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Tang S, Xu S, Wilder D, Medina AE, Li X, Fiskum GM, Jiang L, Kakulavarapu VR, Long JB, Gullapalli RP, Sajja VS. Longitudinal Biochemical and Behavioral Alterations in a Gyrencephalic Model of Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:254-266. [PMID: 38515547 PMCID: PMC10956534 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2024.0002] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Blast-related traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a major cause of neurological disorders in the U.S. military that can adversely impact some civilian populations as well and can lead to lifelong deficits and diminished quality of life. Among these types of injuries, the long-term sequelae are poorly understood because of variability in intensity and number of the blast exposure, as well as the range of subsequent symptoms that can overlap with those resulting from other traumatic events (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder). Despite the valuable insights that rodent models have provided, there is a growing interest in using injury models using species with neuroanatomical features that more closely resemble the human brain. With this purpose, we established a gyrencephalic model of blast injury in ferrets, which underwent blast exposure applying conditions that closely mimic those associated with primary blast injuries to warfighters. In this study, we evaluated brain biochemical, microstructural, and behavioral profiles after blast exposure using in vivo longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging, histology, and behavioral assessments. In ferrets subjected to blast, the following alterations were found: 1) heightened impulsivity in decision making associated with pre-frontal cortex/amygdalar axis dysfunction; 2) transiently increased glutamate levels that are consistent with earlier findings during subacute stages post-TBI and may be involved in concomitant behavioral deficits; 3) abnormally high brain N-acetylaspartate levels that potentially reveal disrupted lipid synthesis and/or energy metabolism; and 4) dysfunction of pre-frontal cortex/auditory cortex signaling cascades that may reflect similar perturbations underlying secondary psychiatric disorders observed in warfighters after blast exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR), Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR), Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Donna Wilder
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandre E. Medina
- Department of Pediatrics, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR), Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gary M. Fiskum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR), Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Venkata R. Kakulavarapu
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph B. Long
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rao P. Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR), Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Heyburn L, Dahal S, Abutarboush R, Reed E, Urioste R, Batuure A, Wilder D, Ahlers ST, Long JB, Sajja VS. Differential effects on TDP-43, piezo-2, tight-junction proteins in various brain regions following repetitive low-intensity blast overpressure. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1237647. [PMID: 37877029 PMCID: PMC10593467 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1237647] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by repetitive low-intensity blast overpressure (relBOP) in military personnel exposed to breaching and heavy weapons is often unrecognized and is understudied. Exposure to relBOP poses the risk of developing abnormal behavioral and psychological changes such as altered cognitive function, anxiety, and depression, all of which can severely compromise the quality of the life of the affected individual. Due to the structural and anatomical heterogeneity of the brain, understanding the potentially varied effects of relBOP in different regions of the brain could lend insights into the risks from exposures. Methods In this study, using a rodent model of relBOP and western blotting for protein expression we showed the differential expression of various neuropathological proteins like TDP-43, tight junction proteins (claudin-5, occludin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) and a mechanosensitive protein (piezo-2) in different regions of the brain at different intensities and frequency of blast. Results Our key results include (i) significant increase in claudin-5 after 1x blast of 6.5 psi in all three regions and no definitive pattern with higher number of blasts, (ii) significant increase in piezo-2 at 1x followed by significant decrease after multiple blasts in the cortex, (iii) significant increase in piezo-2 with increasing number of blasts in frontal cortex and mixed pattern of expression in hippocampus and (iv) mixed pattern of TDP-3 and GFAP expression in all the regions of brain. Discussion These results suggest that there are not definitive patterns of changes in these marker proteins with increase in intensity and/or frequency of blast exposure in any particular region; the changes in expression of these proteins are different among the regions. We also found that the orientation of blast exposure (e.g. front vs. side exposure) affects the altered expression of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanier Heyburn
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Shataakshi Dahal
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | | | - Eileen Reed
- Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Rodrigo Urioste
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Andrew Batuure
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Donna Wilder
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | - Joseph B. Long
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Heyburn L, Batuure A, Wilder D, Long J, Sajja VS. Neuroinflammation Profiling of Brain Cytokines Following Repeated Blast Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12564. [PMID: 37628746 PMCID: PMC10454588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to use of explosive devices and heavy weapons systems in modern conflicts, the effect of BW on the brain and body is of increasing concern. These exposures have been commonly linked with neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders in veteran populations. A likely neurobiological link between exposure to blasts and the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as depression and PTSD, could be neuroinflammation triggered by the blast wave. In this study, we exposed rats to single or repeated BW (up to four exposures-one per day) at varied intensities (13, 16, and 19 psi) to mimic the types of blast exposures that service members may experience in training and combat. We then measured a panel of neuroinflammatory markers in the brain tissue with a multiplex cytokine/chemokine assay to understand the pathophysiological process(es) associated with single and repeated blast exposures. We found that single and repeated blast exposures promoted neuroinflammatory changes in the brain that are similar to those characterized in several neurological disorders; these effects were most robust after 13 and 16 psi single and repeated blast exposures, and they exceeded those recorded after 19 psi repeated blast exposures. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-10 were changed by 13 and 16 psi single and repeated blast exposures. In conclusion, based upon the growing prominence of negative psychological health outcomes in veterans and soldiers with a history of blast exposures, identifying the molecular etiology of these disorders, such as blast-induced neuroinflammation, is necessary for rationally establishing countermeasures and treatment regimens.
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Heyburn L, Abutarboush R, Goodrich S, Urioste R, Batuure A, Wheel J, Wilder DM, Arun P, Ahlers ST, Long JB, Sajja VS. Repeated Low-Level Blast Acutely Alters Brain Cytokines, Neurovascular Proteins, Mechanotransduction, and Neurodegenerative Markers in a Rat Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:636707. [PMID: 33679327 PMCID: PMC7933446 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.636707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to the repeated low-level blast overpressure (BOP) periodically experienced by military personnel in operational and training environments can lead to deficits in behavior and cognition. While these low-intensity blasts do not cause overt changes acutely, repeated exposures may lead to cumulative effects in the brain that include acute inflammation, vascular disruption, and other molecular changes, which may eventually contribute to neurodegenerative processes. To identify these acute changes in the brain following repeated BOP, an advanced blast simulator was used to expose rats to 8.5 or 10 psi BOP once per day for 14 days. At 24 h after the final BOP, brain tissue was collected and analyzed for inflammatory markers, astrogliosis (GFAP), tight junction proteins (claudin-5 and occludin), and neurodegeneration-related proteins (Aβ40/42, pTau, TDP-43). After repeated exposure to 8.5 psi BOP, the change in cytokine profile was relatively modest compared to the changes observed following 10 psi BOP, which included a significant reduction in several inflammatory markers. Reduction in the tight junction protein occludin was observed in both groups when compared to controls, suggesting cerebrovascular disruption. While repeated exposure to 8.5 psi BOP led to a reduction in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related proteins amyloid-β (Aβ)40 and Aβ42, these changes were not observed in the 10 psi group, which had a significant reduction in phosphorylated tau. Finally, repeated 10 psi BOP exposures led to an increase in GFAP, indicating alterations in astrocytes, and an increase in the mechanosensitive ion channel receptor protein, Piezo2, which may increase brain sensitivity to injury from pressure changes from BOP exposure. Overall, cumulative effects of repeated low-level BOP may increase the vulnerability to injury of the brain by disrupting neurovascular architecture, which may lead to downstream deleterious effects on behavior and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanier Heyburn
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Rania Abutarboush
- Neurotrauma Department, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Samantha Goodrich
- Neurotrauma Department, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Rodrigo Urioste
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Andrew Batuure
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Jaimena Wheel
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Donna M Wilder
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Stephen T Ahlers
- Neurotrauma Department, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Joseph B Long
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Venkatasivasai Sujith Sajja
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Sajja VS, Statz JK, Walker LPB, Gist ID, Wilder DM, Ahlers ST, Long JB. Pulmonary injury risk curves and behavioral changes from blast overpressure exposures of varying frequency and intensity in rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16644. [PMID: 33024181 PMCID: PMC7538583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there are no set guidelines establishing cumulative limits for blast exposure numbers and intensities in military personnel, in combat or training operations. The objective of the current study was to define lung injury, pathology, and associated behavioral changes from primary repeated blast lung injury under appropriate exposure conditions and combinations (i.e. blast overpressure (BOP) intensity and exposure frequency) using an advanced blast simulator. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to BOP frontally and laterally at a pressure range of ~ 8.5-19 psi, for up to 30 daily exposures. The extent of lung injury was identified at 24 h following BOP by assessing the extent of surface hemorrhage/contusion, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, and behavioral deficits with open field activity. Lung injury was mathematically modeled to define the military standard 1% lung injury threshold. Significant levels of histiocytosis and inflammation were observed in pressures ≥ 10 psi and orientation effects were observed at pressures ≥ 13 psi. Experimental data demonstrated ~ 8.5 psi is the threshold for hemorrhage/contusion, up to 30 exposures. Modeling the data predicted injury risk up to 50 exposures with intensity thresholds at 8 psi for front exposure and 6psi for side exposures, which needs to be validated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatasivasai Sujith Sajja
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA. .,The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, USA.
| | - Jonathan K Statz
- Neurotrauma Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lcdr Peter B Walker
- Neurotrauma Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Irene D Gist
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Donna M Wilder
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Stephen T Ahlers
- Neurotrauma Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Joseph B Long
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Hockey KS, Hubbard WB, Sajja VS, Sholar CA, Thorpe C, Vandevord PJ, Rzigalinski BA. A new model for mild blast injury utilizing Drosophila melanogaster - biomed 2013. Biomed Sci Instrum 2013; 49:134-140. [PMID: 23686192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Current models for blast injury involve the use of mammalian species, which are costly and require extensive monitoring and housing, making it difficult to generate large numbers of injuries. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been utilized for many models of human disease including neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. In this study, a model of blast injury was designed based on Drosophila, to provide a mechanism to investigate blast injury in large numbers and assess biochemical mechanisms of brain injury. Such studies may be used to identify specific pathways involved in blast-associated neurodegeneration, allowing more effective use of mammalian models. A custom-built blast wave simulator (ORA Inc.), comprised of a driver, test section, and wave eliminator, was used to create a blast wave. An acetate membrane was placed between the driver and the rectangular test section before compressed helium caused the membrane to rupture creating the blast wave. Membrane thickness correlates with the blast wave magnitude, which averaged 120 kPa for this experiment. Pressure sensors were inserted into the side of the tube in order to quantify the level of overpressure that the flies were exposed to. Five day old flies were held in a rectangular enclosed mesh fixture (10 flies per enclosure) which was placed in the center of the test section for blast delivery. Sham controls were exposed to same conditions with exception of blast. Lifespan and negative geotaxis, a measurement of motor function, was measured in flies after blast injury. Mild blast resulted in death of 28% of the flies. In surviving flies, motor function was initially reduced, but flies regained normal function by 8 days after injury. Although surviving flies regained normal motor function, flies subjected to mild blast died earlier than uninjured controls, with a 15.4% reduction in maximum lifespan and a 17% reduction in average lifespan, mimicking the scenario observed in humans exposed to mild blast. Although further work is needed, results suggest that utilizing Drosophila as a blast model may provide a rapid, effective means of assessing physiological and biochemical changes induced by mild blast.
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