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Wowra B, Dobrowolski D, Parekh M, Wylęgała E. General Treatment and Ophthalmic Management of Peters' Anomaly. J Clin Med 2024; 13:532. [PMID: 38256667 PMCID: PMC10816361 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Peters' anomaly (PA) is a manifestation of complex disorders in the development of the anterior segment of the eye. The most recognizable feature of the disease is a doughnut-shaped central corneal opacity and adhesions between the opacity and underlying iris. Glaucoma is observed in 30-70% of patients, with up to 50% of the patients showing concomitant vision-threatening disorders. Up to 60% of patients have systemic abnormalities or developmental delays. Being a rare malformation, PA is one of the most common congenital indications for corneal transplantation in infants. Penetrating keratoplasty is used as the primary method of treatment in cases with corneal opacification of a degree that forbids visual development in both eyes. The heterogeneity of co-occurring ophthalmic and systemic malformations in the spectrum of PA determines the wide range of success, defined by various endpoints: graft clarity or visual acuity. Although surgical advancement has made corneal grafting possible in younger children, it has a higher graft failure rate and worse visual prognosis than adult keratoplasty. Optical sector iridectomy, pupil dilation, or cornea rotation can alternatively be performed. Satisfying results of pediatric keratoprosthesis in particular cases of PA have been described. Postoperative treatment of PA aims to maintain a clear optical pathway and prevent amblyopia. This article therefore aims at reporting the ophthalmic treatment and need for multidisciplinary management of PA, including pharmacological and surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumil Wowra
- Chair and Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Zabrze Medical University of Silesia, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dobrowolski
- Chair and Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Zabrze Medical University of Silesia, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saint Barbara Hospital, Trauma Center, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Edward Wylęgała
- Chair and Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Zabrze Medical University of Silesia, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
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Zhu Y, Li D, Reyes-Ortega F, Chinnery HR, Schneider-Futschik EK. Ocular development after highly effective modulator treatment early in life. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265138. [PMID: 37795027 PMCID: PMC10547496 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly effective cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies (HEMT), including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, correct the underlying molecular defect causing CF. HEMT decreases general symptom burden by improving clinical metrics and quality of life for most people with CF (PwCF) with eligible CFTR variants. This has resulted in more pregnancies in women living with CF. All HEMT are known to be able pass through the placenta and into breast milk in mothers who continue on this therapy while pregnant and breast feeding. Toxicity studies of HEMT in young rats demonstrated infant cataracts, and case reports have reported the presence of congenital cataracts in early life exposure to HEMT. This article reviews the evidence for how HEMT influences the dynamic and interdependent processes of healthy and abnormal lens development in the context of HEMT exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and raises questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Felisa Reyes-Ortega
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Holly R. Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Elena K. Schneider-Futschik
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Boschen KE, Fish EW, Parnell SE. Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts Sonic hedgehog pathway and primary cilia genes in the mouse neural tube. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:136-147. [PMID: 34492310 PMCID: PMC8529623 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurulation-stage alcohol exposure (NAE; embryonic day [E] 8-10) is associated with midline craniofacial and CNS defects that likely arise from disruption of morphogen pathways, such as Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Notably, midline anomalies are also a hallmark of genetic ciliopathies such as Joubert syndrome. We tested whether NAE alters Shh pathway signaling and the number and function of primary cilia, organelles critical for Shh pathway transduction. Female C57BL/6 J mice were administered two doses of alcohol (2.9 g/kg/dose) or vehicle on E9. Embryos were collected 6, 12, or 24 h later, and changes to Shh, cell cycle genes, and primary cilia were measured in the rostroventral neural tube (RVNT). Within the first 24 h post-NAE, reductions in Shh pathway and cell cycle gene expression and the ratio of Gli3 forms in the full-length activator state were observed. RVNT volume and cell layer width were reduced at 12 h. In addition, altered expression of multiple cilia-related genes was observed at 6 h post-NAE. As a further test of cilia gene-ethanol interaction, mice heterozygous for Kif3a exhibited perturbed behavior during adolescence following NAE compared to vehicle-treated mice, and Kif3a heterozygosity exacerbated the hyperactive effects of NAE on exploratory activity. These data demonstrate that NAE downregulates the Shh pathway in a region of the neural tube that gives rise to alcohol-sensitive brain structures and identifies disruption of primary cilia function, or a "transient ciliopathy", as a possible cellular mechanism of prenatal alcohol pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Boschen
- Bowles Center on Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eric W Fish
- Bowles Center on Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center on Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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4
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Boschen KE, Ptacek TS, Berginski ME, Simon JM, Parnell SE. Transcriptomic analyses of gastrulation-stage mouse embryos with differential susceptibility to alcohol. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm049012. [PMID: 34137816 PMCID: PMC8246266 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetics are a known contributor to differences in alcohol sensitivity in humans with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and in animal models. Our study profiled gene expression in gastrulation-stage embryos from two commonly used, genetically similar mouse substrains, C57BL/6J (6J) and C57BL/6NHsd (6N), that differ in alcohol sensitivity. First, we established normal gene expression patterns at three finely resolved time points during gastrulation and developed a web-based interactive tool. Baseline transcriptional differences across strains were associated with immune signaling. Second, we examined the gene networks impacted by alcohol in each strain. Alcohol caused a more pronounced transcriptional effect in the 6J versus 6N mice, matching the increased susceptibility of the 6J mice. The 6J strain exhibited dysregulation of pathways related to cell death, proliferation, morphogenic signaling and craniofacial defects, while the 6N strain showed enrichment of hypoxia and cellular metabolism pathways. These datasets provide insight into the changing transcriptional landscape across mouse gastrulation, establish a valuable resource that enables the discovery of candidate genes that may modify alcohol susceptibility that can be validated in humans, and identify novel pathogenic mechanisms of alcohol. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. Boschen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Travis S. Ptacek
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Matthew E. Berginski
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Scott E. Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Tolman NG, Balasubramanian R, Macalinao DG, Kearney AL, MacNicoll KH, Montgomery CL, de Vries WN, Jackson IJ, Cross SH, Kizhatil K, Nair KS, John SWM. Genetic background modifies vulnerability to glaucoma-related phenotypes in Lmx1b mutant mice. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.046953. [PMID: 33462143 PMCID: PMC7903917 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the LIM homeobox transcription factor 1-beta (LMX1B) gene predispose individuals to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a key risk factor for glaucoma. However, the effect of LMX1B mutations varies widely between individuals. To better understand the mechanisms underlying LMX1B-related phenotypes and individual differences, we backcrossed the Lmx1bV265D (also known as Lmx1bIcst ) allele onto the C57BL/6J (B6), 129/Sj (129), C3A/BLiA-Pde6b+ /J (C3H) and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ (D2-G) mouse strain backgrounds. Strain background had a significant effect on the onset and severity of ocular phenotypes in Lmx1bV265D/+ mutant mice. Mice of the B6 background were the most susceptible to developing abnormal IOP distribution, severe anterior segment developmental anomalies (including malformed eccentric pupils, iridocorneal strands and corneal abnormalities) and glaucomatous nerve damage. By contrast, Lmx1bV265D mice of the 129 background were the most resistant to developing anterior segment abnormalities, had less severe IOP elevation than B6 mutants at young ages and showed no detectable nerve damage. To identify genetic modifiers of susceptibility to Lmx1bV265D -induced glaucoma-associated phenotypes, we performed a mapping cross between mice of the B6 (susceptible) and 129 (resistant) backgrounds. We identified a modifier locus on Chromosome 18, with the 129 allele(s) substantially lessening severity of ocular phenotypes, as confirmed by congenic analysis. By demonstrating a clear effect of genetic background in modulating Lmx1b-induced phenotypes, providing a panel of strains with different phenotypic severities and identifying a modifier locus, this study lays a foundation for better understanding the roles of LMX1B in glaucoma with the goal of developing new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Tolman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY 10027, USA,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA,The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Revathi Balasubramanian
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christa L. Montgomery
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sally H. Cross
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | | | - K. Saidas Nair
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Simon W. M. John
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY 10027, USA,The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Gomez DA, May PA, Tabachnick BG, Hasken JM, Lyden ER, Kalberg WO, Hoyme HE, Manning MA, Adam MP, Robinson LK, Jones KL, Buckley D, Abdul-Rahman OA. Ocular measurements in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:2243-2252. [PMID: 32677343 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) describe a range of physical, behavioral, and neurologic deficits in individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally. Reduced palpebral fissure length is one of the cardinal facial features of FASD. However, other ocular measurements have not been studied extensively in FASD. Using the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Epidemiologic Research (FASER) database, we investigated how inner canthal distance (ICD), interpupillary distance (IPD), and outer canthal distance (OCD) centiles differed between FASD and non-FASD individuals. We compared ocular measurement centiles in children with FASD to non-FASD individuals and observed reductions in all three centiles for ICD, IPD, and OCD. However, when our non-FASD children who had various forms of growth deficiency (microcephaly, short-stature, or underweight) were compared to controls, we did not observe a similar reduction in ocular measurements. This suggests that reductions in ocular measurements are a direct effect of alcohol on ocular development independent of its effect on growth parameters, which is consistent with animal models showing a negative effect of alcohol on developing neural crest cells. Interpupillary distance centile appeared to be the most significantly reduced ocular measure we evaluated, suggesting it may be a useful measure to be considered in the diagnosis of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Gomez
- College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Philip A May
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, & Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Barbara G Tabachnick
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Julie M Hasken
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Wendy O Kalberg
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, & Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - H Eugene Hoyme
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Melanie A Manning
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Margaret P Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Luther K Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - David Buckley
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, & Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Omar A Abdul-Rahman
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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7
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Boschen KE, Ptacek TS, Simon JM, Parnell SE. Transcriptome-Wide Regulation of Key Developmental Pathways in the Mouse Neural Tube by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1540-1550. [PMID: 32557641 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early gestational alcohol exposure is associated with severe craniofacial and CNS dysmorphologies and behavioral abnormalities during adolescence and adulthood. Alcohol exposure during the formation of the neural tube (gestational day [GD] 8 to 10 in mice; equivalent to4th week of human pregnancy) disrupts development of ventral midline brain structures such as the pituitary, septum, and ventricles. This study identifies transcriptomic changes in the rostroventral neural tube (RVNT), the region of the neural tube that gives rise to the midline structures sensitive to alcohol exposure during neurulation. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice were administered 2 doses of alcohol (2.9 g/kg) or vehicle 4 hours apart on GD 9.0. The RVNTs of embryos were collected 6 or 24 hours after the first dose and processed for RNA-seq. RESULTS Six hours following GD 9.0 alcohol exposure (GD 9.25), over 2,300 genes in the RVNT were determined to be differentially regulated by alcohol. Enrichment analysis determined that PAE affected pathways related to cell proliferation, p53 signaling, ribosome biogenesis, and immune activation. In addition, over 100 genes involved in primary cilia formation and function and regulation of morphogenic pathways were altered 6 hours after alcohol exposure. The changes to gene expression were largely transient, as only 91 genes identified as differentially regulated by prenatal alcohol at GD 10 (24 hours postexposure). Functionally, the differentially regulated genes at GD 10 were related to organogenesis and cell migration. CONCLUSIONS These data give a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of the embryonic transcriptome networks in regions of the neural tube that give rise to brain structures impacted by a neurulation-stage alcohol exposure. Identification of gene networks dysregulated by alcohol will help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of alcohol's actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Boschen
- From the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Travis S Ptacek
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott E Parnell
- From the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Pinazo-Durán MD, Bendala Tufanisco E, Grisolía S. Ocular fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 95:105-107. [PMID: 31879141 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftal.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M D Pinazo-Durán
- Unidad Investigación Oftalmológica «Santiago Grisolia»/FISABIO, Valencia, España; Grupo de Investigación en Oftalmobiología Celular y Molecular de la Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Patología Ocular: OFTARED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España.
| | - E Bendala Tufanisco
- Unidad Investigación Oftalmológica «Santiago Grisolia»/FISABIO, Valencia, España; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Patología Ocular: OFTARED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU San Pablo, Valencia, España; Fundación Valenciana de Estudios Avanzados, Valencia, España
| | - S Grisolía
- Fundación Valenciana de Estudios Avanzados, Valencia, España; Fundación Premios Rey Jaime I, Valencia, España; Consell Valencia de Cultura, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, España
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Boschen KE, Gong H, Murdaugh LB, Parnell SE. Knockdown of Mns1 Increases Susceptibility to Craniofacial Defects Following Gastrulation-Stage Alcohol Exposure in Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:2136-2143. [PMID: 30129265 PMCID: PMC6214710 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MNS1 (meiosis-specific nuclear structural protein 1) is necessary for motile cilia function, such as sperm flagella or those found in the embryonic primitive node. While little is known regarding the function or expression pattern of MNS1 in the embryo, co-immunoprecipitation experiments in sperm have determined that MNS1 interacts with ciliary proteins, which are also important during development. Establishment of morphogenic gradients is dependent on normal ciliary motion in the primitive node beginning during gastrulation (gestational day [GD] 7 in the mouse, second-third week of pregnancy in humans), a critical window for face, eye, and brain development and particularly susceptible to perturbations of developmental signals. The current study investigates the role of Mns1 in craniofacial defects associated with gastrulation-stage alcohol exposure. METHODS On GD7, pregnant Mns1+/- dams were administered 2 doses of ethanol (5.8 g/kg total) or vehicle 4 hours apart to target gastrulation. On GD17, fetuses were examined for ocular defects by scoring each eye on a scale from 1 to 7 (1 = normal, 2 to 7 = defects escalating in severity). Craniofacial and brain abnormalities were also assessed. RESULTS Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) significantly increased the rate of defects in wild-type fetuses, as PAE fetuses had an incidence rate of 41.18% compared to a 10% incidence rate in controls. Furthermore, PAE interacted with genotype to significantly increase the defect rate and severity in Mns1+/- (64.29%) and Mns1-/- mice (92.31%). PAE Mns1-/- fetuses with severe eye defects also presented with craniofacial dysmorphologies characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome and midline tissue loss in the brain, palate, and nasal septum. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that a partial or complete knockdown of Mns1 interacts with PAE to increase the susceptibility to ocular defects and correlating craniofacial and brain anomalies, likely though interaction of alcohol with motile cilia function. These results further our understanding of genetic risk factors that may underlie susceptibility to teratogenic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. Boschen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Henry Gong
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Laura B. Murdaugh
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Scott E. Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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Pinazo-Duran MD, Renau-Piqueras J, Guerri C, Strömland K. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Update. Eur J Ophthalmol 2018; 7:262-70. [PMID: 9352281 DOI: 10.1177/112067219700700311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Optic nerve hypoplasia was detected in up to one half of a group of Swedish children born to alcoholic mothers. Using an experimental model of pre- and postnatal alcohol exposure in rats fed a liquid diet, reduced optic nerve size from gestational day 21 (294 ± 26×102 μm2 vs 502 ± 16×102 μm2; n=6; p≤0.001) to later in development was observed as a result of the daily mean blood alcohol levels achieved in dams and their offspring. Altered glial cells and degenerating and atrophic optic axons, myelin sheaths and ganglion cells were frequent in the alcohol-exposed optic nerves. Smaller optic nerve (1,918 ± 61×102 μm2 vs 2.195 ± 40×102 μm2; n=4; p≤0.001), reduced gaglion cell and axonal densities, and ultrastructural damage to the macroglial cells and myelin sheaths were also detected in the treated group. All these changes remained in the retina and optic nerve of the oldest rats, as a consequence of the long-lasting effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In summary, alcohol as a major teratogenic agent may induce dysmorphogenesis and irremediable damage to the retina and optic nerve, which frequently manifests itself as hypoplastic optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Pinazo-Duran
- Institute of Cytological Research and Investigation Center, University Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Ophthalmologic Findings in Russian Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Eur J Ophthalmol 2018; 23:823-30. [DOI: 10.5301/ejo.5000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Pensiero S, Manna F, Michieletto P, Perissutti P. Cleft Palate and Keratoconus in a Child Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Accidental Association? Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2017; 44:95-7. [PMID: 17214526 DOI: 10.1597/05-083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the case of a 9-year-old girl affected by fetal alcohol syndrome who presented at birth with blepharophimosis and a cleft palate, which was submitted to surgery. She was referred to our hospital for a visual acuity reduction, where a diagnosis of keratoconus was made. This case highlights the rarity of the association between fetal alcohol syndrome and cleft palate and the previously unreported association involving fetal alcohol syndrome–keratoconus and cleft palate–keratoconus.
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Van Cruchten S, Vrolyk V, Perron Lepage MF, Baudon M, Voute H, Schoofs S, Haruna J, Benoit-Biancamano MO, Ruot B, Allegaert K. Pre- and Postnatal Development of the Eye: A Species Comparison. Birth Defects Res 2017; 109:1540-1567. [PMID: 28941218 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In this review paper, literature data on pre- and postnatal eye development are compared between humans and nonclinical species that are commonly used for human safety assessment, namely, mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, minipig, and nonhuman primates. Some new data on rat and minipig ocular development are also included. This compiled information can be helpful for species selection in juvenile toxicity studies or assist in the interpretation of (non)clinical data during pediatric drug development. Despite some differences in developmental windows and anatomical peculiarities, such as the lack of a fovea centralis in nonprimate species or the presence of a nictitating membrane in some nonclinical species, the functioning and development of the eye is strikingly similar between humans and other mammals. As such, all commonly used nonclinical species appear to be relatively good models for human eye development, although some practical constraints such as size may be a limiting factor. Birth Defects Research 109:1540-1567, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Van Cruchten
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Vrolyk
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | | | - Marie Baudon
- Charles River, Safety Assessment, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Voute
- Charles River, Safety Assessment, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Marie-Odile Benoit-Biancamano
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Benoît Ruot
- Charles River, Safety Assessment, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Lyon, France
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Intensive Care and Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of development and regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Eason J, Williams AL, Chawla B, Apsey C, Bohnsack BL. Differences in neural crest sensitivity to ethanol account for the infrequency of anterior segment defects in the eye compared with craniofacial anomalies in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol syndrome. Birth Defects Res 2017; 109:1212-1227. [PMID: 28681995 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (ETOH) exposure during pregnancy is associated with craniofacial and neurologic abnormalities, but infrequently disrupts the anterior segment of the eye. In these studies, we used zebrafish to investigate differences in the teratogenic effect of ETOH on craniofacial, periocular, and ocular neural crest. METHODS Zebrafish eye and neural crest development was analyzed by means of live imaging, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay, immunostaining, detection of reactive oxygen species, and in situ hybridization. RESULTS Our studies demonstrated that foxd3-positive neural crest cells in the periocular mesenchyme and developing eye were less sensitive to ETOH than sox10-positive craniofacial neural crest cells that form the pharyngeal arches and jaw. ETOH increased apoptosis in the retina, but did not affect survival of periocular and ocular neural crest cells. ETOH also did not increase reactive oxygen species within the eye. In contrast, ETOH increased ventral neural crest apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in the facial mesenchyme. In the eye and craniofacial region, sod2 showed high levels of expression in the anterior segment and in the setting of Sod2 knockdown, low levels of ETOH decreased migration of foxd3-positive neural crest cells into the developing eye. However, ETOH had minimal effect on the periocular and ocular expression of transcription factors (pitx2 and foxc1) that regulate anterior segment development. CONCLUSION Neural crest cells contributing to the anterior segment of the eye exhibit increased ability to withstand ETOH-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. These studies explain the rarity of anterior segment dysgenesis despite the frequent craniofacial abnormalities in fetal alcohol syndrome. Birth Defects Research 109:1212-1227, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Eason
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Antionette L Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Bahaar Chawla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christian Apsey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brenda L Bohnsack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Schambra UB, Goldsmith J, Nunley K, Liu Y, Harirforoosh S, Schambra HM. Low and moderate prenatal ethanol exposures of mice during gastrulation or neurulation delays neurobehavioral development. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 51:1-11. [PMID: 26171567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human and animal studies show significant delays in neurobehavioral development in offspring after prolonged prenatal exposure to moderate and high ethanol doses resulting in high blood alcohol concentration (BECs). However, none have investigated the effects of lower ethanol doses given acutely during specific developmental time periods. Here, we sought to create a mouse model for modest and circumscribed human drinking during the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy. We acutely treated mice during embryo gastrulation on gestational day (GD) 7 or neurulation on GD8 with a low or moderate ethanol dose given via gavage that resulted in BECs of 107 and 177 mg/dl, respectively. We assessed neonatal physical development (pinnae unfolding, and eye opening); weight gain from postnatal day (PD) 3-65; and neurobehavioral maturation (pivoting, walking, cliff aversion, surface righting, vertical screen grasp, and rope balance) from PD3 to 17. We used a multiple linear regression model to determine the effects of dose, sex, day of treatment and birth in animals dosed during gastrulation or neurulation, relative to their vehicle controls. We found that ethanol exposure during both time points (GD7 and GD8) resulted in some delays of physical development and significant sensorimotor delays of pivoting, walking, and thick rope balance, as well as additional significant delays in cliff aversion and surface righting after GD8 treatment. We also found that treatment with the low ethanol dose more frequently affected neurobehavioral development of the surviving pups than treatment with the moderate ethanol dose, possibly due to a loss of severely affected offspring. Finally, mice born prematurely were delayed in their physical and sensorimotor development. Importantly, we showed that brief exposure to low dose ethanol, if administered during vulnerable periods of neuroanatomical development, results in significant neurobehavioral delays in neonatal mice. We thus expand concerns about alcohol consumption during the 3rd and 4th weeks of human pregnancy to include occasional light to moderate drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta B Schambra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Jeff Goldsmith
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, New York, NY 10023, USA
| | - Kevin Nunley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Yali Liu
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Sam Harirforoosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Heidi M Schambra
- Department of Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Parnell SE, Holloway HE, Baker LK, Styner MA, Sulik KK. Dysmorphogenic effects of first trimester-equivalent ethanol exposure in mice: a magnetic resonance microscopy-based study. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:2008-14. [PMID: 24931007 PMCID: PMC4107075 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first trimester of human development and the equivalent developmental period in animal models is a time when teratogenic ethanol (EtOH) exposure induces the major structural birth defects that fall within fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Previous FASD research employing an acute high dose maternal intraperitoneal EtOH treatment paradigm has identified sensitive periods for a number of these defects. Extending this work, this investigation utilized high resolution magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM)-based analyses to examine the dysmorphology resulting from maternal dietary EtOH intake occurring during selected first trimester-equivalent time periods. METHODS Female C57Bl/6J mice were acclimated to a liquid 4.8% EtOH (v/v)-containing diet, then bred while on standard chow. Dams were again provided the EtOH-containing liquid diet for a period that extended either from the beginning of gestational day (GD) 7 to the end of GD 11 or from the beginning of GD 12 to the end of GD 16. On GD 17, a subset of fetuses was selected for MRM-based analyses. Group comparisons were made for litter characteristics and gross dysmorphology, as well as whole and regional brain volumes. RESULTS EtOH-induced stage of exposure-dependent structural brain abnormalities were observed. The GD 7 to 11 EtOH-exposed group presented with a significant decrease in cerebellar volume and an increase in septal volume, while GD 12 to 16 EtOH treatment resulted in a reduction in right hippocampal volume accompanied by enlarged pituitaries. Additionally, the GD 12 to 16 EtOH exposure caused a high incidence of edema/fetal hydrops. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate the teratogenic impact of maternal dietary EtOH intake occurring at time periods approximately equivalent to weeks 3 through 6 (GD 7 to 11 in mice) and weeks 7 through 12 (GD 12 to 16 in mice) of human gestation, further documenting EtOH's stage of exposure-dependent neuroteratogenic end points and highlighting the vulnerability of selected brain regions during the first trimester. Additionally they suggest that clinical attention should be paid to fetal hydrops as a likely component of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E. Parnell
- University of North Carolina - Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- University of North Carolina - Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Hunter E. Holloway
- University of North Carolina - Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Lorinda K. Baker
- University of North Carolina - Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Martin A. Styner
- University of North Carolina - Department of Psychiatry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- University of North Carolina - Department of Computer Science, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- University of North Carolina - Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kathleen K. Sulik
- University of North Carolina - Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- University of North Carolina - Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- University of North Carolina - Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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Maestro-de-las-Casas C, Pérez-Miguelsanz J, López-Gordillo Y, Maldonado E, Partearroyo T, Varela-Moreiras G, Martínez-Álvarez C. Maternal folic acid-deficient diet causes congenital malformations in the mouse eye. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 97:587-96. [PMID: 24078476 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eye is a very complex structure derived from the neural tube, surface ectoderm, and migratory mesenchyme from a neural crest origin. Because structures that evolve from the neural tube may be affected by a folate/folic acid (FA) deficiency, the aim of this work was to investigate whether a maternal folic acid-deficient diet may cause developmental alterations in the mouse eye. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were assigned into two different folic acid groups for periods ranging between 2 and 16 weeks. Animals were killed at gestation day 17. Hepatic folate was analyzed, and the eyes from 287 fetuses were macroscopically studied, sectioned and immunolabeled with anti-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and anti-TGF-βRII. RESULTS Mice exposed to a FA-deficient diet exhibited numerous eye macroscopic anomalies, such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Microscopically, the eye was the most affected organ (43.7% of the fetuses). The highest incidence of malformations occurred from the 8th week onward. A statistically significant linear association between the number of maternal weeks on the FA-deficient diet and embryonic microscopic eye malformations was observed. The optic cup derivatives and structures forming the eye anterior segment showed severe abnormalities. In addition, TGF-β2 and TGF-βRII expression in the eye was also altered. CONCLUSION This study suggests that an adequate folic acid/folate status plays a key role in the formation of ocular tissues and structures, whereas a vitamin deficiency is negatively associated with a normal eye development even after a short-term exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Maestro-de-las-Casas
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana I. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Lantz CL, Pulimood NS, Rodrigues-Junior WS, Chen CK, Manhaes AC, Kalatsky VA, Medina AE. Visual defects in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:107. [PMID: 25346924 PMCID: PMC4191473 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a multitude of neurological problems in offspring, varying from subtle behavioral changes to severe mental retardation. These alterations are collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Early alcohol exposure can strongly affect the visual system and children with FASD can exhibit an amblyopia-like pattern of visual acuity deficits even in the absence of optical and oculomotor disruption. Here, we test whether early alcohol exposure can lead to a disruption in visual acuity, using a model of FASD to mimic alcohol consumption in the last months of human gestation. To accomplish this, mice were exposed to ethanol (5 g/kg i.p.) or saline on postnatal days (P) 5, 7, and 9. Two to three weeks later we recorded visually evoked potentials to assess spatial frequency detection and contrast sensitivity, conducted electroretinography (ERG) to further assess visual function and imaged retinotopy using optical imaging of intrinsic signals. We observed that animals exposed to ethanol displayed spatial frequency acuity curves similar to controls. However, ethanol-treated animals showed a significant deficit in contrast sensitivity. Moreover, ERGs revealed a market decrease in both a- and b-waves amplitudes, and optical imaging suggest that both elevation and azimuth maps in ethanol-treated animals have a 10-20° greater map tilt compared to saline-treated controls. Overall, our findings suggest that binge alcohol drinking restricted to the last months of gestation in humans can lead to marked deficits in visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Lantz
- Department of Anatomy, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, MD , USA
| | - Nisha S Pulimood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Wandilson S Rodrigues-Junior
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA ; Universidade Federal Fluminense , Niteroi , Brazil
| | | | - Alex C Manhaes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA ; Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Esteves Medina
- Department of Anatomy, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
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Cole GJ, Zhang C, Ojiaku P, Bell V, Devkota S, Mukhopadhyay S. Effects of ethanol exposure on nervous system development in zebrafish. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 299:255-315. [PMID: 22959306 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394310-1.00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol (ethanol) is a teratogen that adversely affects nervous system development in a wide range of animal species. In humans numerous congenital abnormalities arise as a result of fetal alcohol exposure, leading to a spectrum of disorders referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). These abnormalities include craniofacial defects as well as neurological defects that affect a variety of behaviors. These human FASD phenotypes are reproduced in the rodent central nervous system (CNS) following prenatal ethanol exposure. While the study of ethanol effects on zebrafish development has been more limited, several studies have shown that different strains of zebrafish exhibit differential susceptibility to ethanol-induced cyclopia, as well as behavioral deficits. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ethanol on CNS development also appear to be shared between rodent and zebrafish. Thus, zebrafish appear to recapitulate the observed effects of ethanol on human and mouse CNS development, indicating that zebrafish can serve as a complimentary developmental model system to study the molecular basis of FASD. Recent studies examining the effect of ethanol exposure on zebrafish nervous system development are reviewed, with an emphasis on attempts to elucidate possible molecular pathways that may be impacted by developmental ethanol exposure. Recent work from our laboratories supports a role for perturbed extracellular matrix function in the pathology of ethanol exposure during zebrafish CNS development. The use of the zebrafish model to assess the effects of ethanol exposure on adult nervous system function as manifested by changes in zebrafish behavior is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Cole
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
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20
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Parnell SE, Holloway HT, O'Leary-Moore SK, Dehart DB, Paniaqua B, Oguz I, Budin F, Styner MA, Johnson GA, Sulik KK. Magnetic resonance microscopy-based analyses of the neuroanatomical effects of gestational day 9 ethanol exposure in mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 39:77-83. [PMID: 23911654 PMCID: PMC3795920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal model-based studies have shown that ethanol exposure during early gestation induces developmental stage-specific abnormalities of the face and brain. The exposure time-dependent variability in ethanol's teratogenic outcomes is expected to contribute significantly to the wide spectrum of effects observed in humans with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The work presented here employs a mouse FASD model and magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM; high resolution magnetic resonance imaging) in studies designed to further our understanding of the developmental stage-specific defects of the brain that are induced by ethanol. At neurulation stages, i.e. at the beginning of gestational day (GD) 9 and again 4 hours later, time-mated C57Bl/6J dams were intraperitoneally administered 2.9 g/kg ethanol or vehicle. Ethanol-exposed fetuses were collected on GD 17, processed for MRM analysis, and results compared to comparably staged controls. Linear and volume measurements as well as shape changes for numerous individual brain regions were determined. GD 9 ethanol exposure resulted in significantly increased septal region width, reduction of cerebellar volume, and enlargement of all of the ventricles. Additionally, the results of shape analyses showed that many areas of the ethanol-exposed brains including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and right striatum were significantly misshapen. These data demonstrate that ethanol can induce dysmorphology that may not be obvious based on volumetric analyses alone, highlight the asymmetric aspects of ethanol-induced defects, and add to our understanding of ethanol's developmental stage-dependent neuroteratogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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21
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Effects of early postnatal alcohol exposure on the developing retinogeniculate projections in C57BL/6 mice. Alcohol 2013; 47:173-9. [PMID: 23402901 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2012.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on the adverse effects of perinatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) on the developing visual system mainly focused on retinal and optic nerve morphology. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether earlier reported retinal and optic nerve changes are accompanied by anomalies in eye-specific fiber segregation in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). C57BL/6 mice pups were exposed to ethanol by intragastric intubation at either 3 or 4 g/kg from postnatal days (PD) 3-10, the third trimester equivalent to human gestation. Control (C) and intubation control (IC) groups not exposed to ethanol were included. On PD9, retinogeniculate projections were labeled by intraocular microinjections of cholera toxin-β (CTB) either conjugated to Alexa 488 (green) or 594 (red) administrated to the left and right eye, respectively. Pups were sacrificed 24 h after the last CTB injection. The results showed that ethanol exposure decreased the total number of dLGN neurons and significantly reduced the total dLGN projection as well as the contralateral and ipsilateral projection areas.
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22
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Overexpression of serum response factor in astrocytes improves neuronal plasticity in a model of early alcohol exposure. Neuroscience 2012; 221:193-202. [PMID: 22742904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity deficits underlie many of the cognitive problems seen in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We have developed a ferret model showing that early alcohol exposure leads to a persistent disruption in ocular dominance (OD) plasticity. Recently, we showed that this deficit could be reversed by overexpression of serum response factor (SRF) in the primary visual cortex during the period of monocular deprivation (MD). Surprisingly, this restoration was observed throughout the extent of visual cortex and most of the cells transfected by the virus were positive for the astrocytic marker GFAP rather than the neuronal marker NeuN. Here we test whether overexpression of SRF exclusively in astrocytes is sufficient to restore OD plasticity in alcohol-exposed ferrets. To accomplish that, first we exposed cultured astrocytes to Sindbis viruses carrying either a constitutively active form of SRF (SRF+), a dominant negative (SRF-) or control Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). After 24h, these astrocytes were implanted in the visual cortex of alcohol-exposed animals or saline controls one day before MD. Optical imaging of intrinsic signals showed that alcohol-exposed animals that were implanted with astrocytes expressing SRF, but not SRF- or GFP, showed robust restoration of OD plasticity in all visual cortex. These findings suggest that overexpression of SRF exclusively in astrocytes can improve neuronal plasticity in FASD.
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Dursun I, Jakubowska-Doğru E, van der List D, Liets LC, Coombs JL, Berman RF. Effects of early postnatal exposure to ethanol on retinal ganglion cell morphology and numbers of neurons in the dorsolateral geniculate in mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:2063-74. [PMID: 21651582 PMCID: PMC3410545 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01557.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adverse effects of fetal and early postnatal ethanol intoxication on peripheral organs and the central nervous system are well documented. Ocular defects have also been reported in about 90% of children with fetal alcohol syndrome, including microphthalmia, loss of neurons in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, optic nerve hypoplasia, and dysmyelination. However, little is known about perinatal ethanol effects on retinal cell morphology. Examination of the potential toxic effects of alcohol on the neuron architecture is important because the changes in dendritic geometry and synapse distribution directly affect the organization and functions of neural circuits. Thus, in the present study, estimations of the numbers of neurons in the ganglion cell layer and dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), and a detailed analysis of RGC morphology were carried out in transgenic mice exposed to ethanol during the early postnatal period. METHODS The study was carried out in male and female transgenic mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) controlled by a Thy-1 (thymus cell antigen 1) regulator on a C57 background. Ethanol (3 g/kg/d) was administered to mouse pups by intragastric intubation throughout postnatal days (PDs) 3 to 20. Intubation control (IC) and untreated control (C) groups were included. Blood alcohol concentration was measured in separate groups of pups on PDs 3, 10, and 20 at 4 different time points, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 hours after the second intubation. Numbers of neurons in the ganglion cell layer and in the dLGN were quantified on PD20 using unbiased stereological procedures. RGC morphology was imaged by confocal microscopy and analyzed using Neurolucida software. RESULTS Binge-like ethanol exposure in mice during the early postnatal period from PDs 3 to 20 altered RGC morphology and resulted in a significant decrease in the numbers of neurons in the ganglion cell layer and in the dLGN. In the alcohol exposure group, out of 13 morphological parameters examined in RGCs, soma area was significantly reduced and dendritic tortuosity significantly increased. After neonatal exposure to ethanol, a decrease in total dendritic field area and an increase in the mean branch angle were also observed. Interestingly, RGC dendrite elongation and a decrease in the spine density were observed in the IC group, as compared to both ethanol-exposed and pure control subjects. There were no significant effects of alcohol exposure on total retinal area. CONCLUSIONS Early postnatal ethanol exposure affects development of the visual system, reducing the numbers of neurons in the ganglion cell layer and in the dLGN, and altering RGCs' morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Dursun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ewa Jakubowska-Doğru
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Lauren C. Liets
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Julie L. Coombs
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Robert F. Berman
- Center for Neuroscience & Department of Neurological Surgery, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616
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Coll TA, Tito LP, Sobarzo CMA, Cebral E. Embryo developmental disruption during organogenesis produced by CF-1 murine periconceptional alcohol consumption. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 92:560-74. [PMID: 21922637 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to study the control females (CF)-1 mouse embryo differentiation, growth, morphology on embryonic E- and N-cadherin expression at midgestation after periconceptional moderate alcohol ingestion. Adult female mice were exposed to 10% ethanol in drinking water for 17 days previous to and up to day 10 of gestation (ethanol-exposed females, EF) and were compared with nonexposed CF. EF presented reduced quantities of E10 to E10.5 embryos, greater percentage of embryos at stages less than E7.5, reduced implantation site numbers/female, and increased resorptions compared with CF. EF-embryo growth was significantly affected as evidenced by reduced cephalic and body sizes of E10 and E10.5 embryos (scanning electron microscopy) and decreased protein content of E10.5 embryos vs. CF embryos. A significantly higher percentage of EF-E10-10.5 embryos presented abnormal neural tube (NT) closure vs. the percentage of CF. E10 embryos from EF presented elevated tissue disorganization, pyknosis and nuclear condensation in somites, mesenchymal and neuroepithelial tissue. Immunohistochemical E- and N-cadherin distribution patterns were similar in organic structures of E10 embryos between groups. However, western blot revealed that E- and N-cadherin expression levels were significantly increased in EF-derived embryos vs. controls. Perigestational ethanol consumption by CF-1 mice induced significant damage in the organogenic embryogenesis by producing delayed differentiation, growth deficiencies, and increasing the frequency of NT defects. Ethanol exposure may disrupt cell-cell adhesion leading to upregulation of E- and N-cadherin expression suggesting that deregulation of cell adhesion molecules could be involved in the disruption of embryo development at organogenesis in CF-1 mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara A Coll
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiopatología Materno-Embrionaria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina
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Kennelly K, Brennan D, Chummun K, Giles S. Histological characterisation of the ethanol-induced microphthalmia phenotype in a chick embryo model system. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 32:227-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
The ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy can result in a group of neurobehavioral abnormalities collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). During the past decade, studies using animal models indicated that early alcohol exposure can dramatically affect neuronal plasticity, an essential property of the central nervous system responsible for the normal wiring of the brain and involved in processes such as learning and memory. The abnormalities in neuronal plasticity caused by alcohol can explain many of the neurobehavioral deficits observed in FASD. Conversely, improving neuronal plasticity may have important therapeutic benefits. In this review, the author discuss the mechanisms that lead to these abnormalities and comment on recent pharmacological approaches that have been showing promising results in improving neuronal plasticity in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
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Scorza CA, Cavalheiro EA. Animal models of intellectual disability: towards a translational approach. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66 Suppl 1:55-63. [PMID: 21779723 PMCID: PMC3118438 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011001300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability is a prevalent form of cognitive impairment, affecting 2-3% of the general population. It is a daunting societal problem characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. Intellectual disability is a clinically important disorder for which the etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. Moreover, although tremendous progress has been made, pharmacological intervention is still currently non-existent and therapeutic strategies remain limited. Studies in humans have a very limited capacity to explain basic mechanisms of this condition. In this sense, animal models have been invaluable in intellectual disability investigation. Certainly, a great deal of the knowledge that has improved our understanding of several pathologies has derived from appropriate animal models. Moreover, to improve human health, scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications. Translational research specifically aims at taking basic scientific discoveries and best practices to benefit the lives of people in our communities. In this context, the challenge that basic science research needs to meet is to make use of a comparative approach to benefit the most from what each animal model can tell us. Intellectual disability results from many different genetic and environmental insults. Taken together, the present review will describe several animal models of potential intellectual disability risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla A Scorza
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Parnell SE, Sulik KK, Dehart DB, Chen SY. Reduction of ethanol-induced ocular abnormalities in mice through dietary administration of N-acetylcysteine. Alcohol 2010; 44:699-705. [PMID: 21112471 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid l-cysteine, which, previously, has been shown to protect against ethanol-induced apoptosis during early development. Ongoing research demonstrates that NAC is also proving clinically beneficial in reducing oxidative stress-mediated lung, liver, and kidney damage, with protection likely resulting from a NAC-mediated increase in glutathione levels. In the present study, the hypothesis that coadministration of NAC and ethanol by means of liquid diet on days 7 and 8 of pregnancy in mice would reduce ethanol's teratogenicity was tested. For this work, adult nonpregnant female mice were acclimated to a liquid diet containing ethanol for 16 days, withdrawn from the ethanol, bred, and then returned to the liquid diet containing 4.8% ethanol and/or either 0.5 or 1-mg NAC/mL diet on their seventh and eighth days of pregnancy. At the concentrations used, the mice received NAC dosages of approximately 300 or 600 mg/kg/day and achieved peak blood ethanol concentrations (BEC) that averaged approximately 200mg/dL. There was no difference in BEC between the ethanol-alone and ethanol plus 600 mg/kg NAC group. After maternal euthanasia, gestational day (GD) 14 fetuses were removed, fixed, weighed, and examined for the presence and severity of ocular abnormalities, a readily assessed endpoint that results from GD 7 and 8 ethanol exposures. Although the lower dosage of NAC (300 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease in the incidence of ocular defects in both the left and right eyes, this reduction was not statistically significant. However, doubling the NAC concentration did yield a significant change; as compared with the group treated with ethanol alone, the incidence of ocular abnormalities was diminished by 22%. These results show the potential of an orally administered compound with proven clinical efficacy to reduce ethanol's teratogenic effects and support the premise that oxidative damage plays an important mechanistic role in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Sulik KK. Perspectives on R.E. Shenefelt's 1972 Teratology publication entitled "Morphogenesis of malformations in hamsters caused by retinoic acid: relation to dose and stage at treatment". ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 89:275-8. [PMID: 20803687 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K Sulik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7178, USA.
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Papia MF, Burke MW, Zangenehpour S, Palmour RM, Ervin FR, Ptito M. Reduced soma size of the M-neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus following foetal alcohol exposure in non-human primates. Exp Brain Res 2010; 205:263-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-010-2364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Parnell SE, O'Leary-Moore SK, Godin EA, Dehart DB, Johnson BW, Allan Johnson G, Styner MA, Sulik KK. Magnetic resonance microscopy defines ethanol-induced brain abnormalities in prenatal mice: effects of acute insult on gestational day 8. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 33:1001-11. [PMID: 19302087 PMCID: PMC2748865 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.00921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at microscopic levels, provides unprecedented opportunities to aid in defining the full spectrum of ethanol's insult to the developing brain. This is the first in a series of reports that, collectively, will provide an MRM-based atlas of developmental stage-dependent structural brain abnormalities in a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) mouse model. The ethanol exposure time and developmental stage examined for this report is gestational day (GD) 8 in mice, when the embryos are at early neurulation stages; stages present in humans early in the fourth week postfertilization. METHODS For this study, pregnant C57Bl/6J mice were administered an ethanol dosage of 2.8 g/kg intraperitoneally at 8 days, 0 hour and again at 8 days, 4 hours postfertilization. On GD 17, fetuses that were selected for MRM analyses were immersion fixed in a Bouin's/Prohance solution. Control fetuses from vehicle-treated dams were stage-matched to those that were ethanol-exposed. The fetal mice were scanned ex vivo at 7.0 T and 512 x 512 x 1024 image arrays were acquired using 3-D spin warp encoding. The resulting 29 microm (isotropic) resolution images were processed using ITK-SNAP, a 3-D segmentation/visualization tool. Linear and volume measurements were determined for selected brain, head, and body regions of each specimen. Comparisons were made between control and treated fetuses, with an emphasis on determining (dis)proportionate changes in specific brain regions. RESULTS As compared with controls, the crown-rump lengths of stage-matched ethanol-exposed GD 17 fetuses were significantly reduced, as were brain and whole body volumes. Volume reductions were notable in every brain region examined, with the exception of the pituitary and septal region, and were accompanied by increased ventricular volumes. Disproportionate regional brain volume reductions were most marked on the right side and were significant for the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum; the latter being the most severely affected. Additionally, the septal region and the pituitary were disproportionately large. Linear measures were consistent with those of volume. Other dysmorphologic features noted in the MR scans were choanal stenosis and optic nerve coloboma. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that exposure to ethanol occurring in mice at stages corresponding to the human fourth week postfertilization results in structural brain abnormalities that are readily identifiable at fetal stages of development. In addition to illustrating the utility of MR microscopy for analysis of an FASD mouse model, this work provides new information that confirms and extends human clinical observations. It also provides a framework for comparison of structural brain abnormalities resulting from ethanol exposure at other developmental stages and dosages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Parnell
- The Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA.
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Parnell SE, Chen SY, Charness ME, Hodge CW, Dehart DB, Sulik KK. Concurrent dietary administration of D-SAL and ethanol diminishes ethanol's teratogenesis. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 31:2059-64. [PMID: 17949468 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2007.00524.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SAL (SALLRSIPA) is a peptide fragment of activity-dependent neurotrophic factor. Both L- and D-SAL diminish ethanol's pathogenesis, however, the D-peptide is protease resistant, and can therefore be effectively administered in a diet. The present study tested the hypothesis that D-SAL provided in a liquid diet containing ethanol will prevent ethanol-induced teratogenicity in mice. METHODS Following an ethanol acclimation period, female C57Bl/6J mice were withdrawn from the ethanol, bred, and then returned during gestational days (GD) 7 and 8 to a control liquid diet or one containing 4.8% ethanol alone or in combination with 5.6 microg/ml D-SAL. At these doses, the mice received approximately 75 microg of D-SAL on each day and achieved peak blood-alcohol concentrations on GD 8 that ranged from 148-162 mg/dl. On GD 14, the fetuses were examined for the presence of ocular abnormalities including microphthalmia and irregularly shaped pupils, teratogenic effects known to result from this ethanol exposure paradigm. RESULTS Dietary D-SAL reduced the incidence of ocular defects in ethanol-exposed fetuses from 29 to 10% in the right eyes and from 21 to 7.5% in the left eyes; levels similar to those observed in pair-fed controls. In addition to decreasing their incidence, D-SAL also reduced the severity of the ocular defects. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that oral D-SAL can prevent ethanol-induced ocular defects. Because ocular defects are commonly associated with CNS damage, oral D-SAL may also prove valuable in preventing ethanol-induced brain defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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Dlugos CA, Rabin RA. Ocular deficits associated with alcohol exposure during zebrafish development. J Comp Neurol 2007; 502:497-506. [PMID: 17394139 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of fetal alcohol syndrome cases are accompanied by ocular abnormalities. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-known developmental model that provides an opportunity for better understanding the histological and cytological effects of developmental exposure to ethanol on the vertebrate eye. The purpose of the present study was to determine the gross, microscopic, and ultrastructual effects of developmental exposure to ethanol in the zebrafish model. Eggs were obtained from WT outbred zebrafish and exposed to 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.5%, or 1.0% (v/v) ethanol to assess viability and the effect of dose and duration of exposure on eye size. Light and electron microscopy were performed on ethanol-treated and control larvae. Results showed that ethanol treatment decreased viability by about 20% at concentrations of 0.1-0.5% ethanol and by 50% at 1.0% ethanol. Ethanol-related decreases in eye size were recorded at 6 days postfertilization (dpf) and were dose dependent. There were significant decreases in the volumes of the photoreceptor, inner nuclear, and ganglionic layers and in the lens of 9 dpf ethanol-exposed compared with control larvae. Ultrastructural examination showed signs of developmental lags in the ethanol-treated fish as well as abnormal retinal apoptosis in the 6 dpf ethanol-treated larvae compared with their controls. These results demonstrate that the developing zebrafish eye is sensitive to perturbation with ethanol and displays some of the eye deficits present in fetal alcohol syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Dlugos
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214-3000, USA.
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Green ML, Singh AV, Zhang Y, Nemeth KA, Sulik KK, Knudsen TB. Reprogramming of genetic networks during initiation of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:613-31. [PMID: 17200951 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are birth defects that result from maternal alcohol use. We used a non a priori approach to prioritize candidate pathways during alcohol-induced teratogenicity in early mouse embryos. Two C57BL/6 substrains (B6J, B6N) served as the basis for study. Dosing pregnant dams with alcohol (2x 2.9 g/kg ethanol spaced 4 hr on day 8) induced FASD in B6J at a higher incidence than B6N embryos. Counter-exposure to PK11195 (4 mg/kg) significantly protected B6J embryos but slightly promoted FASD in B6N embryos. Microarray transcript profiling was performed on the embryonic headfold 3 hr after the first maternal alcohol injection (GEO data series accession GSE1074). This analysis revealed metabolic and cellular reprogramming that was substrain-specific and/or PK11195-dependent. Mapping ethanol-responsive KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways revealed down-regulation of ribosomal proteins and proteasome, and up-regulation of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway in B6N embryos; and significant up-regulation of tight junction, focal adhesion, adherens junction, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton (and near-significant up-regulation of Wnt signaling and apoptosis) pathways in both substrains. Expression networks constructed computationally from these altered genes identified entry points for EtOH at several hubs (MAPK1, ALDH3A2, CD14, PFKM, TNFRSF1A, RPS6, IGF1, EGFR, PTEN) and for PK11195 at AKT1. Our findings are consistent with the growing view that developmental exposure to alcohol alters common signaling pathways linking receptor activation to cytoskeletal reorganization. The programmatic shift in cell motility and metabolic capacity further implies cell signals and responses that are integrated by the mitochondrial recognition site for PK11195.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia L Green
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Parnell SE, Dehart DB, Wills TA, Chen SY, Hodge CW, Besheer J, Waage-Baudet HG, Charness ME, Sulik KK. Maternal oral intake mouse model for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: ocular defects as a measure of effect. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:1791-8. [PMID: 17010146 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work was conducted in an effort to establish an oral intake model system in which the effects of ethanol insult that occur during early stages of embryogenesis can be easily examined and in which agents that may modulate ethanol's teratogenicity can be readily tested in vivo. The model system described utilizes the alcohol deprivation effect to obtain teratogenic levels of maternal ethanol intake on days 7 and 8 of pregnancy in C57Bl/6J mice. Ocular defects including microphthalmia and uveal coloboma, which have previously been shown to result from ethanol administered by gavage or via intraperitoneal injection on these days, served as the developmental end point for this study. The ocular defects are readily identifiable and their degree of severity is expected to correlate with concurrently developing defects of the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS Female C57Bl/6J mice were maintained on an ethanol-containing (4.8% v/v) liquid diet for 14 days and then mated during a subsequent abstinence period. Mice were then reexposed to ethanol on days 7 and 8 of pregnancy only. Control as well as ethanol-exposed dams were killed on their 14th day of pregnancy. Fetuses were then weighed, measured for crown rump length, photographed, and analyzed for ocular abnormalities. Globe size, palpebral fissure length, and pupil size and shape were noted for both the right and left eyes of all fetuses and informative comparisons were made. RESULTS This exposure paradigm resulted in peak maternal blood alcohol concentrations that ranged from 170 to 220 mg/dL on gestational day (GD) 8. Compared with the GD 14 fetuses from the normal control group, the pair-fed, acquisition controls, as well as the ethanol-exposed fetuses, were developmentally delayed and had reduced weights. Confirming previous studies, comparison of similarly staged control and treated GD 8 embryos illustrated reductions in the size of the forebrain in the latter. Subsequent ocular malformations were noted in 33% of the right eyes and 25% of the left eyes of the 103 GD 14 ethanol-exposed fetuses examined. This incidence of defects is twice that observed in the control groups. Additionally, it was found that the palpebral fissure length is directly correlated with globe size. CONCLUSIONS The high incidence of readily identifiable ocular malformations produced by oral ethanol intake in this model and their relevance to human fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) makes this an excellent system for utilization in experiments involving factors administered to the embryo that might alter ethanol's teratogenic effects. Additionally, the fact that early ethanol insult yields ocular and forebrain abnormalities that are developmentally associated allows efficient specimen selection for subsequent detailed analyses of CNS effects in this in vivo mammalian FASD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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Sakata-Haga H, Dominguez HD, Sei H, Fukui Y, Riley EP, Thomas JD. Alterations in circadian rhythm phase shifting ability in rats following ethanol exposure during the third trimester brain growth spurt. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:899-907. [PMID: 16634860 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions in sleep and feeding rhythms are among the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure. Previously, we reported that ethanol exposure during the second trimester equivalent in rats produces long-lasting impairments in circadian system functioning. In the present study, we examined the effects of ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent brain growth spurt on the development of the circadian clock system. METHODS Sprague-Dawley male rat pups were exposed to 6.0 g/kg/d ethanol via an artificial rearing procedure on postnatal days (PD) 4 through 9 (EtOH). An artificially reared gastrostomized control group and a normally reared suckle control group were also included. At 10 to 12 weeks of age, wheel-running behavior was measured continuously under a 12-hour/12-hour light/dark (LD) cycle. Thereafter, subjects were exposed to a 6-hour phase delay of the LD cycle, and the ability to adjust to the new LD cycle was evaluated. RESULTS Before the phase delay, onset time of activity and acrophases of activity in all 3 groups were not significantly different from one another. After the 6-hour LD cycle delay, EtOH subjects were slower to adapt to the new cycle compared with both control groups, as measured by both activity onset and acrophase. Throughout the experiment, activity levels of EtOH subjects tended to be higher compared to both controls. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that ethanol exposure during the third trimester disrupts the ability to synchronize circadian rhythm to light cues. Disruptions in circadian regulation may cause abnormal behavioral rhythmicity, such as disrupted sleep and feeding patterns, as seen in individuals prenatally exposed to ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Sakata-Haga
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92120, USA
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Abstract
The initial diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the United States was made because of the facial features common to the first cohort of patients. This article reviews the development of an FAS mouse model whose craniofacial features are remarkably similar to those of affected humans. The model is based on short-term maternal treatment with a high dosage of ethanol at stages of pregnancy that are equivalent to Weeks 3 and 4 of human gestation. At these early stages of development, alcohol's insult to the developing face is concurrent with that to the brain, eyes, and inner ear. That facial and central nervous system defects consistent with FAS can be induced by more "realistic" alcohol dosages as illustrated with data from an oral alcohol intake mouse model in which maternal blood alcohol levels do not exceed 200 mg/dl. The ethanol-induced pathogenesis involves apoptosis that occurs within 12 hrs of alcohol exposure in selected cell populations of Day 7, 8, and 9 mouse embryos. Experimental evidence from other species also shows that apoptosis underlies ethanol-induced malformations. With knowledge of sensitive and resistant cell populations at specific developmental stages, studies designed to identify the basis for these differing cellular responses and, therefore, to determine the primary mechanisms of ethanol's teratogenesis are possible. For example, microarray comparisons of sensitive and resistant embryonic cell populations have been made, as have in situ studies of gene expression patterns in the populations of interest. Studies that illustrate agents that are effective in diminishing or exacerbating ethanol's teratogenesis have also been helpful in determining mechanisms. Among these agents are antioxidants, sonic hedgehog protein, retinoids, and the peptides SAL and NAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K Sulik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, CB 7090, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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Medina AE, Ramoa AS. Early alcohol exposure impairs ocular dominance plasticity throughout the critical period. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2005; 157:107-11. [PMID: 15939092 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2005] [Revised: 03/23/2005] [Accepted: 03/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have revealed an impairment of sensory neocortex plasticity. Here, we examine whether early alcohol exposure leads to a permanent impairment of ocular dominance plasticity (OD) or to an alteration in the timing of the critical period. Ferrets were exposed to alcohol during a brief period of development prior to eye opening and effects of monocular deprivation examined during early, mid and late critical period. Single-unit electrophysiology revealed markedly reduced OD plasticity at every age examined. This finding provides evidence that early alcohol exposure does not affect the timing or duration of the critical period of OD plasticity and suggests an enduring impairment of neural plasticity in FAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1101 E Marshall Street, Sanger Hall Room 12-042, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
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Margret CP, Li CX, Elberger AJ, Matta SG, Chappell TD, Waters RS. Prenatal alcohol exposure alters the size, but not the pattern, of the whisker representation in neonatal rat barrel cortex. Exp Brain Res 2005; 165:167-78. [PMID: 15856205 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-005-2287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2004] [Accepted: 01/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Maternal alcohol exposure results in a variety of neurodevelopmental abnormalities that include cognitive and sensorimotor dysfunctions that often persist into adulthood. Many reports of central nervous system disturbances associated within a clinical diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome point toward disturbances in central information processing. In this study, we used the rat barrel field cortex as a model system to examine the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the organization and size of the large whisker representation in layer IV of the posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) in somatosensory cortex. Pregnant rats (Sprague-Dawley) were intragastrically gavaged daily with alcohol doses (6 gm/kg body weight) from gestational day 1 to day 20 in a chronic binge pattern which produced blood alcohol levels ranging between 260 mg/dl and 324 mg/dl. Chow-fed (CF), pair-fed (PF), and cross-foster (XF) groups served as normal, nutritionally matched, and maternal controls, respectively, for the ethanol-exposed (EtOH) treatment group. All pups were examined on gestational day 32 corresponding approximately to postnatal day 9. EtOH and control group pups were weighed, anesthetized, and perfused. Brains were removed and weighed, with and without cerebellum and olfactory bulbs, and the neocortex was removed and weighed. Cortices were then flattened, sectioned tangentially, and stained with a metabolic marker-cytochrome oxidase-to reveal the barrel field. A subset of 27 cortical barrels, associated with the representation of the large whisker pad, was selected to examine in detail. The major results were: (i) the total barrel field area comprising the PMBSF was significantly reduced in EtOH (by 17%) and XF (by 16%) pups compared with CF pups, (ii) the sizes of individual barrels within the PMBSF were also significantly reduced in EtOH (16%) and XF (18%) pups, (iii) the septal region between barrels was also significantly reduced in EtOH (18%) and XF (12%) pups, (iv) anteriorly located barrels underwent greater reduction in size relative to the posteriorly located barrels, (v) body weights were also significantly reduced in EtOH (21%) and XF (27%) pups, (vi) total brain weight [with and without (forebrain) cerebellum/olfactory bulbs] and cortical weights were also significantly reduced in EtOH (total brain weight 15%, forebrain weight 16%, cortical weight 15%) and XF (18%, 19%, 20%) pups, and in contrast (vi) neither the overall barrel field pattern nor the pattern of individual barrels in the PMBSF was altered. These findings suggest that PAE reduces body and brain weight as well as the central cortical representation of the whisker pad, while leaving the overall barrel field pattern unperturbed. While these results might appear to support a miniaturization hypothesis (smaller PMBSF, smaller brain, smaller body weight), PAE also shows regional vulnerability within the PMBSF whereby anteriorly located barrels are most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia P Margret
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, 855 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Abstract
In the 2004 Bowman Lecture, I give a panegyric for Sir William Bowman, an estimate of the importance and the epidemiology of anterior visual pathway developmental disorders, followed by a history of the anterior visual system. I review the normal development of the optic nerve and chiasm and the main developmental disorders: Optic Nerve Aplasia, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Achiasmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Taylor
- Institute of Child Health, London WC1N IEH, UK.
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Rogers JM, Brannen KC, Barbee BD, Zucker RM, Degitz SJ. Methanol exposure during gastrulation causes holoprosencephaly, facial dysgenesis, and cervical vertebral malformations in C57BL/6J mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 71:80-8. [PMID: 15098201 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure of pregnant outbred CD-1 mice to methanol during the period of gastrulation results in exencephaly, cleft palate, and cervical vertebra malformations [Rogers and Mole, Teratology 55: 364, 1997], while inbred C57BL/6J mice are sensitive to the teratogenicity of ethanol. C57BL/6J fetuses exhibit the holoprosencephaly spectrum of malformations after maternal exposure to ethanol during gastrulation, but the sensitivity of C57BL/6J mice to methanol-induced teratogenesis has not been previously described. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were administered two i.p. injections totaling 3.4 or 4.9 g/kg methanol or distilled water four hrs apart on gestation day 'GD' 7. On GD 17, litters were examined for numbers of live, dead and resorbed conceptuses, fetuses were weighed as a litter and examined externally, and all fetuses were double stained for skeletal analysis. RESULTS No maternal intoxication was apparent, but the high dosage level caused a transient deficit in maternal weight gain. The number of live fetuses per litter was reduced at both dosages of methanol, and fetal weight was lower in the high dosage group. Craniofacial defects were observed in 55.8% of fetuses in the low dosage group and 91.0% of fetuses in the high dosage group, including micro/anophthalmia, holoprosencephaly, facial clefts and gross facial angenesis. Skeletal malformations, particularly of the cervical vertebrae, were observed at both dosages of methanol, and were similar to those previously reported in the CD-1 mouse following methanol exposure. CONCLUSIONS The types of craniofacial malformations induced in the C57BL/6J mouse by methanol indicate that methanol and ethanol have common targets and may have common modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Rogers
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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Medina AE, Krahe TE, Ramoa AS. Early alcohol exposure induces persistent alteration of cortical columnar organization and reduced orientation selectivity in the visual cortex. J Neurophysiol 2004; 93:1317-25. [PMID: 15483067 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00714.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a major cause of learning and sensory deficits in children. The visual system in particular is markedly affected, with an elevated prevalence of poor visual perceptual skills. Developmental problems involving the neocortex are likely to make a major contribution to some of these abnormalities. Neuronal selectivity to stimulus orientation, a functional property thought to be crucial for normal vision, may be especially vulnerable to alcohol exposure because it starts developing even before eye opening. To address this issue, we examined the effects of early alcohol exposure on development of cortical neuron orientation selectivity and organization of cortical orientation columns. Ferrets were exposed to ethanol starting at postnatal day (P) 10, when the functional properties and connectivity of neocortical neurons start to develop. Alcohol exposure ended at P30, just before eye opening at P32. Following a prolonged alcohol-free period (15-35 days), long-term effects of early alcohol exposure on cortical orientation selectivity were examined at P48-P65, when orientation selectivity in normal ferret cortex has reached a mature state. Optical imaging of intrinsic signals revealed decreased contrast of orientation maps in alcohol- but not saline-treated animals. Moreover, single-unit recordings revealed that early alcohol treatment weakened neuronal orientation selectivity while preserving robust visual responses. These findings indicate that alcohol exposure during a brief period of development disrupts cortical processing of sensory information at a later age and suggest a neurobiological substrate for some types of sensory deficits in FAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre E Medina
- Deptartment of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Box 0709, 1101 East Marshall St., Rm. 12-042, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the anatomy of eyes presumed to be amblyopic and their fellow eyes. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred seventy-five patients diagnosed with amblyopia and 88 healthy or glaucomatous subjects. METHODS All subjects underwent complete examinations, including cycloplegic refraction, slit lamp examination, ophthalmoscopy, and retinal imaging. Axial lengths were determined on 263 amblyopic and 88 healthy and glaucomatous subjects by ultrasonic biometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Optic disc areas were determined by magnification correction of disc images performed with formulas. Dysversion of the optic disc was determined by simultaneous viewing of disc photographs, digitized images of both eyes, or both. RESULTS The mean disc area of eyes presumed to be amblyopic was 1.72 mm(2) +/- 0. 73 SD and 1.95 mm(2) +/- 0.69 SD for nonamblyopic eyes (P =.0017). The mean disc area for 176 optic discs of glaucomatous and healthy eyes was 2.61 mm(2) +/- 0.95 SD. The mean axial length for eyes in the general population is 23.65 mm +/- 1.35 SD. The healthy and glaucomatous group in this study had a mean axial length of 23.89 mm +/- 1.29 SD. The eyes with poorer vision that were assumed to be amblyopic averaged 22.42 mm +/- 2.01 SD in length, whereas their nonamblyopic fellow eyes averaged 22.83 mm +/- 1.89 SD (P =.022). The differences between eyes in the healthy population and eyes that are presumably amblyopic, as well as the healthy and fellow eyes, are highly significant (P <.0001)(7.0 x 10(-16)). CONCLUSION Vision impairment in presumed amblyopia is associated with optic nerve hypoplasia with relative microphthalmos, which is more notable in those eyes with poorer vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lempert
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
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Reneker LW, Silversides DW, Xu L, Overbeek PA. Formation of corneal endothelium is essential for anterior segment development - a transgenic mouse model of anterior segment dysgenesis. Development 2000; 127:533-42. [PMID: 10631174 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127.3.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The anterior segment of the vertebrate eye is constructed by proper spatial development of cells derived from the surface ectoderm, which become corneal epithelium and lens, neuroectoderm (posterior iris and ciliary body) and cranial neural crest (corneal stroma, corneal endothelium and anterior iris). Although coordinated interactions between these different cell types are presumed to be essential for proper spatial positioning and differentiation, the requisite intercellular signals remain undefined. We have generated transgenic mice that express either transforming growth factor (alpha) (TGF(alpha)) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the ocular lens using the mouse (alpha)A-crystallin promoter. Expression of either growth factor alters the normal developmental fate of the innermost corneal mesenchymal cells so that these cells often fail to differentiate into corneal endothelial cells. Both sets of transgenic mice subsequently manifest multiple anterior segment defects, including attachment of the iris and lens to the cornea, a reduction in the thickness of the corneal epithelium, corneal opacity, and modest disorganization in the corneal stroma. Our data suggest that formation of a corneal endothelium during early ocular morphogenesis is required to prevent attachment of the lens and iris to the corneal stroma, therefore permitting the normal formation of the anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Reneker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Dangata YY, Kaufman MH. Morphometric analysis of the postnatal mouse optic nerve following prenatal exposure to alcohol. J Anat 1997; 191 ( Pt 1):49-56. [PMID: 9279658 PMCID: PMC1467658 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.1997.19110049.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant female mice were divided on day 12 post coitum into a control and an experimental group. The experimental group was given a single intraperitoneal dose of 0.015 ml/g body weight of 25% solution of alcohol in distilled water while the control group was exposed to a similar weight related dose of normal saline. The optic nerves were isolated from the offspring of both control and experimental groups at wk 2, 3 and 5 (i.e. during the juvenile period of postnatal development) and analysed by light and electron microscopy. Although in both groups the optic nerve grew in size rapidly during the period studied, the rate of growth in the experimental groups lagged behind that of the controls. The difference was initially significant but tailed off, so that by wk 5 it was no longer significant. The time of initial onset and progression of myelinogenesis in the optic nerve of alcohol exposed mice also lagged behind that of controls. In both groups the size distribution of the myelinated nerve fibres in the optic nerve was unimodal with a positive skewing for all ages. The spectrum of size distribution of the nerve fibres was, however, broader in controls than in the corresponding experimental groups. With increasing age the proportion of small and medium size fibres was greater in the experimental group than in the controls, while for the large diameter fibres the reverse was observed. It is suggested that this study may shed light on the teratogenic effect of 'binge' drinking during pregnancy and that it is the critical period when exposure occurs that is more important than the duration of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Dangata
- Department of Anatomy, University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
The deleterious effects of prenatal ethanol exposure have been extensively documented in clinical and experimental studies. This paper provides an overview of work conducted with mice to examine the myriad of adverse consequences that result from embryonic/fetal exposure to ethanol. All of the hallmark features of the clinical fetal alcohol syndrome have been demonstrated in mice, including prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, structural malformations and behavioral abnormalities associated with central nervous system dysfunction. As expected, the severity and profile of effects is related to both dosage level and timing of exposure. In addition, these effects have been demonstrated following acute and chronic exposure, with a variety of routes of administration employed. Furthermore, a number of strains have been used in these studies and the variant response (susceptibility) to the teratogenic actions of ethanol exhibited among different mouse strains support the notion that genetic factors govern, at least in part, vulnerability to these effects of ethanol. More recent studies using mouse models have focused on examining potential mechanisms underlying the full spectrum of ethanol's teratogenic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
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Sulik KK, Dehart DB, Rogers JM, Chernoff N. Teratogenicity of low doses of all-trans retinoic acid in presomite mouse embryos. TERATOLOGY 1995; 51:398-403. [PMID: 7502239 DOI: 10.1002/tera.1420510605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the developmental dose response for all-trans retinoic acid (TRA) administered at presomite stages in mouse embryos. Previous studies using hamsters [Shenefelt (1972) Teratology 5:103-118] have shown that developmental stages corresponding to those present early on gestational day (GD) 7 in mice are most sensitive to retinoid-induced teratogenesis. Our preliminary studies showed that at this treatment time, gavage dosages of 7.5 mg/kg maternal body weight administered to C57B1/6N mice, an inbred strain, resulted in severe craniofacial malformations representing the holoprosencephaly, aprosencephaly spectrum. Additionally, in an outbred mouse strain, CD-1, exencephaly was induced by dosages of 2.5 mg/kg TRA and above. Readily detectable abnormalities of the eyes, including anophthalmia and severe microphthalmia and iridial colobomata, were induced by even lower doses cf TRA in the C57B1/6N strain. Incidences of micro/anophthalamia were 6.7%, 8.1%, 12.9%, and 32.4% at 0, 0.313, 0.625, and 1.25 mg/kg, respectively. The dosages required to induce significant incidences of exencephaly (2.5 mg/kg) and severe ocular abnormalities (1.25 mg/kg) on GD 7 in mice are approximately 50-100-fold less than those that are commonly used to examine the teratogenicity of this compound at later developmental stages in this species. The trend toward an increase in the incidence of severe ocular malformations at the lowest dose examined and the fact that subtle ocular malformations were not taken into account for this study suggest that even lower dosages may be effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Sulik
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Carolina Birth Defects Center, Chapel Hill 27599-7090, USA
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Cibis GW, Fitzgerald KM. Abnormal electroretinogram associated with developmental brain anomalies. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 1995; 93:147-58; discussion 158-61. [PMID: 8719676 PMCID: PMC1312055 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)70553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have encountered abnormal ERGs associated with optic nerve hypoplasia, macular, optic nerve and chorioretinal colobomata and developmental brain anomalies. Brain anomalies include cortical dysgenesis, lissencephaly, porencephaly, cerebellar and corpus callosum hypoplasia. We describe six exemplar cases. METHODS Scotopic and photopic ERGs adherent to international standards were performed as well as photopic ERGs to long-duration stimuli. CT or MRI studies were also done. The ERGs were compared to age-matched normal control subjects. RESULTS ERG changes include reduced amplitude b-waves to blue and red stimuli under scotopic testing conditions. Implicit times were often delayed. The photopic responses also showed reduced amplitude a- and b-waves with implicit time delays. The long-duration photopic ERG done in one case shows attenuation of both ON- and OFF-responses. CONCLUSIONS Common underlying developmental genetic or environmental unifying casualties are speculated to be at fault in causing these cases of associated retinal and brain abnormalities. No single etiology is expected. Multiple potential causes acting early in embryogenesis effecting neuronal induction, migration and differentiation are theorized. These occur at a time when brain and retinal cells are sufficiently undifferentiated to be similarly effected. We call these cases examples of Brain Retina Neuroembryodysgenesis (BRNED). Homeobox and PAX genes with global neuronal developmental influences are gene candidates to unify the observed disruption of brain and retinal cell development. The ERG can provide a valuable clinical addition in understanding and ultimately classifying these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Cibis
- Children's Mercy Hospital Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
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Cibis GW, Tripathi RC, Tripathi BJ. Surgical Removal of Congenital Pupillary-lris-Lens Membrane. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 1994. [DOI: 10.3928/1542-8877-19940901-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Strömland K, Pinazo-Durán MD. Optic nerve hypoplasia: comparative effects in children and rats exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. TERATOLOGY 1994; 50:100-11. [PMID: 7801297 DOI: 10.1002/tera.1420500204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Children with the fetal alcohol syndrome often have ocular anomalies. These include abnormalities of the eyes and adnexa (strabismus, blepharoptosis, epicanthus), as well as intraocular defects (cataract, glaucoma, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, retinal and optic nerve anomalies). Based on the clinical results in an ophthalmological study of a group of Swedish children with the fetal alcohol syndrome, in which optic nerve hypoplasia was found in up to one-half of the group, an experimental study was designed in rats pre- and perinatally exposed to alcohol by means of a liquid diet. The optic nerve was seriously affected. Macroglial cells and optic axons were ultrastructurally damaged. The diameter of the optic nerve cross section, glial cell nuclear area, axonal diameter, and the total number of optic axons showed significantly lower values in the alcohol-exposed group than in the controls. In addition, the retina from the alcohol-exposed animals displayed significantly lower values of the retinal thickness and ganglion cell nuclear volume, as compared to the controls. Thus, rats exposed to alcohol in utero developed hypoplasia of the optic nerve similar to the findings in children born to alcoholic mothers. This strongly supports the hypothesis that prenatal alcohol exposure may adversely affect the development of the optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Strömland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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