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Percelay S, Lahogue C, Billard JM, Freret T, Boulouard M, Bouet V. The 3-hit animal models of schizophrenia: Improving strategy to decipher and treat the disease? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105526. [PMID: 38176632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disease related to combination and interactions between genetic and environmental factors, with an epigenetic influence. After the development of the first mono-factorial animal models of schizophrenia (1-hit), that reproduced patterns of either positive, negative and/or cognitive symptoms, more complex models combining two factors (2-hit) have been developed to better fit with the multifactorial etiology of the disease. In the two past decades, a new way to design animal models of schizophrenia have emerged by adding a third hit (3-hit). This review aims to discuss the relevance of the risk factors chosen for the tuning of the 3-hit animal models, as well as the validities measurements and their contribution to schizophrenia understanding. We intended to establish a comprehensive overview to help in the choice of factors for the design of multiple-hit animal models of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solenn Percelay
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Caroline Lahogue
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Billard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Michel Boulouard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Valentine Bouet
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, 14000 Caen, France.
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Chesworth R, Visini G, Karl T. Impaired extinction of operant cocaine in a genetic mouse model of schizophrenia risk. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06386-8. [PMID: 37233814 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia have high rates of comorbid substance use problems. One potential explanation for this comorbidity is similar neuropathophysiology in substance use and schizophrenia, which may arise from shared genetic risk factors between the two disorders. Here we investigated if genetic risk for schizophrenia could affect drug reward and reinforcement for cocaine in an established mouse model of genetic risk for schizophrenia, the neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mouse. METHODS We examined drug-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference for several cocaine doses (5, 10, 20, 30 mg/kg) in male adult Nrg1 TM HET and wild-type-like (WT) littermates. We also investigated intravenous self-administration of and motivation for cocaine (doses 0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/kg/infusion), as well as extinction and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine. In a follow-up experiment, we examined self-administration, extinction and cue-induced reinstatement of a natural reward, oral sucrose. RESULTS Cocaine preference was similar between Nrg1 TM HET mice and WT littermates at all doses tested. Locomotor sensitization to cocaine was not affected by Nrg1 genotype at any dose. Although self-administration and motivation for cocaine was unaffected, extinction of cocaine self-administration was impaired in Nrg1 TM HET compared to WT controls, and cue-induced reinstatement was greater in Nrg1 mutants in the middle of the reinstatement session. Sucrose self-administration and extinction thereof was not affected by genotype, but inactive lever responding was elevated during cue-induced reinstatement for operant sucrose in Nrg1 TM HET mice compared to WTs. DISCUSSION These results suggest impaired response inhibition for cocaine in Nrg1 TM HET mice and suggests Nrg1 mutation may contribute to behaviours which can limit control over cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Iglesias LP, Bedeschi L, Aguiar DC, Asth L, Moreira FA. Effects of Δ 9-THC and Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists in the Elevated Plus Maze Test of Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:24-33. [PMID: 35984927 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Δ9-THC (the main active compound from Cannabis sativa) and related cannabinoids have been used as drugs of abuse and as medications. They induce a complex set of emotional responses in humans and experimental animals, consisting of either anxiolysis or heightened anxiety. These discrepant effects pose a major challenge for data reproducibility and for developing new cannabinoid-based medicines. In this study, we review and analyze previous data on cannabinoids and anxiety-like behavior in experimental animals. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of type-1 cannabinoid receptor agonists (full or partial, selective or not) in rodents exposed to the elevated plus maze, a widely used test of anxiety-like behavior. Cannabinoids tend to reduce anxiety-like behavior if administered at low doses. THC effects are moderated by the dose factor, with anxiolytic- and anxiogenic-like effects occurring at low-dose (0.075-1 mg/kg) and high-dose (1-10 mg/kg) ranges, respectively. However, some studies report no effect at all regardless of the dose tested. Finally, motor impairment represents a potential confounding factor when high doses are administered. The present analysis may contribute to elucidate the experimental factors underlying cannabinoid effects on anxiety-like behavior and facilitate data reproducibility in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia P Iglesias
- Graduate School in Neuroscience; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bedeschi
- Department of Pharmacology; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- Graduate School in Neuroscience; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Graduate School in Physiology and Pharmacology; Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laila Asth
- Graduate School in Neuroscience; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Graduate School in Physiology and Pharmacology; Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Graduate School in Neuroscience; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Graduate School in Physiology and Pharmacology; Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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4
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Visini G, Brown S, Weston-Green K, Shannon Weickert C, Chesworth R, Karl T. The effects of preventative cannabidiol in a male neuregulin 1 mouse model of schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1010478. [PMID: 36406747 PMCID: PMC9669370 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1010478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with antipsychotic-like properties, however it’s potential to prevent schizophrenia development has not been thoroughly investigated. Brain maturation during adolescence creates a window where CBD could potentially limit the development of schizophrenia. The neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mutant mouse shows face, predictive, and construct validity for schizophrenia. Here we sought to determine if CBD given in adolescence could prevent the development of the schizophrenia-relevant phenotype, as well as susceptibility to the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Nrg1 TM HET mice. Adolescent male Nrg1 mutants and wild type-like (WT) animals were administered 30 mg/kg CBD i.p. daily for seven weeks, and were tested for locomotion, social behavior, sensorimotor gating and cognition, and sensitivity to acute THC-induced behaviors. GAD67, GluA1, and NMDAR1 protein levels were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. Chronic adolescent CBD increased locomotion in animals regardless of genotype, was anxiolytic, and increased social behavior when animals were tested for their acute THC response. CBD did not alleviate the schizophrenia-relevant hyperlocomotive phenotype of Nrg1 mutants, nor deficits in social behaviors. Nrg1 mutant mice treated with CBD and THC showed no habituation to a startle pulse, suggesting CBD increased vulnerability to the startle habituation-reducing effects of THC in mutant mice. CBD increased levels of GluA1, but reduced levels of GAD67 in the hippocampus of Nrg1 mutants. These results suggest adolescent CBD is not effective as a preventative of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral deficits in mutants and may actually contribute to pathological changes in the brain that increase sensitivity to THC in particular behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Samara Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rose Chesworth,
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tim Karl,
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Effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on social behaviour: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104680. [PMID: 35513169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a clear link between psychiatric disorders and social behaviour, and evidence suggests the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A systematic review of preclinical literature was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsychINFO databases to examine whether pharmacological and/or genetic manipulations of the ECS alter social behaviours in wildtype (WT) animals or models of social impairment (SIM). Eighty studies were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool. While some variability was evident, studies most consistently found that direct cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonism decreased social behaviours in WT animals, while indirect CBR activation via enzyme inhibition or gene-knockout increased social behaviours. Direct and, more consistently, indirect CBR activation reversed social deficits in SIM. These CBR-mediated effects were often sex- and developmental-phase-dependent and blocked by CBR antagonism. Overall, ECS enzyme inhibition may improve social behaviour in SIM, suggesting the potential usefulness of ECS enzyme inhibition as a therapeutic approach for social deficits. Future research should endeavour to elucidate ECS status in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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Guerrin CGJ, Doorduin J, Sommer IE, de Vries EFJ. The dual hit hypothesis of schizophrenia: Evidence from animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1150-1168. [PMID: 34715148 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder, which can severely impact social and professional functioning. Epidemiological and clinical studies show that schizophrenia has a multifactorial aetiology comprising genetic and environmental risk factors. Although several risk factors have been identified, it is still not clear how they result in schizophrenia. This knowledge gap, however, can be investigated in animal studies. In this review, we summarise animal studies regarding molecular and cellular mechanisms through which genetic and environmental factors may affect brain development, ultimately causing schizophrenia. Preclinical studies suggest that early environmental risk factors can affect the immune, GABAergic, glutamatergic, or dopaminergic system and thus increase the susceptibility to another risk factor later in life. A second insult, like social isolation, stress, or drug abuse, can further disrupt these systems and the interactions between them, leading to behavioural abnormalities. Surprisingly, first insults like maternal infection and early maternal separation can also have protective effects. Single gene mutations associated with schizophrenia did not have a major impact on the susceptibility to subsequent environmental hits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyprien G J Guerrin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janine Doorduin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik F J de Vries
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Parks C, Rogers CM, Prins P, Williams RW, Chen H, Jones BC, Moore BM, Mulligan MK. Genetic Modulation of Initial Sensitivity to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Among the BXD Family of Mice. Front Genet 2021; 12:659012. [PMID: 34367237 PMCID: PMC8343140 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.659012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 activation by the major psychoactive component in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), produces motor impairments, hypothermia, and analgesia upon acute exposure. In previous work, we demonstrated significant sex and strain differences in acute responses to THC following administration of a single dose (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) inbred mice. To determine the extent to which these differences are heritable, we quantified acute responses to a single dose of THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in males and females from 20 members of the BXD family of inbred strains derived by crossing and inbreeding B6 and D2 mice. Acute THC responses (initial sensitivity) were quantified as changes from baseline for: 1. spontaneous activity in the open field (mobility), 2. body temperature (hypothermia), and 3. tail withdrawal latency to a thermal stimulus (antinociception). Initial sensitivity to the immobilizing, hypothermic, and antinociceptive effects of THC varied substantially across the BXD family. Heritability was highest for mobility and hypothermia traits, indicating that segregating genetic variants modulate initial sensitivity to THC. We identified genomic loci and candidate genes, including Ndufs2, Scp2, Rps6kb1 or P70S6K, Pde4d, and Pten, that may control variation in THC initial sensitivity. We also detected strong correlations between initial responses to THC and legacy phenotypes related to intake or response to other drugs of abuse (cocaine, ethanol, and morphine). Our study demonstrates the feasibility of mapping genes and variants modulating THC responses in the BXDs to systematically define biological processes and liabilities associated with drug use and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Parks
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences, Cameron University, Lawton, OK, United States
| | - Chris M. Rogers
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Pjotr Prins
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Robert W. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Byron C. Jones
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Bob M. Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Megan K. Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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Effects of handling on the behavioural phenotype of the neuregulin 1 type III transgenic mouse model for schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113166. [PMID: 33588020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Handling of laboratory mice affects animal wellbeing and behavioural test outcomes. However, present research has focused on handling effects in common strains of laboratory mice despite the knowledge that environmental factors can modify established phenotypes of genetic mouse models. Thus, we examined the impact of handling on the face validity of a transgenic mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (i.e. Nrg1 type III overexpression). Nrg1 III tg and wild type-like (WT) control mice of both sexes underwent tail or tunnel handling before being assessed in the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), social preference/novelty, prepulse inhibition, and fear conditioning tests. Tunnel-handling reduced the startle response in all mice, increased OF locomotion and exploration in males and reduced anxiety in males (OF) and females (EPM) compared to tail-handling. Importantly, tunnel handling induced a more pronounced startle response to increasing startle stimuli in Nrg1 III tg females compared to respective controls, a phenomenon absent in tail-handled females. Finally, Nrg1 III tg males displayed reduced OF exploration and centre locomotion and Nrg1 III tg females displayed increased cue freezing over time compared to controls. In conclusion, handling methods have a significant impact on a variety of behavioural domains thus the impact of routine handling procedures need be considered when testing behavioural phenotypes. Handling did not change the main schizophrenia-relevant characteristics of Nrg1 III tg mice but affected the acoustic startle-response in a genotype- and sex-specific manner. Future research should evaluate the effect of handling on other genetic models.
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Bouet V, Percelay S, Leroux E, Diarra B, Léger M, Delcroix N, Andrieux A, Dollfus S, Freret T, Boulouard M. A new 3-hit mouse model of schizophrenia built on genetic, early and late factors. Schizophr Res 2021; 228:519-528. [PMID: 33298334 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Whether the etiology of schizophrenia remains unknown, its multifactorial aspect is conversely now well admitted. However, most preclinical models of the disease still rely on a mono-factorial construction and do not allow discover unequivocal treatments, particularly for negative and cognitive symptoms. The main interaction factors that have been implicated in schizophrenia are a genetic predisposition and unfavorable environmental factors. Here we propose a new animal model combining a genetic predisposition (1st hit: partial deletion of MAP-6 (microtubule-associated protein)) with an early postnatal stress (2nd hit: 24 h maternal separation at post-natal day 9), and a late cannabinoid exposure during adolescence (3rd hit: tetrahydrocannabinol THC from post-natal day 32 to 52; 8 mg/kg/day). The 2-hit mice displayed spatial memory deficits, decreased cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy of callosal fibers. The 3-hit mice were more severely affected as attested by supplementary deficits such a decrease in spontaneous activity, sociability-related behavior, working memory performances, an increase in anxiety-like behavior, a decrease in hippocampus volume together with impaired integrity of corpus callosum fibers (less axons, less myelin). Taken together, these results show that the new 3-hit model displays several landmarks mimicking negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, conferring a high relevance for research of new treatments. Moreover, this 3-hit model possesses a strong construct validity, which fits with gene x environment interactions hypothesis of schizophrenia. The 2-hit model, which associates maternal separation with THC exposure in wild-type mice gives a less severe phenotype, and could be useful for research on other forms of psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Bouet
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Solenn Percelay
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Elise Leroux
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Boubacar Diarra
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Marianne Léger
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Delcroix
- CNRS, UMS 3408, GIP CYCERON, Bd Henri Becquerel, BP5229, 14074 Caen cedex, France
| | - Annie Andrieux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sonia Dollfus
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France; CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Michel Boulouard
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
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Chesworth R, Rosa-Porto R, Yao S, Karl T. Sex-specific sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced schizophrenia-relevant behaviours in neuregulin 1 type III overexpressing mice. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:50-64. [PMID: 33274671 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120967870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene-environment interactions contribute to schizophrenia aetiology. Neuregulin 1 is a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, and elevated expression of type III neuregulin 1 mRNA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is observed in patients with a core risk haplotype. A mouse model of type III Nrg1 overexpression (Nrg1 III tg) possesses face and construct validity for schizophrenia; however, the sensitivity of these transgenic mice to environmental risk factors relevant to schizophrenia is unknown. AIMS To determine sensitivity of Nrg1 III tg mice to the psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) in schizophrenia and addiction-relevant behavioural tests. METHODS We examined behavioural responses of adult male and female Nrg1 III tg mice METH (1-3 mg/kg) in schizophrenia-relevant paradigms (drug-induced locomotion, sensorimotor gating) and drug reward (conditioned place preference). RESULTS Male Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced stereotypies, yet showed a greater negative impact of METH on prepulse inhibition compared with wild type-like males. In contrast, female Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced locomotion than wild type-like females, while sensorimotor gating was similarly impaired by METH between the genotypes. There were no genotype differences for METH reward, or anxiety-like and exploratory behaviours. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that overexpression of Nrg1 type III modulates schizophrenia-relevant behaviours, and may help to explain increased sensitivity to the psychoactive effects of METH in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | | | - Sofia Yao
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia
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Rohleder C, Pahlisch F, Graf R, Endepols H, Leweke FM. Different pharmaceutical preparations of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol differentially affect its behavioral effects in rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12745. [PMID: 30938471 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Based on the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the primary pro-psychotic ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC), is used in preclinical as well as clinical research to mimic schizophrenia-like symptoms. While it is common to administer lipid-based formulations of Δ-9-THC in human studies orally, intraperitoneal injections of water-based solutions are used in animal models. Because of the poor water solubility of Δ-9-THC, solubilizers such as ethanol and/or emulsifiers are needed for these preparations. In order to test whether a lipid-based solvent would be superior over a water-based vehicle in rats, we compared the effects on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reaction, as well as pharmacokinetic data obtained from rats' serum and brain tissue samples. Up to 50 mg/kg Δ-9-THC in the lipid-based formulation was not able to induce any behavioral alterations, while already 5 mg/kg of the water-based Δ-9-THC preparation significantly reduced locomotor activity. This also induced a small but significant PPI reduction, which was prepulse intensity dependent. Interestingly, the reflexive motor response to the startle stimulus was not affected by the water-based Δ-9-THC solution. Analysis of serum and brain Δ-9-THC levels by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that although the final concentration reached in the brain was comparable for both pharmaceutical preparations, the water-based formulation achieved a faster kinetic. We, therefore, conclude that the slope of the Δ-9-THC concentration-time curve and the resulting cannabinoid receptor type 1 activation per time unit are responsible for the induction of behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin Rohleder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular ImagingFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Franziska Pahlisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
| | - Rudolf Graf
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
| | - Heike Endepols
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular ImagingFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
- Department of Nuclear MedicineFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHInstitute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM‐5), Wilhelm‐Johnen‐Straße Jülich Germany
| | - F. Markus Leweke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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12
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Smith KL, Todd SM, Boucher A, Bennett MR, Arnold JC. P2X 7 receptor knockout mice display less aggressive biting behaviour correlating with increased brain activation in the piriform cortex. Neurosci Lett 2020; 714:134575. [PMID: 31693933 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134575] [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: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
P2X7 receptors are implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. P2X7 receptors regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from microglia, and gain-of-function P2X7 mutations may contribute to the neuroinflammation found in affective disorders. However, the role of this receptor in mediating other mental health conditions and aberrant behaviours requires further examination. The current study we investigated the effects of germline genetic deletion of P2xr7 on social and marble burying behaviours in mice throughout the critical adolescent developmental period. Marble burying behaviour is thought to provide a mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We also characterised the effects of P2rx7 deletion on aggressive attack behaviour in adult mice and subsequently quantifieded microglial cell densities and c-Fos expression, a marker of neuronal activation. P2rx7 knockout mice displayed reduced OCD-related marble burying behaviour which was most pronounced in late adolescence/early adulthood. P2rx7 knockout mice also exhibited reduced aggressive attack behaviours in adulthood in the resident-intruder test. Reduced aggression in P2xr7 knockout mice did not coincide with changes to microglial cell densities, however c-Fos expression was elevated in the piriform cortex of P2rx7 knockout mice compared to wildtype mice. This study suggests that the P2X7 receptor might serve as a novel target for serenic or anti-OCD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Leigh Smith
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Todd
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Aurelie Boucher
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Maxwell R Bennett
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Physiology, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Australia.
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13
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Behavioural effects of high fat diet in adult Nrg1 type III transgenic mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 377:112217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Zieba J, Morris MJ, Karl T. Behavioural effects of high fat diet exposure starting in late adolescence in neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 373:112074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Clarke DJ, Chohan TW, Kassem MS, Smith KL, Chesworth R, Karl T, Kuligowski MP, Fok SY, Bennett MR, Arnold JC. Neuregulin 1 Deficiency Modulates Adolescent Stress-Induced Dendritic Spine Loss in a Brain Region-Specific Manner and Increases Complement 4 Expression in the Hippocampus. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45:339-349. [PMID: 29566220 PMCID: PMC6403066 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One neuropathological feature of schizophrenia is a diminished number of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) system is involved in the plasticity of dendritic spines, and chronic stress decreases dendritic spine densities in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Here, we aimed to assess whether Nrg1 deficiency confers vulnerability to the effects of adolescent stress on dendritic spine plasticity. We also assessed other schizophrenia-relevant neurobiological changes such as microglial cell activation, loss of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons, and induction of complement factor 4 (C4). Adolescent male wild-type (WT) and Nrg1 heterozygous mice were subjected to chronic restraint stress before their brains underwent Golgi impregnation or immunofluorescent staining of PV interneurons, microglial cells, and C4. Stress in WT mice promoted dendritic spine loss and microglial cell activation in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. However, Nrg1 deficiency rendered mice resilient to stress-induced dendritic spine loss in the infralimbic cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus without affecting stress-induced microglial cell activation in these brain regions. Nrg1 deficiency and adolescent stress combined to trigger increased dendritic spine densities in the prelimbic cortex. In the hippocampal CA1 region, Nrg1 deficiency accentuated stress-induced dendritic spine loss. Nrg1 deficiency increased C4 protein and decreased C4 mRNA expression in the hippocampus, and the number of PV interneurons in the basolateral amygdala. This study demonstrates that Nrg1 modulates the impact of stress on the adolescent brain in a region-specific manner. It also provides first evidence of a link between Nrg1 and C4 systems in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Clarke
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tariq W Chohan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Kristie L Smith
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael P Kuligowski
- Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Sandra Y Fok
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Brain and Mind Centre, Level 6, Building F, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; tel: +61-29351-0812, e-mail:
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16
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Nrg1 deficiency modulates the behavioural effects of prenatal stress in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:86-95. [PMID: 29964074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the exact genes that confer vulnerability or resilience to environmental stressors during early neurodevelopment. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) moderates the neurobehavioural effects of stressors applied in adolescence and adulthood, however, no study has yet examined its impact on prenatal stress. Here we examined whether Nrg1 deficiency in mice modulated the impact of prenatal stress on various behaviours in adulthood. Male heterozygous Nrg1 mice were mated with wild-type female mice who then underwent daily restraint stress from days 13 to 19 of gestation. Surprisingly, prenatal stress had overall beneficial effects by facilitating sensorimotor gating, increasing sociability, decreasing depressive-like behaviour, and improving spatial memory in adulthood. Such benefits were not due to any increase in maternal care, as prenatal stress decreased nurturing of the offspring. Nrg1 deficiency negated the beneficial behavioural effects of prenatal stress on all measures except sociability. However, Nrg1 deficiency interacted with prenatal stress to trigger locomotor hyperactivity. Nrg1 deficiency, prenatal stress or their combination failed to alter acute stress-induced plasma corticosterone concentrations. Collectively these results demonstrate that Nrg1 deficiency moderates the effects of prenatal stress on adult behaviour, but it does so in a complex, domain-specific fashion.
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17
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Genetic Factors in Cannabinoid Use and Dependence. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:129-150. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Olaya JC, Heusner CL, Matsumoto M, Shannon Weickert C, Karl T. Schizophrenia-relevant behaviours of female mice overexpressing neuregulin 1 type III. Behav Brain Res 2018; 353:227-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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Uttl L, Szczurowska E, Hájková K, Horsley RR, Štefková K, Hložek T, Šíchová K, Balíková M, Kuchař M, Micale V, Páleníček T. Behavioral and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Indole-Derived Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-073 and JWH-210 as Compared to the Phytocannabinoid Δ 9-THC in Rats. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:703. [PMID: 30405327 PMCID: PMC6206206 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid compounds are marketed as “legal” marijuana substitutes, even though little is known about their behavioral effects in relation to their pharmacokinetic profiles. Therefore, in the present study we assessed the behavioral effects of systemic treatment with the two synthetic cannabinoids JWH-073 and JWH-210 and the phytocannabinoid Δ9-THC on locomotor activity, anxiety-like phenotype (in the open field) and sensorimotor gating (measured as prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response, PPI), in relation to cannabinoid serum levels. Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously (sc.) with JWH-073 (0.1, 0.5, or 5 mg/kg), JWH-210 (0.1, 0.5, or 5 mg/kg), Δ9-THC (1 or 3 mg/kg) or vehicle (oleum helanti) in a volume of 0.5 ml/kg and tested in the open field and PPI. Although JWH-073, JWH-210, Δ9-THC (and its metabolites) were confirmed in serum, effects on sensorimotor gating were absent, and locomotor activity was only partially affected. Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) elicited an anxiolytic-like effect as suggested by the increased time spent in the center of the open field (p < 0.05). Our results further support the potential anxiolytic-like effect of pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Uttl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ewa Szczurowska
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Hájková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Rachel R Horsley
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Štefková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Hložek
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Klára Šíchová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Marie Balíková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatric Clinic, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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20
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Khan A, Powell SB. Sensorimotor gating deficits in "two-hit" models of schizophrenia risk factors. Schizophr Res 2018; 198:68-83. [PMID: 29070440 PMCID: PMC5911431 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental models of neuropsychiatric disease have grown exponentially over the last 20years. One measure that is often used to evaluate the translational relevance of these models to human neuropsychiatric disease is prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), an operational measure of sensorimotor gating. Deficient PPI characterizes several neuropsychiatric disorders but has been most extensively studied in schizophrenia. It has become a useful tool in translational neuropharmacological and molecular genetics studies because it can be measured across species using almost the same experimental parameters. Although initial studies of PPI in rodents were pharmacological because of the robust predictive validity of PPI for antipsychotic efficacy, more recently, PPI has become standard common behavioral measures used in genetic and neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia. Here we review "two hit" models of schizophrenia and discuss the utility of PPI as a tool in phenotyping these models of relevant risk factors. In the review, we consider approaches to rodent models of genetic and neurodevelopmental risk factors and selectively review "two hit" models of gene×environment and environment×environment interactions in which PPI has been measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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21
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Lloyd D, Talmage D, Shannon Weickert C, Karl T. Reduced type III neuregulin 1 expression does not modulate the behavioural sensitivity of mice to acute Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (D 9 -THC). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 170:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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22
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Olaya JC, Heusner CL, Matsumoto M, Sinclair D, Kondo MA, Karl T, Shannon Weickert C. Overexpression of Neuregulin 1 Type III Confers Hippocampal mRNA Alterations and Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors in Mice. Schizophr Bull 2018; 44:865-875. [PMID: 28981869 PMCID: PMC6007747 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbx122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a schizophrenia candidate gene whose protein product is involved in neuronal migration, survival, and synaptic plasticity via production of specific isoforms. Importantly, NRG1 type III (NRG1 III) mRNA is increased in humans inheriting a schizophrenia risk haplotype for the NRG1 gene (HapICE), and NRG1 protein levels can be elevated in schizophrenia. The nature by which NRG1 type III overexpression results in schizophrenia-like behavior and brain pathology remains unclear, therefore we constructed a transgenic mouse with Nrg1 III overexpression in forebrain neurons (CamKII kinase+). Here, we demonstrate construct validity for this mouse model, as juvenile and adult Nrg1 III transgenic mice exhibit an overexpression of Nrg1 III mRNA and Nrg1 protein in multiple brain regions. Furthermore, Nrg1 III transgenic mice have face validity as they exhibit schizophrenia-relevant behavioral phenotypes including deficits in social preference, impaired fear-associated memory, and reduced prepulse inhibition. Additionally, microarray assay of hippocampal mRNA uncovered transcriptional alterations downstream of Nrg1 III overexpression, including changes in serotonin receptor 2C and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Transgenic mice did not exhibit other schizophrenia-relevant behaviors including hyperactivity, social withdrawal, or an increased vulnerability to the effects of MK-801 malate. Our results indicate that this novel Nrg1 III mouse is valid for modeling potential pathological mechanisms of some schizophrenia-like behaviors, for determining what other neurobiological changes may be downstream of elevated NRG1 III levels and for preclinically testing therapeutic strategies that may be specifically efficacious in patients with the NRG1 (HapICE) risk genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Olaya
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Duncan Sinclair
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mari A Kondo
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; tel: +61-2-9399-1117, fax: +61-2-9399-1005, e-mail:
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23
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Chesworth R, Long LE, Weickert CS, Karl T. The Endocannabinoid System across Postnatal Development in Transmembrane Domain Neuregulin 1 Mutant Mice. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:11. [PMID: 29467679 PMCID: PMC5808294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabis is a well-established component risk factor for schizophrenia, particularly in adolescent individuals with genetic predisposition for the disorder. Alterations to the endocannabinoid system have been found in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Thus, we assessed whether molecular alterations exist in the endocannabinoid signalling pathway during brain development in a mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1). We analysed transcripts encoding key molecules of the endocannabinoid system in heterozygous transmembrane domain Nrg1 mutant mice (Nrg1 TM HET), which is known to have increased sensitivity to cannabis exposure. Tissue from the prelimbic cortex and hippocampus of male and female Nrg1 TM HET mice and wild type-like littermates was collected at postnatal days (PNDs) 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49, and 161. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to assess mRNA levels of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and enzymes for the synthesis and breakdown of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol [i.e., diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα), monoglyceride lipase (MGLL), and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6)]. No sex differences were found for any transcripts in either brain region; thus, male and female data were pooled. Hippocampal and cortical mRNA expression of DAGLα, MGLL, and ABHD6 increased until PND 21-35 and then decreased and stabilised for the rest of postnatal development. Hippocampal CB1R mRNA expression increased until PND 21 and decreased after this age. Expression levels of these endocannabinoid markers did not differ in Nrg1 TM HET compared to control mice at any time point. Here, we demonstrate dynamic changes in the developmental trajectory of several key endocannabinoid system transcripts in the mouse brain, which may correspond with periods of endocannabinoid system maturation. Nrg1 TM HET mutation did not alter the developmental trajectory of the endocannabinoid markers assessed, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for the exaggerated cannabinoid susceptibility in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Leonora E Long
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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24
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Brzozowska NI, Smith KL, Zhou C, Waters PM, Cavalcante LM, Abelev SV, Kuligowski M, Clarke DJ, Todd SM, Arnold JC. Genetic deletion of P-glycoprotein alters stress responsivity and increases depression-like behavior, social withdrawal and microglial activation in the hippocampus of female mice. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 65:251-261. [PMID: 28502879 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ABC transporter expressed at the blood brain barrier and regulates the brain uptake of various xenobiotics and endogenous mediators including glucocorticoid hormones which are critically important to the stress response. Moreover, P-gp is expressed on microglia, the brain's immune cells, which are activated by stressors and have an emerging role in psychiatric disorders. We therefore hypothesised that germline P-gp deletion in mice might alter the behavioral and microglial response to stressors. Female P-gp knockout mice displayed an unusual, frantic anxiety response to intraperitoneal injection stress in the light-dark test. They also tended to display reduced conditioned fear responses compared to wild-type (WT) mice in a paradigm where a single electric foot-shock stressor was paired to a context. Foot-shock stress reduced social interaction and decreased microglia cell density in the amygdala which was not varied by P-gp genotype. Independently of stressor exposure, female P-gp deficient mice displayed increased depression-like behavior, idiosyncratic darting behavior, age-related social withdrawal and hyperactivity, facilitated sensorimotor gating and altered startle reactivity. In addition, P-gp deletion increased microglia cell density in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, and the microglial cells exhibited a reactive, hypo-ramified morphology. Further, female P-gp KO mice displayed increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, this research shows that germline P-gp deletion affected various behaviors of relevance to psychiatric conditions, and that altered microglial cell activity and enhanced GR expression in the hippocampus may play a role in mediating these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia I Brzozowska
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie L Smith
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Cilla Zhou
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter M Waters
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ligia Menezes Cavalcante
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah V Abelev
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Kuligowski
- The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Clarke
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Todd
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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25
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26
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O’Tuathaigh CMP, Mathur N, O’Callaghan MJ, MacIntyre L, Harvey R, Lai D, Waddington JL, Pickard BS, Watson DG, Moran PM. Specialized Information Processing Deficits and Distinct Metabolomic Profiles Following TM-Domain Disruption of Nrg1. Schizophr Bull 2017; 43:1100-1113. [PMID: 28338897 PMCID: PMC5581893 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although there is considerable genetic and pathologic evidence for an association between neuregulin 1 (NRG1) dysregulation and schizophrenia, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Mutant mice containing disruption of the transmembrane (TM) domain of the NRG1 gene constitute a heuristic model for dysregulation of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in schizophrenia. The present study focused on hitherto uncharacterized information processing phenotypes in this mutant line. Using a mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach, we also quantified levels of unique metabolites in brain. Across 2 different sites and protocols, Nrg1 mutants demonstrated deficits in prepulse inhibition, a measure of sensorimotor gating, that is, disrupted in schizophrenia; these deficits were partially reversed by acute treatment with second, but not first-, generation antipsychotic drugs. However, Nrg1 mutants did not show a specific deficit in latent inhibition, a measure of selective attention that is also disrupted in schizophrenia. In contrast, in a "what-where-when" object recognition memory task, Nrg1 mutants displayed sex-specific (males only) disruption of "what-when" performance, indicative of impaired temporal aspects of episodic memory. Differential metabolomic profiling revealed that these behavioral phenotypes were accompanied, most prominently, by alterations in lipid metabolism pathways. This study is the first to associate these novel physiological mechanisms, previously independently identified as being abnormal in schizophrenia, with disruption of NRG1 function. These data suggest novel mechanisms by which compromised neuregulin function from birth might lead to schizophrenia-relevant behavioral changes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naina Mathur
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Lynsey MacIntyre
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard Harvey
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Donna Lai
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - John L Waddington
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research & Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Disorders and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Benjamin S Pickard
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - David G Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paula M Moran
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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27
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Shang K, Talmage DA, Karl T. Parent-of-origin effects on schizophrenia-relevant behaviours of type III neuregulin 1 mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:250-258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Silveira MM, Arnold JC, Laviolette SR, Hillard CJ, Celorrio M, Aymerich MS, Adams WK. Seeing through the smoke: Human and animal studies of cannabis use and endocannabinoid signalling in corticolimbic networks. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:380-395. [PMID: 27639448 PMCID: PMC5350061 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Public opinion surrounding the recreational use and therapeutic potential of cannabis is shifting. This review describes new work examining the behavioural and neural effects of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, highlighting key regions within corticolimbic brain circuits. First, we consider the role of human genetic factors and cannabis strain chemotypic differences in contributing to interindividual variation in the response to cannabinoids, such as THC, and review studies demonstrating that THC-induced impairments in decision-making processes are mediated by actions at prefrontal CB1 receptors. We further describe evidence that signalling through prefrontal or ventral hippocampal CB1 receptors modulates mesolimbic dopamine activity, aberrations of which may contribute to emotional processing deficits in schizophrenia. Lastly, we review studies suggesting that endocannabinoid tone in the amygdala is a critical regulator of anxiety, and report new data showing that FAAH activity is integral to this response. Together, these findings underscore the importance of cannabinoid signalling in the regulation of cognitive and affective behaviours, and encourage further research given their social, political, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason M Silveira
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marta Celorrio
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - María S Aymerich
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Wendy K Adams
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Lupica CR, Hu Y, Devinsky O, Hoffman AF. Cannabinoids as hippocampal network administrators. Neuropharmacology 2017; 124:25-37. [PMID: 28392266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Extensive pioneering studies performed in the hippocampus have greatly contributed to our knowledge of an endogenous cannabinoid system comprised of the molecular machinery necessary to process endocannabinoid lipid messengers and their associated cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, a foundation of knowledge regarding the function of hippocampal circuits, and its role in supporting synaptic plasticity has facilitated our understanding of the roles cannabinoids play in the diverse behaviors in which the hippocampus participates, in both normal and pathological states. In this review, we present an historical overview of research pertaining to the hippocampal cannabinoid system to provide context in which to understand the participation of the hippocampus in cognition, behavior, and epilepsy. We also examine potential roles for the hippocampal formation in mediating dysfunctional behavior, and assert that these phenomena reflect disordered physiological activity within the hippocampus and its interactions with other brain regions after exposure to synthetic cannabinoids, and the phytocannabinoids found in marijuana, such as Δ9-THC and cannabidiol. In this regard, we examine contemporary hypotheses concerning the hippocampal endocannabinoid system's participation in psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, and examine cannabinoid-sensitive cellular mechanisms contributing to coherent network oscillations as potential contributors to these disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Lupica
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Electrophysiology Research Section, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yuhan Hu
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Alexander F Hoffman
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Electrophysiology Research Section, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Todd SM, Zhou C, Clarke DJ, Chohan TW, Bahceci D, Arnold JC. Interactions between cannabidiol and Δ 9-THC following acute and repeated dosing: Rebound hyperactivity, sensorimotor gating and epigenetic and neuroadaptive changes in the mesolimbic pathway. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:132-145. [PMID: 28043732 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The evidence base for the use of medical cannabis preparations containing specific ratios of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is limited. While there is abundant data on acute interactions between CBD and THC, few studies have assessed the impact of their repeated co-administration. We previously reported that CBD inhibited or potentiated the acute effects of THC dependent on the measure being examined at a 1:1 CBD:THC dose ratio. Further, CBD decreased THC effects on brain regions involved in memory, anxiety and body temperature regulation. Here we extend on these finding by examining over 15 days of treatment whether CBD modulated the repeated effects of THC on behaviour and neuroadaption markers in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. After acute locomotor suppression, repeated THC caused rebound locomotor hyperactivity that was modestly inhibited by CBD. CBD also slightly reduced the acute effects of THC on sensorimotor gating. These subtle effects were found at a 1:1 CBD:THC dose ratio but were not accentuated by a 5:1 dose ratio. CBD did not alter the trajectory of enduring THC-induced anxiety nor tolerance to the pharmacological effects of THC. There was no evidence of CBD potentiating the behavioural effects of THC. However we demonstrated for the first time that repeated co-administration of CBD and THC increased histone 3 acetylation (H3K9/14ac) in the VTA and ΔFosB expression in the nucleus accumbens. These changes suggest that while CBD may have protective effects acutely, its long-term molecular actions on the brain are more complex and may be supradditive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Todd
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cilla Zhou
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David J Clarke
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tariq W Chohan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dilara Bahceci
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Lambert Initiative of Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Lambert Initiative of Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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31
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Low JK, Ambikairajah A, Shang K, Brown DA, Tsai VWW, Breit SN, Karl T. First Behavioural Characterisation of a Knockout Mouse Model for the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β Superfamily Cytokine, MIC-1/GDF15. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168416. [PMID: 28081177 PMCID: PMC5231335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), also known as growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), is a stress response cytokine. MIC-1/GDF15 is secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid and increased levels of MIC-1/GDF15 are associated with a variety of diseases including cognitive decline. Furthermore, Mic-1/Gdf15 knockout mice (Mic-1 KO) weigh more, have increased adiposity, associated with increased spontaneous food intake, and exhibit reduced basal energy expenditure and physical activity. The current study was designed to comprehensively determine the role of MIC-1/GDF15 on behavioural domains of male and female knockout mice including locomotion, exploration, anxiety, cognition, social behaviours, and sensorimotor gating. Mic-1 KO mice exhibited a task-dependent increase in locomotion and exploration and reduced anxiety-related behaviours across tests. Spatial working memory and social behaviours were not affected by Mic-1/Gdf15 deficiency. Interestingly, knockout mice formed an increased association with the conditioned stimulus in fear conditioning testing and also displayed significantly improved prepulse inhibition. Overall sex effects were evident for social behaviours, fear conditioning, and sensorimotor gating. This is the first study defining the role of Mic-1/Gdf15 in a number of behavioural domains. Whether the observed impact is based on direct actions of Mic-1/Gdf15 deficiency on the CNS or whether the behavioural effects are mediated by indirect actions on e.g. other neurotransmitter systems must be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jac Kee Low
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Kani Shang
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A. Brown
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicky W. W. Tsai
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel N. Breit
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Clarke DJ, Stuart J, McGregor IS, Arnold JC. Endocannabinoid dysregulation in cognitive and stress-related brain regions in the Nrg1 mouse model of schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 72:9-15. [PMID: 27521758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in schizophrenia. Mice with heterozygous deletion of neuregulin 1 (Nrg1 HET mice) provide a well-characterised animal model of schizophrenia, and display enhanced sensitivity to stress and cannabinoids during adolescence. However, no study has yet determined whether these mice have altered brain endocannabinoid concentrations. Nrg1 application to hippocampal slices decreased 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) signalling and disrupted long-term depression, a form of synaptic plasticity critical to spatial learning. Therefore we specifically aimed to examine whether Nrg1 HET mice exhibit increased 2-AG concentrations and disruption of spatial learning. As chronic stress influences brain endocannabinoids, we also sought to examine whether Nrg1 deficiency moderates adolescent stress-induced alterations in brain endocannabinoids. Adolescent Nrg1 HET and wild-type (WT) mice were submitted to chronic restraint stress and brain endocannabinoid concentrations were analysed. A separate cohort of WT and Nrg1 HET mice was also assessed for spatial learning performance in the Morris Water Maze. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 increased anandamide concentrations in the amygdala and decreased 2-AG concentrations in the hypothalamus. Further, Nrg1 HET mice exhibited increased 2-AG concentrations in the hippocampus and impaired spatial learning performance. Chronic adolescent stress increased anandamide concentrations in the amygdala, however, Nrg1 disruption did not influence this stress-induced change. These results demonstrate for the first time in vivo interplay between Nrg1 and endocannabinoids in the brain. Our results demonstrate that aberrant Nrg1 and endocannabinoid signalling may cooperate in the hippocampus to impair cognition, and that Nrg1 deficiency alters endocannabinoid signalling in brain stress circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Clarke
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Lambert Initiative of Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative of Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Lambert Initiative of Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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33
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Vaht M, Laas K, Kiive E, Parik J, Veidebaum T, Harro J. A functional neuregulin-1 gene variant and stressful life events: Effect on drug use in a longitudinal population-representative cohort study. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:54-61. [PMID: 27353026 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116655979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuregulin 1 gene is a susceptibility gene for substance dependence. A functional polymorphism (SNP8NRG243177/rs6994992; C/T) in the promoter region of the brain-specific type IV neuregulin-1 gene ( NRG1) has been associated with psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) that often present higher odds of smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use. This study assessed the association of the NRG1 genotype with drug use and possible interaction with stressful life events (SLEs). METHODS The database of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (beginning in 1998) was used. Cohorts of children initially 9 years old ( n=583; followed up at 15 and 18 years) and 15 years old ( n=593; followed up at 18 and 25 years) provided self-reports on alcohol, tobacco and illicit substance use and SLEs. Psychiatric assessment based on DSM-IV was carried out on the older birth cohort at age 25 to assess the lifetime presence of substance use disorders. NRG1 rs6994992 was genotyped in all participants by TaqMan® Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assay on the Applied Biosystems ViiA™ 7 Real-Time PCR System. The minor (T) allele frequency was 0.37. RESULTS NRG1 rs6994992 C/C homozygotes, especially those who had experienced more SLEs, were more likely to develop alcohol use disorders by young adulthood, were generally more active consumers of tobacco products, and had more likely used illicit drugs. In T allele carriers, SLEs had a negligible effect on substance use. CONCLUSIONS In humans, NRG1 genotype is associated with substance use, and this relationship is moderated by adverse life events, with a gain-of-function allele being protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariliis Vaht
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kariina Laas
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Evelyn Kiive
- 2 Division of Special Education, Department of Education, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jüri Parik
- 3 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- 4 National Institute for Health Development, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Gene × Environment Interactions in Schizophrenia: Evidence from Genetic Mouse Models. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2173748. [PMID: 27725886 PMCID: PMC5048038 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2173748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of gene × environment, as well as epistatic interactions in schizophrenia, has provided important insight into the complex etiopathologic basis of schizophrenia. It has also increased our understanding of the role of susceptibility genes in the disorder and is an important consideration as we seek to translate genetic advances into novel antipsychotic treatment targets. This review summarises data arising from research involving the modelling of gene × environment interactions in schizophrenia using preclinical genetic models. Evidence for synergistic effects on the expression of schizophrenia-relevant endophenotypes will be discussed. It is proposed that valid and multifactorial preclinical models are important tools for identifying critical areas, as well as underlying mechanisms, of convergence of genetic and environmental risk factors, and their interaction in schizophrenia.
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35
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O'Tuathaigh CMP, Desbonnet L, Moran PM, Kirby BP, Waddington JL. Molecular genetic models related to schizophrenia and psychotic illness: heuristics and challenges. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 7:87-119. [PMID: 21298380 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2010_111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heritable disorder that may involve several common genes of small effect and/or rare copy number variation, with phenotypic heterogeneity across patients. Furthermore, any boundaries vis-à-vis other psychotic disorders are far from clear. Consequently, identification of informative animal models for this disorder, which typically relate to pharmacological and putative pathophysiological processes of uncertain validity, faces considerable challenges. In juxtaposition, the majority of mutant models for schizophrenia relate to the functional roles of a diverse set of genes associated with risk for the disorder or with such putative pathophysiological processes. This chapter seeks to outline the evidence from phenotypic studies in mutant models related to schizophrenia. These have commonly assessed the degree to which mutation of a schizophrenia-related gene is associated with the expression of several aspects of the schizophrenia phenotype or more circumscribed, schizophrenia-related endophenotypes; typically, they place specific emphasis on positive and negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, and extend to structural and other pathological features. We first consider the primary technological approaches to the generation of such mutants, to include their relative merits and demerits, and then highlight the diverse phenotypic approaches that have been developed for their assessment. The chapter then considers the application of mutant phenotypes to study pathobiological and pharmacological mechanisms thought to be relevant for schizophrenia, particularly in terms of dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysfunction, and to an increasing range of candidate susceptibility genes and copy number variants. Finally, we discuss several pertinent issues and challenges within the field which relate to both phenotypic evaluation and a growing appreciation of the functional genomics of schizophrenia and the involvement of gene × environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm M P O'Tuathaigh
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland,
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Sherif M, Radhakrishnan R, D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M. Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:526-38. [PMID: 26970363 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most compelling evidence supporting an association between cannabinoid agonists and psychosis comes from controlled laboratory studies in humans. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover laboratory studies demonstrate that cannabinoid agonists, including phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids, produce a wide range of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms and psychophysiologic deficits in healthy human subjects that resemble the phenomenology of schizophrenia. These effects are time locked to drug administration, are dose related, and are transient and rarely necessitate intervention. The magnitude of effects is similar to the effects of ketamine but qualitatively distinct from other psychotomimetic drugs, including ketamine, amphetamine, and salvinorin A. Cannabinoid agonists have also been shown to transiently exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia in laboratory studies. Patients with schizophrenia are more vulnerable than healthy control subjects to the acute behavioral and cognitive effects of cannabinoid agonists and experience transient exacerbation of symptoms despite treatment with antipsychotic medications. Furthermore, laboratory studies have failed to demonstrate any "beneficial" effects of cannabinoid agonists in individuals with schizophrenia-challenging the cannabis self-medication hypothesis. Emerging evidence suggests that polymorphisms of several genes related to dopamine metabolism (e.g., COMT, DAT1, and AKT1) may moderate the effects of cannabinoid agonists in laboratory studies. Cannabinoid agonists induce dopamine release, although the magnitude of release does not appear to be commensurate to the magnitude and spectrum of their acute psychotomimetic effects. Interactions between the endocannabinoid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate systems and their individual and interactive effects on neural oscillations provide a plausible mechanism underlying the psychotomimetic effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sherif
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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37
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Holm-Hansen S, Low JK, Zieba J, Gjedde A, Bergersen LH, Karl T. Behavioural effects of high fat diet in a mutant mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:295-304. [PMID: 26707035 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients are often obese or overweight and poor dietary choices appear to be a factor in this phenomenon. Poor diet has been found to have complex consequences for the mental state of patients. Thus, this study investigated whether an unhealthy diet [i.e. high fat diet (HFD)] impacts on the behaviour of a genetic mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (i.e. transmembrane domain Nrg1 mutant mice: Nrg1 HET). Female Nrg1 HET and wild-type-like littermates (WT) were fed with either HFD or a control chow diet. The mice were tested for baseline (e.g. anxiety) and schizophrenia-relevant behaviours after 7 weeks of diet exposure. HFD increased body weight and impaired glucose tolerance in all mice. Only Nrg1 females on HFD displayed a hyper-locomotive phenotype as locomotion-suppressive effects of HFD were only evident in WT mice. HFD also induced an anxiety-like response and increased freezing in the context and the cued version of the fear conditioning task. Importantly, CHOW-fed Nrg1 females displayed impaired social recognition memory, which was absent in HFD-fed mutants. Sensorimotor gating deficits of Nrg1 females were not affected by diet. In summary, HFD had complex effects on the behavioural phenotype of test mice and attenuated particular cognitive deficits of Nrg1 mutant females. This topic requires further investigations thereby also considering other dietary factors of relevance for schizophrenia as well as interactive effects of diet with medication and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Holm-Hansen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - J K Low
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia
| | - J Zieba
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia
| | - A Gjedde
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L H Bergersen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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38
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Thanos PK, Clavin BH, Hamilton J, O'Rourke JR, Maher T, Koumas C, Miao E, Lankop J, Elhage A, Haj-Dahmane S, Deutsch D, Kaczocha M. Examination of the Addictive and Behavioral Properties of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Inhibitor SBFI26. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:54. [PMID: 27092087 PMCID: PMC4820685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic properties of cannabinoids have been well demonstrated but are overshadowed by such adverse effects as cognitive and motor dysfunction, as well as their potential for addiction. Recent research on the natural lipid ligands of cannabinoid receptors, also known as endocannabinoids, has shed light on the mechanisms of intracellular transport of the endocannabinoid anandamide by fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and subsequent catabolism by fatty acid amide hydrolase. These findings facilitated the recent development of SBFI26, a pharmacological inhibitor of epidermal- and brain-specific FABP5 and FABP7, which effectively increases anandamide signaling. The goal of this study was to examine this compound for any possible rewarding and addictive properties as well as effects on locomotor activity, working/recognition memory, and propensity for sociability and preference for social novelty (SN) given its recently reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Male C57BL mice were split into four treatment groups and conditioned with 5.0, 20.0, 40.0 mg/kg SBFI26, or vehicle during a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Following CPP, mice underwent a battery of behavioral tests [open field, novel object recognition (NOR), social interaction (SI), and SN] paired with acute SBFI26 administration. Results showed that SBFI26 did not produce CPP or conditioned place aversion regardless of dose and did not induce any differences in locomotor and exploratory activity during CPP- or SBFI26-paired open field activity. We also observed no differences between treatment groups in NOR, SI, and SN. In conclusion, as SBFI26 was shown previously by our group to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, here we show that it does not pose a risk of dependence or motor and cognitive impairment under the conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Brendan H Clavin
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - John Hamilton
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Joseph R O'Rourke
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Thomas Maher
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Christopher Koumas
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Erick Miao
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Jessenia Lankop
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Aya Elhage
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Dale Deutsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, NY , USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, NY , USA
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Ayhan Y, McFarland R, Pletnikov MV. Animal models of gene-environment interaction in schizophrenia: A dimensional perspective. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 136:1-27. [PMID: 26510407 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia has long been considered as a disorder with multifactorial origins. Recent discoveries have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of the disease. However, even with the increase of identified risk variants, heritability estimates suggest an important contribution of non-genetic factors. Various environmental risk factors have been proposed to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. These include season of birth, maternal infections, obstetric complications, adverse events at early childhood, and drug abuse. Despite the progress in identification of genetic and environmental risk factors, we still have a limited understanding of the mechanisms whereby gene-environment interactions (G × E) operate in schizophrenia and psychoses at large. In this review we provide a critical analysis of current animal models of G × E relevant to psychotic disorders and propose that dimensional perspective will advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Ayhan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey
| | - Ross McFarland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.
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40
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Zieba J, Low JK, Purtell L, Qi Y, Campbell L, Herzog H, Karl T. Behavioural characteristics of the Prader-Willi syndrome related biallelic Snord116 mouse model. Neuropeptides 2015; 53:71-7. [PMID: 26259850 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the predominant genetic cause of obesity in humans and is associated with several behavioural phenotypes such as altered motoric function, reduced activity, and learning disabilities. It can include mood instability and, in some cases, psychotic episodes. Recently, the Snord116 gene has been associated with the development of PWS, however, it's contribution to the behavioural aspects of the disease are unknown. Here we show that male and female mice lacking Snord116 on both alleles exhibit normal motor behaviours and exploration but do display task-dependent alterations to locomotion and anxiety-related behaviours. Sociability is well developed in Snord116 deficient mice as are social recognition memory, spatial working memory, and fear-associated behaviours. No sex-specific effects were found. In conclusion, the biallelic Snord116 deficiency mouse model exhibits particular endophenotypes with some relevance to PWS, suggesting partial face validity for the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Zieba
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jac Kee Low
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Louise Purtell
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yue Qi
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Lesley Campbell
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Viggiano A, Cacciola G, Widmer DAJ, Viggiano D. Anxiety as a neurodevelopmental disorder in a neuronal subpopulation: Evidence from gene expression data. Psychiatry Res 2015; 228:729-40. [PMID: 26089015 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between genes and anxious behavior, is nor linear nor monotonic. To address this problem, we analyzed with a meta-analytic method the literature data of the behavior of knockout mice, retrieving 33 genes whose deletion was accompanied by increased anxious behavior, 34 genes related to decreased anxious behavior and 48 genes not involved in anxiety. We correlated the anxious behavior resulting from the deletion of these genes to their brain expression, using the Allen Brain Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The main finding is that the genes accompanied, after deletion, by a modification of the anxious behavior, have lower expression in the cerebral cortex, the amygdala and the ventral striatum. The lower expression level was putatively due to their selective presence in a neuronal subpopulation. This difference was replicated also using a database of human gene expression, further showing that the differential expression pertained, in humans, a temporal window of young postnatal age (4 months up to 4 years) but was not evident at fetal or adult human stages. Finally, using gene enrichment analysis we also show that presynaptic genes are involved in the emergence of anxiety and postsynaptic genes in the reduction of anxiety after gene deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Viggiano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cacciola
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy
| | | | - Davide Viggiano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy; Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory Science, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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42
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Long LE, Anderson P, Frank E, Shaw A, Liu S, Huang XF, Pinault D, Karl T, O’Brien TJ, Shannon Weickert C, Jones NC. Neuregulin 1 expression and electrophysiological abnormalities in the Neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous mutant mouse. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124114. [PMID: 25992564 PMCID: PMC4437646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous mutant (Nrg1 TM HET) mouse is used to investigate the role of Nrg1 in brain function and schizophrenia-like behavioural phenotypes. However, the molecular alterations in brain Nrg1 expression that underpin the behavioural observations have been assumed, but not directly determined. Here we comprehensively characterise mRNA Nrg1 transcripts throughout development of the Nrg1 TM HET mouse. In addition, we investigate the regulation of high-frequency (gamma) electrophysiological oscillations in this mutant mouse to associate molecular changes in Nrg1 with a schizophrenia-relevant neurophysiological profile. Methods Using exonic probes spanning the cysteine-rich, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like, transmembrane and intracellular domain encoding regions of Nrg1, mRNA levels were measured using qPCR in hippocampus and frontal cortex from male and female Nrg1 TM HET and wild type-like (WT) mice throughout development. We also performed electrophysiological recordings in adult mice and analysed gamma oscillatory at baseline, in responses to auditory stimuli and to ketamine. Results In both hippocampus and cortex, Nrg1 TM HET mice show significantly reduced expression of the exon encoding the transmembrane domain of Nrg1 compared with WT, but unaltered mRNA expression encoding the extracellular bioactive EGF-like and the cysteine-rich (type III) domains, and development-specific and region-specific reductions in the mRNA encoding the intracellular domain. Hippocampal Nrg1 protein expression was not altered, but NMDA receptor NR2B subunit phosphorylation was lower in Nrg1 TM HET mice. We identified elevated ongoing and reduced sensory-evoked gamma power in Nrg1 TM HET mice. Interpretation We found no evidence to support the claim that the Nrg1 TM HET mouse represents a simple haploinsufficient model. Further research is required to explore the possibility that mutation results in a gain of Nrg1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonora E. Long
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Anderson
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Frank
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alex Shaw
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shijie Liu
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Didier Pinault
- INSERM U1114, psychopathologie cognitive et physiopathologie de la schizophrénie, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tim Karl
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terence J. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (CSW); (NCJ)
| | - Nigel C. Jones
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (CSW); (NCJ)
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Muraki K, Tanigaki K. Neuronal migration abnormalities and its possible implications for schizophrenia. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:74. [PMID: 25805966 PMCID: PMC4354421 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that displays behavioral deficits such as decreased sensory gating, reduced social interaction and working memory deficits. The neurodevelopmental model is one of the widely accepted hypotheses of the etiology of schizophrenia. Subtle developmental abnormalities of the brain which stated long before the onset of clinical symptoms are thought to lead to the emergence of illness. Schizophrenia has strong genetic components but its underlying molecular pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Genetic linkage and association studies have identified several genes involved in neuronal migrations as candidate susceptibility genes for schizophrenia, although their effect size is small. Recent progress in copy number variation studies also has identified much higher risk loci such as 22q11. Based on these genetic findings, we are now able to utilize genetically-defined animal models. Here we summarize the results of neurodevelopmental and behavioral analysis of genetically-defined animal models. Furthermore, animal model experiments have demonstrated that embryonic and perinatal neurodevelopmental insults in neurogenesis and neuronal migrations cause neuronal functional and behavioral deficits in affected adult animals, which are similar to those of schizophrenic patients. However, these findings do not establish causative relationship. Genetically-defined animal models are a critical approach to explore the relationship between neuronal migration abnormalities and behavioral abnormalities relevant to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Muraki
- Shiga Medical Center, Research Institute Moriyama, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kenji Tanigaki
- Shiga Medical Center, Research Institute Moriyama, Shiga, Japan
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Samsom JN, Wong AHC. Schizophrenia and Depression Co-Morbidity: What We have Learned from Animal Models. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:13. [PMID: 25762938 PMCID: PMC4332163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for the development of depression. Overlap in the symptoms and genetic risk factors between the two disorders suggests a common etiological mechanism may underlie the presentation of comorbid depression in schizophrenia. Understanding these shared mechanisms will be important in informing the development of new treatments. Rodent models are powerful tools for understanding gene function as it relates to behavior. Examining rodent models relevant to both schizophrenia and depression reveals a number of common mechanisms. Current models which demonstrate endophenotypes of both schizophrenia and depression are reviewed here, including models of CUB and SUSHI multiple domains 1, PDZ and LIM domain 5, glutamate Delta 1 receptor, diabetic db/db mice, neuropeptide Y, disrupted in schizophrenia 1, and its interacting partners, reelin, maternal immune activation, and social isolation. Neurotransmission, brain connectivity, the immune system, the environment, and metabolism emerge as potential common mechanisms linking these models and potentially explaining comorbid depression in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Samsom
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Albert H C Wong
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
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45
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Developmentally vitamin D-deficient rats show enhanced prepulse inhibition after acute Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Behav Pharmacol 2014; 25:236-44. [PMID: 24776491 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency has been proposed as a risk factor for schizophrenia. DVD-deficient rats show selective cognitive deficits and novelty-induced hyperlocomotion and enhanced locomotor responses from acute treatment with psychomimetic drugs, such as amphetamine and MK-801. Here we aimed to examine the effect of a drug from a different class of psychomimetic/psychoactive compounds, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on tasks of relevance to the cognitive and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether DVD deficiency modulates the behavioural effects of THC on tests of delay-dependent memory, sensorimotor gating and locomotion. Adult control and DVD-deficient rats were injected with THC (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5 mg/kg) 15 min before a delay match to sample (DMTS) task using variable delays (0-24 s). A separate group of rats was injected with either 2.5 mg/kg THC or vehicle before tests of either prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response or in the open field. Control and DVD-deficient rats showed a similar dose-dependent impairment in performance on the DMTS. The greatest impairment was observed at 2.5 mg/kg for all delays (0-24 s). DVD-deficient rats showed THC-induced enhancement of PPI, which was not observed in control rats. There was no effect of maternal diet on acoustic startle response or locomotor responses in the open field. This study reports the novel findings that DVD-deficient rats were more sensitive to the acute effects of THC on PPI. It appears that prenatal vitamin D deficiency has long-term effects on sensitivity to the behavioural effects of cannabinoids.
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46
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Crabtree GW, Gogos JA. Synaptic plasticity, neural circuits, and the emerging role of altered short-term information processing in schizophrenia. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2014; 6:28. [PMID: 25505409 PMCID: PMC4243504 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2014.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity alters the strength of information flow between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons and thus modifies the likelihood that action potentials in a presynaptic neuron will lead to an action potential in a postsynaptic neuron. As such, synaptic plasticity and pathological changes in synaptic plasticity impact the synaptic computation which controls the information flow through the neural microcircuits responsible for the complex information processing necessary to drive adaptive behaviors. As current theories of neuropsychiatric disease suggest that distinct dysfunctions in neural circuit performance may critically underlie the unique symptoms of these diseases, pathological alterations in synaptic plasticity mechanisms may be fundamental to the disease process. Here we consider mechanisms of both short-term and long-term plasticity of synaptic transmission and their possible roles in information processing by neural microcircuits in both health and disease. As paradigms of neuropsychiatric diseases with strongly implicated risk genes, we discuss the findings in schizophrenia and autism and consider the alterations in synaptic plasticity and network function observed in both human studies and genetic mouse models of these diseases. Together these studies have begun to point toward a likely dominant role of short-term synaptic plasticity alterations in schizophrenia while dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may be due to a combination of both short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg W. Crabtree
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph A. Gogos
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA
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47
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Renard J, Krebs MO, Le Pen G, Jay TM. Long-term consequences of adolescent cannabinoid exposure in adult psychopathology. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:361. [PMID: 25426017 PMCID: PMC4226229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among adolescents and young adults. Unique cognitive, emotional, and social changes occur during this critical period of development from childhood into adulthood. The adolescent brain is in a state of transition and differs from the adult brain with respect to both anatomy (e.g., neuronal connections and morphology) and neurochemistry (e.g., dopamine, GABA, and glutamate). These changes are thought to support the emergence of adult cerebral processes and behaviors. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in development by acting on synaptic plasticity, neuronal cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component in marijuana, acts as a partial agonist of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Thus, over-activation of the endocannabinoid system by chronic exposure to CB1R agonists (e.g., THC, CP-55,940, and WIN55,212-2) during adolescence can dramatically alter brain maturation and cause long-lasting neurobiological changes that ultimately affect the function and behavior of the adult brain. Indeed, emerging evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrates that early-onset marijuana use has long-lasting consequences on cognition; moreover, in humans, this use is associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Here, we review the relationship between cannabinoid exposure during adolescence and the increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on both clinical and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Gwenaëlle Le Pen
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Thérèse M Jay
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
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48
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Chohan TW, Boucher AA, Spencer JR, Kassem MS, Hamdi AA, Karl T, Fok SY, Bennett MR, Arnold JC. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 modulates the effects of stress on sensorimotor gating, dendritic morphology, and HPA axis activity in adolescent mice. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:1272-84. [PMID: 24442851 PMCID: PMC4193694 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbt193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Genetic variation in neuregulin 1 (NRG1) increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and may help predict which high-risk individuals will transition to psychosis. NRG1 also modulates sensorimotor gating, a schizophrenia endophenotype. We used an animal model to demonstrate that partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 interacts with stress to promote neurobehavioral deficits of relevance to schizophrenia. Nrg1 heterozygous (HET) mice displayed greater acute stress-induced anxiety-related behavior than wild-type (WT) mice. Repeated stress in adolescence disrupted the normal development of higher prepulse inhibition of startle selectively in Nrg1 HET mice but not in WT mice. Further, repeated stress increased dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) selectively in Nrg1 HET mice. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 also modulated the adaptive response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to repeated stress, with Nrg1 HET displaying a reduced repeated stress-induced level of plasma corticosterone than WT mice. Our results demonstrate that Nrg1 confers vulnerability to repeated stress-induced sensorimotor gating deficits, dendritic spine growth in the mPFC, and an abberant endocrine response in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq W. Chohan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Aurelie A. Boucher
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jarrah R. Spencer
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mustafa S. Kassem
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Areeg A. Hamdi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Sandra Y. Fok
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maxwell R. Bennett
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, 94-100 Mallett Street, Sydney, Australia; tel: +61-2-9351-0812, e-mail:
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49
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Chohan TW, Nguyen A, Todd SM, Bennett MR, Callaghan P, Arnold JC. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 and adolescent stress interact to alter NMDA receptor binding in the medial prefrontal cortex. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:298. [PMID: 25324742 PMCID: PMC4179617 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00298] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is thought to arise due to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors during early neurodevelopment. We have recently shown that partial genetic deletion of the schizophrenia susceptibility gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) and adolescent stress interact to disturb sensorimotor gating, neuroendocrine activity and dendritic morphology in mice. Both stress and Nrg1 may have converging effects upon N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) which are implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, sensorimotor gating and dendritic spine plasticity. Using an identical repeated restraint stress paradigm to our previous study, here we determined NMDAR binding across various brain regions in adolescent Nrg1 heterozygous (HET) and wild-type (WT) mice using [3H] MK-801 autoradiography. Repeated restraint stress increased NMDAR binding in the ventral part of the lateral septum (LSV) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus irrespective of genotype. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 interacted with adolescent stress to promote an altered pattern of NMDAR binding in the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex. In the IL, whilst stress tended to increase NMDAR binding in WT mice, it decreased binding in Nrg1 HET mice. However, in the DG, stress selectively increased the expression of NMDAR binding in Nrg1 HET mice but not WT mice. These results demonstrate a Nrg1-stress interaction during adolescence on NMDAR binding in the medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq W Chohan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - An Nguyen
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Todd
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maxwell R Bennett
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Callaghan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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50
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Mei L, Nave KA. Neuregulin-ERBB signaling in the nervous system and neuropsychiatric diseases. Neuron 2014; 83:27-49. [PMID: 24991953 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulins (NRGs) comprise a large family of growth factors that stimulate ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases. NRGs and their receptors, ERBBs, have been identified as susceptibility genes for diseases such as schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder. Recent studies have revealed complex Nrg/Erbb signaling networks that regulate the assembly of neural circuitry, myelination, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. Evidence indicates there is an optimal level of NRG/ERBB signaling in the brain and deviation from it impairs brain functions. NRGs/ERBBs and downstream signaling pathways may provide therapeutic targets for specific neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Mei
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA.
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
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