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Zhu X, Grace AA. Sex- and exposure age-dependent effects of adolescent stress on ventral tegmental area dopamine system and its afferent regulators. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:611-624. [PMID: 36224257 PMCID: PMC9918682 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent stress is a risk factor for schizophrenia. Emerging evidence suggests that age-dependent sensitive windows for childhood trauma are associated more strongly with adult psychosis, but the neurobiological basis and potential sex differences are unknown.Using in vivo electrophysiology and immunohistology in rats, we systematically compared the effects of two age-defined adolescent stress paradigms, prepubertal (postnatal day [PD] 21-30; PreP-S) and postpubertal (PD41-50; PostP-S) foot-shock and restraint combined stress, on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic activity, pyramidal neuron activity in the ventral hippocampus (vHipp) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA), corticoamygdalar functional inhibitory control, and vHipp and BLA parvalbumin interneuron (PVI) impairments. These endpoints were selected based on their well-documented roles in the pathophysiology of psychosis.Overall, we found distinct sex- and exposure age-dependent stress vulnerability. Specifically, while males were selectively vulnerable to PreP-S-induced adult VTA dopamine neuron and vHipp hyperactivities, females were selectively vulnerable to PostP-S. These male selective PreP-S effects were correlated with stress-induced aberrant persistent BLA hyperactivity, dysfunctional prefrontal inhibitory control of BLA neurons, and vHipp/BLA PVI impairments. In contrast, female PostP-S only produced vHipp PVI impairments in adults, with the BLA structure and functions largely unaffected.Our results indicated distinct adolescent-sensitive periods during which stress can sex-dependently confer maximal risks to corticolimbic systems to drive dopamine hyperactivity, which provide critical insights into the neurobiological basis for sex-biased stress-related psychopathologies emphasizing but not limited to schizophrenia. Furthermore, our work also provides a framework for future translational research on age-sensitive targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony A. Grace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Corresponding author: Anthony A Grace;
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Sarkisova K, van Luijtelaar G. The impact of early-life environment on absence epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:436-468. [PMID: 36386598 PMCID: PMC9649966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.10.012] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the long-term effects of early-life environment on epileptogenesis, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities with an emphasis on the absence epilepsy. The WAG/Rij rat strain is a well-validated genetic model of absence epilepsy with mild depression-like (dysthymia) comorbidity. Although pathologic phenotype in WAG/Rij rats is genetically determined, convincing evidence presented in this review suggests that the absence epilepsy and depression-like comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats may be governed by early-life events, such as prenatal drug exposure, early-life stress, neonatal maternal separation, neonatal handling, maternal care, environmental enrichment, neonatal sensory impairments, neonatal tactile stimulation, and maternal diet. The data, as presented here, indicate that some early environmental events can promote and accelerate the development of absence seizures and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities, while others may exert anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects. The early environment can lead to phenotypic alterations in offspring due to epigenetic modifications of gene expression, which may have maladaptive consequences or represent a therapeutic value. Targeting DNA methylation with a maternal methyl-enriched diet during the perinatal period appears to be a new preventive epigenetic anti-absence therapy. A number of caveats related to the maternal methyl-enriched diet and prospects for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Sarkisova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova str. 5a, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Gilles van Luijtelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Donders Center for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Chou P, Wang GH, Hsueh SW, Yang YC, Kuo CC. Delta-Frequency Augmentation and Synchronization in Seizure Discharges and Telencephalic Transmission. iScience 2020; 23:101666. [PMID: 33134896 PMCID: PMC7586134 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epileptic seizures constitute a common neurological disease primarily diagnosed by characteristic rhythms or waves in the local field potentials (LFPs) of cerebral cortices or electroencephalograms. With a basolateral amygdala (BLA) kindling model, we found that the dominant frequency of BLA oscillations is in the delta range (1-5 Hz) in both normal and seizure conditions. Multi-unit discharges are increased with higher seizure staging but remain phase-locked to the delta waves in LFPs. Also, the change in synchrony precedes and outlasts the changes in discharging units as well as behavioral seizures. One short train of stimuli readily drives the pyramidal-inhibitory neuronal networks in BLA slices into prolonged reverberating activities, where the burst and interburst intervals may concurrently set a "natural wavelength" for delta frequencies. Seizures thus could be viewed as erroneous temporospatial continuums to normal oscillations in a system with a built-in synchronizing and resonating nature for information relay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chou
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hsun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 333, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Hsueh
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liening AN, Epps SA. In Up to My Ears and Temporal Lobes: Effects of Early Life Stress on Epilepsy Development. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 55:17-40. [PMID: 33454921 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy and stress are each significant concerns in today's society, bearing heavy impacts on mental and physical health and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, the intersection between these is potentially even more concerning, as stress is a frequent trigger of seizures and may contribute to neural hyperexcitability. A growing body of research suggests a connection between early life stress (occurring in the prenatal or postnatal stage) and later development of epilepsy. While the larger part of this literature suggests that early life stress increases vulnerability for epilepsy development, there are a number of interacting factors influencing this relationship. These factors include developmental stage at which both stressor and seizure assessment occur, type of stressor, sex effects, and type of seizure (convulsive or non-convulsive). Additionally, a number of potential mechanisms have been identified, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroinflammation, altered inhibitory/excitatory balance, and temporal lobe structures. Developing a clearer understanding of this relationship between early life stress and epilepsy, the factors that influence it, and underlying mechanisms that may serve as targets for intervention is crucial to improving quality of life for persons with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery N Liening
- Department of Psychology, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - S Alisha Epps
- Department of Psychology, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA.
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Fulford AJ, Keskes S. Limbic circuit connectivity and the stress response: New insights into the mammalian nociceptin peptide system. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 111:131-145. [PMID: 31421698 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in understanding the neurobehavioral effects of nociceptin peptide (N/OFQ) and its NOP receptor. Recent interest has focused on its role in stress and cognition, with consideration of therapeutic potential in regard to anxiety and mood disorders. Research has interrogated the mechanisms of action of N/OFQ peptide in the context of stress-related behavior. We are interested in the endogenous role of N/OFQ and NOP receptor in terms of adaptation to chronic stress. Our research has highlighted the importance of associated limbic regions including the bed nucleus, extended amygdala, in addition to thalamic reticular nucleus as important sites for long-term adaptations in endogenous N/OFQ function in chronic stress. Such research raises interest in appreciation of extended limbic connections and novel pathways which allow us to reevaluate current understanding of stress neurocircuitry. Examination of endogenous N/OFQ-NOP receptor modulation of monoaminergic and amino acid transmitter systems in this extended limbic architecture will facilitate deeper understanding of the tonic control of behavior. Application of in vivo experimental approaches to models of abnormal neurodevelopment and heightened stress vulnerability in adulthood will enable the role of N/OFQ in complex neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Keskes
- Centre for Applied Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Keele University Medical School, Keele, United Kingdom
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Çarçak N, Ali I, Powell K, Zheng T, Onat F, O'Brien TJ. Ca
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3.2 T‐type calcium channel mutation influences kindling‐induced thalamic neuronal firing patterns in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg. Epilepsia 2019; 60:1378-1386. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Pharmacy Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Idrish Ali
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Kim Powell
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Thomas Zheng
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
- Marmara University Epilepsy Research Center Istanbul Turkey
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
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Ali I, Gandrathi A, Zheng T, Morris MJ, O'Brien TJ, French C. Neuropeptide Y affects thalamic reticular nucleus neuronal firing and network synchronization associated with suppression of spike-wave discharges. Epilepsia 2018; 59:1444-1454. [PMID: 29923603 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuropeptide Y (NPY) potently suppresses spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy (GAERS), but the underlying neurophysiologic mechanisms are not clear. We therefore sought to determine the in vivo effects of NPY on neuronal firing in the cortico-thalamo-cortical network activity, known to play a critical role in the generation of SWDs in these rats. METHODS NPY was administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or in separate experiments locally on the neurons of caudal thalamic reticular nucleus (NRT) by use of juxtacellular iontophoresis in triple-barrel electrodes in male GAERS aged 12-15 weeks, in vivo under neuroleptic anesthesia. Drug infusions and electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring were performed simultaneously with juxtacellular single neuronal recordings. Effect of NPY on electrically induced SWD induction threshold were also measured. RESULTS NPY administration ICV led to a decrease in the total length of SWDs in EEG recordings. Both ICV administration and iontophoresis of NPY on NRT neurons led to an increase in interictal neuronal firing of NRT neurons. During ictal periods, ICV NPY administration reduced the number of thalamic action potentials per SWDs, as well as reduced waveform correlations between field potentials within the NRT and the cortical EEG. NPY administration ICV did not significantly alter the firing patterns of relay thalamic neurons interictally and cortical neurons during ictal and interictal periods. In addition, SWD induction threshold in the S2 region of the cortex was significantly increased after NPY administration. SIGNIFICANCE Our results show alterations in cortico-thalamo-cortical local and network properties following ICV administration of NPY, suggesting mechanisms of SWD suppression in GAERS. Cellular and network alteration of NRT activity, resulting from a direct action of NPY, may be a contributor to this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrish Ali
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Arun Gandrathi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Thomas Zheng
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret J Morris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Chris French
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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9
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Bertoglio D, Amhaoul H, Van Eetveldt A, Houbrechts R, Van De Vijver S, Ali I, Dedeurwaerdere S. Kainic Acid-Induced Post-Status Epilepticus Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Diverging Seizure Phenotype and Neuropathology. Front Neurol 2017; 8:588. [PMID: 29163349 PMCID: PMC5681498 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of epilepsy models is to investigate disease ontogenesis and therapeutic interventions in a consistent and prospective manner. The kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (KASE) rat model is a widely used, well-validated model for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As we noted significant variability within the model between labs potentially related to the rat strain used, we aimed to describe two variants of this model with diverging seizure phenotype and neuropathology. In addition, we evaluated two different protocols to induce status epilepticus (SE). Wistar Han (Charles River, France) and Sprague-Dawley (Harlan, The Netherlands) rats were subjected to KASE using the Hellier kainic acid (KA) and a modified injection scheme. Duration of SE and latent phase were characterized by video-electroencephalography (vEEG) in a subgroup of animals, while animals were sacrificed 1 week (subacute phase) and 12 weeks (chronic phase) post-SE. In the 12 weeks post-SE groups, seizures were monitored with vEEG. Neuronal loss (neuronal nuclei), microglial activation (OX-42 and translocator protein), and neurodegeneration (Fluorojade C) were assessed. First, the Hellier protocol caused very high mortality in WH/CR rats compared to SD/H animals. The modified protocol resulted in a similar SE severity for WH/CR and SD/H rats, but effectively improved survival rates. The latent phase was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001) in SD/H (median 8.3 days) animals compared to WH/CR (median 15.4 days). During the chronic phase, SD/H rats had more seizures/day compared to WH/CR animals (p < 0.01). However, neuronal degeneration and cell loss were overall more extensive in WH/CR than in SD/H rats; microglia activation was similar between the two strains 1 week post-SE, but higher in WH/CR rats 12 weeks post-SE. These neuropathological differences may be more related to the distinct neurotoxic effects of KA in the two rat strains than being the outcome of seizure burden itself. The divergences in disease progression and seizure outcome, in addition to the histopathological dissimilarities, further substantiate the existence of strain differences for the KASE rat model of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bertoglio
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Halima Amhaoul
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van Eetveldt
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ruben Houbrechts
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Idrish Ali
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Labudda K, Illies D, Herzig C, Schröder K, Bien CG, Neuner F. Current psychiatric disorders in patients with epilepsy are predicted by maltreatment experiences during childhood. Epilepsy Res 2017. [PMID: 28622538 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood maltreatment has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders. Although the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is high in epilepsy patients, it is unknown if childhood maltreatment experiences are elevated compared to the normal population and if early maltreatment is a risk factor for current psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy patients. This is the main purpose of this study. METHODS Structured interviews were used to assess current Axis I diagnoses in 120 epilepsy patients from a tertiary Epilepsy Center (34 TLE patients, 86 non-TLE patients). Childhood maltreatment in the family and peer victimization were assessed with validated questionnaires. Patients' maltreatment scores were compared with those of a representative matched control group. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the potential impact of childhood maltreatment on current psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy patients. RESULTS Compared to a matched control group, epilepsy patients had higher emotional and sexual maltreatment scores. Patients with a current psychiatric diagnosis reported more family and peer maltreatment than patients without a psychiatric disorder. Family maltreatment scores predicted the likelihood of a current psychiatric disorder. TLE patients did not differ from non-TLE patients according to maltreatment experiences and rates of current psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that in epilepsy patients emotional and sexual childhood maltreatment is experienced more often than in the normal population and that early maltreatment is a general risk factor for psychiatric comorbidities in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Labudda
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld, Germany; Epilepsy Center Bethel, Krankenhaus Mara, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Dominik Illies
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld, Germany; Epilepsy Center Bethel, Krankenhaus Mara, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelia Herzig
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank Neuner
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld, Germany
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11
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Shao H, Yang Y, Qi AP, Hong P, Zhu GX, Cao XY, Ji WG, Zhu ZR. Gastrodin Reduces the Severity of Status Epilepticus in the Rat Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy by Inhibiting Nav1.6 Sodium Currents. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:360-374. [PMID: 27743286 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most refractory types of adult epilepsy, and treatment options remain unsatisfactory. Gastrodin (GAS), a phenolic glucoside used in Chinese herbal medicine and derived from Gastrodia elata Blume, has been shown to have remarkable anticonvulsant effects on various models of epilepsy in vivo. However, the mechanisms of GAS as an anticonvulsant drug remain to be established. By utilizing a combination of behavioral surveys, immunofluorescence and electrophysiological recordings, the present study characterized the anticonvulsant effect of GAS in a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) rat model of TLE and explored the underlying cellular mechanisms. We found that GAS pretreatment effectively reduced the severity of SE in the acute phase of TLE. Moreover, GAS protected medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) layer III neurons from neuronal death and terminated the SE-induced bursting discharge of mEC layer II neurons from SE-experienced rats. Furthermore, the current study revealed that GAS prevented the pilocarpine-induced enhancement of Nav1.6 currents (persistent (INaP) and resurgent (INaR) currents), which were reported to play a critical role in the generation of bursting spikes. Consistent with this result, GAS treatment reversed the expression of Nav1.6 protein in SE-experienced EC neurons. These results suggest that the inhibition of Nav1.6 sodium currents may be the underlying mechanism of GAS's anticonvulsant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Fifth Camp of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ai-Ping Qi
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Pian Hong
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guang-Xi Zhu
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin-Yu Cao
- The Fifth Camp of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Gang Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Ru Zhu
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Jason LA, Zinn ML, Zinn MA. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Symptoms and Biomarkers. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:701-34. [PMID: 26411464 PMCID: PMC4761639 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150928105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) continues to cause significant morbidity worldwide with an estimated one million cases in the United States. Hurdles to establishing consensus to achieve accurate evaluation of patients with ME continue, fueled by poor agreement about case definitions, slow progress in development of standardized diagnostic approaches, and issues surrounding research priorities. Because there are other medical problems, such as early MS and Parkinson's Disease, which have some similar clinical presentations, it is critical to accurately diagnose ME to make a differential diagnosis. In this article, we explore and summarize advances in the physiological and neurological approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating ME. We identify key areas and approaches to elucidate the core and secondary symptom clusters in ME so as to provide some practical suggestions in evaluation of ME for clinicians and researchers. This review, therefore, represents a synthesis of key discussions in the literature, and has important implications for a better understanding of ME, its biological markers, and diagnostic criteria. There is a clear need for more longitudinal studies in this area with larger data sets, which correct for multiple testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A. Jason
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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13
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Dalvie S, Stein DJ, Koenen K, Cardenas V, Cuzen NL, Ramesar R, Fein G, Brooks SJ. The BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism, childhood trauma, and brain volumes in adolescents with alcohol abuse. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:328. [PMID: 25510982 PMCID: PMC4295262 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-014-0328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that early life adversity, genetic factors and alcohol dependence are associated with reduced brain volume in adolescents. However, data on the interactive effects of early life adversity, genetic factors (e.g. p.Met66 allele of BDNF), and alcohol dependence, on brain structure in adolescents is limited. We examined whether the BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism interacts with childhood trauma to predict alterations in brain volume in adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). METHODS We examined 160 participants (80 adolescents with DSM-IV AUD and 80 age- and gender-matched controls) who were assessed for trauma using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Magnetic resonance images were acquired for a subset of the cohort (58 AUD and 58 controls) and volumes of global and regional structures were estimated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Samples were genotyped for the p.Val66Met polymorphism using the TaqMan® Assay. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and post-hoc t-tests were conducted using SPM8 VBM. RESULTS No significant associations, corrected for multiple comparisons, were found between the BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism, brain volumes and AUD in adolescents with childhood trauma. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that the BDNF p.Met66 allele and childhood trauma may not be associated with reduced structural volumes in AUD. Other genetic contributors should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shareefa Dalvie
- MRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karestan Koenen
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Natalie L Cuzen
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Raj Ramesar
- MRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - George Fein
- Neurobehavioral Research Inc, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Samantha J Brooks
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Jones NC, O'Brien TJ, Carmant L. Interaction between sex and early-life stress: influence on epileptogenesis and epilepsy comorbidities. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt B:233-41. [PMID: 25266701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder which is characterised by recurring seizures. In addition to suffering from the constant stress of living with this neurological condition, patients also frequently experience comorbid psychiatric and cognitive disorders which significantly impact their quality of life. There is growing appreciation that stress, in particular occurring in early life, can negatively impact brain development, creating an enduring vulnerability to develop epilepsy. This aligns with the solid connections between early life environments and the development of psychiatric conditions, promoting the possibility that adverse early life events could represent a common risk factor for the later development of both epilepsy and comorbid psychiatric disorders. The influence of sex has been little studied, but recent research points to potential important interactions, particularly with regard to effects mediated by HPA axis programming. Understanding these interactions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms, will provide important new insights into the causation of both epilepsy and of psychiatric disorders, and potentially open up novel avenues for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lionel Carmant
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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15
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Regionally specific expression of high-voltage-activated calcium channels in thalamic nuclei of epileptic and non-epileptic rats. Mol Cell Neurosci 2014; 61:110-22. [PMID: 24914823 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The polygenic origin of generalized absence epilepsy results in dysfunction of ion channels that allows the switch from physiological asynchronous to pathophysiological highly synchronous network activity. Evidence from rat and mouse models of absence epilepsy indicates that altered Ca(2+) channel activity contributes to cellular and network alterations that lead to seizure activity. Under physiological circumstances, high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels are important in determining the thalamic firing profile. Here, we investigated a possible contribution of HVA channels to the epileptic phenotype using a rodent genetic model of absence epilepsy. In this study, HVA Ca(2+) currents were recorded from neurons of three different thalamic nuclei that are involved in both sensory signal transmission and rhythmic-synchronized activity during epileptic spike-and-wave discharges (SWD), namely the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), the ventrobasal thalamic complex (VB) and the reticular thalamic nucleus (NRT) of epileptic Wistar Albino Glaxo rats from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) and non-epileptic August Copenhagen Irish (ACI) rats. HVA Ca(2+) current densities in dLGN neurons were significantly increased in epileptic rats compared with non-epileptic controls while other thalamic regions revealed no differences between the strains. Application of specific channel blockers revealed that the increased current was carried by L-type Ca(2+) channels. Electrophysiological evidence of increased L-type current correlated with up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of a particular L-type channel, namely Cav1.3, in dLGN of epileptic rats. No significant changes were found for other HVA Ca(2+) channels. Moreover, pharmacological inactivation of L-type Ca(2+) channels results in altered firing profiles of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons from non-epileptic rather than from epileptic rats. While HVA Ca(2+) channels influence tonic and burst firing in ACI and WAG/Rij differently, it is discussed that increased Cav1.3 expression may indirectly contribute to increased robustness of burst firing and thereby the epileptic phenotype of absence epilepsy.
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16
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Koe AS, Salzberg MR, Morris MJ, O'Brien TJ, Jones NC. Early life maternal separation stress augmentation of limbic epileptogenesis: the role of corticosterone and HPA axis programming. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 42:124-33. [PMID: 24636509 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress causes long-lasting effects on the limbic system that may be relevant to the development of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and its associated psychopathology. Recent studies in rats suggest that maternal separation (MS), a model of early life stress, confers enduring vulnerability to amygdala kindling limbic epileptogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying this remain unknown. Here, we tested whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyper-reactivity induced by MS - specifically the excessive secretion of corticosterone following a seizure - was involved in this vulnerability. In adult female rats subjected to MS from postnatal days 2-14, seizure-induced corticosterone responses were significantly augmented and prolonged for at least two hours post-seizure, compared to control early-handled (EH) rats. This was accompanied by reduced seizure threshold (p<0.05) and increased vulnerability to the kindling-induced progression of seizure duration (p<0.05) in MS rats. Pre-seizure treatment with the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, metyrapone (MET) (50mg/kgsc) effectively blocked seizure-induced corticosterone responses. When delivered throughout kindling, MET treatment also reversed the MS-induced reduction in seizure threshold and the lengthened seizure duration back to levels of EH rats. These observations suggest that adverse early life environments induce a vulnerability to kindling epileptogenesis mediated by HPA axis hyper-reactivity, which could have relevance for the pathogenesis of MTLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia S Koe
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R Salzberg
- St Vincent's Mental Health Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret J Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Çarçak N, Zheng T, Ali I, Abdullah A, French C, Powell KL, Jones NC, van Raay L, Rind G, Onat F, O'Brien TJ. The effect of amygdala kindling on neuronal firing patterns in the lateral thalamus in the GAERS model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsia 2014; 55:654-665. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Istanbul University; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Thomas Zheng
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Idrish Ali
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Ahmad Abdullah
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Chris French
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Department of Neurology; Royal Melbourne Hospital; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Kim L. Powell
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Nigel C. Jones
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Leena van Raay
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Gil Rind
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology; Marmara University School of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Department of Neurology; Royal Melbourne Hospital; Melbourne Vic. Australia
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18
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Huang LT. Early-life stress impacts the developing hippocampus and primes seizure occurrence: cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:8. [PMID: 24574961 PMCID: PMC3918912 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress includes prenatal, postnatal, and adolescence stress. Early-life stress can affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and cause cellular and molecular changes in the developing hippocampus that can result in neurobehavioral changes later in life. Epidemiological data implicate stress as a cause of seizures in both children and adults. Emerging evidence indicates that both prenatal and postnatal stress can prime the developing brain for seizures and an increase in epileptogenesis. This article reviews the cellular and molecular changes encountered during prenatal and postnatal stress, and assesses the possible link between these changes and increases in seizure occurrence and epileptogenesis in the developing hippocampus. In addititon, the priming effect of prenatal and postnatal stress for seizures and epileptogenesis is discussed. Finally, the roles of epigenetic modifications in hippocampus and HPA axis programming, early-life stress, and epilepsy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University Linkou, Taiwan
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