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Yang Y, Yuan J, Field RL, Ye D, Hu Z, Xu K, Xu L, Gong Y, Yue Y, Kravitz AV, Bruchas MR, Cui J, Brestoff JR, Chen H. Induction of a torpor-like hypothermic and hypometabolic state in rodents by ultrasound. Nat Metab 2023; 5:789-803. [PMID: 37231250 PMCID: PMC10229429 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Torpor is an energy-conserving state in which animals dramatically decrease their metabolic rate and body temperature to survive harsh environmental conditions. Here, we report the noninvasive, precise and safe induction of a torpor-like hypothermic and hypometabolic state in rodents by remote transcranial ultrasound stimulation at the hypothalamus preoptic area (POA). We achieve a long-lasting (>24 h) torpor-like state in mice via closed-loop feedback control of ultrasound stimulation with automated detection of body temperature. Ultrasound-induced hypothermia and hypometabolism (UIH) is triggered by activation of POA neurons, involves the dorsomedial hypothalamus as a downstream brain region and subsequent inhibition of thermogenic brown adipose tissue. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of POA neurons reveals TRPM2 as an ultrasound-sensitive ion channel, the knockdown of which suppresses UIH. We also demonstrate that UIH is feasible in a non-torpid animal, the rat. Our findings establish UIH as a promising technology for the noninvasive and safe induction of a torpor-like state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jinyun Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachael L Field
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yimei Yue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alexxai V Kravitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan R Brestoff
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Division of Neurotechnology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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Wang Y, Song Y, Dai Y, Li X, Xie J, Luo J, Yang C, Fan P, Xiao G, Luo Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Cai X. The burst of electrophysiological signals in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of mouse during the arousal detected by microelectrode arrays. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:970726. [PMID: 36110317 PMCID: PMC9468547 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.970726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural mechanisms of torpor have essential reference significance for medical methods and long-term manned space. Changes in electrophysiology of suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) conduce to revealing the neural mechanisms from the torpor to arousal. Due to the lower physiology state during the torpor, it is a challenge to detect neural activities in vivo on freely behaving mice. Here, we introduced a multichannel microelectrode array (MEA) for real-time detection of local field potential (LFP) and action potential (spike) in the SCN in induced torpor mice. Meanwhile, core body temperature and behaviors of mice were recorded for further analysis. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and Nafion membrane modified MEA has a lower impedance (16.58 ± 3.93 kΩ) and higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 6.1). We found that from torpor to arousal, the proportion of theta frequency bands of LFPs increased, spike firing rates rapidly increased. These results could all be characteristic information of arousal, supported by the microscopic neural activity promoting arousal in mice. MEA displayed real-time dynamic changes of neuronal activities in the SCN, which was more helpful to analyze and understand neural mechanisms of torpor and arousal. Our study provided a factual basis for the neural state in SCN of induced non-hibernating animals, which was helpful for the application of clinics and spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiding Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xinxia Cai, ; Yinghui Li, ; Ying Wang,
| | - Yinghui Li
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xinxia Cai, ; Yinghui Li, ; Ying Wang,
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xinxia Cai, ; Yinghui Li, ; Ying Wang,
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Cerri M, Hitrec T, Luppi M, Amici R. Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:218-232. [PMID: 34144115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, torpor/hibernation is a state that is characterized by an active reduction in metabolic rate followed by a progressive decrease in body temperature. Torpor was successfully mimicked in non-hibernators by inhibiting the activity of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus, or by activating the adenosine A1 receptors in the brain. This state, called synthetic torpor, may be exploited for many medical applications, and for space exploration, providing many benefits for biological adaptation to the space environment, among which an enhanced protection from cosmic rays. As regards the use of synthetic torpor in space, to fully evaluate the degree of physiological advantage provided by this state, it is strongly advisable to move from Earth-based experiments to 'in the field' tests, possibly on board the International Space Station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Luppi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Cerri M, Amici R. Thermoregulation and Sleep: Functional Interaction and Central Nervous Control. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:1591-1604. [PMID: 33792906 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Each of the wake-sleep states is characterized by specific changes in autonomic activity and bodily functions. The goal of such changes is not always clear. During non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, the autonomic outflow and the activity of the endocrine system, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the thermoregulatory system seem to be directed at increasing energy saving. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the goal of the specific autonomic and regulatory changes is unclear, since a large instability of autonomic activity and cardiorespiratory function is observed in concomitance with thermoregulatory changes, which are apparently non-functional to thermal homeostasis. Reciprocally, the activation of thermoregulatory responses under thermal challenges interferes with sleep occurrence. Such a double-edged and reciprocal interaction between sleep and thermoregulation may be favored by the fact that the central network controlling sleep overlaps in several parts with the central network controlling thermoregulation. The understanding of the central mechanism behind the interaction between sleep and thermoregulation may help to understand the functionality of thermoregulatory sleep-related changes and, ultimately, the function(s) of sleep. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1591-1604, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences - Physiology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences - Physiology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Hibernation as a Tool for Radiation Protection in Space Exploration. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010054. [PMID: 33466717 PMCID: PMC7828799 DOI: 10.3390/life11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With new and advanced technology, human exploration has reached outside of the Earth's boundaries. There are plans for reaching Mars and the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and even to build a permanent base on the Moon. However, human beings have evolved on Earth with levels of gravity and radiation that are very different from those that we have to face in space. These issues seem to pose a significant limitation on exploration. Although there are plausible solutions for problems related to the lack of gravity, it is still unclear how to address the radiation problem. Several solutions have been proposed, such as passive or active shielding or the use of specific drugs that could reduce the effects of radiation. Recently, a method that reproduces a mechanism similar to hibernation or torpor, known as synthetic torpor, has started to become possible. Several studies show that hibernators are resistant to acute high-dose-rate radiation exposure. However, the underlying mechanism of how this occurs remains unclear, and further investigation is needed. Whether synthetic hibernation will also protect from the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure is currently unknown. Hibernators can modulate their neuronal firing, adjust their cardiovascular function, regulate their body temperature, preserve their muscles during prolonged inactivity, regulate their immune system, and most importantly, increase their radioresistance during the inactive period. According to recent studies, synthetic hibernation, just like natural hibernation, could mitigate radiation-induced toxicity. In this review, we see what artificial hibernation is and how it could help the next generation of astronauts in future interplanetary missions.
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Regalado-Reyes M, Benavides-Piccione R, Fernaud-Espinosa I, DeFelipe J, León-Espinosa G. Effect of Phosphorylated Tau on Cortical Pyramidal Neuron Morphology during Hibernation. Cereb Cortex Commun 2020; 1:tgaa018. [PMID: 34296096 PMCID: PMC8152943 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The dendritic spines of pyramidal cells are the main postsynaptic target of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Morphological alterations have been described in hippocampal dendritic spines during hibernation-a state of inactivity and metabolic depression that occurs via a transient neuronal tau hyperphosphorylation. Here, we have used the hibernating Syrian hamster to investigate the effect of hyperphosphorylated tau regarding neocortical neuronal structure. In particular, we examined layer Va pyramidal neurons. Our results indicate that hibernation does not promote significant changes in dendritic spine density. However, tau hyperphosphorylated neurons show a decrease in complexity, an increase in the tortuosity of the apical dendrites, and an increase in the diameter of the basal dendrites. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation and aggregation have been associated with loss or alterations of dendritic spines in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our results may shed light on the correlation between tau hyperphosphorylation and the neuropathological processes in AD. Moreover, we observed changes in the length and area of the apical and basal dendritic spines during hibernation regardless of tau hyperphosphorylation. The morphological changes observed here also suggest region specificity, opening up debate about a possible relationship with the differential brain activity registered in these regions in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamen Regalado-Reyes
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Ruth Benavides-Piccione
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernaud-Espinosa
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Gonzalo León-Espinosa
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28002, Spain
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Bevelacqua JJ, Welsh J, Mortazavi SMJ. On the immunological limitations of hibernation and synthetic torpor as a supporting technique for astronauts’ radioprotection in deep space missions. World J Immunol 2019; 9:1-4. [DOI: 10.5411/wji.v9.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although human hibernation has been introduced as an effective technique in space exploration, there are concerns regarding the intrinsic risks of the approach (i.e., synthetic torpor) and other factors involved in this procedure. Besides concerns about the brain changes and the state of consciousness during hibernation, an "Achilles heel" of the hibernation is the negative impact of torpor on factors such as the number of circulating leukocytes, complement levels, response to lipopolysaccharides, phagocytotic capacity, cytokine production, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production. Moreover, increased virulence of bacteria in deep space can significantly increase the risk of infection. The increased infection risk during long-term space missions with the combined effects of radiation and microgravity affect the astronauts’ immune system. With these additional immune system stressors, torpor-induced extra-immunosuppression can be potentially life threatening for astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Welsh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Hines VA Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL 60153, United States
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
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Silvani A, Cerri M, Zoccoli G, Swoap SJ. Is Adenosine Action Common Ground for NREM Sleep, Torpor, and Other Hypometabolic States? Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 33:182-196. [PMID: 29616880 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00007.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review compares two states that lower energy expenditure: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and torpor. Knowledge on mechanisms common to these states, and particularly on the role of adenosine in NREM sleep, may ultimately open the possibility of inducing a synthetic torpor-like state in humans for medical applications and long-term space travel. To achieve this goal, it will be important, in perspective, to extend the study to other hypometabolic states, which, unlike torpor, can also be experienced by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Silvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), Section of Bologna, Bologna , Italy
| | - Giovanna Zoccoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Steven J Swoap
- Department of Biology, Williams College , Williamstown, Massachusetts
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