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Neale KJ, Reid HMO, Sousa B, McDonagh E, Morrison J, Shultz S, Eyolfson E, Christie BR. Repeated mild traumatic brain injury causes sex-specific increases in cell proliferation and inflammation in juvenile rats. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:250. [PMID: 37907981 PMCID: PMC10617072 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood represents a period of significant growth and maturation for the brain, and is also associated with a heightened risk for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). There is also concern that repeated-mTBI (r-mTBI) may have a long-term impact on developmental trajectories. Using an awake closed head injury (ACHI) model, that uses rapid head acceleration to induce a mTBI, we investigated the acute effects of repeated-mTBI (r-mTBI) on neurological function and cellular proliferation in juvenile male and female Long-Evans rats. We found that r-mTBI did not lead to cumulative neurological deficits with the model. R-mTBI animals exhibited an increase in BrdU + (bromodeoxyuridine positive) cells in the dentate gyrus (DG), and that this increase was more robust in male animals. This increase was not sustained, and cell proliferation returning to normal by PID3. A greater increase in BrdU + cells was observed in the dorsal DG in both male and female r-mTBI animals at PID1. Using Ki-67 expression as an endogenous marker of cellular proliferation, a robust proliferative response following r-mTBI was observed in male animals at PID1 that persisted until PID3, and was not constrained to the DG alone. Triple labeling experiments (Iba1+, GFAP+, Brdu+) revealed that a high proportion of these proliferating cells were microglia/macrophages, indicating there was a heightened inflammatory response. Overall, these findings suggest that rapid head acceleration with the ACHI model produces an mTBI, but that the acute neurological deficits do not increase in severity with repeated administration. R-mTBI transiently increases cellular proliferation in the hippocampus, particularly in male animals, and the pattern of cell proliferation suggests that this represents a neuroinflammatory response that is focused around the mid-brain rather than peripheral cortical regions. These results add to growing literature indicating sex differences in proliferative and inflammatory responses between females and males. Targeting proliferation as a therapeutic avenue may help reduce the short term impact of r-mTBI, but there may be sex-specific considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Neale
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Hannah M O Reid
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Barbara Sousa
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Erin McDonagh
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jamie Morrison
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Sandy Shultz
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5, Canada
- Monash Trauma Group, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Eyolfson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building,3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Institute for Aging and Life Long Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Island Medical Program, Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
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Sgro M, Ellens S, Kodila ZN, Christensen J, Li C, Mychasiuk R, Yamakawa GR. Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury alters central and peripheral clock gene expression in the adolescent rat. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100090. [PMID: 36942266 PMCID: PMC10024151 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100090] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion is a common injury worldwide leading to substantial medical costs and a high burden on society. In adolescents, falls and sports related trauma are often the causes of mTBI. Importantly, critical brain growth and development occurs during this sensitive period making the prospect of a brain injury a worrying phenomenon. Upwards of 70% of patients report circadian disruption following these injuries and this has been shown to impede recovery. Therefore, we sought to determine if core circadian clock gene expression was disrupted in rat model of repetitive mTBI (RmTBI). Male and female adolescent rats (n = 129) received sham or RmTBI. The animals were then euthanized at different times throughout the day and night. Tissue from the hypothalamus, cerebellum, hippocampus, liver, and small intestine were evaluated for the expression of per1, per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb-α. We found most clock genes varied across the day/night indicating circadian expression patterns. In the hypothalamus we found RmTBI altered the expression of cry1 and bmal1 in addition to sex differences in per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb- α. In the cerebellum, per1, per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb-α rhythms were all knocked out by RmTBI in addition to sex differences in cry1, clock and bmal1 expression. We also detected a significant decrease in overall expression of all clock genes in males in the middle of the night. In the hippocampus we found that RmTBI changed the rhythm of rev-erb-α expression in addition to sex differences in bmal1 expression. In the liver we detected strong rhythms in all genes examined, however only per2 expression was knocked out by RmTBI, in addition we also detected sex differences in per2 and cry1. We also detected an overall decrease in female clock gene expression in the early night. In the small intestine, RmTBI altered cry1 expression and there were sex differences in rev-erb-α. These results indicate that RmTBI alters core circadian clock gene expression in the central and peripheral nervous system in a time, tissue and sex dependent manner. This may be disrupting important phase relationships between the brain and peripheral nervous system and contributing to post-injury symptomology and also highlights the importance for time and sex dependent assessment of injury outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Ellens
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zoe N. Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Corresponding author. Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
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Wilson RJ, Bell MR, Giordano KR, Seyburn S, Kozlowski DA. Repeat subconcussion in the adult rat gives rise to behavioral deficits similar to a single concussion but different depending upon sex. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114206. [PMID: 36356721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although concussions are a popular focus of neurotrauma research, subconcussions occur with higher frequency but are less well-studied. A subconcussion is an impact to the head that does not result in immediately diagnosable concussion but can result in later neurological consequences. Repeat subconcussions can produce behavioral impairments and neuropathology that is similar to or worse than those seen following a single concussion. The current study modified a previously established closed head injury model of concussion to create a subconcussion model and examines sex differences in behavioral responses to repeated subconcussion in the adult rat. Rats received a single concussion, single or repeat subconcussions, or no impact and behavior was monitored from 2 h through 31 days post-injury. A single concussion or repeat subconcussion resulted in deficits in locomotion, righting reflexes, and recognition memory. The degree of deficit induced by repeat subconcussions were either similar (righting reflexes) or greater/more persistent (locomotor deficits and recognition memory) than that of a concussion. Single subconcussion resulted in acute deficits that were mild and limited to righting reflexes and locomotion. Sex differences were observed in responses to repeat subconcussion: females showed greater deficits in righting reflexes, locomotion, and vestibular function, while males showed greater alterations in anxiety and depressive-like behavior. This study established a model of subconcussive impact where a single subconcussive impact resulted in minimal behavioral deficits but repeat subconcussions resulted in deficits similar to or worse than a single concussion. Our data also suggest sex differences in behavioral responses to both concussive and subconcussive impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Wilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Margaret R Bell
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Katherine R Giordano
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Serena Seyburn
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Dorothy A Kozlowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA; Neuroscience Program, DePaul University, 2325 N. Clifton, Chicago, IL, USA.
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McCorkle TA, Romm ZL, Raghupathi R. Repeated Mild TBI in Adolescent Rats Reveals Sex Differences in Acute and Chronic Behavioral Deficits. Neuroscience 2022; 493:52-68. [PMID: 35469970 PMCID: PMC10074545 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
High school students who participate in contact sports are vulnerable to sustaining multiple concussions and exhibit deficits in cognitive function in both the acute and chronic phases and in emotional behavior in the chronic phase. Further, boys are more likely to suffer cognitive problems whereas girls tend to report depression and anxiety. The effects of repetitive mild TBI in adolescent (35-40-day old) male and female Sprague-Dawley rats on object location and spatial working memory (hippocampal-dependent) and object recognition memory (hippocampal-independent) at 1-and-4-weeks post-injury along with trait-dependent anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors at 5 weeks were examined. Compared to sham-injured rats, male brain-injured rats demonstrated significant impairment in both hippocampal-dependent and -independent memory tasks at both time points, whereas female brain-injured rats only exhibited impairment in these tests at the 4-week time point. In contrast, depressive-like behaviors were present in the forced swim test in only the female brain-injured animals at 5 weeks post-injury; anxiety-like behaviors were not evident in either male or female brain-injured animals. Histological analysis at 6 weeks after injury revealed that repeated mild TBI in male and female adolescent rats resulted in increased reactivity of astrocytes and microglia within the corpus callosum below the impact site and in the stratum oriens and stratum pyramidale of the CA2 region of the dorsal hippocampus. Together, these data are indicative of the differences in the temporal pattern of post-traumatic behavioral deficits between male and female animals and that female animals may be more likely to develop deficits in the chronic post-traumatic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A McCorkle
- Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Z L Romm
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - R Raghupathi
- Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States.
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Eyolfson E, Bhatt D, Wang M, Lohman AW, Mychasiuk R. Paternal exposure to exercise and/or caffeine and alcohol modify offspring behavioral and pathophysiological recovery from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in adolescence. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:egbb12736. [PMID: 33876557 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Only recently has the scope of parental research expanded to include the paternal sphere with epidemiological studies implicating stress, nutrition and alcohol consumption in the neurobiological and behavioral characteristics of offspring. This study was designed to determine if paternal exposure to caffeine, alcohol and exercise prior to conception would improve or exacerbate offspring recovery from adolescent repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI). Sires received 7 weeks of standard drinking water, or caffeine and ethanol and were housed in regular cages or cages with running wheels, prior to being mated to control females. At postnatal day 40, offspring were administered RmTBI or sham injuries and were assessed for post concussive symptomology. Post-mortem quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to assess gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and changes in telomere length. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA's) were run on serum to detect levels of cytokines, chemokines and sex hormones. Paternal experience did not improve or exacerbate RmTBI behavioral outcomes. However, female and male offspring displayed unique responses to RmTBI and paternal experience, resulting in changes in physical, behavioral and molecular outcomes. Injury and paternal exercise modified changes in female offspring, whereas male offspring were affected by paternal exercise, caffeine and alcohol treatment. Additionally, paternal experience and RmTBI modified expression of many genes in the PFC, NAc, telomere length and levels of sex hormones. Although further exploration is required to understand the heterogeneity that exists in disease risk and resiliency, this study provides corroborating evidence that paternal experiences prior to conception influences offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Eyolfson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dhyey Bhatt
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melinda Wang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexander W Lohman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Eyolfson E, Carr T, Khan A, Wright DK, Mychasiuk R, Lohman AW. Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries in Mice during Adolescence Cause Sexually Dimorphic Behavioral Deficits and Neuroinflammatory Dynamics. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:2718-2732. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Eyolfson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas Carr
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Asher Khan
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David K. Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander W. Lohman
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Eyolfson E, Khan A, Mychasiuk R, Lohman AW. Microglia dynamics in adolescent traumatic brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:326. [PMID: 33121516 PMCID: PMC7597018 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01994-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive, mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBIs) are increasingly common in adolescents and encompass one of the largest neurological health concerns in the world. Adolescence is a critical period for brain development where RmTBIs can substantially impact neurodevelopmental trajectories and life-long neurological health. Our current understanding of RmTBI pathophysiology suggests key roles for neuroinflammation in negatively regulating neural health and function. Microglia, the brain’s resident immune population, play important roles in brain development by regulating neuronal number, and synapse formation and elimination. In response to injury, microglia activate to inflammatory phenotypes that may detract from these normal homeostatic, physiological, and developmental roles. To date, however, little is known regarding the impact of RmTBIs on microglia function during adolescent brain development. This review details key concepts surrounding RmTBI pathophysiology, adolescent brain development, and microglia dynamics in the developing brain and in response to injury, in an effort to formulate a hypothesis on how the intersection of these processes may modify long-term trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Eyolfson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Asher Khan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Alexander W Lohman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada. .,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.
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Bhatt D, Hazari A, Yamakawa GR, Salberg S, Sgro M, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R. Investigating the cumulative effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury on adolescent rats. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa042. [PMID: 32954298 PMCID: PMC7425386 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury is highest amongst the adolescent population and can lead to complications including neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity. Also pervasive in adolescents is recreational cannabis use. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and serves as a neuroprotective agent against excitotoxicity. Thus, we investigated the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on recovery when administered either prior to or following repeated mild brain injuries. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or vehicle either prior to or following the repeated injuries. Rats were then tested on a behavioural test battery designed to measure post-concussive symptomology. The hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex were extracted from all animals to examine mRNA expression changes (Bdnf, Cnr1, Comt, GR, Iba-1 and Vegf-2R). We hypothesized that, in both experiments, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration would provide neuroprotection against mild injury outcomes and confer therapeutic benefit. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol administration following repeated mild traumatic brain injury was beneficial to three of the six behavioural outcomes affected by injury (reducing anxiety and depressive-like behaviours while also mitigating injury-induced deficits in short-term working memory). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol administration following injury also showed beneficial effects on the expression of Cnr1, Comt and Vegf-2R in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. There were no notable benefits of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol when administered prior to injury, suggesting that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol may have potential therapeutic benefit on post-concussive symptomology when administered post-injury, but not pre-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhyey Bhatt
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ali Hazari
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Christensen J, Wright DK, Yamakawa GR, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R. Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Alters Glymphatic Clearance Rates in Limbic Structures of Adolescent Female Rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6254. [PMID: 32277097 PMCID: PMC7148360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The glymphatic system is the macroscopic waste clearance system for the central nervous system. Glymphatic dysfunction has been linked to several neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Adolescents are at particularly high risk for experiencing a TBI, particularly mild TBI (mTBI) and repetitive mTBI (RmTBI); however, glymphatic clearance, and how it relates to behavioral outcomes, has not been investigated in this context. Therefore, this study examined glymphatic function in the adolescent brain following RmTBI. Female adolescent Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to either three mTBIs or sham injuries spaced three days apart. One-day after their final injury, the animals underwent a beam walking task to assess sensorimotor function, and contrast-enhanced MRI to visualize glymphatic clearance rate. Behavioural measures indicated that the RmTBI group displayed an increase in loss of consciousness as well as motor coordination and balance deficits consistent with our previous studies. The contrast-enhanced MRI results indicated that the female adolescent glymphatic system responds to RmTBI in a region-specific manner, wherein an increased influx but reduced efflux was observed throughout limbic structures (hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala) and the olfactory bulb but neither the influx or efflux were altered in the cortical structures (primary motor cortex, insular cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) examined. This may indicate a role for an impaired and/or inefficient glymphatic system in the limbic structures and cortical structures, respectively, in the development of post-concussive symptomology during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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10
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Yamakawa GR, Eyolfson E, Weerawardhena H, Mychasiuk R. Administration of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury exacerbates anxiety-like symptomology in a rat model. Behav Brain Res 2020; 382:112472. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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Krukowski K, Nolan A, Frias ES, Grue K, Becker M, Ureta G, Delgado L, Bernales S, Sohal VS, Walter P, Rosi S. Integrated Stress Response Inhibitor Reverses Sex-Dependent Behavioral and Cell-Specific Deficits after Mild Repetitive Head Trauma. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:1370-1380. [PMID: 31884883 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI) induces chronic behavioral and cognitive alterations and increases the risk for dementia. Currently, there are no therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate chronic deficits associated with rTBI. Previously we developed an animal model of rTBI that recapitulates the cognitive and behavioral deficits observed in humans. We now report that rTBI results in an increase in risk-taking behavior in male but not female mice. This behavioral phenotype is associated with chronic activation of the integrated stress response and cell-specific synaptic alterations in the type A subtype of layer V pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex. Strikingly, by briefly treating animals weeks after injury with ISRIB, a selective inhibitor of the integrated stress response (ISR), we (1) relieve ISR activation, (2) reverse the increased risk-taking behavioral phenotype and maintain this reversal, and (3) restore cell-specific synaptic function in the affected mice. Our results indicate that targeting the ISR even at late time points after injury can permanently reverse behavioral changes. As such, pharmacological inhibition of the ISR emerges as a promising avenue to combat rTBI-induced behavioral dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Krukowski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amber Nolan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elma S Frias
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katherine Grue
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - McKenna Becker
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vikaas S Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Kavli Institute of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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12
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Newell EA, Todd BP, Luo Z, Evans LP, Ferguson PJ, Bassuk AG. A Mouse Model for Juvenile, Lateral Fluid Percussion Brain Injury Reveals Sex-Dependent Differences in Neuroinflammation and Functional Recovery. J Neurotrauma 2019; 37:635-646. [PMID: 31621484 PMCID: PMC7045348 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability that lacks targeted therapies. Successful translation of promising neuroprotective therapies will likely require more precise identification of target populations through greater study of crucial biological factors like age and sex. A growing body of work supports the impact of these factors on response to and recovery from TBI. However, age and sex are understudied in TBI animal models. The first aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) in juvenile mice as a model of pediatric TBI. Subsequently, we were interested in examining the impact of young age and sex on TBI outcome. After adapting the lateral FPI model to 21-day-old male and female mice, we characterized the molecular, histological, and functional outcomes. Whereas similar tissue injury was observed in male and female juvenile mice exposed to TBI, we observed differences in neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral function. Overall, our findings revealed less acute inflammatory cytokine expression, greater subacute microglial/macrophage accumulation, and greater neurological recovery in juvenile male mice after TBI. Given that ongoing brain development may affect progression of and recovery from TBI, juvenile models are of critical importance. The sex-dependent differences we discovered after FPI support the necessity of also including this biological variable in future TBI studies. Understanding the mechanisms underlying age- and sex-dependent differences may result in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittany P Todd
- Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Zili Luo
- Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lucy P Evans
- Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Polly J Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alexander G Bassuk
- Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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13
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Christensen J, Yamakawa GR, Salberg S, Wang M, Kolb B, Mychasiuk R. Caffeine consumption during development alters spine density and recovery from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in young adult rats. Synapse 2019; 74:e22142. [PMID: 31705690 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine is the most commonly used psychostimulant throughout the world, with its consumption being especially prevalent among adolescents and young adults, as over 75% of this group consumes caffeine daily. Similarly, the adolescent and young adult age group exhibit the highest incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Given that both caffeine consumption and mild TBI (mTBI) are more prevalent among the late adolescent/young adult age group and that changes in dendritic spine morphology during this developmental period are poorly understood, this study sought to examine the effects of caffeine consumption during late adolescence/early adulthood on recovery from repetitive mTBI (RmTBI). The study specifically focused on changes to neuronal dendritic morphology as synaptic changes likely underlie long-term behavioral outcomes. The results demonstrate that during young adulthood caffeine consumption differentially affects the RmTBI outcomes of males and females, where the effects of caffeine and RmTBI were often additive in males while being equally detrimental, but rarely additive, in females. In general, caffeine and RmTBI induced the greatest impairments in males on cognitive and motor tasks whereas in females the most significant detriments were on pain-related tasks. Both caffeine and RmTBI increased spine density in the Cg3 (medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC]), AID (orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]), and nucleus accumbens (NAc), which is proposed to reflect an impairment in the normal pruning processes. Overall, despite caffeine's neuroprotective abilities among other age groups, this study offers concerning results regarding the detrimental effects of caffeine and RmTBI, in isolation, and especially in combination, in this susceptible population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melinda Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan Kolb
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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14
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Li F, Lu L, Chen H, Wang P, Chen YC, Zhang H, Yin X. Disrupted brain functional hub and causal connectivity in acute mild traumatic brain injury. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10684-10696. [PMID: 31754082 PMCID: PMC6914439 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There have been an increasing number of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reports on brain abnormalities in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) at different phases. However, the neural bases and cognitive impairment after acute mTBI are unclear. This study aimed to identify brain functional hubs and connectivity abnormalities in acute mTBI patients and their correlations with deficits in cognitive performance. Within seven days after brain injury, mTBI patients (n=55) and age-, sex-, and educational -matched healthy controls (HCs) (n=41) underwent resting-state fMRI scans and cognitive assessments. We derived functional connectivity (FC) strength of the whole-brain network using degree centrality (DC) and performed Granger causality analysis (GCA) to analyze causal connectivity patterns in acute mTBI. Compared with HCs, acute mTBI patients had significantly decreased network centrality in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Additionally, acute mTBI showed decreased inflows from the left MFG to bilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left medial superior frontal gyrus (mSFG), and left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Correlation analyses revealed that changes in network centrality and causal connectivity were associated with deficits in cognitive performance in mTBI. Our findings may help to provide a new perspective for understanding the neuropathophysiological mechanism of acute cognitive impairment after mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfang Li
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyan Lu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyou Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xindao Yin
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Yamakawa GR, Weerawardhena H, Eyolfson E, Griep Y, Antle MC, Mychasiuk R. Investigating the Role of the Hypothalamus in Outcomes to Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Neonatal Monosodium Glutamate Does Not Exacerbate Deficits. Neuroscience 2019; 413:264-278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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Gupte R, Brooks W, Vukas R, Pierce J, Harris J. Sex Differences in Traumatic Brain Injury: What We Know and What We Should Know. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3063-3091. [PMID: 30794028 PMCID: PMC6818488 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the problem of male bias in neuroscience research, including in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where fewer women than men are recruited to clinical trials and male rodents have predominantly been used as an experimental injury model. Despite TBI being a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, sex differences in pathophysiology and recovery are poorly understood, limiting clinical care and successful drug development. Given growing interest in sex as a biological variable affecting injury outcomes and treatment efficacy, there is a clear need to summarize sex differences in TBI. This scoping review presents an overview of current knowledge of sex differences in TBI and a comparison of human and animal studies. We found that overall, human studies report worse outcomes in women than men, whereas animal studies report better outcomes in females than males. However, closer examination shows that multiple factors including injury severity, sample size, and experimental injury model may differentially interact with sex to affect TBI outcomes. Additionally, we explore how sex differences in mitochondrial structure and function might contribute to possible sex differences in TBI outcomes. We propose recommendations for future investigations of sex differences in TBI, which we hope will lead to improved patient management, prognosis, and translation of therapies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeesa Gupte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - William Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- The University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Rachel Vukas
- School of Medicine, Dykes Library of Health Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janet Pierce
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janna Harris
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Address correspondence to: Janna Harris, PhD, Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, MS 1052, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160
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17
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Hiskens MI, Angoa-Pérez M, Schneiders AG, Vella RK, Fenning AS. Modeling sports-related mild traumatic brain injury in animals-A systematic review. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1194-1222. [PMID: 31135069 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sports-related head trauma has emerged as an important public health issue, as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) may result in neurodegenerative disorders such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Research into mTBI and CTE pathophysiology are difficult to undertake in athletes, with observational trials and post-mortem analysis the current mainstays. Thus, animal models play an important role in the study of mTBI, however, traditional animal models have focused on acute, severe injuries rather than the more typical mTBI's seen in sport injuries. Recently, a number of animal models have been developed that are both appropriately scaled and biomechanically relevant to the forces sustained by athletes. This review aimed to examine the literature for variables included in these animal models, and the resulting neurotrauma as evidenced by pathology and behavioral deficits. A systematic search of the literature was performed in multiple electronic databases. The inclusion criteria required mimicry of athlete mTBI conditions: freedom of head movement, lack of surgical alteration of the skull, and application of direct contact force. Studies were analyzed for variables including apparatus design features (impact force, change in animal head velocity, and kinetic energy transfer to the head), demonstrated pathology (phosphorylated tau, TDP-43 aggregation, diffuse axonal injury, gliosis, cytokine inflammation response, and genetic integrity), and behavioral changes. These studies suggested that appropriate animal models can assist in understanding the pathological and functional outcomes of athlete mTBI, and could be used as a platform for future studies of diagnostic/prognostic markers and in the development of treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew I Hiskens
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Anthony G Schneiders
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Branyan, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Vella
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Andrew S Fenning
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
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18
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Tabor J, Collins R, Debert CT, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R. Neuroendocrine Whiplash: Slamming the Breaks on Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats May Worsen Outcomes. Front Neurol 2019; 10:481. [PMID: 31133974 PMCID: PMC6517549 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport-related concussion is an increasingly common injury among adolescents, with repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) being a significant risk factor for long-term neurobiological and psychological consequences. It is not uncommon for younger professional athletes to consume anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in an attempt to enhance their performance, subjecting their hormonally sensitive brains to potential impairment during neurodevelopment. Furthermore, RmTBI produces acute neuroendocrine dysfunction, specifically in the anterior pituitary, disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, lowering cortisol secretion that is needed to appropriately respond to injury. Some AAS users exhibit worse symptoms post-RmTBI if they quit their steroid regime. We sought to examine the pathophysiological outcomes associated with the abrupt cessation of the commonly abused AAS, Metandienone (Met) on RmTBI outcomes in rats. Prior to injury, adolescent male rats received either Met or placebo, and exercise. Rats were then administered RmTBIs or sham injuries, followed by steroid and exercise cessation (SEC) or continued treatment. A behavioral battery was conducted to measure outcomes consistent with clinical representations of post-concussion syndrome and chronic AAS exposure, followed by analysis of serum hormone levels, and qRT-PCR for mRNA expression and telomere length. RmTBI increased loss of consciousness and anxiety-like behavior, while also impairing balance and short-term working memory. SEC induced hyperactivity while Met treatment alone increased depressive-like behavior. There were cumulative effects whereby RmTBI and SEC exacerbated anxiety and short-term memory outcomes. mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and pituitary were modified in response to Met and SEC. Analysis of telomere length revealed the negative impact of SEC while Met and SEC produced changes in serum levels of testosterone and corticosterone. We identified robust changes in mRNA to serotonergic circuitry, neuroinflammation, and an enhanced stress response. Interestingly, Met treatment promoted glucocorticoid secretion after injury, suggesting that maintained AAS may be more beneficial than abstaining after mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tabor
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Reid Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Chantel T Debert
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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19
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Arambula SE, Reinl EL, El Demerdash N, McCarthy MM, Robertson CL. Sex differences in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2019; 317:168-179. [PMID: 30831070 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The response of the developing brain to traumatic injury is different from the response of the mature, adult brain. There are critical developmental trajectories in the young brain, whereby injury can lead to long term functional abnormalities. Emerging preclinical and clinical literature supports the presence of significant sex differences in both the response to and the recovery from pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). These sex differences are seen at all pediatric ages, including neonates/infants, pre-pubertal children, and adolescents. As importantly, the response to neuroprotective therapies or treatments can differ between male and females subjects. These sex differences can result from several biologic origins, and may manifest differently during the various phases of brain and body development. Recognizing and understanding these potential sex differences is crucial, and should be considered in both preclinical and clinical studies of pediatric TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl E Arambula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Erin L Reinl
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nagat El Demerdash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Courtney L Robertson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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20
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Späni CB, Braun DJ, Van Eldik LJ. Sex-related responses after traumatic brain injury: Considerations for preclinical modeling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:52-66. [PMID: 29753798 PMCID: PMC6139061 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has historically been viewed as a primarily male problem, since men are more likely to experience a TBI because of more frequent participation in activities that increase risk of head injuries. This male bias is also reflected in preclinical research where mostly male animals have been used in basic and translational science. However, with an aging population in which TBI incidence is increasingly sex-independent due to falls, and increasing female participation in high-risk activities, the attention to potential sex differences in TBI responses and outcomes will become more important. These considerations are especially relevant in designing preclinical animal models of TBI that are more predictive of human responses and outcomes. This review characterizes sex differences following TBI with a special emphasis on the contribution of the female sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen, to these differences. This information is potentially important in developing and customizing TBI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B Späni
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - David J Braun
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Linda J Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, B481, BBSRB, 741 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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21
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Huibregtse ME. Improving the translational potential of rodent models to study the behavioral and pathophysiological effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1-3. [PMID: 29465327 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00898.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is thought to be caused by repetitive head impacts. Consequently, there is a need to develop rodent models to better understand the behavioral and pathophysiological changes of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) and to determine the link between rmTBI and CTE. This Neuro Forum article reviews recent rodent rmTBI models, comparing the impact methods and outcome measures in terms of translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Huibregtse
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana
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