Research in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 2:211-219. [PMID: 32832931 PMCID: PMC7437952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vinpocetine is a derivative of vincamine. It has been used to prevent and treat cerebrovascular disorders such as stoke and dementia, and remains widely available in dietary supplements that often marketed as nootropics. Due to its excellent safety profile at therapeutic dose regimen, vinpocetine has raised research interest in its new applications in various experimental disease models. Here we review recent studies that uncovered novel functions of vinpocetine in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity, neointimal hyperplasia, vasoconstriction, pathological cardiac remodeling and ischemia stroke. Molecular mechanisms underlined the protective effects of vinpocetine are also discussed. These novel findings may suggest a broadened usage of vinpocetine against relevant cardiovascular diseases in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Zhang
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Chen Yan
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Chen Yan;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nabavi SM, Talarek S, Listos J, Nabavi SF, Devi KP, Roberto de Oliveira M, Tewari D, Argüelles S, Mehrzadi S, Hosseinzadeh A, D'onofrio G, Orhan IE, Sureda A, Xu S, Momtaz S, Farzaei MH. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors say NO to Alzheimer's disease. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 134:110822. [PMID: 31536753 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) consisted of 11 subtypes (PDE1 to PDE11) and over 40 isoforms that regulate levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), the second messengers in cell functions. PDE inhibitors (PDEIs) have been attractive therapeutic targets due to their involvement in diverse medical conditions, e.g. cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD), etc. Among them; AD with a complex pathology is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affect mostly senile people in the world and only symptomatic treatment particularly using cholinesterase inhibitors in clinic is available at the moment for AD. Consequently, novel treatment strategies towards AD are still searched extensively. Since PDEs are broadly expressed in the brain, PDEIs are considered to modulate neurodegenerative conditions through regulating cAMP and cGMP in the brain. In this sense, several synthetic or natural molecules inhibiting various PDE subtypes such as rolipram and roflumilast (PDE4 inhibitors), vinpocetine (PDE1 inhibitor), cilostazol and milrinone (PDE3 inhibitors), sildenafil and tadalafil (PDE5 inhibitors), etc have been reported showing encouraging results for the treatment of AD. In this review, PDE superfamily will be scrutinized from the view point of structural features, isoforms, functions and pharmacology particularly attributed to PDEs as target for AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Listos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kasi Pandima Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Marcos Roberto de Oliveira
- Departamento de Química (DQ), Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (ICET), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, Brazil.
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | - Sandro Argüelles
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Grazia D'onofrio
- Geriatric Unit and Gerontology-Geriatrics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy.
| | - Ilkay Erdogan Orhan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands, CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA.
| | - Saeedeh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran; Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jablonski SA, Robinson-Drummer PA, Schreiber WB, Asok A, Rosen JB, Stanton ME. Impairment of the context preexposure facilitation effect in juvenile rats by neonatal alcohol exposure is associated with decreased Egr-1 mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex. Behav Neurosci 2018; 132:497-511. [PMID: 30346189 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The context preexposure facilitation effect (CPFE) is a variant of contextual fear conditioning in which learning about the context (preexposure) and associating the context with a shock (training) occur on separate occasions. The CPFE is sensitive to a range of neonatal alcohol doses (Murawski & Stanton, 2011). The current study examined the impact of neonatal alcohol on Egr-1 mRNA expression in the infralimbic (IL) and prelimbic (PL) subregions of the mPFC, the CA1 of dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), and the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA), following the preexposure and training phases of the CPFE. Rat pups were exposed to a 5.25 g/kg/day single binge-like dose of alcohol (Group EtOH) or were sham intubated (SI; Group SI) over postnatal days (PD) 7-9. In behaviorally tested rats, alcohol administration disrupted freezing. Following context preexposure, Egr-1 mRNA was elevated in both EtOH and SI groups compared with baseline control animals in all regions analyzed. Following both preexposure and training, Group EtOH displayed a significant decrease in mPFC Egr-1 mRNA expression compared with Group SI. However, this decrease was greatest after training. Training day decreases in Egr-1 expression were not found in LA or CA1 in Group EtOH compared with Group SI. A second experiment confirmed that the EtOH-induced training-day deficits in mPFC Egr-1 mRNA expression were specific to groups which learned contextual fear (vs. nonassociative controls). Thus, memory processes that engage the mPFC during the context-shock association may be most susceptible to the teratogenic effects of neonatal alcohol. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arun Asok
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hyperactivity and memory/learning deficits evoked by developmental exposure to nicotine and/or ethanol are mitigated by cAMP and cGMP signaling cascades activation. Neurotoxicology 2018; 66:150-159. [PMID: 29653137 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant smoking women are frequently episodic drinkers. Here, we investigated whether ethanol exposure restricted to the brain growth spurt period when combined with chronic developmental exposure to nicotine aggravates memory/learning deficits and hyperactivity, and associated cAMP and cGMP signaling disruption. To further investigate the role of these signaling cascades, we verified whether vinpocetine (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) ameliorates the neurochemical and behavioral outcomes. Swiss mice had free access to nicotine (NIC, 50 μg/ml) or water to drink during gestation and until the 8th postnatal day (PN8). Ethanol (ETOH, 5 g/kg, i.p.) or saline were injected in the pups every other day from PN2 to PN8. At PN30, animals either received vinpocetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle before being tested in the step-down passive avoidance or open field. Memory/learning was impaired in NIC, ETOH and NIC + ETOH mice, and vinpocetine mitigated ETOH- and NIC + ETOH-induced deficits. Locomotor hyperactivity identified in ETOH and NIC + ETOH mice was ameliorated by vinpocetine. While cyclic nucleotides levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were reduced by NIC, ETOH and NIC + ETOH, this outcome was more consistent in the latter group. As observed for behavior, vinpocetine normalized NIC + ETOH nucleotides levels. pCREB levels were also increased in response to vinpocetine, with stronger effects in the NIC + ETOH group. Exposure to both drugs of abuse worsens behavioral and neurochemical disruption. These findings and the amelioration of deleterious effects by vinpocetine support the idea that cAMP and cGMP signaling contribute to nicotine- and ethanol-induced hyperactivity and memory/learning deficits.
Collapse
|
15
|
Trindade P, Hampton B, Manhães AC, Medina AE. Developmental alcohol exposure leads to a persistent change on astrocyte secretome. J Neurochem 2016; 137:730-43. [PMID: 26801685 PMCID: PMC5471499 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is the most common cause of mental disabilities in the western world. It has been quite established that acute alcohol exposure can dramatically affect astrocyte function. Because the effects of early alcohol exposure on cell physiology can persist into adulthood, we tested the hypothesis that ethanol exposure in ferrets during a period equivalent to the last months of human gestation leads to persistent changes in astrocyte secretome in vitro. Animals were treated with ethanol (3.5 g/kg) or saline between postnatal day (P)10-30. At P31, astrocyte cultures were made and cells were submitted to stable isotope labeling by amino acids. Twenty-four hour conditioned media of cells obtained from ethanol- or saline-treated animals (ET-CM or SAL-CM) were collected and analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry in tandem with liquid chromatography. Here, we show that 65 out of 280 quantifiable proteins displayed significant differences comparing ET-CM to SAL-CM. Among the 59 proteins that were found to be reduced in ET-CM we observed components of the extracellular matrix such as laminin subunits α2, α4, β1, β2, and γ1 and the proteoglycans biglycan, heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2, and lumican. Proteins with trophic function such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4, pigment epithelium-derived factor, and clusterin as well as proteins involved on modulation of proteolysis such as metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were also reduced. In contrast, pro-synaptogeneic proteins like thrombospondin-1, hevin as well as the modulator of extracelular matrix expression, angiotensinogen, were found increased in ET-CM. The analysis of interactome maps through ingenuity pathway analysis demonstrated that the amyloid beta A4 protein precursor, which was found reduced in ET-CM, was previously shown to interact with ten other proteins that exhibited significant changes in the ET-CM. Taken together our results strongly suggest that early exposure to teratogens such as alcohol may lead to an enduring change in astrocyte secretome. Despite efforts in prevention, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause of mental disabilities. Here, we show that developmental exposure to alcohol lead to a persistent change in the pattern of proteins secreted (secretome) by astrocytes. This study is also the first mass spectrometry-based assessment of the astrocyte secretome in a gyrencephalic animal. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13320.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Trindade
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Hampton
- Protein Analysis Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex C Manhães
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Physiology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Effects of developmental alcohol and valproic acid exposure on play behavior of ferrets. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 52:75-81. [PMID: 27208641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to alcohol and valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and fetal valproate syndrome, respectively. Altered social behavior is a hallmark of both these conditions and there is ample evidence showing that developmental exposure to alcohol and VPA affect social behavior in rodents. However, results from rodent models are somewhat difficult to translate to humans owing to the substantial differences in brain development, morphology, and connectivity. Since the cortex folding pattern is closely related to its specialization and that social behavior is strongly influenced by cortical structures, here we studied the effects of developmental alcohol and VPA exposure on the play behavior of the ferret, a gyrencephalic animal known for its playful nature. Animals were injected with alcohol (3.5g/kg, i.p.), VPA (200mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (i.p) every other day during the brain growth spurt period, between postnatal days 10 and 30. The play behavior of pairs of the same experimental group was evaluated 3 weeks later. Both treatments induced significant behavioral differences compared to controls. Alcohol and VPA exposed ferrets played less than saline treated ones, but while animals from the alcohol group displayed a delay in start playing with each other, VPA treated ones spent most of the time close to one another without playing. These findings not only extend previous results on the effects of developmental exposure to alcohol and VPA on social behavior, but make the ferret a great model to study the underlying mechanisms of social interaction.
Collapse
|
17
|
Phosphodiesterases: Regulators of cyclic nucleotide signals and novel molecular target for movement disorders. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 714:486-97. [PMID: 23850946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders rank among the most common neurological disorders. During the last two decades substantial progress has been made in understanding of the pathological basis of these disorders. Although, several mechanisms have been proposed, downregulation of cyclic nucleotide mediated signaling cascade has consistently been shown to contribute to the striatal dysfunctioning as seen in movement disorders. Thus, counteracting dysregulated cyclic nucleotide signaling has been considered to be beneficial in movement disorders. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of cyclic nucleotides and upregulation in PDE activity has been reported in various movement disorders. Thus, PDE inhibition is considered to be a novel strategy to restore cerebral cyclic nucleotide levels and their downstream signalling cascade. Indeed, various PDE inhibitors have been tested pre-clinically and were reported to be neuroprotective in various neurodegenerative disorders associated with movement disabilities. In this review, we have discussed a putative role of PDE inhibitors in movement disorders and associated abnormalities.
Collapse
|
18
|
García-Osta A, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, García-Barroso C, Oyarzábal J, Franco R. Phosphodiesterases as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:832-44. [PMID: 23173065 DOI: 10.1021/cn3000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among the elderly. In AD patients, memory loss is accompanied by the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and the appearance of tau in a pathological form. Given the lack of effective treatments for AD, the development of new management strategies for these patients is critical. The continued failure to find effective therapies using molecules aimed at addressing the anti-beta amyloid pathology has led researchers to focus on other non-amyloid-based approaches to restore memory function. Promising non-amyloid related candidate targets include phosphosdiesterases (PDEs), and indeed, Rolipram, a specific PDE4 inhibitor, was the first compound found to effectively restore cognitive deficits in animal models of AD. More recently, PDE5 inhibitors have also been shown to effectively restore memory function. Accordingly, inhibitors of other members of the PDE family may also improve memory performance in AD and non-AD animal models. Hence, in this review, we will summarize the data supporting the use of PDE inhibitors as cognitive enhancers and we will discuss the possible mechanisms of action underlying these effects. We shall also adopt a medicinal chemistry perspective that leads us to propose the most promising PDE candidates on the basis of inhibitor selectivity, brain distribution, and mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana García-Osta
- Molecular and Cell Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, Neurosciences Division, CIMA (Centro de investigación Médica Aplicada), Avda Pio
XII, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mar Cuadrado-Tejedor
- Molecular and Cell Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, Neurosciences Division, CIMA (Centro de investigación Médica Aplicada), Avda Pio
XII, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carolina García-Barroso
- Molecular and Cell Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, Neurosciences Division, CIMA (Centro de investigación Médica Aplicada), Avda Pio
XII, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julen Oyarzábal
- Molecular and Cell Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, Neurosciences Division, CIMA (Centro de investigación Médica Aplicada), Avda Pio
XII, Pamplona, Spain
- Small
Molecule Discovery Platform, CIMA (Centro
de investigación Médica
Aplicada), Avda Pio XII, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular and Cell Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, Neurosciences Division, CIMA (Centro de investigación Médica Aplicada), Avda Pio
XII, Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Modulation of CREB in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of dark-reared mice. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:426437. [PMID: 22292123 PMCID: PMC3265102 DOI: 10.1155/2012/426437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) plays an important role in visual cortical plasticity that follows the disruption of sensory activity, as induced by dark rearing (DR). Recent findings indicate that the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of thalamus is also sensitive to altered sensory activity. DR disrupts retinogeniculate synaptic strength and pruning in mice, but only when DR starts one week after eye opening (delayed DR, DDR) and not after chronic DR (CDR) from birth. While DR upregulates CREB in visual cortex, whether it also modulates this pathway in dLGN remains unknown. Here we investigate the role of CREB in the dLGN of mice that were CDR or DDR using western blot and immunofluorescence. Similar to findings in visual cortex, CREB is upregulated in dLGN after CDR and DDR. These findings are consistent with the proposal that DR up-regulates the CREB pathway in response to decreased visual drive.
Collapse
|
20
|
Acute administration of vinpocetine, a phosphodiesterase type 1 inhibitor, ameliorates hyperactivity in a mice model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 119:81-7. [PMID: 21689896 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy causes a continuum of long-lasting disabilities in the offspring, commonly referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is possibly the most common behavioral problem in children with FASD and devising strategies that ameliorate this condition has great clinical relevance. Studies in rodent models of ADHD and FASD suggest that impairments in the cAMP signaling cascade contribute to the hyperactivity phenotype. In this work, we investigated whether the cAMP levels are affected in a long-lasting manner by ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent period of human gestation and whether the acute administration of the PDE1 inhibitor vinpocetine ameliorates the ethanol-induced hyperactivity. METHODS From postnatal day (P) 2 to P8, Swiss mice either received ethanol (5g/kg i.p.) or saline every other day. At P30, the animals either received vinpocetine (20mg/kg or 10mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle 4h before being tested in the open field. After the test, frontal cerebral cortices and hippocampi were dissected and collected for assessment of cAMP levels. RESULTS Early alcohol exposure significantly increased locomotor activity in the open field and reduced cAMP levels in the hippocampus. The acute treatment of ethanol-exposed animals with 20mg/kg of vinpocetine restored both their locomotor activity and cAMP levels to control levels. CONCLUSIONS These data lend support to the idea that cAMP signaling system contribute to the hyperactivity induced by developmental alcohol exposure and provide evidence for the potential therapeutic use of vinpocetine in FASD.
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang LL, Wang JJ, Liu Y, Lu XB, Kuang Y, Wan YH, Chen Y, Yan HM, Fei J, Wang ZG. GPR26-deficient mice display increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors accompanied by reduced phosphorylated cyclic AMP responsive element-binding protein level in central amygdala. Neuroscience 2011; 196:203-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2011] [Revised: 08/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
22
|
Chan S, Yan C. PDE1 isozymes, key regulators of pathological vascular remodeling. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2011; 11:720-4. [PMID: 21962439 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pathological vascular remodeling is a hallmark of most vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, postangioplasty restenosis, allograft vasculopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. Pathological vascular remodeling is a multi-cell-dependent process leading to detrimental changes of vessel structure and eventual vessel occlusion. Cyclic nucleotide signaling regulates a variety of vascular functions ranging from cell contractility to cell growth. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), a large family of structurally and functionally distinct isozymes, regulate cyclic nucleotide levels and compartmentalization through catalyzing their degradation reaction. Increasing evidence has suggested that one of the important mechanisms for specific cyclic nucleotide regulation is exerted through selective activation or inhibition of distinct PDE isozymes. This review summarizes the work done to characterize the role and therapeutic potential of PDE1 isozymes in pathological vascular remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kodituwakku PW, Kodituwakku EL. From research to practice: an integrative framework for the development of interventions for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Neuropsychol Rev 2011; 21:204-23. [PMID: 21544706 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-011-9170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Since fetal alcohol syndrome was first described over 35 years ago, considerable progress has been made in the delineation of the neurocognitive profile in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Preclinical investigators have made impressive strides in elucidating the mechanisms of alcohol teratogenesis and in testing the effectiveness of pharmacological agents and dietary supplementation in the amelioration of alcohol-induced deficits. Despite these advances, only limited progress has been made in the development of evidence-based comprehensive interventions for functional impairment in alcohol-exposed children. Having performed a search in PubMed and PsycINFO using key words, interventions, treatment, fetal alcohol syndrome, prenatal alcohol exposure, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, we found only 12 papers on empirically-based interventions. Only two of these interventions had been replicated and none met the criteria of "well-established," as defined by Chambless and Hollon (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 66(1):7-18, 1998). There has been only limited cross-fertilization of ideas between preclinical and clinical research with regard to the development of interventions. Therefore, we propose a framework that allows integrating data from preclinical and clinical investigations to develop comprehensive intervention programs for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This framework underscores the importance of multi-level evaluations and interventions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy can result in a group of neurobehavioral abnormalities collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). During the past decade, studies using animal models indicated that early alcohol exposure can dramatically affect neuronal plasticity, an essential property of the central nervous system responsible for the normal wiring of the brain and involved in processes such as learning and memory. The abnormalities in neuronal plasticity caused by alcohol can explain many of the neurobehavioral deficits observed in FASD. Conversely, improving neuronal plasticity may have important therapeutic benefits. In this review, the author discuss the mechanisms that lead to these abnormalities and comment on recent pharmacological approaches that have been showing promising results in improving neuronal plasticity in FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Medina AE. Therapeutic utility of phosphodiesterase type I inhibitors in neurological conditions. Front Neurosci 2011; 5:21. [PMID: 21373359 PMCID: PMC3044262 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity is an essential property of the brain that is impaired in different neurological conditions. Phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) inhibitors can enhance levels of the second messengers cAMP/cGMP leading to the expression of neuronal plasticity-related genes, neurotrophic factors, and neuroprotective molecules. These neuronal plasticity enhancement properties make PDE1 inhibitors good candidates as therapeutic agents in many neurological conditions. However, the lack of specificity of the drugs currently available poses a challenge to the systematic evaluation of the beneficial effect of these agents. The development of more specific drugs may pave the way for the use of PDE1 inhibitors as therapeutic agents in cases of neurodevelopmental conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and in degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre E. Medina
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical CenterRichmond, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pohl-Guimaraes F, Krahe TE, Medina AE. Early valproic acid exposure alters functional organization in the primary visual cortex. Exp Neurol 2011; 228:138-48. [PMID: 21215743 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders and affects 0.5 to 1% of pregnant women. The use of antiepileptic drugs, which is usually continued throughout pregnancy, can cause in offspring mild to severe sensory deficits. Neuronal selectivity to stimulus orientation is a basic functional property of the visual cortex that is crucial for perception of shapes and borders. Here we investigate the effects of early exposure to valproic acid (Val) and levetiracetam (Lev), commonly used antiepileptic drugs, on the development of cortical neuron orientation selectivity and organization of cortical orientation columns. Ferrets pups were exposed to Val (200mg/kg), Lev (100mg/kg) or saline every other day between postnatal day (P) 10 and P30, a period roughly equivalent to the third trimester of human gestation. Optical imaging of intrinsic signals or single-unit recordings were examined at P42-P84, when orientation selectivity in the ferret cortex has reached a mature state. Optical imaging of intrinsic signals revealed decreased contrast of orientation maps in Val- but not Lev- or saline-treated animals. Moreover, single-unit recordings revealed that early Val treatment also reduced orientation selectivity at the cellular level. These findings indicate that Val exposure during a brief period of development disrupts cortical processing of sensory information at a later age and suggest a neurobiological substrate for some types of sensory deficits in fetal anticonvulsant syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pohl-Guimaraes
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Idrus NM, Thomas JD. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: experimental treatments and strategies for intervention. ALCOHOL RESEARCH & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM 2011; 34:76-85. [PMID: 23580044 PMCID: PMC3831616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the known damaging effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, women continue to drink during pregnancy, creating a need for effective interventions and treatments for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Experimental models can be useful in identifying potential treatments, and this article describes the spectrum of experimental therapeutics that currently are being investigated, including pharmacological, nutritional, and environmental/behavioral interventions. Some treatments target the underlying mechanisms that contribute to alcohol-induced damage, protecting against alcohol's teratogenic effects, whereas other treatments may enhance central nervous system plasticity either during alcohol exposure or long after alcohol exposure has ceased. The insights gained to date from experimental models offer several candidates for attenuating the deficits associated with FASD.
Collapse
|
28
|
Savage DD, Rosenberg MJ, Wolff CR, Akers KG, El-Emawy A, Staples MC, Varaschin RK, Wright CA, Seidel JL, Caldwell KK, Hamilton DA. Effects of a novel cognition-enhancing agent on fetal ethanol-induced learning deficits. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:1793-802. [PMID: 20626729 PMCID: PMC3654805 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drinking during pregnancy has been associated with learning disabilities in affected offspring. At present, there are no clinically effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions for these learning deficits. Here, we examined the effects of ABT-239, a histamine H₃ receptor antagonist, on fetal ethanol-induced fear conditioning and spatial memory deficits. METHODS AND RESULTS Long-Evans rat dams stably consumed a mean of 2.82 g ethanol/kg during a 4-hour period each day during pregnancy. This voluntary drinking pattern produced a mean peak serum ethanol level of 84 mg/dl. Maternal weight gain, litter size and birth weights were not different between the ethanol-consuming and control groups. Female adult offspring from the control and fetal alcohol-exposed (FAE) groups received saline or 1 mg ABT-239/kg 30 minutes prior to fear conditioning training. Three days later, freezing time to the context was significantly reduced in saline-treated FAE rats compared to control. Freezing time in ABT-239-treated FAE rats was not different than that in controls. In the spatial navigation study, adult male offspring received a single injection of saline or ABT-239 30 minutes prior to 12 training trials on a fixed platform version of the Morris Water Task. All rats reached the same performance asymptote on Trials 9 to 12 on Day 1. However, 4 days later, first-trial retention of platform location was significantly worse in the saline-treated FAE rats compared control offspring. Retention by ABT-239-treated FAE rats was similar to that by controls. ABT-239's effect on spatial memory retention in FAE rats was dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ABT-239 administered prior to training can improve retention of acquired information by FAE offspring on more challenging versions of hippocampal-sensitive learning tasks. Further, the differential effects of ABT-239 in FAE offspring compared to controls raises questions about the impact of fetal ethanol exposure on histaminergic neurotransmission in affected offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel D Savage
- Department of Neurosciences, MSC08 4740, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Overexpression of serum response factor restores ocular dominance plasticity in a model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. J Neurosci 2010; 30:2513-20. [PMID: 20164336 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5840-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity deficits underlie many of the neurobehavioral problems seen in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Recently, we showed that third trimester alcohol exposure leads to a persistent disruption in ocular dominance (OD) plasticity. For instance, a few days of monocular deprivation results in a robust reduction of cortical regions responsive to the deprived eye in normal animals, but not in ferrets exposed early to alcohol. This plasticity deficit can be reversed if alcohol-exposed animals are treated with a phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) inhibitor during the period of monocular deprivation. PDE1 inhibition can increase cAMP and cGMP levels, activating transcription factors such as the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the serum response factor (SRF). SRF is important for many plasticity processes such as LTP, LTD, spine motility, and axonal pathfinding. Here we attempt to rescue OD plasticity in alcohol-treated ferrets using a Sindbis viral vector to express a constitutively active form of SRF during the period of monocular deprivation. Using optical imaging of intrinsic signals and single-unit recordings, we observed that overexpression of a constitutively active form of SRF, but neither its dominant-negative nor GFP, restored OD plasticity in alcohol-treated animals. Surprisingly, this restoration was observed throughout the extent of the primary visual cortex and most cells infected by the virus were positive for GFAP rather than NeuN. This finding suggests that overexpression of SRF in astrocytes may reduce the deficits in neuronal plasticity seen in models of FASD.
Collapse
|