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Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial Transcriptional Signatures in the Central Nervous System: Toward A Future of Unraveling Their Function in Health and Disease. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:65-86. [PMID: 37384734 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-022223-093643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are primarily derived from the embryonic yolk sac and make their way to the CNS during early development. They play key physiological and immunological roles across the life span, throughout health, injury, and disease. Recent transcriptomic studies have identified gene transcript signatures expressed by microglia that may provide the foundation for unprecedented insights into their functions. Microglial gene expression signatures can help distinguish them from macrophage cell types to a reasonable degree of certainty, depending on the context. Microglial expression patterns further suggest a heterogeneous population comprised of many states that vary according to the spatiotemporal context. Microglial diversity is most pronounced during development, when extensive CNS remodeling takes place, and following disease or injury. A next step of importance for the field will be to identify the functional roles performed by these various microglial states, with the perspective of targeting them therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; ,
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; ,
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology and Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire and Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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Hill MN, Haney M, Hillard CJ, Karhson DS, Vecchiarelli HA. The endocannabinoid system as a putative target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7006-7024. [PMID: 37671673 PMCID: PMC10719691 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is well established to impact affective states, emotion and perceptual processing, primarily through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system. While cannabis use is quite prevalent in many individuals afflicted with psychiatric illnesses, there is considerable controversy as to whether cannabis may worsen these conditions or provide some form of therapeutic benefit. The development of pharmacological agents which interact with components of the endocannabinoid system in more localized and discrete ways then via phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, has allowed the investigation if direct targeting of the endocannabinoid system itself may represent a novel approach to treat psychiatric illness without the potential untoward side effects associated with cannabis. Herein we review the current body of literature regarding the various pharmacological tools that have been developed to target the endocannabinoid system, their impact in preclinical models of psychiatric illness and the recent data emerging of their utilization in clinical trials for psychiatric illnesses, with a specific focus on substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and autism. We highlight several candidate drugs which target endocannabinoid function, particularly inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism or modulators of cannabinoid receptor signaling, which have emerged as potential candidates for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, particularly substance use disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Although there needs to be ongoing clinical work to establish the potential utility of endocannabinoid-based drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, the current data available is quite promising and shows indications of several potential candidate diseases which may benefit from this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N. Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Margaret Haney
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Debra S. Karhson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
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Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Disrupting T cell memory to promote stress resilience: A role for CD74? Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:240-241. [PMID: 37574175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Division of Medical Sciences, Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), and Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), and Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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4
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Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Local translation in microglial processes. Nat Neurosci 2023:10.1038/s41593-023-01370-z. [PMID: 37311948 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Départment de Médicine Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Balsevich G, Petrie GN, Heinz DE, Singh A, Aukema RJ, Hunker AC, Vecchiarelli HA, Yau H, Sticht M, Thompson RJ, Lee FS, Zweifel LS, Chelikani PK, Gassen NC, Hill MN. A genetic variant of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) exacerbates hormone-mediated orexigenic feeding in mice. eLife 2023; 12:e81919. [PMID: 37039453 PMCID: PMC10159625 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide. A polymorphism in FAAH (FAAH C385A) reduces FAAH expression, increases anandamide levels, and increases the risk of obesity. Nevertheless, some studies have found no association between FAAH C385A and obesity. We investigated whether the environmental context governs the impact of FAAH C385A on metabolic outcomes. Using a C385A knock-in mouse model, we found that FAAH A/A mice are more susceptible to glucocorticoid-induced hyperphagia, weight gain, and activation of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK inhibition occluded the amplified hyperphagic response to glucocorticoids in FAAH A/A mice. FAAH knockdown exclusively in agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons mimicked the exaggerated feeding response of FAAH A/A mice to glucocorticoids. FAAH A/A mice likewise presented exaggerated orexigenic responses to ghrelin, while FAAH knockdown in AgRP neurons blunted leptin anorectic responses. Together, the FAAH A/A genotype amplifies orexigenic responses and decreases anorexigenic responses, providing a putative mechanism explaining the diverging human findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gavin N Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Daniel E Heinz
- Neurohomeostasis Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Arashdeep Singh
- Monell Chemical Senses Center and Department of Neuroscience, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | | | - Hiulan Yau
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Martin Sticht
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | | | - Francis S Lee
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | | | - Nils C Gassen
- Neurohomeostasis Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
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Chrusch MJ, Fu S, Spanswick SC, Vecchiarelli HA, Patel PP, Hill MN, Dyck RH. Environmental Enrichment Engages Vesicular Zinc Signaling to Enhance Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060883. [PMID: 36980224 PMCID: PMC10046929 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc is highly concentrated in synaptic vesicles throughout the mammalian telencephalon and, in particular, the hippocampal dentate gyrus. A role for zinc in modulating synaptic plasticity has been inferred, but whether zinc has a particular role in experience-dependent plasticity has yet to be determined. The aim of the current study was to determine whether vesicular zinc is important for modulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis in an experience-dependent manner and, consequently, hippocampal-dependent behaviour. We assessed the role of vesicular zinc in modulating hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviour by comparing ZnT3 knockout (KO) mice, which lack vesicular zinc, to wild-type (WT) littermates exposed to either standard housing conditions (SH) or an enriched environment (EE). We found that vesicular zinc is necessary for a cascade of changes in hippocampal plasticity following EE, such as increases in hippocampal neurogenesis and elevations in mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), but was otherwise dispensable under SH conditions. Using the Spatial Object Recognition task and the Morris Water task we show that, unlike WT mice, ZnT3 KO mice showed no improvements in spatial memory following EE. These experiments demonstrate that vesicular zinc is essential for the enhancement of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviour following enrichment, supporting a role for zincergic neurons in contributing to experience-dependent plasticity in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Chrusch
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Selena Fu
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Simon C. Spanswick
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Haley A. Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Payal P. Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Richard H. Dyck
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.J.C.); (S.F.); (S.C.S.); (H.A.V.); (M.N.H.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Murray CJ, Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Enhancing axonal myelination in seniors: A review exploring the potential impact cannabis has on myelination in the aged brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1119552. [PMID: 37032821 PMCID: PMC10073480 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1119552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of cannabis is on the rise as public opinion trends toward acceptance and its consequent legalization. Specifically, the senior population is one of the demographics increasing their use of cannabis the fastest, but research aimed at understanding cannabis' impact on the aged brain is still scarce. Aging is characterized by many brain changes that slowly alter cognitive ability. One process that is greatly impacted during aging is axonal myelination. The slow degradation and loss of myelin (i.e., demyelination) in the brain with age has been shown to associate with cognitive decline and, furthermore, is a common characteristic of numerous neurological diseases experienced in aging. It is currently not known what causes this age-dependent degradation, but it is likely due to numerous confounding factors (i.e., heightened inflammation, reduced blood flow, cellular senescence) that impact the many cells responsible for maintaining overall homeostasis and myelin integrity. Importantly, animal studies using non-human primates and rodents have also revealed demyelination with age, providing a reliable model for researchers to try and understand the cellular mechanisms at play. In rodents, cannabis was recently shown to modulate the myelination process. Furthermore, studies looking at the direct modulatory impact cannabis has on microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte lineage cells hint at potential mechanisms to prevent some of the more damaging activities performed by these cells that contribute to demyelination in aging. However, research focusing on how cannabis impacts myelination in the aged brain is lacking. Therefore, this review will explore the evidence thus far accumulated to show how cannabis impacts myelination and will extrapolate what this knowledge may mean for the aged brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Murray
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Colin J. Murray,
| | | | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Départment de Médicine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Center de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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McKee CG, Hoffos M, Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia: A pharmacological target for the treatment of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1125982. [PMID: 36969855 PMCID: PMC10034122 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1125982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As individuals age, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), become less effective at preserving brain circuits. Increases in microglial inflammatory activity are thought to contribute to age-related declines in cognitive functions and to transitions toward mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). As microglia possess receptors for communicating with the CNS environment, pharmacological therapies targeting these pathways hold potential for promoting homeostatic microglial functions within the aging CNS. Preclinical and early phase clinical trials investigating the therapeutic effects of pharmacological agents acting on microglia, including reactive oxygen species, TREM2, fractalkine signaling, the complement cascade, and the NLRP3 inflammasome, are currently underway; however, important questions remain unanswered. Current challenges include target selectivity, as many of the signaling pathways are expressed in other cell types. Furthermore, microglia are a heterogenous cell population with transcriptomic, proteomic, and microscopy studies revealing distinct microglial states, whose activities and abundance shift across the lifespan. For example, homeostatic microglia can transform into pathological states characterized by markers of oxidative stress. Selective pharmacological targeting aimed at limiting transitions to pathological states or promoting homeostatic or protective states, could help to avoid potentially harmful off-target effects on beneficial states or other cell types. In this mini-review we cover current microglial pathways of interest for the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline and CNS disorders of aging focusing on MCI and AD. We also discuss the heterogeneity of microglia described in these conditions and how pharmacological agents could target specific microglial states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe G. McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Madison Hoffos
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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Vecchiarelli HA, Joers V, Tansey MG, Starowicz K. Editorial: Cannabinoids in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and pain: Focus on non-neuronal cells. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1114775. [PMID: 36605549 PMCID: PMC9808392 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1114775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haley A. Vecchiarelli
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Haley A. Vecchiarelli ✉
| | - Valerie Joers
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States,Valerie Joers ✉
| | - Malú Gámez Tansey
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States,Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, United States,Malú Gámez Tansey ✉
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Kraków, Poland,Katarzyna Starowicz ✉
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A Vecchiarelli H, Morena M, TY Lee T, S Nastase A, J Aukema R, D. Leitl K, Megan Gray J, N Petrie G, J.Tellez-Monnery K, N.Hill M. Sex and stressor modality influence acute stress-induced dynamic changes in corticolimbic endocannabinoid levels in adult Sprague Dawley rats. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100470. [PMID: 36039150 PMCID: PMC9418543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Research over the past few decades has established a role for the endocannabinoid system in contributing to the neural and endocrine responses to stress exposure. The two endocannabinoid ligands, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), both play roles in regulating the stress response and both exhibit dynamic changes in response to stress exposure. Most of this previous research, however, was conducted in male rodents. Given that, especially in rodents, the stress response is influenced by sex, an understanding of how these dynamic responses of endocannabinoids in response to stress is influenced by sex could provide insight into sex differences of the acute stress response. We exposed adult, Sprague Dawley rats to different commonly utilized acute stress modalities, specifically restraint, swim and foot shock stress. Thirty minutes following stress onset, we excised the amygdala, hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, corticolimbic brain regions involved in the stress response, to measure endocannabinoid levels. When AEA levels were altered in response to restraint and swim stress, they were reduced, whereas exposure to foot shock stress led to an increase in the amygdala. 2-AG levels, when they were altered by stress exposure were only increased, specifically in males in the amygdala following swim stress, and in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex overall following foot shock stress. This increase in 2-AG levels following stress only in males was the only sex difference found in stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels. There were no consistent sex differences observed. Collectively, these data contribute to our further understanding of the interactions between stress and endocannabinoid function. Stressor modality influences acute stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels in corticolimbic brain regions. There are minimal sex differences with regards to basal levels or stress-induced changes in endocannabinoid levels. AEA decreased from acute restraint and swim stresses but increased from acute foot shock stress. 2-AG levels only showed increases when they were impacted by the different stress modalities.
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VanRyzin JW, Marquardt AE, Argue KJ, Vecchiarelli HA, Ashton SE, Arambula SE, Hill MN, McCarthy MM. Microglial Phagocytosis of Newborn Cells Is Induced by Endocannabinoids and Sculpts Sex Differences in Juvenile Rat Social Play. Neuron 2022; 110:1271. [PMID: 35390290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Šimončičová E, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Vecchiarelli HA, Awogbindin IO, Delage CI, Tremblay MÈ. Present and future of microglial pharmacology. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:669-685. [PMID: 35031144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, brain resident immune cells, modulate development, activity, and plasticity of the central nervous system. Mechanistically implicated in numerous neurological pathologies, microglia emerge as strong contenders for novel neurotherapies. Shifting away from merely an attenuation of excessive microglial inflammatory and phagocytic activities, current therapies aim toward targeting the complex context-dependent microglial heterogeneity, unveiled by large-scale genetic studies and emerging single-cell analyses. Although lacking the necessary selectivity, initial therapies attempting to target specific state-associated microglial properties and functions (e.g., inflammatory activity, phagocytosis, proliferation, metabolism, or surveillance) are currently under pre- or even clinical (Phase I-IV) investigation. Here, we provide an update on current microglial therapeutic research and discuss what the future in the field might look like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Šimončičová
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ifeoluwa O Awogbindin
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Neuroimmunology Group, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Charlotte I Delage
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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Vecchiarelli HA, Aukema RJ, Hume C, Chiang V, Morena M, Keenan CM, Nastase AS, Lee FS, Pittman QJ, Sharkey KA, Hill MN. Genetic Variants of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Modulate Acute Inflammatory Responses to Colitis in Adult Male Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764706. [PMID: 34916909 PMCID: PMC8670533 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, including cannabis derived phytocannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), are typically considered anti-inflammatory. One such endocannabinoid is N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), which is metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In humans, there is a loss of function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FAAH gene (C385A, rs324420), that leads to increases in the levels of AEA. Using a mouse model with this SNP, we investigated how this SNP affects inflammation in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. We administered 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intracolonically, to adult male FAAH SNP mice and examined colonic macroscopic tissue damage and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as levels of plasma and amygdalar cytokines and chemokines 3 days after administration, at the peak of colitis. We found that mice possessing the loss of function alleles (AC and AA), displayed no differences in colonic damage or myeloperoxidase activity compared to mice with wild type alleles (CC). In contrast, in plasma, colitis-induced increases in interleukin (IL)-2, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were reduced in animals with an A allele. A similar pattern was observed in the amygdala for granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and MCP-1. In the amygdala, the mutant A allele led to lower levels of IL-1α, IL-9, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and MIP-2 independent of colitis-providing additional understanding of how FAAH may serve as a regulator of inflammatory responses in the brain. Together, these data provide insights into how FAAH regulates inflammatory processes in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vincent Chiang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine M Keenan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quentin J Pittman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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14
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Strzelewicz AR, Vecchiarelli HA, Rondón-Ortiz AN, Raneri A, Hill MN, Kentner AC. Interactive effects of compounding multidimensional stressors on maternal and male and female rat offspring outcomes. Horm Behav 2021; 134:105013. [PMID: 34171577 PMCID: PMC8403628 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders in addition to cardiovascular associated diseases. This risk is elevated when the cumulative burden of ACEs is increased. Laboratory animals can be used to model the changes (as well as the underlying mechanisms) that result in response to adverse events. In this study, using male and female Sprague Dawley rats, we examined the impact of increasing stress burden, utilizing both two adverse early life experiences (parental/offspring high fat diet + limited bedding exposure) and three adverse early life experiences (parental/offspring high fat diet + limited bedding exposure + neonatal inflammation), on maternal care quality and offspring behavior. Additionally, we measured hormones and hippocampal gene expression related to stress. We found that the adverse perinatal environment led to a compensatory increase in maternal care. Moreover, these dams had reduced maternal expression of oxytocin receptor, compared to standard housed dams, in response to acute stress on postnatal day (P)22. In offspring, the two-hit and three-hit models resulted in a hyperlocomotor phenotype and increased body weights. Plasma leptin and hippocampal gene expression of corticotropin releasing hormone (Chrh)1 and Crhr2 were elevated (males) while expression of oxytocin was reduced (females) following acute stress. On some measures (e.g., hyperlocomotion, leptin), the magnitude of change was lower in the three-hit compared to the two-hit model. This suggests that multiple early adverse events can have interactive, and often unpredictable, impacts, highlighting the importance of modeling complex interactions amongst stressors during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle R Strzelewicz
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Divisions of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health, Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alejandro N Rondón-Ortiz
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Anthony Raneri
- School of Arts & Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health, Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Amanda C Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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15
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Vecchiarelli HA, Morena M, Keenan CM, Chiang V, Tan K, Qiao M, Leitl K, Santori A, Pittman QJ, Sharkey KA, Hill MN. Comorbid anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of colitis is mediated by an upregulation of corticolimbic fatty acid amide hydrolase. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:992-1003. [PMID: 33452437 PMCID: PMC8115350 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral inflammatory conditions, including those localized to the gastrointestinal tract, are highly comorbid with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. These behavioral symptoms are poorly managed by conventional treatments for inflammatory diseases and contribute to quality of life impairments. Peripheral inflammation is associated with sustained elevations in circulating glucocorticoid hormones, which can modulate central processes, including those involved in the regulation of emotional behavior. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is exquisitely sensitive to these hormonal changes and is a significant regulator of emotional behavior. The impact of peripheral inflammation on central eCB function, and whether this is related to the development of these behavioral comorbidities remains to be determined. To examine this, we employed the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced model of colonic inflammation (colitis) in adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats to produce sustained peripheral inflammation. Colitis produced increases in behavioral measures of anxiety and elevations in circulating corticosterone. These alterations were accompanied by elevated hydrolytic activity of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes the eCB anandamide (AEA), throughout multiple corticolimbic brain regions. This elevation of FAAH activity was associated with broad reductions in the content of AEA, whose decline was driven by central corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor signaling. Colitis-induced anxiety was reversed following acute central inhibition of FAAH, suggesting that the reductions in AEA produced by colitis contributed to the generation of anxiety. These data provide a novel perspective for the pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of chronic inflammatory conditions through modulation of eCB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A. Vecchiarelli
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Catherine M. Keenan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Vincent Chiang
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Tan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Min Qiao
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Kira Leitl
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Alessia Santori
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Quentin J. Pittman
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1 Canada
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16
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Gonçalves de Andrade E, Šimončičová E, Carrier M, Vecchiarelli HA, Robert MÈ, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia Fighting for Neurological and Mental Health: On the Central Nervous System Frontline of COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:647378. [PMID: 33737867 PMCID: PMC7961561 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.647378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is marked by cardio-respiratory alterations, with increasing reports also indicating neurological and psychiatric symptoms in infected individuals. During COVID-19 pathology, the central nervous system (CNS) is possibly affected by direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invasion, exaggerated systemic inflammatory responses, or hypoxia. Psychosocial stress imposed by the pandemic further affects the CNS of COVID-19 patients, but also the non-infected population, potentially contributing to the emergence or exacerbation of various neurological or mental health disorders. Microglia are central players of the CNS homeostasis maintenance and inflammatory response that exert their crucial functions in coordination with other CNS cells. During homeostatic challenges to the brain parenchyma, microglia modify their density, morphology, and molecular signature, resulting in the adjustment of their functions. In this review, we discuss how microglia may be involved in the neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses against CNS insults deriving from COVID-19. We examine how these responses may explain, at least partially, the neurological and psychiatric manifestations reported in COVID-19 patients and the general population. Furthermore, we consider how microglia might contribute to increased CNS vulnerability in certain groups, such as aged individuals and people with pre-existing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Ève Robert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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17
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Picard K, St-Pierre MK, Vecchiarelli HA, Bordeleau M, Tremblay MÈ. Neuroendocrine, neuroinflammatory and pathological outcomes of chronic stress: A story of microglial remodeling. Neurochem Int 2021; 145:104987. [PMID: 33587954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.104987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident macrophage cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are involved in a myriad of processes required to maintain CNS homeostasis. These cells are dynamic and can adapt their phenotype and functions to the physiological needs of the organism. Microglia rapidly respond to changes occurring in their microenvironment, such as the ones taking place during stress. While stress can be beneficial for the organism to adapt to a situation, it can become highly detrimental when it turns chronic. Microglial response to prolonged stress may lead to an alteration of their beneficial physiological functions, becoming either maladaptive or pro-inflammatory. In this review, we aim to summarize the effects of chronic stress exerted on microglia through the neuroendocrine system and inflammation at adulthood. We also discuss how these effects of chronic stress could contribute to microglial involvement in neuropsychiatric and sleep disorders, as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Picard
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Maude Bordeleau
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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18
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Hui CW, Vecchiarelli HA, Gervais É, Luo X, Michaud F, Scheefhals L, Bisht K, Sharma K, Topolnik L, Tremblay MÈ. Sex Differences of Microglia and Synapses in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Adult Mouse Offspring Exposed to Maternal Immune Activation. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:558181. [PMID: 33192308 PMCID: PMC7593822 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.558181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder affecting ∼1% of humans worldwide. It is earlier and more frequently diagnosed in men than woman, and men display more pronounced negative symptoms together with greater gray matter reductions. Our previous findings utilizing a maternal immune activation (mIA) mouse model of schizophrenia revealed exacerbated anxiety-like behavior and sensorimotor gating deficits in adult male offspring that were associated with increased microglial reactivity and inflammation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). However, both male and female adult offspring displayed stereotypy and impairment of sociability. We hypothesized that mIA may lead to sex-specific alterations in microglial pruning activity, resulting in abnormal synaptic connectivity in the DG. Using the same mIA model, we show in the current study sex-specific differences in microglia and synapses within the DG of adult offspring. Specifically, microglial levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)68 and CD11b were increased in mIA-exposed females. Sex-specific differences in excitatory and inhibitory synapse densities were also observed following mIA. Additionally, inhibitory synaptic tone was increased in DG granule cells of both males and females, while changes in excitatory synaptic transmission occurred only in females with mIA. These findings suggest that phagocytic and complement pathways may together contribute to a sexual dimorphism in synaptic pruning and neuronal dysfunction in mIA, and may propose sex-specific therapeutic targets to prevent schizophrenia-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Wai Hui
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Étienne Gervais
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Xiao Luo
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Félix Michaud
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Scheefhals
- Master Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kaushik Sharma
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Topolnik
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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VanRyzin JW, Marquardt AE, Argue KJ, Vecchiarelli HA, Ashton SE, Arambula SE, Hill MN, McCarthy MM. Microglial Phagocytosis of Newborn Cells Is Induced by Endocannabinoids and Sculpts Sex Differences in Juvenile Rat Social Play. Neuron 2019; 102:435-449.e6. [PMID: 30827729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain sex differences are established developmentally and generate enduring changes in circuitry and behavior. Steroid-mediated masculinization of the rat amygdala during perinatal development produces higher levels of juvenile rough-and-tumble play by males. This sex difference in social play is highly conserved across mammals, yet the mechanisms by which it is established are unknown. Here, we report that androgen-induced increases in endocannabinoid tone promote microglia phagocytosis during a critical period of amygdala development. Phagocytic microglia engulf more viable newborn cells in males; in females, less phagocytosis allows more astrocytes to survive to the juvenile age. Blocking complement-dependent phagocytosis in males increases astrocyte survival and prevents masculinization of play. Moreover, increased astrocyte density in the juvenile amygdala reduces neuronal excitation during play. These findings highlight novel mechanisms of brain development whereby endocannabinoids induce microglia phagocytosis to regulate newborn astrocyte number and shape the sexual differentiation of social circuitry and behavior. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W VanRyzin
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ashley E Marquardt
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kathryn J Argue
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Sydney E Ashton
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sheryl E Arambula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Myers KA, Vecchiarelli HA, Damji O, Hill MN, Kirton A. Significance of BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism in Brain Plasticity of Children. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 66:e1-e2. [PMID: 27839823 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Myers
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Omar Damji
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Morena M, Leitl KD, Vecchiarelli HA, Gray JM, Campolongo P, Hill MN. Emotional arousal state influences the ability of amygdalar endocannabinoid signaling to modulate anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2016; 111:59-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Kiryanova V, Meunier SJ, Vecchiarelli HA, Hill MN, Dyck RH. Effects of maternal stress and perinatal fluoxetine exposure on behavioral outcomes of adult male offspring. Neuroscience 2016; 320:281-96. [PMID: 26872999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Women of child-bearing age are the population group at highest risk for depression. In pregnant women, fluoxetine (Flx) is the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression. While maternal stress, depression, and Flx exposure have been shown to effect neurodevelopment of the offspring, separately, combined effects of maternal stress and Flx exposure have not been extensively examined. The present study investigated the effects of prenatal maternal stress and perinatal exposure to the SSRI Flx on the behavior of male mice as adults. METHODS C57BL/6 dams exposed to chronic unpredictable stress from embryonic (E) day 4 to E18 and non-stressed dams were administered Flx (25 mg/kg/d) in the drinking water from E15 to postnatal day 12. A separate control group consisted of animals that were not exposed to stress or Flx. At 12 days of age, brain levels of serotonin were assessed in the male offspring. At two months of age, the male offspring of mothers exposed to prenatal stress (PS), perinatal Flx, PS and Flx, or neither PS or Flx, went through a comprehensive behavioral test battery. At the end of testing brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed in the frontal cortex of the offspring. RESULTS Maternal behavior was not altered by either stress or Flx treatment. Treatment of the mother with Flx led to detectible Flx and NorFlx levels and lead to a decrease in serotonin levels in pup brains. In the adult male offspring, while perinatal exposure to Flx increased aggressive behavior, prenatal maternal stress decreased aggressive behavior. Interestingly, the combined effects of stress and Flx normalized aggressive behavior. Furthermore, perinatal Flx treatment led to a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in male offspring. PS led to hyperactivity and a decrease in BDNF levels in the frontal cortex regardless of Flx exposure. Neither maternal stress or Flx altered offspring performance in tests of cognitive abilities, memory, sensorimotor information processing, or risk assessment behaviors. These results demonstrate that maternal exposure to stress and Flx have a number of sustained effects on the male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kiryanova
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - S J Meunier
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - H A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - R H Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Vecchiarelli HA, Gandhi CP, Gray JM, Morena M, Hassan KI, Hill MN. Divergent responses of inflammatory mediators within the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex to acute psychological stress. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 51:70-91. [PMID: 26260453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is now a growing body of literature that indicates that stress can initiate inflammatory processes, both in the periphery and brain; however, the spatiotemporal nature of this response is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an acute psychological stress on changes in mRNA and protein levels of a wide range of inflammatory mediators across a broad temporal range, in key corticolimbic brain regions involved in the regulation of the stress response (amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, medial prefrontal cortex). mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators were analyzed immediately following 30min or 120min of acute restraint stress and protein levels were examined 0h through 24h post-termination of 120min of acute restraint stress using both multiplex and ELISA methods. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that exposure to acute psychological stress results in an increase in the protein level of several inflammatory mediators in the amygdala while concomitantly producing a decrease in the protein level of multiple inflammatory mediators within the medial prefrontal cortex. This pattern of changes seemed largely restricted to the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, with stress producing few changes in the mRNA or protein levels of inflammatory mediators within the hippocampus or hypothalamus. Consistent with previous research, stress resulted in a general elevation in multiple inflammatory mediators within the circulation. These data indicate that neuroinflammatory responses to stress do not appear to be generalized across brain structures and exhibit a high degree of spatiotemporal specificity. Given the impact of inflammatory signaling on neural excitability and emotional behavior, these data may provide a platform with which to explore the importance of inflammatory signaling within the prefrontocortical-amygdala circuit in the regulation of the neurobehavioral responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Chaitanya P Gandhi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - J Megan Gray
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Kowther I Hassan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Abstract
Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling plays an important role in the stress response pathways of the mammalian brain, yet its role in the avian stress response has not been described. Understanding eCB signaling in avian species (such as the European starling, Sturnus vulgaris) allows a model system that exhibits natural attenuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responsiveness to stressors. Specifically, seasonally breeding birds exhibit the highest HPA activity during the breeding season and subsequently exhibit a robust HPA down-regulation during molt. Because eCB signaling in mammals has an overall inhibitory effect on HPA activity, we expected shifts in eCB signaling to regulate the seasonal HPA down-regulation during molt. However, our data did not support a role for eCB signaling in the molt-related suppression of HPA activity. For example, injection of the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist, AM251, did not potentiate molt-suppressed HPA activity. Instead, our data suggest eCB regulation of HPA plasticity as birds transition from breeding to molt. In support of this hypothesis, birds in the late breeding season demonstrated a more dynamic response at the level of avian amygdala eCB content in response to acute stress. The response and directionality of this effect match that seen in mammals. Overall, our data suggest that eCB signaling may allow for a dynamic range in HPA responsiveness (eg, breeding), but the signaling pathway's role may be limited when the HPA response is restrained (eg, molt). This first characterization of eCB signaling in the avian stress response also emphasizes that although the system functions similarly to other species, its exact role may be species specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J Dickens
- Department of Integrative Biology (M.J.D., G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94609; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy (H.A.V., M.N.H.), Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4; and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-1650
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Department of Integrative Biology (M.J.D., G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94609; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy (H.A.V., M.N.H.), Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4; and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-1650
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Integrative Biology (M.J.D., G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94609; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy (H.A.V., M.N.H.), Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4; and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-1650
| | - George E Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology (M.J.D., G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94609; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy (H.A.V., M.N.H.), Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4; and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (G.E.B.), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-1650
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Qi M, Morena M, Vecchiarelli HA, Hill MN, Schriemer DC. A robust capillary liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitation of neuromodulatory endocannabinoids. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2015; 29:1889-1897. [PMID: 26411510 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Methods for quantifying anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are needed to support programs investigating molecular mechanisms of the central nervous system. Existing methods, while useful, are not well adapted to efficiently process large numbers of very small tissue samples. A unique challenge involves the disparity in endogenous levels of AEA (pmol/g tissue) and 2-AG (nmol/g tissue). METHODS A simplified one-step solvent extraction procedure was developed for recovering endocannabinoids from rat brain tissues, and combined with capillary liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Various multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based methods were evaluated for limit of detection (LOD) and robustness. RESULTS The optimized simultaneous quantitation method achieves an LOQ of 50 amol for AEA and 25 fmol for 2-AG, both with a linearity over 3 orders of magnitude, and elution times under 3 min. Accuracy, expressed as relative error (RE), is less than 12% for AEA and less than 6% for 2-AG. Precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), is less than 6% for AEA and less than 3% for 2-AG. Sample handling routines are sufficiently robust to support the automated analysis of thousands of samples from a range of tissue types. CONCLUSIONS The microscale method is a sensitive, economical and robust alternative to the larger scale LC/MS methods currently implemented for quantitation of AEA and 2-AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Maria Morena
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - David C Schriemer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1
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Qin Z, Zhou X, Pandey NR, Vecchiarelli HA, Stewart CA, Zhang X, Lagace DC, Brunel JM, Béïque JC, Stewart AFR, Hill MN, Chen HH. Chronic stress induces anxiety via an amygdalar intracellular cascade that impairs endocannabinoid signaling. Neuron 2015; 85:1319-31. [PMID: 25754825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Collapse of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in the amygdala contributes to stress-induced anxiety, but the mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. eCB production is tied to the function of the glutamate receptor mGluR5, itself dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation. Herein, we identify a novel pathway linking eCB regulation of anxiety through phosphorylation of mGluR5. Mice lacking LMO4, an endogenous inhibitor of the tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B, display reduced mGluR5 phosphorylation, eCB signaling, and profound anxiety that is reversed by genetic or pharmacological suppression of amygdalar PTP1B. Chronically stressed mice exhibited elevated plasma corticosterone, decreased LMO4 palmitoylation, elevated PTP1B activity, reduced amygdalar eCB levels, and anxiety behaviors that were restored by PTP1B inhibition or by glucocorticoid receptor antagonism. Consistently, corticosterone decreased palmitoylation of LMO4 and its inhibition of PTP1B in neuronal cells. Collectively, these data reveal a stress-responsive corticosterone-LMO4-PTP1B-mGluR5 cascade that impairs amygdalar eCB signaling and contributes to the development of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohong Qin
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Xun Zhou
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Nihar R Pandey
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Chloe A Stewart
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Xia Zhang
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON K1Z7K4, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Diane C Lagace
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Jean Michel Brunel
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Laboratory of Integrative Structural & Chemical Biology (iSCB), Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean-Claude Béïque
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Alexandre F R Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada; University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Hsiao-Huei Chen
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Subcallosal cingulate (SCC) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising experimental treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Given the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neuroplasticity and antidepressant efficacy, we examined the effect of SCC-DBS on serum BDNF in TRD. METHODS Four patients with TRD underwent SCC-DBS treatment. Following a double-blind stimulus optimization phase of 3 months, patients received continuous stimulation in an open label fashion for 6 months. Clinical improvement in depressive symptoms was evaluated bi-weekly for 6 months using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Mature serum BDNF levels were measured before and 9-12 months after surgery. RESULTS Three patients responded to SCC-DBS: two showed full clinical response (50% reduction in HDRS scores) and one had partial response (35% reduction in HDRS scores) at the clinical endpoint. Interestingly, all four patients showed reduction in serum BDNF concentration from pre-DBS baseline. CONCLUSIONS SCC-DBS for TRD may be associated with decreased levels of serum BDNF. Longitudinal studies with multiple measurements in a larger sample are required to determine the role of BDNF as a biomarker of SCC-DBS antidepressant efficacy.
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Gottfried-Blackmore A, Jellinck PH, Vecchiarelli HA, Masheeb Z, Kaufmann M, McEwen BS, Bulloch K. 7α-hydroxylation of dehydroepiandrosterone does not interfere with the activation of glucocorticoids by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in E(t)C cerebellar neurons. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 138:290-7. [PMID: 23851218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuroprotective action of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the absence of a known specific receptor has been attributed to its metabolism by different cell types in the brain to various steroids, with a preference to its 7-hydroxylated products. The E(t)C cerebellar granule cell line converts DHEA almost exclusively to 7α-hydroxy-DHEA (7α-OH-DHEA). It has been postulated that DHEA's 7-OH and 7-oxo metabolites can decrease glucocorticoid levels by an interactive mechanism involving 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). In order to study the relationship of 7-hydroxylation of DHEA and glucocorticoid metabolism in intact brain cells, we examined whether E(t)C cerebellar neurons, which are avid producers of 7α-OH-DHEA, could also metabolize glucocorticoids. We report that E(t)C neuronal cells exhibit 11β-HSD1 reductase activity, and are able to convert 11-dehydrocorticosterone into corticosterone, whereas they do not demonstrate 11β-HSD2 dehydrogenase activity. Consequently, E(t)C cells incubated with DHEA did not yield 7-oxo- or 7β-OH-DHEA. Our findings are supported by the reductive environment of E(t)C cells through expression of hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH), which fosters 11β-HSD1 reductase activity. To further explore the role of 7α-OH-DHEA in E(t)C neuronal cells, we examined the effect of preventing its formation using the CYP450 inhibitor ketoconazole. Treatment of the cells with this drug decreased the yield of 7α-OH-DHEA by about 75% without the formation of alternate DHEA metabolites, and had minimal effects on glucocorticoid conversion. Likewise, elevated levels of corticosterone, the product of 11β-HSD1, had no effect on the metabolic profile of DHEA. This study shows that in a single population of whole-cells, with a highly reductive environment, 7α-OH-DHEA is unable to block the reducing activity of 11β-HSD1, and that 7-hydroxylation of DHEA does not interfere with the activation of glucocorticoids. Our investigation on the metabolism of DHEA in E(t)C neuronal cells suggest that other alternate mechanisms must be at play to explain the in vivo anti-glucocorticoid properties of DHEA and its 7-OH-metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Gottfried-Blackmore
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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