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Wang W, Zhou E, Nie Z, Deng Z, Gong Q, Ma S, Kang L, Yao L, Cheng J, Liu Z. Exploring mechanisms of anhedonia in depression through neuroimaging and data-driven approaches. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:409-419. [PMID: 39038623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression that is closely related to prognosis and treatment outcomes. However, accurate and efficient treatments for anhedonia are lacking, mandating a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. METHODS A total of 303 patients diagnosed with depression and anhedonia were assessed by the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients were categorized into a low-anhedonia group and a high-anhedonia group using the K-means algorithm. A data-driven approach was used to explore the differences in brain structure and function with different degrees of anhedonia based on MATLAB. A random forest model was used exploratorily to test the predictive ability of differences in brain structure and function on anhedonia in depression. RESULTS Structural and functional differences were apparent in several brain regions of patients with depression and high-level anhedonia, including in the temporal lobe, paracingulate gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, right insular gyrus, and superior parietal lobule. And changes in these brain regions were significantly correlated with scores of SHAPS. CONCLUSIONS These brain regions may be useful as biomarkers that provide a more objective assessment of anhedonia in depression, laying the foundation for precision medicine in this treatment-resistant, relatively poor prognosis group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Enqi Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaowen Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zipeng Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Simeng Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongchun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Su P, Li Z, Yan X, Wang B, Bai M, Li Y, Xu E. Quercetin and Kaempferol inhibit HMC-1 activation via SOCE/NFATc2 signaling and suppress hippocampal mast cell activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive mice. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:945-960. [PMID: 38587532 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01876-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Mast cells (MCs), as the fastest immune responders, play a critical role in the progression of neuroinflammation-related diseases, especially in depression. Quercetin (Que) and kaempferol (Kae), as two major diet-derived flavonoids, inhibit MC activation and exhibit significant antidepressant effect due to their anti-inflammatory capacity. The study aimed to explore the mechanisms of inhibitory effect of Que and Kae on MC activation, and whether Que and Kae suppress hippocampal mast cell activation in LPS-induced depressive mice. SUBJECTS AND TREATMENT In vitro assays, human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with Que or Kae for 1 h, then stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ) for 3 h or 12 h. In vivo assays, Que or Kae was administered by oral gavage once daily for 14 days and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally injection to induce depressive behaviors. METHODS The secretion and expression of TNF-α were determined by ELISA and Western blotting. The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcriptional activity was measured in HMC-1 stably expressing NFAT luciferase reporter gene. Nuclear translocation of NFATc2 was detected by nuclear protein extraction and also was fluorescently detected in HMC-1 stably expressing eGFP-NFATc2. We used Ca2+ imaging to evaluate changes of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in HMC-1 stably expressing fluorescent Ca2+ indicator jGCamP7s. Molecular docking was used to assess interaction between the Que or Kae and calcium release-activated calcium modulator (ORAI). The hippocampal mast cell accumulation and activation were detected by toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry with β-tryptase. RESULTS In vitro assays of HMC-1 activated by PtBHQ (PMA and tBHQ), Que and Kae significantly decreased expression and secretion of TNF-α. Moreover, NFAT transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation of NFATc2 were remarkably inhibited by Que and Kae. In addition, the Ca2+ influx mediated by SOCE was suppressed by Que, Kae and the YM58483 (ORAI inhibitor), respectively. Importantly, the combination of YM58483 with Que or Kae had no additive effect on the inhibition of SOCE. The molecular docking also showed that Que and Kae both exhibit high binding affinities with ORAI at the same binding site as YM58483. In vivo assays, Que and Kae significantly reversed LPS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, and inhibited hippocampal mast cell activation in LPS-induced depressive mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that suppression of SOCE/NFATc2 pathway-mediated by ORAI channels may be the mechanism of inhibitory effect of Que and Kae on MC activation, and also suggested Que and Kae may exert the antidepressant effect through suppressing hippocampal mast cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zibo Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangli Yan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoying Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Bai
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Erping Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research On Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
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Westropp JL, Stella JL, Buffington CAT. Interstitial cystitis-an imbalance of risk and protective factors? FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1405488. [PMID: 38784787 PMCID: PMC11112028 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1405488] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis (IC) presents as a chronic pain condition with variable combinations of symptoms depending on the species and individual patient. It is diagnosed by the presence of lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in combination with a variety of comorbid health problems, a history of life adversities, and the absence of other conditions that could cause the lower urinary tract signs. IC occurs naturally in humans and cats as a dimensional condition, with patients presenting with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Most patients appear to recover without specific treatment. A number of rodent models of IC have been used to study its causes and treatments. Unfortunately, current therapies generally fail to ameliorate IC symptoms long-term. The recent classification of IC as a chronic primary pain disorder calls for a rethinking of current clinical and research approaches to it. Beginning when a patient encounters a clinician, precipitating, perpetuating, and palliating risk factors can be addressed until a cause or reliably effective therapy is identified, and identifying predisposing and preventive factors can inform epidemiological studies and health promotion interventions. Predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating risk factors, including environmental, psychological, and biological, increase the activity of the central threat response system (CTRS), which plays a clinically important role in IC symptoms. Studies in cats and rodent models have revealed that environmental enrichment (EE), in the absence of bladder-directed therapies, leads to amelioration of IC symptoms, implying a central role for the CTRS in symptom precipitation and perpetuation. Conceptually moving the source of IC pain to the brain as a motivational state rather than one resulting from peripheral nociceptive input offers both clinicians and researchers novel opportunities to improve care for patients with IC and for researchers to use more ecologically valid rodent models. It may even be that IC results from an excess of risk to protective factors, making this imbalance a targetable cause rather than a consequence of IC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L. Westropp
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Judith L. Stella
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, W. Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - C. A. Tony Buffington
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
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Fan Q, Yan R, Li Y, Lu L, Liu J, Li S, Fu T, Xue Y, Liu J, Li Z. Exploring Immune Cell Diversity in the Lacrimal Glands of Healthy Mice: A Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Atlas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1208. [PMID: 38279208 PMCID: PMC10816500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The lacrimal gland is responsible for maintaining the health of the ocular surface through the production of tears. However, our understanding of the immune system within the lacrimal gland is currently limited. Therefore, in this study, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify and analyze immune cells and molecules present in the lacrimal glands of normal mice. A total of 34,891 cells were obtained from the lacrimal glands of mice and classified into 18 distinct cell clusters using Seurat clustering. Within these cell populations, 26 different immune cell subpopulations were identified, including T cells, innate lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells. Network analysis revealed complex cell-cell interactions between these immune cells, with particularly significant interactions observed among T cells, macrophages, plasma cells, and dendritic cells. Interestingly, T cells were found to be the main source of ligands for the Thy1 signaling pathway, while M2 macrophages were identified as the primary target of this pathway. Moreover, some of these immune cells were validated using immunohistological techniques. Collectively, these findings highlight the abundance and interactions of immune cells and provide valuable insights into the complexity of the lacrimal gland immune system and its relevance to associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Fan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.F.); (J.L.)
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruyu Yan
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yan Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Liyuan Lu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiangman Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.F.); (J.L.)
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Senmao Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ting Fu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yunxia Xue
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jun Liu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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Rego S, Sanchez G, Da Mesquita S. Current views on meningeal lymphatics and immunity in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:55. [PMID: 37580702 PMCID: PMC10424377 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an aging-related form of dementia associated with the accumulation of pathological aggregates of amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These phenomena are accompanied by exacerbated inflammation and marked neuronal loss, which altogether contribute to accelerated cognitive decline. The multifactorial nature of AD, allied to our still limited knowledge of its etiology and pathophysiology, have lessened our capacity to develop effective treatments for AD patients. Over the last few decades, genome wide association studies and biomarker development, alongside mechanistic experiments involving animal models, have identified different immune components that play key roles in the modulation of brain pathology in AD, affecting its progression and severity. As we will relay in this review, much of the recent efforts have been directed to better understanding the role of brain innate immunity, and particularly of microglia. However, and despite the lack of diversity within brain resident immune cells, the brain border tissues, especially the meninges, harbour a considerable number of different types and subtypes of adaptive and innate immune cells. Alongside microglia, which have taken the centre stage as important players in AD research, there is new and exciting evidence pointing to adaptive immune cells, namely T and B cells found in the brain and its meninges, as important modulators of neuroinflammation and neuronal (dys)function in AD. Importantly, a genuine and functional lymphatic vascular network is present around the brain in the outermost meningeal layer, the dura. The meningeal lymphatics are directly connected to the peripheral lymphatic system in different mammalian species, including humans, and play a crucial role in preserving a "healthy" immune surveillance of the CNS, by shaping immune responses, not only locally at the meninges, but also at the level of the brain tissue. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive view on our current knowledge about the meningeal lymphatic vasculature, emphasizing its described roles in modulating CNS fluid and macromolecule drainage, meningeal and brain immunity, as well as glial and neuronal function in aging and in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanon Rego
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Guadalupe Sanchez
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sandro Da Mesquita
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Chia SL, Kapoor S, Carvalho C, Bajénoff M, Gentek R. Mast cell ontogeny: From fetal development to life-long health and disease. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:31-53. [PMID: 36752151 PMCID: PMC10952628 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are evolutionarily ancient innate immune cells with important roles in protective immunity against bacteria, parasites, and venomous animals. They can be found in most organs of the body, where they also contribute to normal tissue functioning, for example by engaging in crosstalk with nerves. Despite this, they are most widely known for their detrimental roles in allergy, anaphylaxis, and atopic disease. Just like macrophages, mast cells were conventionally thought to originate from the bone marrow. However, they are already present in fetal tissues before the onset of bone marrow hematopoiesis, questioning this dogma. In recent years, our view of myeloid cell ontogeny has been revised. We now know that the first mast cells originate from progenitors made in the extra-embryonic yolk sac, and later get supplemented with mast cells produced from subsequent waves of hematopoiesis. In most connective tissues, sizeable populations of fetal-derived mast cells persist into adulthood, where they self-maintain largely independently from the bone marrow. These developmental origins are highly reminiscent of macrophages, which are known to have critical functions in development. Mast cells too may thus support healthy development. Their fetal origins and longevity also make mast cells susceptible to genetic and environmental perturbations, which may render them pathological. Here, we review our current understanding of mast cell biology from a developmental perspective. We first summarize how mast cell populations are established from distinct hematopoietic progenitor waves, and how they are subsequently maintained throughout life. We then discuss what functions mast cells may normally have at early life stages, and how they may be co-opted to cause, worsen, or increase susceptibility to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Li Chia
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Simran Kapoor
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Cyril Carvalho
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Marc Bajénoff
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐Luminy (CIML)MarseilleFrance
| | - Rebecca Gentek
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Baugher BJ, Sachs BD. Early life maternal separation induces sex-specific antidepressant-like responses but has minimal effects on adult stress susceptibility in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:941884. [PMID: 36172469 PMCID: PMC9510594 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.941884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress is known to increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders, which are highly prevalent conditions that disproportionately affect women. However, the results of preclinical studies have been mixed, with some work suggesting that early life stress promotes anxiety-like behavior and/or increases susceptibility to subsequent stressors, and other research suggesting that early life stress reduces anxiety-like behavior and/or confers resilience to subsequent stress exposure. It is likely that factors such as sex and the timing and severity of early life and adult stress exposure dictate whether a particular early life experience promotes adaptive vs. maladaptive behavior later in life. Most work in this area has focused exclusively on males, but several sex differences in the effects of early life stress on subsequent stress susceptibility have been reported. The current study examined the impact of early life maternal separation on susceptibility to behavioral alterations induced by 3 days of variable stress in adulthood in male and female c57BL6 mice. Our results indicate that 3 days of adult stress is sufficient to increase anxiety-like behavior in several paradigms and to increase immobility in the forced swim test. In contrast, a history of maternal separation reduces anxiety-like behavior in several tests, particularly in males. These findings could contribute to our understanding of sex differences in mental illness by demonstrating that males are more likely than females to display adaptive responses to mild early life stressors.
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