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Oginga FO, Mpofana T. Understanding the role of early life stress and schizophrenia on anxiety and depressive like outcomes: An experimental study. Behav Brain Res 2024; 470:115053. [PMID: 38768688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115053] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse experiences due to early life stress (ELS) or parental psychopathology such as schizophrenia (SZ) have a significant implication on individual susceptibility to psychiatric disorders in the future. However, it is not fully understood how ELS affects social-associated behaviors as well as the developing prefrontal cortex (PFC). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ELS and ketamine induced schizophrenia like symptoms (KSZ) on anhedonia, social behavior and anxiety-like behavior. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups were allocated randomly into eight experimental groups, namely control, gestational stress (GS), GS+KSZ, maternal separation (MS), MS+KSZ pups, KSZ parents, KSZ parents and Pups and KSZ pups only. ELS was induced by subjecting the pups to GS and MS, while schizophrenia like symptoms was induced through subcutaneous administration of ketamine. Behavioral assessment included sucrose preference test (SPT) and elevated plus maze (EPM), followed by dopamine testing and analysis of astrocyte density. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests, revealing significant group differences and yielding insights into behavioral and neurodevelopmental impacts. RESULTS GS, MS, and KSZ (dams) significantly reduced hedonic response and increased anxiety-like responses (p < 0.05). Notably, the presence of normal parental mental health demonstrated a reversal of the observed decline in Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-positive astrocytes (GFAP+ astrocytes) (p < 0.05) and a reduction in anxiety levels, implying its potential protective influence on depressive-like symptoms and PFC astrocyte functionality. CONCLUSION The present study provides empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that exposure to ELS and KSZ on dams have a significant impact on the on development of anxiety and depressive like symptoms in Sprague Dawley rats, while positive parenting has a reversal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Otieno Oginga
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, Kabarak University, Nakuru 20157, Kenya.
| | - Thabisile Mpofana
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences North West University, Potchefstroom campus, 11 Hoffman St., Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
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2
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Bansal Y, Codeluppi SA, Banasr M. Astroglial Dysfunctions in Mood Disorders and Rodent Stress Models: Consequences on Behavior and Potential as Treatment Target. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6357. [PMID: 38928062 PMCID: PMC11204179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126357] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunctions have been consistently observed in patients affected with depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Although over the years our understanding of these changes, their origin, and their consequences on behavior and neuronal function has deepened, many aspects of the role of astroglial dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unknown. In this review, we summarize the known astroglial dysfunctions associated with MDD and PTSD, highlight the impact of chronic stress on specific astroglial functions, and how astroglial dysfunctions are implicated in the expression of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, focusing on behavioral consequences of astroglial manipulation on emotion-related and fear-learning behaviors. We also offer a glance at potential astroglial functions that can be targeted for potential antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Sierra A. Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Mounira Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M2J 4A6, Canada
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3
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Deng Q, Parker E, Wu C, Zhu L, Liu TCY, Duan R, Yang L. Repurposing Ketamine in the Therapy of Depression and Depression-Related Disorders: Recent Advances and Future Potential. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0239. [PMID: 38916735 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression represents a prevalent and enduring mental disorder of significant concern within the clinical domain. Extensive research indicates that depression is very complex, with many interconnected pathways involved. Most research related to depression focuses on monoamines, neurotrophic factors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, the gut-brain axis, glial cell-mediated inflammation, myelination, homeostasis, and brain neural networks. However, recently, Ketamine, an ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been discovered to have rapid antidepressant effects in patients, leading to novel and successful treatment approaches for mood disorders. This review aims to summarize the latest findings and insights into various signaling pathways and systems observed in depression patients and animal models, providing a more comprehensive view of the neurobiology of anxious-depressive-like behavior. Specifically, it highlights the key mechanisms of ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant, aiming to enhance the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, we discuss the potential of ketamine as a prophylactic or therapeutic intervention for stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Deng
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Emily Parker
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Chongyun Wu
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Timon Cheng-Yi Liu
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Duan
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luodan Yang
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Valenza M, Facchinetti R, Torazza C, Ciarla C, Bronzuoli MR, Balbi M, Bonanno G, Popoli M, Steardo L, Milanese M, Musazzi L, Bonifacino T, Scuderi C. Molecular signatures of astrocytes and microglia maladaptive responses to acute stress are rescued by a single administration of ketamine in a rodent model of PTSD. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:209. [PMID: 38796504 PMCID: PMC11127980 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02928-6] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress affects the brain and alters its neuroarchitecture and function; these changes can be severe and lead to psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes and microglia play an essential role in the stress response by contributing to the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis. These cells respond rapidly to all stimuli that reach the brain, including stressors. Here, we used a recently validated rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder in which rats can be categorized as resilient or vulnerable after acute inescapable footshock stress. We then investigated the functional, molecular, and morphological determinants of stress resilience and vulnerability in the prefrontal cortex, focusing on glial and neuronal cells. In addition, we examined the effects of a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant recently approved for the treatment of resistant depression and proposed for other stress-related psychiatric disorders. The present results suggest a prompt glial cell response and activation of the NF-κB pathway after acute stress, leading to an increase in specific cytokines such as IL-18 and TNF-α. This response persists in vulnerable individuals and is accompanied by a significant change in the levels of critical glial proteins such as S100B, CD11b, and CX43, brain trophic factors such as BDNF and FGF2, and proteins related to dendritic arborization and synaptic architecture such as MAP2 and PSD95. Administration of ketamine 24 h after the acute stress event rescued many of the changes observed in vulnerable rats, possibly contributing to support brain homeostasis. Overall, our results suggest that pivotal events, including reactive astrogliosis, changes in brain trophic factors, and neuronal damage are critical determinants of vulnerability to acute traumatic stress and confirm the therapeutic effect of acute ketamine against the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Ciarla
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosanna Bronzuoli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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5
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Zheng Z, Zhou H, Yang L, Zhang L, Guo M. Selective disruption of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in VTA astrocytes induces depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114888. [PMID: 38307148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114888] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Most studies have been focusing on neurons, and the function of mTOR signaling pathway in astrocytes is less investigated. mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with key scaffolding protein Raptor and Rictor, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital component of the brain reward system, is enrolled in regulating both depression and anxiety. In the present study, we aimed to examine the regulation effect of VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway on depression and anxiety. We specifically deleted Raptor or Rictor in VTA astrocytes in mice and performed a series of behavioral tests for depression and anxiety. Deletion of Raptor and Rictor both decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the latency to eat in the novelty suppressed feeding test, and increased the horizontal activity and the movement time in locomotor activity. Deletion of Rictor decreased the number of total arm entries in the elevated plus-maze test and the vertical activity in locomotor activity. These data suggest that VTA astrocytic mTORC1 plays a role in regulating depression-related behaviors and mTORC2 is involved in both depression and anxiety-related behaviors. Our results indicate that VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway might be new targets for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zheng
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China.
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6
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Vivi E, Seeholzer LR, Nagumanova A, Di Benedetto B. Early Age- and Sex-Dependent Regulation of Astrocyte-Mediated Glutamatergic Synapse Elimination in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex: Establishing an Organotypic Brain Slice Culture Investigating Tool. Cells 2023; 12:2761. [PMID: 38067189 PMCID: PMC10705965 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and pre-clinical studies of neuropsychiatric (NP) disorders show altered astrocyte properties and synaptic networks. These are refined during early postnatal developmental (PND) stages. Thus, investigating early brain maturational trajectories is essential to understand NP disorders. However, animal experiments are highly time-/resource-consuming, thereby calling for alternative methodological approaches. The function of MEGF10 in astrocyte-mediated synapse elimination (pruning) is crucial to refine neuronal networks during development and adulthood. To investigate the impact of MEGF10 during PND in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its putative role in brain disorders, we established and validated an organotypic brain slice culture (OBSC) system. Using Western blot, we characterized the expression of MEGF10 and the synaptic markers synaptophysin and PSD95 in the cortex of developing pups. We then combined immunofluorescent-immunohistochemistry with Imaris-supported 3D analysis to compare age- and sex-dependent astrocyte-mediated pruning within the PFC in pups and OBSCs. We thereby validated this system to investigate age-dependent astrocyte-mediated changes in pruning during PND. However, further optimizations are required to use OBSCs for revealing sex-dependent differences. In conclusion, OBSCs offer a valid alternative to study physiological astrocyte-mediated synaptic remodeling during PND and might be exploited to investigate the pathomechanisms of brain disorders with aberrant synaptic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Vivi
- Laboratory of Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (E.V.); (L.R.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Lea R. Seeholzer
- Laboratory of Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (E.V.); (L.R.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Anastasiia Nagumanova
- Laboratory of Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (E.V.); (L.R.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Barbara Di Benedetto
- Laboratory of Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (E.V.); (L.R.S.); (A.N.)
- Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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7
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Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [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] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
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8
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Codeluppi SA, Xu M, Bansal Y, Lepack AE, Duric V, Chow M, Muir J, Bagot RC, Licznerski P, Wilber SL, Sanacora G, Sibille E, Duman RS, Pittenger C, Banasr M. Prefrontal cortex astroglia modulate anhedonia-like behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4632-4641. [PMID: 37696873 PMCID: PMC10914619 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02246-1] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Reductions of astroglia expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are consistently found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with depression and in rodent chronic stress models. Here, we examine the consequences of PFC GFAP+ cell depletion and cell activity enhancement on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. Using viral expression of diphtheria toxin receptor in PFC GFAP+ cells, which allows experimental depletion of these cells following diphtheria toxin administration, we demonstrated that PFC GFAP+ cell depletion induced anhedonia-like behavior within 2 days and lasting up to 8 days, but no anxiety-like deficits. Conversely, activating PFC GFAP+ cell activity for 3 weeks using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) reversed chronic restraint stress-induced anhedonia-like deficits, but not anxiety-like deficits. Our results highlight a critical role of cortical astroglia in the development of anhedonia and further support the idea of targeting astroglia for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Y Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A E Lepack
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - V Duric
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - M Chow
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Muir
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - R C Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P Licznerski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S L Wilber
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - G Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - E Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R S Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Neuroprotective astroglial response to neural damage and its relevance to affective disorders. EXPLORATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE THERAPY 2023; 3:328-345. [PMID: 37920189 PMCID: PMC10622120 DOI: 10.37349/ent.2023.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes not only support neuronal function with essential roles in synaptic neurotransmission, action potential propagation, metabolic support, or neuroplastic and developmental adaptations. They also respond to damage or dysfunction in surrounding neurons and oligodendrocytes by releasing neurotrophic factors and other molecules that increase the survival of the supported cells or contribute to mechanisms of structural and molecular restoration. The neuroprotective responsiveness of astrocytes is based on their ability to sense signals of degeneration, metabolic jeopardy and structural damage, and on their aptitude to locally deliver specific molecules to remedy threats to the molecular and structural features of their cellular partners. To the extent that neuronal and other glial cell disturbances are known to occur in affective disorders, astrocyte responsiveness to those disturbances may help to better understand the roles astrocytes play in affective disorders. The astrocytic sensing apparatus supporting those responses involves receptors for neurotransmitters, purines, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors. Astrocytes also share with the immune system the capacity of responding to cytokines released upon neuronal damage. In addition, in responses to specific signals astrocytes release unique factors such as clusterin or humanin that have been shown to exert potent neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes integrate the signals above to further deliver structural lipids, removing toxic metabolites, stabilizing the osmotic environment, normalizing neurotransmitters, providing anti-oxidant protection, facilitating synaptogenesis and acting as barriers to contain varied deleterious signals, some of which have been described in brain regions relevant to affective disorders and related animal models. Since various of the injurious signals that activate astrocytes have been implicated in different aspects of the etiopathology of affective disorders, particularly in relation to the diagnosis of depression, potentiating the corresponding astrocyte neuroprotective responses may provide additional opportunities to improve or complement available pharmacological and behavioral therapies for affective disorders.
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Zhang YM, Qi YB, Gao YN, Chen WG, Zhou T, Zang Y, Li J. Astrocyte metabolism and signaling pathways in the CNS. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1217451. [PMID: 37732313 PMCID: PMC10507181 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1217451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes comprise half of the cells in the central nervous system and play a critical role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes has been indicated as the primary cause of neurological diseases, such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Although the metabolic functionalities of astrocytes are well known, their relationship to neurological disorders is poorly understood. The ways in which astrocytes regulate the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids have all been implicated in neurological diseases. Metabolism in astrocytes has also exhibited a significant influence on neuron functionality and the brain's neuro-network. In this review, we focused on metabolic processes present in astrocytes, most notably the glucose metabolic pathway, the fatty acid metabolic pathway, and the amino-acid metabolic pathway. For glucose metabolism, we focused on the glycolysis pathway, pentose-phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In fatty acid metabolism, we followed fatty acid oxidation, ketone body metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. For amino acid metabolism, we summarized neurotransmitter metabolism and the serine and kynurenine metabolic pathways. This review will provide an overview of functional changes in astrocyte metabolism and provide an overall perspective of current treatment and therapy for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-mei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-bei Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-nan Gao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-gang Chen
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Codeluppi S, Xu M, Bansal Y, Lepack A, Duric V, Chow M, Muir. J, Bagot R, Licznerski P, Wilber S, Sanacora G, Sibille E, Duman R, Pittenger C, Banasr M. Prefrontal Cortex Astroglia Modulate Anhedonia-like Behavior. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3093428. [PMID: 37461693 PMCID: PMC10350119 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3093428/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Reductions of astroglia expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are consistently found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with depression and in rodent chronic stress models. Here, we examine the consequences of PFC GFAP+ cell depletion and cell activity enhancement on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. Using viral expression of diphtheria toxin receptor in PFC GFAP+ cells, which allows experimental depletion of these cells following diphtheria toxin administration, we demonstrated that PFC GFAP+ cell depletion induced anhedonia-like behavior within 2 days and lasting up to 8 days, but no anxiety-like deficits. Conversely, activating PFC GFAP+ cell activity for 3 weeks using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) reversed chronic restraint stress-induced anhedonia-like deficits, but not anxiety-like deficits. Our results highlight a critical role of cortical astroglia in the development of anhedonia and further support the idea of targeting astroglia for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Codeluppi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M. Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Y. Bansal
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A.E. Lepack
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - V. Duric
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Iowa, USA
| | - M. Chow
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - J. Muir.
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - R.C. Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P. Licznerski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - S.L. Wilber
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - G. Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - E. Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - R.S. Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - C. Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - M. Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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12
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Kim HJ, You MJ, Sung S, Rim C, Kwon MS. Possible involvement of microglial P2RY12 and peripheral IL-10 in postpartum depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1162966. [PMID: 37396924 PMCID: PMC10309556 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1162966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is another type of depression, including emotional fluctuation, fatigue, and anxiety. Based on the specific event like giving birth, it can be speculated that PPD might have its specific mechanism. Here, we confirmed that dexamethasone (DEX) administration during pregnancy (gestational days 16-18) induced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in dam (DEX-dam) after weaning period (3 weeks). DEX-dam showed anxiety-like behaviors in open-field test (OFT) and light-dark test (LD). In addition, DEX-dam exhibited depressive-like behaviors with the increased immobility time in forced swimming test (TST). Molecular analysis confirmed that microglia, rather than neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, are involved in anxiety-/depressive-like behaviors. Notably, P2ry12, homeostatic gene, and purinoceptor, along with hyper-ramified form, were reduced in the hippocampus of DEX-dam. In addition, we found that IL-10 mRNA was reduced in lymph nodes without alteration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Interestingly, anxiety-/depressive-like behaviors of DEX-dam were restored with the normalization of P2ry12 and IL-10 after 10 weeks postpartum without antidepressants. Our results propose that stress hormone elevation during pregnancy might be associated with PPD via microglial P2RY12 and peripheral IL-10.
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Yao J, Chen C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Chu S, Ai Q, Zhang Z, Lin M, Yang S, Chen N. A Review of Research on the Association between Neuron-Astrocyte Signaling Processes and Depressive Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086985. [PMID: 37108148 PMCID: PMC10139177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a mental illness that has a serious negative impact on physical and mental health. The pathophysiology of depression is still unknown, and therapeutic medications have drawbacks, such as poor effectiveness, strong dependence, adverse drug withdrawal symptoms, and harmful side effects. Therefore, the primary purpose of contemporary research is to understand the exact pathophysiology of depression. The connection between astrocytes, neurons, and their interactions with depression has recently become the focus of great research interest. This review summarizes the pathological changes of neurons and astrocytes, and their interactions in depression, including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, the alterations of astrocyte-related biomarkers, and the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons. In addition to providing the subjects of this research and suggestions for the pathogenesis and treatment techniques of depression, the intention of this article is to more clearly identify links between neuronal-astrocyte signaling processes and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Cong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- School of Acupuncture & Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xinya Liu
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meiyu Lin
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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14
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Si L, Xiao L, Xie Y, Xu H, Yuan G, Xu W, Wang G. Social isolation after chronic unpredictable mild stress perpetuates depressive-like behaviors, memory deficits and social withdrawal via inhibiting ERK/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:576-588. [PMID: 36584714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social withdrawal in patients with depression can aggravate depressive symptoms. However, few studies focus on the behavioral changes of social isolation after CUMS. NRF2 had been reported to be down-regulated after CUMS. But whether NRF2 participates in behavioral changes induced by social isolation after CUMS remains unclear. This study aims to develop a new model combined social isolation with CUMS, and investigate whether such behavioral changes are related to NRF2 signaling. METHODS This study included two stages. In Stage 1, rats were subjected to 4-week CUMS and CUMS-susceptible rats were selected. In Stage 2, the CUMS-susceptible rats received 4-week social isolation or social support. Behavioral tests were carried out to observe behavioral changes, including sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, open field test, novel object recognition and social interaction test. QRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the ERK/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling. RESULTS CUMS-susceptible rats exhibited depressive-like behaviors accompanied by the down-regulated ERK/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling in hippocampus. In Stage 2, compared with 4-week social support (group CUMSG), 4-week social isolation (group CUMSI) perpetuated the depressive-like behaviors, memory deficits and social withdrawal in CUMS-susceptible rats, as well as lower levels of p-ERK, NRF2, p-NRF2, HO-1 and NQO1, and the higher levels of KEAP1 in hippocampus. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that social isolation after CUMS perpetuated depressive-like behaviors, memory deficits and social withdrawal via inhibiting ERK/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling. This study provided molecular evidence for the effects of post-stress social isolation on mental health, and the antioxidant stress signaling might be a target to rescue these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujia Si
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinping Xie
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohao Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaohua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Astrocytes as Context for the Involvement of Myelin and Nodes of Ranvier in the Pathophysiology of Depression and Stress-Related Disorders. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2023; 8:e230001. [PMID: 36866235 PMCID: PMC9976698 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20230001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, despite some shared features as glial cells supporting neuronal function in gray and white matter, participate and adapt their morphology and neurochemistry in a plethora of distinct regulatory tasks in specific neural environments. In the white matter, a large proportion of the processes branching from the astrocytes' cell bodies establish contacts with oligodendrocytes and the myelin they form, while the tips of many astrocyte branches closely associate with nodes of Ranvier. Stability of myelin has been shown to greatly depend on astrocyte-to-oligodendrocyte communication, while the integrity of action potentials that regenerate at nodes of Ranvier has been shown to depend on extracellular matrix components heavily contributed by astrocytes. Several lines of evidence are starting to show that in human subjects with affective disorders and in animal models of chronic stress there are significant changes in myelin components, white matter astrocytes and nodes of Ranvier that have direct relevance to connectivity alterations in those disorders. Some of these changes involve the expression of connexins supporting astrocyte-to-oligodendrocyte gap junctions, extracellular matrix components produced by astrocytes around nodes of Ranvier, specific types of astrocyte glutamate transporters, and neurotrophic factors secreted by astrocytes that are involved in the development and plasticity of myelin. Future studies should further examine the mechanisms responsible for those changes in white matter astrocytes, their putative contribution to pathological connectivity in affective disorders, and the possibility of leveraging that knowledge to design new therapies for psychiatric disorders.
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16
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Zhao YF, Verkhratsky A, Tang Y, Illes P. Astrocytes and major depression: The purinergic avenue. Neuropharmacology 2022; 220:109252. [PMID: 36122663 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses worldwide which impairs the social functioning of the afflicted patients. Astrocytes promote homeostasis of the CNS and provide defense against various types of harmful influences. Increasing evidence suggests that the number, morphology and function of astrocytes are deteriorated in the depressed brain and the malfunction of the astrocytic purinergic system appears to participate in the pathophysiology of MDD. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) released from astrocytes modulates depressive-like behavior in animal models and probably also clinical depression in patients. Astrocytes possess purinergic receptors, such as adenosine A2A receptors (Rs), and P2X7, P2Y1, and P2Y11Rs, which mediate neuroinflammation, neuro(glio)transmission, and synaptic plasticity in depression-relevant areas of the brain (e.g. medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala nuclei). By contrast, astrocytic A1Rs are neuroprotective and immunosuppressive. In the present review, we shall discuss the release of purines from astrocytes, and the expression/function of astrocytic purinergic receptors. Subsequently, we shall review in more detail novel evidence indicating that the dysregulation of astrocytic purinergic signaling actively contributes to the pathophysiology of depression and shall discuss possible therapeutic options based on knowledge recently acquired in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y F Zhao
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - A Verkhratsky
- International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Y Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
| | - P Illes
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
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17
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Hirata RYS, Oliveira RN, Silva MSCF, Armada-Moreira A, Vaz SH, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Lemes JA, de Andrade JS, Rosário BA, Céspedes IC, Viana MB. Platinum nanoparticle-based microreactors protect against the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of chronic stress exposure. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:1-11. [PMID: 36089164 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.004] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is described as the exacerbated activation of glutamate AMPA and NMDA receptors that leads to neuronal damage, and ultimately to cell death. Astrocytes are responsible for the clearance of 80-90% of synaptically released glutamate, preventing excitotoxicity. Chronic stress renders neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity and has been associated to neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., anxiety. Microreactors containing platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NP) and glutamate dehydrogenase have shown in vitro activity against excitotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vivo effects of these microreactors on the behavioral and neurobiological effects of chronic stress exposure. Rats were either unstressed or exposed for 2 weeks to an unpredictable chronic mild stress paradigm (UCMS), administered intra-ventral hippocampus with the microreactors (with or without the blockage of astrocyte functioning), and seven days later tested in the elevated T-maze (ETM; Experiment 1). The ETM allows the measurement of two defensive responses, avoidance and escape, in terms of psychopathology respectively related to generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Locomotor activity in an open field was also measured. Since previous evidence shows that stress inhibits adult neurogenesis, we evaluated the effects of the different treatments on the number of cells expressing the marker of migrating neuroblasts doublecortin (DCX) in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus (Experiment 2). Results showed that UCMS induces anxiogenic effects, increases locomotion, and decreases the number of DCX cells in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, effects that were counteracted by microreactor administration. This is the first study to demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of Pt-NP against the behavioral and neurobiological effects of chronic stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Y S Hirata
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto N Oliveira
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana S C F Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adam Armada-Moreira
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Bredgatan 33, 602 21 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa F Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jéssica A Lemes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José S de Andrade
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara A Rosário
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel C Céspedes
- Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 740, 04023-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena B Viana
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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