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Martz J, Shelton MA, Geist L, Seney ML, Kentner AC. Sex differences in offspring risk and resilience following 11β-hydroxylase antagonism in a rodent model of maternal immune activation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1078-1090. [PMID: 38007547 PMCID: PMC11109257 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) puts offspring at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders associated with impaired social behavior. While it is known that immune signaling through maternal, placental, and fetal compartments contributes to these phenotypical changes, it is unknown to what extent the stress response to illness is involved and how it can be harnessed for potential interventions. To this end, on gestational day 15, pregnant rat dams were administered the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide (LPS; to induce MIA) alongside metyrapone, a clinically available 11β-hydroxylase (11βHSD) inhibitor used to treat hypercortisolism in pregnant, lactating, and neonatal populations. Maternal, placental, and fetal brain levels of corticosterone and placental 11βHSD enzymes type 1 and 2 were measured 3-hrs post treatment. Offspring social behaviors were evaluated across critical phases of development. MIA was associated with increased maternal, placental, and fetal brain corticosterone concentrations that were diminished with metyrapone exposure. Metyrapone protected against reductions in placental 11βHSD2 in males only, suggesting that less corticosterone was inactivated in female placentas. Behaviorally, metyrapone-exposure attenuated MIA-induced social disruptions in juvenile, adolescent, and adult males, while females were unaffected or performed worse. Metyrapone-exposure reversed MIA-induced transcriptional changes in monoamine-, glutamate-, and GABA-related genes in adult male ventral hippocampus, but not in females. Taken together, these findings illustrate that MIA-induced HPA responses act alongside the immune system to produce behavioral deficits. As a clinically available drug, the sex-specific benefits and constraints of metyrapone should be investigated further as a potential means of reducing neurodevelopmental risks due to gestational MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martz
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Micah A Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Laurel Geist
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Amanda C Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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2
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. How is prenatal stress transmitted from the mother to the fetus? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246073. [PMID: 38449331 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246073] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal stress programmes long-lasting neuroendocrine and behavioural changes in the offspring. Often this programming is maladaptive and sex specific. For example, using a rat model of maternal social stress in late pregnancy, we have demonstrated that adult prenatally stressed male, but not prenatally stressed female offspring display heightened anxiety-like behaviour, whereas both sexes show hyperactive hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to stress. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning dysregulated HPA axis responses, including evidence supporting a role for reduced neurosteroid-mediated GABAergic inhibitory signalling in the brains of prenatally stressed offspring. How maternal psychosocial stress is signalled from the mother to the fetuses is unclear. Direct transfer of maternal glucocorticoids to the fetuses is often considered to mediate the programming effects of maternal stress on the offspring. However, protective mechanisms including attenuated maternal stress responses and placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (which inactivates glucocorticoids) should limit materno-fetal glucocorticoid transfer during pregnancy. Moreover, a lack of correlation between maternal stress, circulating maternal glucocorticoid levels and circulating fetal glucocorticoid levels is reported in several studies and across different species. Therefore, here we interrogate the evidence for a role for maternal glucocorticoids in mediating the effects of maternal stress on the offspring and consider the evidence for alternative mechanisms, including an indirect role for glucocorticoids and the contribution of changes in the placenta in signalling the stress status of the mother to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Paula J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, P.R. China
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3
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Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100607. [PMID: 38304302 PMCID: PMC10831308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN augments maternal behaviors and promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Nylah A. Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eden V. Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin P. Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Debra A. Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
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4
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Aran Ö, Swales DA, Bailey NA, Korja R, Holmberg E, Eskola E, Nolvi S, Perasto L, Nordenswan E, Karlsson H, Karlsson L, Sandman CA, Stern HS, Baram TZ, Glynn LM, Davis EP. Across ages and places: Unpredictability of maternal sensory signals and child internalizing behaviors. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:557-567. [PMID: 38007106 PMCID: PMC10843791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns of sensory inputs early in life play an integral role in shaping the maturation of neural circuits, including those implicated in emotion and cognition. In both experimental animal models and observational human research, unpredictable sensory signals have been linked to aberrant developmental outcomes, including poor memory and effortful control. These findings suggest that sensitivity to unpredictable sensory signals is conserved across species and sculpts the developing brain. The current study provides a novel investigation of unpredictable maternal sensory signals in early life and child internalizing behaviors. We tested these associations in three independent cohorts to probe the generalizability of associations across continents and cultures. METHOD The three prospective longitudinal cohorts were based in Orange, USA (n = 163, 47.2 % female, Mage = 1 year); Turku, Finland (n = 239, 44.8 % female, Mage = 5 years); and Irvine, USA (n = 129, 43.4 % female, Mage = 9.6 years). Unpredictability of maternal sensory signals was quantified during free-play interactions. Child internalizing behaviors were measured via parent report (Orange & Turku) and child self-report (Irvine). RESULTS Early life exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals was associated with greater child fearfulness/anxiety in all three cohorts, above and beyond maternal sensitivity and sociodemographic factors. The association between unpredictable maternal sensory signals and child sadness/depression was relatively weaker and did not reach traditional thresholds for statistical significance. LIMITATIONS The correlational design limits our ability to make causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS Findings across the three diverse cohorts suggest that unpredictable maternal signals early in life shape the development of internalizing behaviors, particularly fearfulness and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlü Aran
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Danielle A Swales
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Natasha A Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Riikka Korja
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Holmberg
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Eskola
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Saara Nolvi
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Perasto
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Nordenswan
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Medicine, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hal S Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Li L, Su Y, Wang S, Wang C, Ruan N, Hu Z, Cheng X, Chen J, Yuan K, Li P, Fan P. Neonatal di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure induces permanent alterations in secretory CRH neuron characteristics in the hypothalamus paraventricular region of adult male rats. Exp Neurol 2024; 372:114616. [PMID: 38007208 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a critical role in the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Early-life exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The present work was designed to explore the impact of neonatal exposure to DEHP on adult PVN CRH neuronal activity. DEHP or vehicle was given to male rat pups from PND16 to PND22. Then, anxiety-like behaviors, serum corticosterone and testosterone, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, fluorescence in situ hybridization and acute ex vivo slice electrophysiological recordings were used to evaluate the influence of DEHP on adult PVN secretory CRH neurons. Neonatal DEHP-exposed rats exhibited enhanced anxiety-like behaviors in adults, with an increase in CORT. Secretory CRH neurons showed higher spontaneous firing activity but could be inhibited by GABAAR blockers. CRH neurons displayed fewer firing spikes, prolonged first-spike latency, depolarizing shifts in GABA reversal potential and strengthened GABAergic inputs, as indicated by increases in the frequency and amplitude of sIPSCs. Enhancement of GABAergic transmission was accompanied by upregulated expression of GAD67 and downregulated expression of GABABR1, KCC2 and GAT1. These findings suggest that neonatal exposure to DEHP permanently altered the characteristics of secretory CRH neurons in the PVN, which may contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ying Su
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Brain Injury Center, Department of Neurosurgery, RenJi Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chengyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Naqi Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhiyan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Kaiming Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Pei Fan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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6
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Dixon R, Malave L, Thompson R, Wu S, Sadik N, Anacker C. Resilience to Early Life Adversity Effects on Stress Reactivity by Postnatal Knockdown of 5-HT 1A Autoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576344. [PMID: 38328253 PMCID: PMC10849559 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Early Life Adversity (ELA) predisposes to stress hypersensitivity in adulthood, but neurobiological mechanisms that can protect from long-lasting effects of ELA are poorly understood. Serotonin 1A (5HT 1A ) autoreceptors in the raphé nuclei regulate adult stress vulnerability, but if 5HT 1A could be targeted to prevent ELA effects on susceptibility to future stressors is unknown. Here, we exposed mice with postnatal knockdown of 5HT 1A autoreceptors to the limited bedding and nesting model of ELA from postnatal day (P)3-10. We then tested behavioral, neuroendocrine, neurogenic, and neuroinflammatory responses to an acute swim stress in male and female mice in adolescence (P35) and in adulthood (P56). In ELA-exposed females, adult swim stress exposure increased passive coping and despair-like behavior, corticosterone levels at baseline and after stress, and neuronal activity and corticotropin releasing hormone levels in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. ELA also reduced neurogenesis and increased microglia activation in the ventral dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus - an important mediator of individual differences in stress susceptibility. These effects of ELA were specific to females, but not males, and manifested predominantly in adulthood, but not earlier on in adolescence. Postnatal 5HT 1A autoreceptor knockdown prevented ELA effects on stress reactivity and on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation in the DG, indicating that reducing 5HT 1A autoreceptors confers resilience to ELA. Our findings demonstrate that ELA induces long-lasting and sex-specific impairments in stress reactivity and ventral DG function across development, and identify 5HT 1A autoreceptors as potential targets to prevent these persistent effects of ELA.
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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8
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Huang ST, Wu K, Guo MM, Shao S, Hua R, Zhang YM. Glutamatergic and GABAergic anteroventral BNST projections to PVN CRH neurons regulate maternal separation-induced visceral pain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1778-1788. [PMID: 37516802 PMCID: PMC10579407 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is thought to cause the development of visceral pain disorders. While some individuals are vulnerable to visceral pain, others are resilient, but the intrinsic circuit and molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that inbred mice subjected to maternal separation (MS) could be separated into susceptible and resilient subpopulations by visceral hypersensitivity evaluation. Through a combination of chemogenetics, optogenetics, fiber photometry, molecular and electrophysiological approaches, we discovered that susceptible mice presented activation of glutamatergic projections or inhibition of GABAergic projections from the anteroventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (avBNST) to paraventricular nucleus (PVN) corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons. However, resilience develops as a behavioral adaptation partially due to restoration of PVN SK2 channel expression and function. Our findings suggest that PVN CRH neurons are dually regulated by functionally opposing avBNST neurons and that this circuit may be the basis for neurobiological vulnerability to visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao-Miao Guo
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Hua
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Emergency Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Pardasani M, Ramakrishnan AM, Mahajan S, Kantroo M, McGowan E, Das S, Srikanth P, Pandey S, Abraham NM. Perceptual learning deficits mediated by somatostatin releasing inhibitory interneurons of olfactory bulb in an early life stress mouse model. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4693-4706. [PMID: 37726451 PMCID: PMC10914616 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) causes aberrant functioning of neural circuits affecting the health of an individual. While ELA-induced behavioural disorders resulting from sensory and cognitive disabilities can be assessed clinically, the neural mechanisms need to be probed using animal models by employing multi-pronged experimental approaches. As ELA can alter sensory perception, we investigated the effect of early weaning on murine olfaction. By implementing go/no-go odour discrimination paradigm, we observed olfactory learning and memory impairments in early life stressed (ELS) male mice. As olfactory bulb (OB) circuitry plays a critical role in odour learning, we studied the plausible changes in the OB of ELS mice. Lowered c-Fos activity in the external plexiform layer and a reduction in the number of dendritic processes of somatostatin-releasing, GABAergic interneurons (SOM-INs) in the ELS mice led us to hypothesise the underlying circuit. We recorded reduced synaptic inhibitory feedback on mitral/tufted (M/T) cells, in the OB slices from ELS mice, explaining the learning deficiency caused by compromised refinement of OB output. The reduction in synaptic inhibition was nullified by the photo-activation of ChR2-expressing SOM-INs in ELS mice. The role of SOM-INs was revealed by learning-dependent refinement of Ca2+dynamics quantified by GCaMP6f signals, which was absent in ELS mice. Further, the causal role of SOM-INs involving circuitry was investigated by optogenetic modulation during the odour discrimination learning. Photo-activating these neurons rescued the ELA-induced learning deficits. Conversely, photo-inhibition caused learning deficiency in control animals, while it completely abolished the learning in ELS mice, confirming the adverse effects mediated by SOM-INs. Our results thus establish the role of specific inhibitory circuit in pre-cortical sensory area in orchestrating ELA-dependent changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Pardasani
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Anantha Maharasi Ramakrishnan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Sarang Mahajan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Meher Kantroo
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Eleanor McGowan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Susobhan Das
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Priyadharshini Srikanth
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Sanyukta Pandey
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Nixon M Abraham
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India.
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10
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Gautier KN, Higley SL, Mendoza JM, Morrison KE. Immediate early genes as a molecular switch for lasting vulnerability following pubertal stress in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.559350. [PMID: 37873227 PMCID: PMC10592881 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.559350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Why individuals have negative consequences following stress is a complex phenomenon that is dictated by individual factors, the timing of stress within the lifespan, and when the consequences are measured. Women who undergo adverse childhood experiences are at risk for lasting biological consequences, including affective and stress dysregulation. We have shown that pubertal adversity is associated with a blunted glucocorticoid response within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in both peripartum humans and mice. In mice, we examined puberty-stress reprogramming in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, which initiates the HPA axis response. We found that pubertal stress led to an upregulation of six immediate early genes (IEGs) in the PVN of adult, pregnant mice. Separately, we showed that the pregnancy-associated hormone allopregnanolone is necessary and sufficient to produce the blunted stress response phenotype in pubertally stressed mice. Here, we examined the response of the IEGs in the PVN to the primary disruption of pubertal stress in early adolescence and to the secondary disruption of increased allopregnanolone in pregnancy. We found that in adult female, but not male, mice previously stressed during puberty, intra-PVN allopregnanolone was sufficient to recapitulate the pubertal stress associated baseline IEG expression profile. We also examined baseline IEG expression during adolescence, where we found that IEGs have sex-specific developmental trajectories that were disrupted by pubertal stress. Altogether, these data establish that IEGs can act as a key molecular switch that leads to increased vulnerability to negative outcomes in adult, pubertally stressed animals. Understanding how the factors that produce vulnerability combine throughout the lifespan will further our understanding of the etiology of negative outcomes and will help guide both the nature and timing of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John M. Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Morrison
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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11
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Singleton S, Sneddon C, Bakina A, Lambert JJ, Hales TG. Early-life adversity increases morphine tolerance and persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity through upregulation of δ opioid receptors in mice. Pain 2023; 164:2253-2264. [PMID: 37171192 PMCID: PMC10502877 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002925] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Exposure to severely stressful events during childhood is associated with poor health outcomes in later life, including chronic pain and substance use disorder. However, the mediators and mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the impact of a well-characterized mouse model of early-life adversity, fragmented maternal care (FC) between postnatal day 2 and 9, on nociception, inflammatory hypersensitivity, and responses to morphine. Male and female mice exposed to FC exhibited prolonged basal thermal withdrawal latencies and decreased mechanical sensitivity. In addition, morphine had reduced potency in mice exposed to FC and their development of tolerance to morphine was accelerated. Quantitative PCR analysis in several brain regions and the spinal cords of juvenile and adult mice revealed an impact of FC on the expression of genes encoding opioid peptide precursors and their receptors. These changes included enhanced abundance of δ opioid receptor transcript in the spinal cord. Acute inflammatory hypersensitivity (induced by hind paw administration of complete Freund's adjuvant) was unaffected by exposure to FC. However, after an initial recovery of mechanical hypersensitivity, there was a reappearance in mice exposed to FC by day 15, which was not seen in control mice. Changes in nociception, morphine responses, and hypersensitivity associated with FC were apparent in males and females but were absent from mice lacking δ receptors or β-arrestin2. These findings suggest that exposure to early-life adversity in mice enhances δ receptor expression leading to decreased basal sensitivity to noxious stimuli coupled with accelerated morphine tolerance and enhanced vulnerability to persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Singleton
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Sneddon
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Bakina
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy J. Lambert
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Tim G. Hales
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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12
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Rinne GR, Somers JA, Ramos IF, Ross KM, Coussons-Read M, Schetter CD. Increases in maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and infant cortisol reactivity: Mediation by placental corticotropin-releasing hormone. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1997-2010. [PMID: 35983792 PMCID: PMC9938842 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy may affect offspring health through prenatal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The biological mechanisms that explain the associations between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and offspring HPA axis regulation are not yet clear. This pre-registered investigation examines whether patterns of maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy are associated with infant cortisol reactivity and whether this association is mediated by changes in placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH). METHOD A sample of 174 pregnant women completed assessments in early, mid, and late pregnancy that included standardized measures of depressive symptoms and blood samples for pCRH. Infant cortisol reactivity was assessed at 1 and 6 months of age. RESULTS Greater increases in maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy were associated with higher cortisol infant cortisol reactivity at 1 and 6 months. Greater increases in maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy were associated with greater increases in pCRH from early to late pregnancy which in turn were associated with higher infant cortisol reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Increases in maternal depressive symptoms and pCRH over pregnancy may contribute to higher infant cortisol reactivity. These findings help to elucidate the prenatal biopsychosocial processes contributing to offspring HPA axis regulation early in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabel F. Ramos
- Department of Chicano/Latino Studies. University of California, Irvine
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13
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Uselman TW, Jacobs RE, Bearer EL. Reconfiguration of brain-wide neural activity after early life adversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.10.557058. [PMID: 38328213 PMCID: PMC10849645 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.10.557058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) predisposes individuals to both physical and mental disorders lifelong. How ELA affects brain function leading to this vulnerability is under intense investigation. Research has begun to shed light on ELA effects on localized brain regions within defined circuits. However, investigations into brain-wide neural activity that includes multiple localized regions, determines relationships of activity between regions and identifies shifts of activity in response to experiential conditions is necessary. Here, we performed longitudinal manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) to image the brain in normally reared or ELA-exposed adults. Images were captured in the freely moving home cage condition, and short- and long-term after naturalistic threat. Images were analyzed with new computational methods, including automated segmentation and fractional activation or difference volumes. We found that neural activity was increased after ELA compared to normal rearing in multiple brain regions, some of which are involved in defensive and/or reward circuitry. Widely distributed patterns of neural activity, "brain states", and their dynamics after threat were altered with ELA. Upon acute threat, ELA-mice retained heightened neural activity within many of these regions, and new hyperactive responses emerged in monoaminergic centers of the mid- and hindbrain. Nine days after acute threat, heightened neural activity remained within locus coeruleus and increased within posterior amygdala, ventral hippocampus, and dorso- and ventromedial hypothalamus, while reduced activity emerged within medial prefrontal cortical regions (prelimbic, infralimbic, anterior cingulate). These results reveal that functional imbalances arise between multiple brain-systems which are dependent upon context and cumulative experiences after ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor W Uselman
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Russell E Jacobs
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Elaine L Bearer
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
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14
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Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.01.547315. [PMID: 37425737 PMCID: PMC10327175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.01.547315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. However, Park7, which encodes for the protein DJ-1 that alters astrocyte morphology, was increased by LBN across sex. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Nylah A Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Eden V Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Erin P Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
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15
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Rasiah NP, Loewen SP, Bains JS. Windows into stress: a glimpse at emerging roles for CRH PVN neurons. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1667-1691. [PMID: 36395349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00056.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing hormone cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (CRHPVN) control the slow endocrine response to stress. The synapses on these cells are exquisitely sensitive to acute stress, leveraging local signals to leave a lasting imprint on this system. Additionally, recent work indicates that these cells also play key roles in the control of distinct stress and survival behaviors. Here we review these observations and provide a perspective on the role of CRHPVN neurons as integrative and malleable hubs for behavioral, physiological, and endocrine responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neilen P Rasiah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Spencer P Loewen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Davis EP, McCormack K, Arora H, Sharpe D, Short AK, Bachevalier J, Glynn LM, Sandman CA, Stern HS, Sanchez M, Baram TZ. Early life exposure to unpredictable parental sensory signals shapes cognitive development across three species. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:960262. [PMID: 36338881 PMCID: PMC9630745 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.960262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life adversity has long term consequences on cognitive function. Most research has focused on understanding components of early life adversities that contribute to later risk, including poverty, trauma, maltreatment, and neglect. Whereas these factors, in the aggregate, explain a significant proportion of emotional and cognitive problems, there are serious gaps in our ability to identify potential mechanisms by which early life adversities might promote vulnerability or resilience. Here we discuss early life exposure to unpredictable signals from the caretaker as an understudied type of adversity that is amenable to prevention and intervention. We employ a translational approach to discover underlying neurobiological mechanisms by which early life exposure to unpredictable signals sculpts the developing brain. First, we review evidence that exposure to unpredictable signals from the parent during sensitive periods impacts development of neural circuits. Second, we describe a method for characterizing early life patterns of sensory signals across species. Third, we present published and original data illustrating that patterns of maternal care predict memory function in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. Finally, implications are discussed for identifying individuals at risk so that early preventive-intervention can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kai McCormack
- Department of Psychology, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Desiree Sharpe
- Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFECOE) Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jocelyne Bachevalier
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mar Sanchez
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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17
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Garvin MM, Bolton JL. Sex-specific behavioral outcomes of early-life adversity and emerging microglia-dependent mechanisms. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1013865. [PMID: 36268470 PMCID: PMC9577368 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1013865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is known to alter brain circuit maturation as well as increase vulnerability to cognitive and emotional disorders. However, the importance of examining sex as a biological variable when researching the effects of ELA has not been considered until recently. This perspective discusses the sex-specific behavioral outcomes of ELA in both humans and animal models, then proposes microglia-mediated mechanisms as a potential underlying cause. Recent work in rodent models suggests that ELA provokes cognitive deficits, anhedonia, and alcohol abuse primarily in males, whereas females exhibit greater risk-taking and opioid addiction-related behaviors. In addition, emerging evidence identifies microglia as a key target of ELA. For example, we have recently shown that ELA inhibits microglial synapse engulfment and process dynamics in male mice, leading to an increase in excitatory synapse number onto corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and aberrant stress responses later in life. However, ELA-induced synaptic rewiring of neural circuits differs in females during development, resulting in divergent behavioral outcomes. Thus, examining the role of microglia in the sex-specific mechanisms underlying ELA-induced neuropsychiatric disorders is an important topic for future research.
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18
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Spadoni AD, Vinograd M, Cuccurazzu B, Torres K, Glynn LM, Davis EP, Baram TZ, Baker DG, Nievergelt CM, Risbrough VB. Contribution of early-life unpredictability to neuropsychiatric symptom patterns in adulthood. Depress Anxiety 2022; 39:706-717. [PMID: 35833573 PMCID: PMC9881456 DOI: 10.1002/da.23277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies in both human and experimental animals have identified fragmented and unpredictable parental and environmental signals as a novel source of early-life adversity. Early-life unpredictability may be a fundamental developmental factor that impacts brain development, including reward and emotional memory circuits, affecting the risk for psychopathology later in life. Here, we tested the hypothesis that self-reported early-life unpredictability is associated with psychiatric symptoms in adult clinical populations. METHODS Using the newly validated Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood, we assessed early-life unpredictability in 156 trauma-exposed adults, of which 65% sought treatment for mood, anxiety, and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. All participants completed symptom measures of PTSD, depression and anhedonia, anxiety, alcohol use, and chronic pain. Relative contributions of early-life unpredictability versus childhood trauma and associations with longitudinal outcomes over a 6-month period were determined. RESULTS Early-life unpredictability, independent of childhood trauma, was significantly associated with higher depression, anxiety symptoms, and anhedonia, and was related to higher overall symptom ratings across time. Early-life unpredictability was also associated with suicidal ideation, but not alcohol use or pain symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Early-life unpredictability is an independent and consistent predictor of specific adult psychiatric symptoms, providing impetus for studying mechanisms of its effects on the developing brain that promote risk for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Spadoni
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Meghan Vinograd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Bruna Cuccurazzu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Katy Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Elysia P. Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dewleen G. Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Caroline M. Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Victoria B. Risbrough
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
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19
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Astroglia in the Vulnerability to and Maintenance of Stress-Mediated Neuropathology and Depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:869779. [PMID: 35530179 PMCID: PMC9074831 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.869779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant stress exposure and psychiatric depression are associated with morphological, biochemical, and physiological disturbances of astrocytes in specific brain regions relevant to the pathophysiology of those disorders, suggesting that astrocytes are involved in the mechanisms underlying the vulnerability to or maintenance of stress-related neuropathology and depression. To understand those mechanisms a variety of studies have probed the effect of various modalities of stress exposure on the metabolism, gene expression and plasticity of astrocytes. These studies have uncovered the participation of various cellular pathways, such as those for intracellular calcium regulation, neuroimmune responses, extracellular ionic regulation, gap junctions-based cellular communication, and regulation of neurotransmitter and gliotransmitter release and uptake. More recently epigenetic modifications resulting from exposure to chronic forms of stress or to early life adversity have been suggested to affect not only neuronal mechanisms but also gene expression and physiology of astrocytes and other glial cells. However, much remains to be learned to understand the specific role of those and other modifications in the astroglial contribution to the vulnerability to and maintenance of stress-related disorders and depression, and for leveraging that knowledge to achieve more effective psychiatric therapies.
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20
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Bolton JL, Short AK, Othy S, Kooiker CL, Shao M, Gunn BG, Beck J, Bai X, Law SM, Savage JC, Lambert JJ, Belelli D, Tremblay MÈ, Cahalan MD, Baram TZ. Early stress-induced impaired microglial pruning of excitatory synapses on immature CRH-expressing neurons provokes aberrant adult stress responses. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110600. [PMID: 35354026 PMCID: PMC9014810 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mental illnesses, characterized by aberrant stress reactivity, often arise after early-life adversity (ELA). However, it is unclear how ELA affects stress-related brain circuit maturation, provoking these enduring vulnerabilities. We find that ELA increases functional excitatory synapses onto stress-sensitive hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons, resulting from disrupted developmental synapse pruning by adjacent microglia. Microglial process dynamics and synaptic element engulfment were attenuated in ELA mice, associated with deficient signaling of the microglial phagocytic receptor MerTK. Accordingly, selective chronic chemogenetic activation of ELA microglia increased microglial process dynamics and reduced excitatory synapse density to control levels. Notably, selective early-life activation of ELA microglia normalized adult acute and chronic stress responses, including stress-induced hormone secretion and behavioral threat responses, as well as chronic adrenal hypertrophy of ELA mice. Thus, microglial actions during development are powerful contributors to mechanisms by which ELA sculpts the connectivity of stress-regulating neurons, promoting vulnerability to stress and stress-related mental illnesses. Early-life adversity (ELA) promotes lifelong aberrant stress responses and vulnerability to mental illnesses. Bolton et al. identify poor dynamics and hypothalamic CRH neurons’ excitatory synapse pruning of ELA microglia, implicating microglial MerTK. Chronic chemogenetic activation of ELA microglia normalized process dynamics, synapse density, and adult hormonal and behavioral stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Bolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Annabel K Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shivashankar Othy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra L Kooiker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Manlin Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Jaclyn Beck
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xinglong Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Law
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Julie C Savage
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Delia Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael D Cahalan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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21
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Belelli D, Phillips GD, Atack JR, Lambert JJ. Relating neurosteroid modulation of inhibitory neurotransmission to behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13045. [PMID: 34644812 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Studies in the 1980s revealed endogenous metabolites of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone to be potent, efficacious, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAA receptor (GABAA R). The discovery that such steroids are locally synthesised in the central nervous system (CNS) promoted the thesis that neural inhibition in the CNS may be "fine-tuned" by these neurosteroids to influence behaviour. In preclinical studies, these neurosteroids exhibited anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic and sedative properties and, at relatively high doses, induced a state of general anaesthesia, a profile consistent with their interaction with GABAA Rs. However, realising the therapeutic potential of either endogenous neurosteroids or synthetic "neuroactive" steroids has proven challenging. Recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration of the use of allopregnanolone (brexanolone) to treat postpartum depression has rekindled enthusiasm for exploring their potential as new medicines. Although neurosteroids are selective for GABAA Rs, they exhibit little or no selectivity across the many GABAA R subtypes. Nevertheless, a relatively minor population of receptors incorporating the δ-subunit (δ-GABAA Rs) appears to be an important contributor to their behavioural effects. Here, we consider how neurosteroids acting upon GABAA Rs influence neuronal signalling, as well as how such effects may acutely and persistently influence behaviour, and explore the case for developing selective PAMs of δ-GABAA R subtypes for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Belelli
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Grant D Phillips
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - John R Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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22
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Campbell KA. The neurobiology of childhood trauma, from early physical pain onwards: as relevant as ever in today's fractured world. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2131969. [PMID: 36276555 PMCID: PMC9586666 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2131969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The situation in the world today, encompassing multiple armed conflicts, notably in Ukraine, the Coronavirus pandemic and the effects of climate change, increases the likelihood of childhood exposure to physical injury and pain. Other effects of these worldwide hardships include poverty, malnutrition and starvation, also bringing with them other forms of trauma, including emotional harm, neglect and deliberate maltreatment. Objective: To review the neurobiology of the systems in the developing brain that are most affected by physical and emotional trauma and neglect. Method: The review begins with those that mature first, such as the somatosensory system, progressing to structures that have a more protracted development, including those involved in cognition and emotional regulation. Explored next are developing stress response systems, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its central regulator, corticotropin-releasing hormone. Also examined are reward and anti-reward systems and genetic versus environmental influences. The behavioural consequences of interpersonal childhood trauma, focusing on self-harm and suicide, are also surveyed briefly. Finally, pointers to effective treatment are proffered. Results: The low-threshold nature of circuitry in the developing brain and lack of inhibitory connections therein result in heightened excitability, making the consequences of both physical and emotional trauma more intense. Sensitive and critical periods in the development of structures such as the amygdala render the nervous system more vulnerable to insults occurring at those points, increasing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders, culminating in self-harm and even suicide. Conclusion: In view of the greater excitability of the developing nervous system, and its vulnerability to physical and psychological injuries, the review ends with an exhortation to consider the long-term consequences of childhood trauma, often underestimated or missed altogether when faced with adults suffering mental health problems.
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23
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Short AK, Thai CW, Chen Y, Kamei N, Pham AL, Birnie MT, Bolton JL, Mortazavi A, Baram TZ. Single-Cell Transcriptional Changes in Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-Expressing Neurons After Early-Life Adversity Inform Enduring Alterations in Vulnerabilities to Stress. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 3:99-109. [PMID: 36712559 PMCID: PMC9874075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health and vulnerabilities to neuropsychiatric disorders involve the interplay of genes and environment, particularly during sensitive developmental periods. Early-life adversity (ELA) and stress promote vulnerabilities to stress-related affective disorders, yet it is unknown how transient ELA dictates lifelong neuroendocrine and behavioral reactions to stress. The population of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons that regulate stress responses is a promising candidate to mediate the long-lasting influences of ELA on stress-related behavioral and hormonal responses via enduring transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Methods Capitalizing on a well-characterized model of ELA, we examined ELA-induced changes in gene expression profiles of CRF-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of developing male mice. We used single-cell RNA sequencing on isolated CRF-expressing neurons. We determined the enduring functional consequences of transcriptional changes on stress reactivity in adult ELA mice, including hormonal responses to acute stress, adrenal weights as a measure of chronic stress, and behaviors in the looming shadow threat task. Results Single-cell transcriptomics identified distinct and novel CRF-expressing neuronal populations, characterized by both their gene expression repertoire and their neurotransmitter profiles. ELA-provoked expression changes were selective to specific subpopulations and affected genes involved in neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, energy metabolism, and cellular responses to stress and injury. Importantly, these expression changes were impactful, apparent from adrenal hypertrophy and augmented behavioral responses to stress in adulthood. Conclusions We uncover a novel repertoire of stress-regulating CRF cell types differentially affected by ELA and resulting in augmented stress vulnerability, with relevance to the origins of stress-related affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Christina W. Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Aidan L. Pham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jessica L. Bolton
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Address correspondence to Tallie Z. Baram, M.D., Ph.D.
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24
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Astroglia in the Vulnerability and Maintenance of Alcohol Use Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:255-279. [PMID: 34888838 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes induced in the morphology and the multiplicity of functional roles played by astrocytes in brain regions critical to the establishment and maintenance of alcohol abuse suggest that they make an important contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. The understanding of the relevant mechanisms accounting for that contribution is complicated by the fact that alcohol itself acts directly on astrocytes altering their metabolism, gene expression, and plasticity, so that the ultimate result is a complex interaction of various cellular pathways, including intracellular calcium regulation, neuroimmune responses, and regulation of neurotransmitter and gliotransmitter release and uptake. The recent years have seen a steady increase in the characterization of several of the relevant mechanisms, but much remains to be done for a full understanding of the astrocytes' contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol dependence and abuse and for using that knowledge in designing effective therapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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25
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Carbon Monoxide Modulation of Microglia-Neuron Communication: Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Neurotrophic Role. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:872-889. [PMID: 34796462 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02643-z] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the 'resident immunocompetent cells' of the central nervous system (CNS), are key players in innate immunity, synaptic refinement and homeostasis. Dysfunctional microglia contribute heavily to creating a toxic inflammatory milieu, a driving factor in the pathophysiology of several CNS disorders. Therefore, strategies to modulate the microglial function are required to tackle exacerbated tissue inflammation. Carbon monoxide (CO), an endogenous gaseous molecule produced by the degradation of haem, has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-homeostatic and cytoprotective roles, among others. ALF-826A, a novel molybdenum-based CO-releasing molecule, was used for the assessment of neuron-microglia remote communication. Primary cultures of rat microglia and neurons, or the BV-2 microglial and CAD neuronal murine cell lines, were used to study the microglia-neuron interaction. An approach based on microglial-derived conditioned media in neuronal culture was applied. Medium derived from CO-treated microglia provided indirect neuroprotection against inflammation by limiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of reactivity markers (CD11b), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, nitrites). This consequently prevented neuronal cell death and maintained neuronal morphology. In contrast, in the absence of inflammatory stimulus, conditioned media from CO-treated microglia improved neuronal morphological complexity, which is an indirect manner of assessing neuronal function. Likewise, the microglial medium also prevented neuronal cell death induced by pro-oxidant tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). ALF-826 treatment reinforced microglia secretion of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and adenosine, mediators that may protect against t-BHP stress in this remote communication model. Chemical inhibition of the adenosine receptors A2A and A1 reverted the CO-derived neuroprotective effect, further highlighting a role for CO in regulating neuron-microglia communication via purinergic signalling. Our findings indicate that CO has a modulatory role on microglia-to-neuron communication, promoting neuroprotection in a non-cell autonomous manner. CO enhances the microglial release of neurotrophic factors and blocks exacerbated microglial inflammation. CO improvement of microglial neurotrophism under non-inflammatory conditions is here described for the first time.
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26
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Soares NL, Vieira HLA. Microglia at the Centre of Brain Research: Accomplishments and Challenges for the Future. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:218-233. [PMID: 34586585 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are the immune guardians of the central nervous system (CNS), with critical functions in development, maintenance of homeostatic tissue balance, injury and repair. For a long time considered a forgotten 'third element' with basic phagocytic functions, a recent surge in interest, accompanied by technological progress, has demonstrated that these distinct myeloid cells have a wide-ranging importance for brain function. This review reports microglial origins, development, and function in the healthy brain. Moreover, it also targets microglia dysfunction and how it contributes to the progression of several neurological disorders, focusing on particular molecular mechanisms and whether these may present themselves as opportunities for novel, microglia-targeted therapeutic approaches, an ever-enticing prospect. Finally, as it has been recently celebrated 100 years of microglia research, the review highlights key landmarks from the past century and looked into the future. Many challenging problems have arisen, thus it points out some of the most pressing questions and experimental challenges for the ensuing century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno L Soares
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC) - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas/NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Helena L A Vieira
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC) - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas/NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry, UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
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27
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Parker KN, Donovan MH, Smith K, Noble-Haeusslein LJ. Traumatic Injury to the Developing Brain: Emerging Relationship to Early Life Stress. Front Neurol 2021; 12:708800. [PMID: 34484104 PMCID: PMC8416304 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.708800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high incidence of brain injuries in children, we have yet to fully understand the unique vulnerability of a young brain to an injury and key determinants of long-term recovery. Here we consider how early life stress may influence recovery after an early age brain injury. Studies of early life stress alone reveal persistent structural and functional impairments at adulthood. We consider the interacting pathologies imposed by early life stress and subsequent brain injuries during early brain development as well as at adulthood. This review outlines how early life stress primes the immune cells of the brain and periphery to elicit a heightened response to injury. While the focus of this review is on early age traumatic brain injuries, there is also a consideration of preclinical models of neonatal hypoxia and stroke, as each further speaks to the vulnerability of the brain and reinforces those characteristics that are common across each of these injuries. Lastly, we identify a common mechanistic trend; namely, early life stress worsens outcomes independent of its temporal proximity to a brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaila N. Parker
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Michael H. Donovan
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kylee Smith
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Linda J. Noble-Haeusslein
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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28
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Vrettou M, Yan L, Nilsson KW, Wallén-Mackenzie Å, Nylander I, Comasco E. DNA methylation of Vesicular Glutamate Transporters in the mesocorticolimbic brain following early-life stress and adult ethanol exposure-an explorative study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15322. [PMID: 34321562 PMCID: PMC8319394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and gene expression can be altered by early life stress (ELS) and/or ethanol consumption. The present study aimed to investigate whether DNA methylation of the Vesicular Glutamate Transporters (Vglut)1-3 is related to previously observed Vglut1-3 transcriptional differences in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (Acb), dorsal striatum (dStr) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult rats exposed to ELS, modelled by maternal separation, and voluntary ethanol consumption. Targeted next-generation bisulfite sequencing was performed to identify the methylation levels on 61 5′-cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-3′ sites (CpGs) in potential regulatory regions of Vglut1, 53 for Vglut2, and 51 for Vglut3. In the VTA, ELS in ethanol-drinking rats was associated with Vglut1-2 CpG-specific hypomethylation, whereas bidirectional Vglut2 methylation differences at single CpGs were associated with ELS alone. Exposure to both ELS and ethanol, in the Acb, was associated with lower promoter and higher intronic Vglut3 methylation; and in the dStr, with higher and lower methylation in 26% and 43% of the analyzed Vglut1 CpGs, respectively. In the mPFC, lower Vglut2 methylation was observed upon exposure to ELS or ethanol. The present findings suggest Vglut1-3 CpG-specific methylation signatures of ELS and ethanol drinking, underlying previously reported Vglut1-3 transcriptional differences in the mesocorticolimbic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vrettou
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Kent W Nilsson
- Centre for Clinical Research Västerås, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Uppsala, Sweden.,The School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | | | - Ingrid Nylander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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29
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Fitzgerald E, Sinton MC, Wernig-Zorc S, Morton NM, Holmes MC, Boardman JP, Drake AJ. Altered hypothalamic DNA methylation and stress-induced hyperactivity following early life stress. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:31. [PMID: 34193254 PMCID: PMC8247254 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) during childhood or prenatally increases the risk of future psychiatric disorders. The effect of stress exposure during the neonatal period is less well understood. In preterm infants, exposure to invasive procedures is associated with altered brain development and future stress responses suggesting that the neonatal period could be a key time for the programming of mental health. Previous studies suggest that ELS affects the hypothalamic epigenome, making it a good candidate to mediate these effects. In this study, we used a mouse model of early life stress (modified maternal separation; MMS). We hypothesised MMS would affect the hypothalamic transcriptome and DNA methylome, and impact on adult behaviour. MMS involved repeated stimulation of pups for 1.5 h/day, whilst separated from their mother, from postnatal day (P) 4-6. 3'mRNA sequencing and DNA methylation immunoprecipitation (meDIP) sequencing were performed on hypothalamic tissue at P6. Behaviour was assessed with the elevated plus, open field mazes and in-cage monitoring at 3-4 months of age. MMS was only associated with subtle changes in gene expression, but there were widespread alterations in DNA methylation. Notably, differentially methylated regions were enriched for synapse-associated loci. MMS resulted in hyperactivity in the elevated plus and open field mazes, but in-cage monitoring revealed that this was not representative of habitual hyperactivity. ELS has marked effects on DNA methylation in the hypothalamus in early life and results in stress-specific hyperactivity in young adulthood. These results have implications for the understanding of ELS-mediated effects on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon Fitzgerald
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
- The Douglas Research Center, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
| | - Matthew C Sinton
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sara Wernig-Zorc
- Department of Biochemistry III, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicholas M Morton
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Megan C Holmes
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Amanda J Drake
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queens Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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30
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Daviu N, Bains JS. Should I Stay or Should I Go? CRHPVN Neurons Gate State Transitions in Stress-Related Behaviors. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6206556. [PMID: 33787875 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus are the canonical controllers of the endocrine response to stress. Here we propose a new role for these cells as a gate for state transitions that allow the organism to engage in stress-related behaviors. Specifically, we review evidence indicating that activation of these cells at critical times allows organisms to move to a state that is permissive for motor action. This is evident when the organism is under duress (defensive behavior), when the organism has successfully vanquished a threat (coping behavior), and when an organism initiates approach to a conspecific (social behavior). The motor behavior that follows from the activation of CRH neurons is not necessarily under the control of these cells but is determined by higher order circuits that discriminate more refined features of environmental context to execute the appropriate behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Daviu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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31
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HIV-1 Tat Protein Promotes Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Concurrent with the Potentiation of Oxycodone's Psychomotor Effects in Female Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050813. [PMID: 33946474 PMCID: PMC8147167 DOI: 10.3390/v13050813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with neuroendocrine dysfunction which may contribute to co-morbid stress-sensitive disorders. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) or -gonadal (HPG) axes are perturbed in up to 50% of HIV patients. The mechanisms are not known, but we have found the HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein to recapitulate the clinical phenotype in male mice. We hypothesized that HPA and/or HPG dysregulation contributes to Tat-mediated interactions with oxycodone, an opioid often prescribed to HIV patients, in females. Female mice that conditionally-expressed the Tat1-86 protein [Tat(+) mice] or their counterparts that did not [Tat(-) control mice] were exposed to forced swim stress (or not) and behaviorally-assessed for motor and anxiety-like behavior. Some mice had glucocorticoid receptors (GR) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF-R) pharmacologically inhibited. Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX). As seen previously in males, Tat elevated basal corticosterone levels and potentiated oxycodone's psychomotor activity in females. Unlike males, females did not demonstrate adrenal insufficiency and oxycodone potentiation was not regulated by GRs or CRF-Rs. Rather OVX attenuated Tat/oxycodone interactions. Either Tat or oxycodone increased anxiety-like behavior and their combination increased hypothalamic allopregnanolone. OVX increased basal hypothalamic allopregnanolone and obviated Tat or oxycodone-mediated fluctuations. Together, these data provide further evidence for Tat-mediated dysregulation of the HPA axis and reveal the importance of HPG axis regulation in females. HPA/HPG disruption may contribute vulnerability to affective and substance use disorders.
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32
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Čater M, Majdič G. How early maternal deprivation changes the brain and behavior? Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2058-2075. [PMID: 33870558 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress can adversely influence brain development and reprogram brain function and consequently behavior in adult life. Adequate maternal care in early childhood is therefore particularly important for the normal brain development, and adverse early life experiences can lead to altered emotional, behavioral, and neuroendocrine stress responses in the adulthood. As a form of neonatal stress, maternal deprivation/separation is often used in behavioral studies to examine the effects of early life stress and for modeling the development of certain psychiatric disorders and brain pathologies in animal models. The temporary loss of maternal care during the critical postpartum periods remodels the offspring's brain and provokes long-term effects on learning and cognition, the development of mental disorders, aggression, and an increased tendency for the drug abuse. Early life stress through maternal deprivation affects neuroendocrine responses to stress in adolescence and adulthood by dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and permanently disrupts stress resilience. In this review, we focused on how improper maternal care during early postnatal life affects brain development resulting in modified behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Čater
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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33
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Huang ST, Song ZJ, Liu Y, Luo WC, Yin Q, Zhang YM. BNST AV GABA-PVN CRF Circuit Regulates Visceral Hypersensitivity Induced by Maternal Separation in Vgat-Cre Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:615202. [PMID: 33815103 PMCID: PMC8017215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.615202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity as a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain. Our prior studies authenticated that the activation of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributed to visceral hypersensitivity in mice, but puzzles still remain with respect to the underlying hyperactivation of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons. Herein, we employed maternal separation (MS) to establish mouse model of visceral hypersensitivity. The neuronal circuits associated with nociceptive hypersensitivity involved paraventricular nucleus CRF neurons by means of techniques such as behavioral test, pharmacology, molecular biology, retrograde neuronal circuit tracers, electrophysiology, chemogenetics and optogenetics. MS could predispose the elevated firing frequency of CRF neurons in PVN in murine adulthood, which could be annulled via the injection of exogenous GABA (0.3mM, 0.2µl) into PVN. The PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons were mainly distributed in the anterior ventral (AV) region in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), wherein the excitability of these GABAergic neurons was reduced. Casp3 virus was utilized to induce apoptosis of GABA neurons in BNST-AV region, resulting in the activation of CRF neurons in PVN and visceral hyperalgesia. In parallel, chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches to activate GABAergic BNSTAV-PVN circuit in MS mice abated the spontaneous firing frequency of PVN CRF neurons and prevented the development of visceral hypersensitivity. A priori, PVNCRF-projecting GABAergic neurons in BNST-AV region participated in the occurrence of visceral hypersensitivity induced by MS. Our research may provide a new insight into the neural circuit mechanism of chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Jing Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Chen Luo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qian Yin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Schweizer-Schubert S, Gordon JL, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Meltzer-Brody S, Schmalenberger KM, Slopien R, Zietlow AL, Ehlert U, Ditzen B. Steroid Hormone Sensitivity in Reproductive Mood Disorders: On the Role of the GABA A Receptor Complex and Stress During Hormonal Transitions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:479646. [PMID: 33585496 PMCID: PMC7873927 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.479646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Women worldwide are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than are men. Female risk for depressive symptoms is particularly high during the reproductive years between menarche and menopause. The term “Reproductive Mood Disorders” refers to depressive disorders triggered by hormonal fluctuations during reproductive transitions including the perimenarchal phase, the pre-menstrual phase, pregnancy, the peripartum period and the perimenopausal transition. Here we focus on reproductive mood disorders manifesting in adult life. We propose a research agenda that draws together several reproductive mood disorders and investigates which genetic, endocrinological, neural, and psychosocial factors can explain depressive symptoms during phases of hormonal transitions in women. Based on current research it is assumed that some women experience an increased sensitivity to not only fluctuations in reproductive steroids (estrogen and progesterone), but also stress-related steroids. We integrate both dynamics into the concept of “steroid hormone sensitivity,” expanding on the concept of “reproductive hormone sensitivity.” We suggest that a differential response of the stress steroid system including corticosteroids, neurosteroids, like allopregnanolone and the GABA-A Receptor complex, as well as a differential (epi)genetic risk in serotonergic and GABAergic signaling, are moderators or mediators between changes in the reproductive steroid system and the physiological, affective, and cognitive outcomes manifesting in reproductive mood disorders. We point to the lack of research on the role of psychosocial factors in increasing a woman's stress level and at some point also the sensitivity of her stress steroid system within the etiology of Reproductive Mood Disorders. Drawing together the evidence on various reproductive mood disorders we seek to present a basis for the development of more effective pharmacological, social, and psychological treatment interventions and prevention strategies for women susceptible to these disorders. This could pave the way for new research as well as medical and psychological teaching and practice- such as a new type of Practice for Gynecological Psychoneuroendocrinology- with the aim of working on and ultimately offering more integrative forms of support not yet available to women suffering from depression during hormonal transitions. In medical history women have been left alone with this integrative challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schweizer-Schubert
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Practice for Psychoendocrinology and Psychotherapy, Heilbronn, Germany
| | | | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- Women's Mental Health Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Katja M Schmalenberger
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Radoslaw Slopien
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna-Lena Zietlow
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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35
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Sheng JA, Bales NJ, Myers SA, Bautista AI, Roueinfar M, Hale TM, Handa RJ. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:601939. [PMID: 33519393 PMCID: PMC7838595 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that function to maintain physiological homeostasis. Abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can further result in long-term alterations in neuropeptide and neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system, as well as glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the periphery. Together, these changes can potentially lead to a disruption in neuroendocrine, behavioral, autonomic, and metabolic functions in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the HPA axis and its development. We will also examine the maternal-fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disruption of the normal fetal environment which becomes a major risk factor for many neurodevelopmental pathologies in adulthood, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A. Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Natalie J. Bales
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sage A. Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna I. Bautista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mina Roueinfar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Taben M. Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Robert J. Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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36
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Lopatina OL, Panina YA, Malinovskaya NA, Salmina AB. Early life stress and brain plasticity: from molecular alterations to aberrant memory and behavior. Rev Neurosci 2020; 32:131-142. [PMID: 33550784 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is one of the most critical factors that could modify brain plasticity, memory and learning abilities, behavioral reactions, and emotional response in adulthood leading to development of different mental disorders. Prenatal and early postnatal periods appear to be the most sensitive periods of brain development in mammals, thereby action of various factors at these stages of brain development might result in neurodegeneration, memory impairment, and mood disorders at later periods of life. Deciphering the processes underlying aberrant neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and cerebral angiogenesis as well as deeper understanding the effects of ELS on brain development will provide novel approaches to prevent or to cure psychiatric and neurological deficits caused by stressful conditions at the earliest stages of ontogenesis. Neuropeptide oxytocin serves as an amnesic, anti-stress, pro-angiogenic, and neurogenesis-controlling molecule contributing to dramatic changes in brain plasticity in ELS. In the current review, we summarize recent data on molecular mechanisms of ELS-driven changes in brain plasticity with the particular focus on oxytocin-mediated effects on neurogenesis and angiogenesis, memory establishment, and forgetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biophysics, Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yulia A Panina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A Malinovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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37
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Corticotropin-releasing factor infusion in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of lactating mice alters maternal care and induces behavioural phenotypes in offspring. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19985. [PMID: 33204022 PMCID: PMC7672063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripartum period is accompanied by numerous physiological and behavioural adaptations organised by the maternal brain. These changes are essential for adequate expression of maternal behaviour, thereby ensuring proper development of the offspring. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a key role in a variety of behaviours accompanying stress, anxiety, and depression. There is also evidence that CRF contributes to maladaptations during the peripartum period. We investigated the effects of CRF in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of lactating mice during maternal care and analysed locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviour in the offspring. The BNST has been implicated in anxiety behaviour and regulation of the stress response. The effects of intra-BNST CRF administration were compared with those induced by the limited bedding (LB) procedure, a model that produces altered maternal behaviour. BALB/cJ dams were exposed to five infusions of CRF or saline into the BNST in the first weeks after birth while the LB dams were exposed to limited nesting material from postnatal days (P) 2–9. Maternal behaviour was recorded in intercalated days, from P1-9. Offspring anxiety-like behaviour was assessed during adulthood using the open-field, elevated plus-maze, and light/dark tests. Both intra-BNST CRF and LB exposure produced altered maternal care, represented by decreased arched-back nursing and increased frequency of exits from the nest. These changes in maternal care resulted in robust sex-based differences in the offspring’s behavioural responses during adulthood. Females raised by CRF-infused dams exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviour, whereas males presented a significant decrease in anxiety. On the other hand, both males and females raised by dams exposed to LB showed higher locomotor activity. Our study demonstrates that maternal care is impaired by intra-BNST CRF administrations, and these maladaptations are similar to exposure to adverse early environments. These procedures, however, produce distinct phenotypes in mice during young adulthood and suggest sex-based differences in the susceptibility to poor maternal care.
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38
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Hu P, Maita I, Phan ML, Gu E, Kwok C, Dieterich A, Gergues MM, Yohn CN, Wang Y, Zhou JN, Qi XR, Swaab DF, Pang ZP, Lucassen PJ, Roepke TA, Samuels BA. Early-life stress alters affective behaviors in adult mice through persistent activation of CRH-BDNF signaling in the oval bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:396. [PMID: 33177511 PMCID: PMC7658214 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) leads to stress-related psychopathology in adulthood. Although dysfunction of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) mediates chronic stress-induced maladaptive affective behaviors that are historically associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, it remains unknown whether ELS affects CRH function in the adult BNST. Here we applied a well-established ELS paradigm (24 h maternal separation (MS) at postnatal day 3) and assessed the effects on CRH signaling and electrophysiology in the oval nucleus of BNST (ovBNST) of adult male mouse offspring. ELS increased maladaptive affective behaviors, and amplified mEPSCs and decreased M-currents (a voltage-gated K+ current critical for stabilizing membrane potential) in ovBNST CRH neurons, suggesting enhanced cellular excitability. Furthermore, ELS increased the numbers of CRH+ and PACAP+ (the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, an upstream CRH regulator) cells and decreased STEP+ (striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase, a CRH inhibitor) cells in BNST. Interestingly, ELS also increased BNST brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, indicating enhanced neuronal plasticity. These electrophysiological and behavioral effects of ELS were reversed by chronic application of the CRHR1-selective antagonist R121919 into ovBNST, but not when BDNF was co-administered. In addition, the neurophysiological effects of BDNF on M-currents and mEPSCs in BNST CRH neurons mimic effects and were abolished by PKC antagonism. Together, our findings indicate that ELS results in a long-lasting activation of CRH signaling in the mouse ovBNST. These data highlight a regulatory role of CRHR1 in the BNST and for BDNF signaling in mediating ELS-induced long-term behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Hu
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Isabella Maita
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Mimi L. Phan
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Edward Gu
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Christopher Kwok
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Andrew Dieterich
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Mark M. Gergues
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Present Address: Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Christine N. Yohn
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Yu Wang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Life Science School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Life Science School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Xin-Rui Qi
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Dick F. Swaab
- grid.418101.d0000 0001 2153 6865Department of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam 1105 BA The Netherlands
| | - Zhiping P. Pang
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Troy A. Roepke
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
| | - Benjamin A. Samuels
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
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Nold V, Richter N, Hengerer B, Kolassa IT, Allers KA. FKBP5 polymorphisms induce differential glucocorticoid responsiveness in primary CNS cells - First insights from novel humanized mice. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:402-415. [PMID: 33030232 PMCID: PMC7894319 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14999] [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: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain is a central hub for integration of internal and external conditions and, thus, a regulator of the stress response. Glucocorticoids are the essential communicators of this response. Aberrations in glucocorticoid signaling are a common symptom in patients with psychiatric disorders. The gene FKBP5 encodes a chaperone protein that functionally inhibits glucocorticoid signaling and, thus, contributes to the regulation of stress. In the context of childhood trauma, differential expression of FKBP5 has been found in psychiatric patients compared to controls. These variations in expression levels of FKBP5 were reported to be associated with differences in stress responsiveness in human carriers of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780. Understanding the mechanisms underlying FKBP5 polymorphism‐associated glucocorticoid responsiveness in the CNS will lead to a better understanding of stress regulation or associated pathology. To study these mechanisms, two novel humanized mouse lines were generated. The lines carried either the risk (A/T) allele or the resilient (C/G) allele of rs1360780. Primary cells from CNS (astrocytes, microglia, and neurons) were analyzed for their basal expression levels of FKBP5 and their responsiveness to glucocorticoids. Differential expression of FKBP5 was found for these cell types and negatively correlated with the cellular glucocorticoid responsiveness. Astrocytes revealed the strongest transcriptional response, followed by microglia and neurons. Furthermore, the risk allele (A/T) was associated with greater induction of FKBP5 than the resilience allele. Novel FKBP5‐humanized mice display differential glucocorticoid responsiveness due to a single intronic SNP. The vulnerability to stress signaling in the shape of glucocorticoids in the brain correlated with FKBP5 expression levels. The strong responsiveness of astrocytes to glucocorticoids implies astrocytes play a prominent role in the stress response, and in FKBP5‐related differences in glucocorticoid signaling. The novel humanized mouse lines will allow for further study of the role that FKBP5 SNPs have in risk and resilience to stress pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Nold
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, CNSDR, Ingelheim, Germany.,Institute of Psychology & Education, Clinical & Biological Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nadine Richter
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, CNSDR, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Bastian Hengerer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, CNSDR, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Institute of Psychology & Education, Clinical & Biological Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kelly Ann Allers
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, CNSDR, Ingelheim, Germany
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40
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Matovic S, Ichiyama A, Igarashi H, Salter EW, Sunstrum JK, Wang XF, Henry M, Kuebler ES, Vernoux N, Martinez-Trujillo J, Tremblay ME, Inoue W. Neuronal hypertrophy dampens neuronal intrinsic excitability and stress responsiveness during chronic stress. J Physiol 2020; 598:2757-2773. [PMID: 32347541 DOI: 10.1113/jp279666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis habituates to repeated stress exposure. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. The intrinsic excitability of CRH neurons decreased after repeated stress in a time course that coincided with the development of HPA axis habituation. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. We report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for HPA axis habituation. ABSTRACT Encountering a stressor immediately activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but this stereotypic stress response also undergoes experience-dependent adaptation. Despite the biological and clinical importance, how the brain adjusts stress responsiveness in the long term remains poorly understood. We studied hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons that form the apex of the HPA axis in a mouse model of stress habituation using repeated restraint. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute slices, we found that the intrinsic excitability of these neurons substantially decreased after daily repeated stress in a time course that coincided with their loss of stress responsiveness in vivo. This intrinsic excitability plasticity co-developed with an expansion of surface membrane area, which increased a passive electric load, and dampened membrane depolarization in response to the influx of positive charge. Multiphoton imaging and electron microscopy revealed that repeated stress augmented ruffling of the plasma membrane, suggesting an ultrastructural plasticity that may efficiently accommodate the membrane area expansion. Overall, we report a novel structure-function relationship for intrinsic excitability plasticity as a neural correlate for adaptation of the neuroendocrine stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matovic
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | - Aoi Ichiyama
- Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Eric W Salter
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Current address: University of Toronto
| | | | - Xue Fan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Mathilde Henry
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Current address: INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, Nutrineuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, F-33000, France
| | - Eric S Kuebler
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
| | | | - Julio Martinez-Trujillo
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Quebec-Université Laval.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario.,Neuroscience Program, University of Western Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
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Abbink MR, Kotah JM, Hoeijmakers L, Mak A, Yvon-Durocher G, van der Gaag B, Lucassen PJ, Korosi A. Characterization of astrocytes throughout life in wildtype and APP/PS1 mice after early-life stress exposure. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:91. [PMID: 32197653 PMCID: PMC7083036 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early-life stress (ES) is an emerging risk factor for later life development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have previously shown that ES modulates amyloid-beta pathology and the microglial response to it in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model. Because astrocytes are key players in the pathogenesis of AD, we studied here if and how ES affects astrocytes in wildtype (WT) and APP/PS1 mice and how these relate to the previously reported amyloid pathology and microglial profile. Methods We induced ES by limiting nesting and bedding material from postnatal days (P) 2–9. We studied in WT mice (at P9, P30, and 6 months) and in APP/PS1 mice (at 4 and 10 months) (i) GFAP coverage, cell density, and complexity in hippocampus (HPC) and entorhinal cortex (EC); (ii) hippocampal gene expression of astrocyte markers; and (iii) the relationship between astrocyte, microglia, and amyloid markers. Results In WT mice, ES increased GFAP coverage in HPC subregions at P9 and decreased it at 10 months. APP/PS1 mice at 10 months exhibited both individual cell as well as clustered GFAP signals. APP/PS1 mice when compared to WT exhibited reduced total GFAP coverage in HPC, which is increased in the EC, while coverage of the clustered GFAP signal in the HPC was increased and accompanied by increased expression of several astrocytic genes. While measured astrocytic parameters in APP/PS1 mice appear not be further modulated by ES, analyzing these in the context of ES-induced alterations to amyloid pathology and microglial shows alterations at both 4 and 10 months of age. Conclusions Our data suggest that ES leads to alterations to the astrocytic response to amyloid-β pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maralinde R Abbink
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M Kotah
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne Hoeijmakers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aline Mak
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Genevieve Yvon-Durocher
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram van der Gaag
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Brain Plasticity Group, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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42
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Noroña-Zhou AN, Morgan A, Glynn LM, Sandman CA, Baram TZ, Stern HS, Davis EP. Unpredictable maternal behavior is associated with a blunted infant cortisol response. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:882-888. [PMID: 32115696 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with poor physical and mental health. Early-life adversity may dysregulate cortisol response to subsequent stress. This study examines the association between patterns of maternal behavior and infant stress response to a challenge. Specifically, we test whether infant exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals is related to the cortisol response to a painful stressor. METHOD Participants were 102 mothers and their children enrolled in a longitudinal study. Patterns of maternal sensory signals were evaluated at 6 and 12 months during a 10-min mother-infant play episode. Entropy rate was calculated as a quantitative measure of the degree of unpredictability of maternal sensory signals (visual, auditory, and tactile) exhibited during the play episode. Infant saliva samples were collected for cortisol analysis before and after inoculation at 12 months. RESULTS Unpredictable patterns of maternal sensory signals were associated with a blunted infant cortisol response to a painful stressor. This relation persisted after evaluation of covariates including maternal sensitivity and maternal psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that unpredictable patterns of maternal sensory signals are one process through which caregiving affects the function of infant stress response systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Noroña-Zhou
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alyssa Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hal S Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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43
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Underwood MD, Bakalian MJ, Johnson VL, Kassir SA, Ellis SP, Mann JJ, Arango V. Less NMDA Receptor Binding in Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Associated With Reported Early-Life Adversity but Not Suicide. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:311-318. [PMID: 32060512 PMCID: PMC7251634 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter binding to 3 classes of receptors, including the N-methyl, D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. NMDA receptor binding is lower in major depression disorder and suicide. NMDA receptor blocking with ketamine can have antidepressant and anti-suicide effects. Early-life adversity (ELA) may cause glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and is more common with major depression disorder and in suicide decedents. We sought to determine whether NMDA-receptor binding is altered with suicide and ELA. METHODS A total 52 postmortem cases were organized as 13 quadruplets of suicide and non-suicide decedents matched for age, sex, and postmortem interval, with or without reported ELA (≤16 years). Tissue blocks containing dorsal prefrontal (BA8), dorsolateral prefrontal (BA9), or anterior cingulate (BA24) cortex were collected at autopsy. Psychiatrically healthy controls and suicide decedents underwent psychological autopsy to determine psychiatric diagnoses and details of childhood adversity. NMDA receptor binding was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [3H]MK-801 binding (displaced by unlabeled MK-801) in 20-µm-thick sections. RESULTS [3H]MK-801 binding was not associated with suicide in BA8, BA9, or BA24. However, [3H]MK-801 binding with ELA was less in BA8, BA9, and BA24 independent of suicide (P < .05). [3H]MK-801 binding was not associated with age or postmortem interval in any brain region or group. CONCLUSIONS Less NMDA receptor binding with ELA is consistent with the hypothesis that stress can cause excitotoxicity via excessive glutamate, causing either NMDA receptor downregulation or less receptor binding due to neuron loss consequent to the excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Underwood
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY,Correspondence: Mark D. Underwood, PhD, Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology/New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry/Columbia Psychiatry, 1051 Riverside Drive, Box 42, New York, NY 10032 ()
| | - Mihran J Bakalian
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Virginia L Johnson
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Suham A Kassir
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Steven P Ellis
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - J John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Victoria Arango
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
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44
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Morrow AL, Boero G, Porcu P. A Rationale for Allopregnanolone Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders: Basic and Clinical Studies. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:320-339. [PMID: 31782169 PMCID: PMC7018555 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For many years, research from around the world has suggested that the neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone or 3α,5α-THP) may have therapeutic potential for treatment of various symptoms of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). In this critical review, we systematically address all the evidence that supports such a suggestion, delineate the etiologies of AUDs that are addressed by treatment with allopregnanolone or its precursor pregnenolone, and the rationale for treatment of various components of the disease based on basic science and clinical evidence. This review presents a theoretical framework for understanding how endogenous steroids that regulate the effects of stress, alcohol, and the innate immune system could play a key role in both the prevention and the treatment of AUDs. We further discuss cautions and limitations of allopregnanolone or pregnenolone therapy with suggestions regarding the management of risk and the potential for helping millions who suffer from AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
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45
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Jarvis R, Tamashiro-Orrego A, Promes V, Tu L, Shi J, Yang Y. Cocaine Self-administration and Extinction Inversely Alter Neuron to Glia Exosomal Dynamics in the Nucleus Accumbens. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:581. [PMID: 31998080 PMCID: PMC6966328 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration of glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in cocaine-seeking behaviors. Astroglial mechanisms for maintaining extracellular glutamate homeostasis through cysteine/glutamate exchanger (xCT) and glutamate transporter GLT1 are dysregulated following cocaine exposure and contribute to altered glutamatergic synaptic plasticity. However, how these astroglial proteins become dysregulated in cocaine addiction remains unknown. We recently showed that neuron to astroglial exosome signaling is essential to maintain GLT1 protein expression by transferring neuronal miR-124-3p into astrocytes to suppress GLT1-inhibiting microRNAs (miRs) in astrocytes. In the current study, by selectively labeling neuronal exosomes using CD63-GFPf/+ exosome reporter mice, we examined how the self-administration and extinction stages of the mouse cocaine self-administration model alter neuronal exosome signaling to astrocytes and microglia in the NAc. We found that cocaine (but not food) self-administration strongly reduces the internalization of neuronal exosomes, particularly in astrocytes in the NAc (but not in motor cortex), which can be effectively reversed by extinction training. In parallel, cocaine self-administration alone specifically and differentially affects activation of glial cells by decreasing GFAP expression in astrocytes but increasing Iba1 expression in microglia. However, extinction training fully reverses the increased Iba1 expression in microglia but only partially reverses the reduction of GFAP in astrocytes. Taken together, our study reveals altered in vivo dynamics of NAc neuronal exosomes in the cocaine addiction model, providing new insights about how altered neuron to glial exosome signaling may contribute to astroglial dysfunction in cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jarvis
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Vanessa Promes
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Leona Tu
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jinyuan Shi
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
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46
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Early-life stress influences acute and sensitized responses of adult mice to cocaine by interacting with GABAA α2 receptor expression. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 30:272-281. [PMID: 30724801 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is known to exert long-term effects on brain function, with resulting deleterious consequences for several aspects of mental health, including the development of addiction to drugs of abuse. One potential mechanism in humans is suggested by findings that ELS interacts with polymorphisms of the GABRA2 gene, encoding α2 subunits of GABAA receptors, to increase the risk for both post-traumatic stress disorder and vulnerability to cocaine addiction. We used a mouse model, in which the amount of material for nest building was reduced during early postnatal life, to study interactions between ELS and expression of α2-containing GABAA receptors in influencing cocaine-related behaviour. Breeding of parents heterozygous for a deletion of α2 resulted in litters containing homozygous knockout (α2), heterozygous knockout (α2) and wild-type (α2) offspring. Following the ELS procedure, the mice were allowed to develop to adulthood before being tested for the acute effect of cocaine on locomotor stimulation, behavioural sensitization to repeated cocaine and to cocaine-conditioned activity. Exposure to ELS resulted in increased acute locomotor stimulant effects of cocaine across all genotypes, with the most marked effects in α2 mice (which also showed increased activity following vehicle). Repeated cocaine administration to nonstressed mice resulted in sensitization in α2 and α2 mice, but, in keeping with previous findings, not in α2 mice. Previous exposure to ELS reduced sensitization in α2 mice, albeit not significantly, and abolished sensitization in α2 mice. Conditioned activity was elevated following ELS in all animals, independently of genotype. Thus, while the enhanced acute effects of cocaine following ELS being most marked in α2 mice suggests a function of α2-containing GABAA receptors in protecting against stress, the interaction between ELS and genotype in influencing sensitization may be more in keeping with ELS reducing expression of α2-containing GABAA receptors. The ability of ELS to increase cocaine-conditioned locomotor activity appears to be independent of α2-containing GABAA receptors.
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47
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Hamidovic A, Karapetyan K, Serdarevic F, Choi SH, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Pinna G. Higher Circulating Cortisol in the Follicular vs. Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:311. [PMID: 32582024 PMCID: PMC7280552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although results of animal research show that interactions between stress and sex hormones are implicated in the development of affective disorders in women, translation of these findings to patients has been scarce. As a basic step toward advancing this field of research, we analyzed findings of studies which reported circulating cortisol levels in healthy women in the follicular vs. luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We deemed this analysis critical not only to advance our understanding of basic physiology, but also as an important contrast to the findings of future studies evaluating stress and sex hormones in women with affective disorders. We hypothesized that cortisol levels would be lower in the follicular phase based on the proposition that changes in levels of potent GABAergic neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone, during the menstrual cycle dynamically change in the opposite direction relative to cortisol levels. Implementing strict inclusion criteria, we compiled results of high-quality studies involving 778 study participants to derive a standardized mean difference between circulating cortisol levels in the follicular vs. luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In line with our hypothesis, our meta-analysis found that women in the follicular phase had higher cortisol levels than women in the luteal phase, with an overall Hedges' g of 0.13 (p < 0.01) for the random effects model. No significant between-study difference was detected, with the level of heterogeneity in the small range. Furthermore, there was no evidence of publication bias. As cortisol regulation is a delicate process, we review some of the basic mechanisms by which progesterone, its potent metabolites, and estradiol regulate cortisol output and circulation to contribute to the net effect of higher cortisol in the follicular phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajna Hamidovic
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Ajna Hamidovic
| | - Kristina Karapetyan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fadila Serdarevic
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - So Hee Choi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tory Eisenlohr-Moul
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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48
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Belelli D, Hogenkamp D, Gee KW, Lambert JJ. Realising the therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroid modulators of the GABA A receptor. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100207. [PMID: 32435660 PMCID: PMC7231973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the 1980s particular endogenous metabolites of progesterone and of deoxycorticosterone were revealed to be potent, efficacious, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR). These reports were followed by the discovery that such steroids may be synthesised not only in peripheral endocrine glands, but locally in the central nervous system (CNS), to potentially act as paracrine, or autocrine "neurosteroid" messengers, thereby fine tuning neuronal inhibition. These discoveries triggered enthusiasm to elucidate the physiological role of such neurosteroids and explore whether their levels may be perturbed in particular psychiatric and neurological disorders. In preclinical studies the GABAAR-active steroids were shown to exhibit anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic and sedative properties and at relatively high doses to induce a state of general anaesthesia. Collectively, these findings encouraged efforts to investigate the therapeutic potential of neurosteroids and related synthetic analogues. However, following over 30 years of investigation, realising their possible medical potential has proved challenging. The recent FDA approval for the natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone (brexanolone) to treat postpartum depression (PPD) should trigger renewed enthusiasm for neurosteroid research. Here we focus on the influence of neuroactive steroids on GABA-ergic signalling and on the challenges faced in developing such steroids as anaesthetics, sedatives, analgesics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and as treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Belelli
- Systems Medicine, Neuroscience, Mail Box 6, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, United Kingdom
| | - Derk Hogenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, 110C Med Surge1, Mail Code 4625, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kelvin W Gee
- Department of Pharmacology, 110C Med Surge1, Mail Code 4625, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Systems Medicine, Neuroscience, Mail Box 6, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, United Kingdom
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49
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Sex, stress and steroids. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2487-2515. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Zhejiang University‐University of Edinburgh Joint Institute Haining Zhejiang China
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50
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Boero G, Porcu P, Morrow AL. Pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone underlie therapeutic benefits in stress-related disease. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100203. [PMID: 31879693 PMCID: PMC6920111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
For several years, research from around the world has suggested that the neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) may have therapeutic potential for treatment of various stress-related diseases including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), as well as neurological and psychiatric conditions that are worsened in the presence of stress, such as multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and seizure disorders. In this review, we make the argument that the pleiotropic actions of allopregnanolone account for its ability to promote recovery in such a wide variety of illnesses. Likewise, the allopregnanolone precursors, pregnenolone and progesterone, share many actions of allopregnanolone. Of course, pregnenolone and progesterone lack direct effects on GABAA receptors, but these compounds are converted to allopregnanolone in vivo. This review presents a theoretical framework for understanding how endogenous neurosteroids that regulate 1) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors, 2) corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and 3) pro-inflammatory signaling in the innate immune system and brain could play a key role in both the prevention and treatment of stress-related disease. We further discuss cautions and limitations of allopregnanolone or precursor therapy as well as the need for more clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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