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S-ketamine administration in pregnant mice induces ADHD- and depression-like behaviors in offspring mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 433:113996. [PMID: 35817136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anesthesia and psychotropic drugs in pregnant women may cause long-term effects on the brain development of unborn babies. The authors set out to investigate the neurotoxicity of S-ketamine, which possesses anesthetic and antidepressant effects and may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- and depression-like behaviors in offspring mice. METHODS Pregnant mice were administered with low-, medium-, and high-dose S-ketamine (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days from gestational day 14-18. At 21 days after birth, an elevated plus-maze test, fear conditioning, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to assess ADHD- and depression-like behaviors. Neuronal amount, glial activation, synaptic function indicated by ki67, and inhibitory presynaptic proteins revealed by GAD2 in the hippocampus, amygdala, habenula nucleus, and lateral hypothalamus (LHA) were determined by immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS All the pregnant mice exposed to high-dose S-ketamine administration had miscarriage after the first injection. Both low-dose and medium-dose S-ketamine administration significantly increased the open-arm time and attenuated frozen time in the fear conditioning, which indicates impulsivity and memory dysfunction-like behaviors. Medium-dose S-ketamine administration reduced locomotor activity in the open field and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, indicating depression-like behaviors. Changes in astrocytic activation, synaptic dysfunction, and decreased inhibitory presynaptic proteins were found in the hippocampus, amygdala, and habenula nucleus. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that S-ketamine may lead to detrimental effects, including ADHD-and depression-like behaviors in offspring mice. More studies should be promoted to determine the neurotoxicity of S-ketamine in the developing brain.
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Kefir ameliorates specific microbiota-gut-brain axis impairments in a mouse model relevant to autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:119-134. [PMID: 34252569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most severe developmental disorders, affecting on average 1 in 150 children worldwide. There is a great need for more effective strategies to improve quality of life in ASD subjects. The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in ASD. A novel modulator of the gut microbiome, the traditionally fermented milk drink kefir, has recently been shown to modulate the microbiota and decrease repetitive behaviour, one of the hallmarks of ASD, in mice. As such, we hypothesized that kefir could ameliorate behavioural deficits in a mouse model relevant to ASD; the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain. To this end, adult mice were administered either kefir (UK4) or a milk control for three weeks as treatment lead-in, after which they were assessed for their behavioural phenotype using a battery of tests. In addition, we assessed systemic immunity by flow cytometry and the gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We found that indeed kefir decreased repetitive behaviour in this mouse model. Furthermore, kefir prolonged stress-induced increases in corticosterone 60 min post-stress, which was accompanied by an ameliorated innate immune response as measured by LY6Chi monocyte levels. In addition, kefir increased the levels of anti-inflammatory Treg cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Kefir also increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium A2, which correlated with reduced repetitive behaviour and increased Treg cells in MLNs. Functionally, kefir modulated various predicted gut microbial pathways, including the gut-brain module S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthesis, as well as L-valine biosynthesis and pyruvate fermentation to isobutanol, which all correlated with repetitive behaviour. Taken together our data show that kefir modulates peripheral immunoregulation, can ameliorate specific ASD behavioural dysfunctions and modulates selective aspects of the composition and function of the gut microbiome, indicating that kefir supplementation might prove a viable strategy in improving quality of life in ASD subjects.
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Ferri SL, Dow HC, Schoch H, Lee JY, Brodkin ES, Abel T. Age- and sex-specific fear conditioning deficits in mice lacking Pcdh10, an Autism Associated Gene. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 178:107364. [PMID: 33340671 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PCDH10 is a gene associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is involved in the growth of thalamocortical projections and dendritic spine elimination. Previously, we characterized Pcdh10 haploinsufficient mice (Pcdh10+/- mice) and found male-specific social deficits and dark phase hypoactivity. Pcdh10+/- males exhibit increased dendritic spine density of immature morphology, decreased NMDAR expression, and decreased gamma synchronization in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Here, we further characterize Pcdh10+/- mice by testing for fear memory, which relies on BLA function. We used both male and female Pcdh10+/- mice and their wild-type littermates at two ages, juvenile and adult, and in two learning paradigms, cued and contextual fear conditioning. We found that males at both ages and in both assays exhibited fear conditioning deficits, but females were only impaired as adults in the cued condition. These data are further evidence for male-specific alterations in BLA-related behaviors in Pcdh10+/- mice and suggest that these mice may be a useful model for dissecting male specific brain and behavioral phenotypes relevant to social and emotional behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Ferri
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, 2312 Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Holly C Dow
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research Laboratory, 125 South 31(st) Street, Room 2202, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3403, USA
| | - Hannah Schoch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA, 99202, USA
| | - Ji Youn Lee
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, 2312 Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edward S Brodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research Laboratory, 125 South 31(st) Street, Room 2202, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3403, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, 2312 Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Bruinenberg VM, van Vliet D, van der Goot E, Counotte DS, Kuhn M, van Spronsen FJ, van der Zee EA. Long-term dietary intervention with low Phe and/or a specific nutrient combination improve certain aspects of brain functioning in phenylketonuria (PKU). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213391. [PMID: 30875376 PMCID: PMC6420157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In phenylketonuria (PKU), a gene mutation in the phenylalanine metabolic pathway causes accumulation of phenylalanine (Phe) in blood and brain. Although early introduction of a Phe-restricted diet can prevent severe symptoms from developing, patients who are diagnosed and treated early still experience deficits in cognitive functioning indicating shortcomings of current treatment. In the search for new and/or additional treatment strategies, a specific nutrient combination (SNC) was postulated to improve brain function in PKU. In this study, a long-term dietary intervention with a low-Phe diet, a specific combination of nutrients designed to improve brain function, or both concepts together was investigated in male and female BTBR PKU and WT mice. MATERIAL & METHODS 48 homozygous wild-types (WT, +/+) and 96 PKU BTBRPah2 (-/-) male and female mice received dietary interventions from postnatal day 31 till 10 months of age and were distributed in the following six groups: high Phe diet (WT C-HP, PKU C-HP), high Phe plus specific nutrient combination (WT SNC-HP, PKU SNC-HP), PKU low-Phe diet (PKU C-LP), and PKU low-Phe diet plus specific nutrient combination (PKU SNC- LP). Memory and motor function were tested at time points 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment initiation in the open field (OF), novel object recognition test (NOR), spatial object recognition test (SOR), and the balance beam (BB). At the end of the experiments, brain neurotransmitter concentrations were determined. RESULTS In the NOR, we found that PKU mice, despite being subjected to high Phe conditions, could master the task on all three time points when supplemented with SNC. Under low Phe conditions, PKU mice on control diet could master the NOR at all three time points, while PKU mice on the SNC supplemented diet could master the task at time points 6 and 9 months. SNC supplementation did not consistently influence the performance in the OF, SOR or BB in PKU mice. The low Phe diet was able to normalize concentrations of norepinephrine and serotonin; however, these neurotransmitters were not influenced by SNC supplementation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that both a long-lasting low Phe diet, the diet enriched with SNC, as well as the combined diet was able to ameliorate some, but not all of these PKU-induced abnormalities. Specifically, this study is the first long-term intervention study in BTBR PKU mice that shows that SNC supplementation can specifically improve novel object recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke M. Bruinenberg
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danique van Vliet
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Els van der Goot
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Francjan J. van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy A. van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Meyza KZ, Blanchard DC. The BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism - Current view on mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:99-110. [PMID: 28167097 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder, with current estimates of more than 1% of affected children across nations. The patients form a highly heterogeneous group with only the behavioral phenotype in common. The genetic heterogeneity is reflected in a plethora of animal models representing multiple mutations found in families of affected children. Despite many years of scientific effort, for the majority of cases the genetic cause remains elusive. It is therefore crucial to include well-validated models of idiopathic autism in studies searching for potential therapeutic agents. One of these models is the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mouse. The current review summarizes data gathered in recent research on potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the autism-like behavioral phenotype of this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Z Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland.
| | - D C Blanchard
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa,1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Bruinenberg VM, van der Goot E, van Vliet D, de Groot MJ, Mazzola PN, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Faassen M, van Spronsen FJ, van der Zee EA. The Behavioral Consequence of Phenylketonuria in Mice Depends on the Genetic Background. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:233. [PMID: 28066199 PMCID: PMC5167755 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To unravel the role of gene mutations in the healthy and the diseased state, countless studies have tried to link genotype with phenotype. However, over the years, it became clear that the strain of mice can influence these results. Nevertheless, identical gene mutations in different strains are often still considered equals. An example of this, is the research done in phenylketonuria (PKU), an inheritable metabolic disorder. In this field, a PKU mouse model (either on a BTBR or C57Bl/6 background) is often used to examine underlying mechanisms of the disease and/or new treatment strategies. Both strains have a point mutation in the gene coding for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase which causes toxic concentrations of the amino acid phenylalanine in blood and brain, as found in PKU patients. Although the mutation is identical and therefore assumed to equally affect physiology and behavior in both strains, no studies directly compared the two genetic backgrounds to test this assumption. Therefore, this study compared the BTBR and C57Bl/6 wild-type and PKU mice on PKU-relevant amino acid- and neurotransmitter-levels and at a behavioral level. The behavioral paradigms were selected from previous literature on the PKU mouse model and address four domains, namely (1) activity levels, (2) motor performance, (3) anxiety and/or depression-like behavior, and (4) learning and memory. The results of this study showed comparable biochemical changes in phenylalanine and neurotransmitter concentrations. In contrast, clear differences in behavioral outcome between the strains in all four above-mentioned domains were found, most notably in the learning and memory domain. The outcome in this domain seem to be primarily due to factors inherent to the genetic background of the mouse and much less by differences in PKU-specific biochemical parameters in blood and brain. The difference in behavioral outcome between PKU of both strains emphasizes that the consequence of the PAH mutation is influenced by other factors than Phe levels alone. Therefore, future research should consider these differences when choosing one of the genetic strains to investigate the pathophysiological mechanism underlying PKU-related behavior, especially when combined with new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke M Bruinenberg
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Els van der Goot
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Danique van Vliet
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn J de Groot
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Priscila N Mazzola
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn van Faassen
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
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Guo YP, Commons KG. Serotonin neuron abnormalities in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Autism Res 2016; 10:66-77. [PMID: 27478061 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The inbred mouse strain BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR) is studied as a model of idiopathic autism because they are less social and more resistant to change than other strains. Forebrain serotonin receptors and the response to serotonin drugs are altered in BTBR mice, yet it remains unknown if serotonin neurons themselves are abnormal. In this study, we found that serotonin tissue content and the density of serotonin axons is reduced in the hippocampus of BTBR mice in comparison to C57BL/6J (C57) mice. This was accompanied by possible compensatory changes in serotonin neurons that were most pronounced in regions known to provide innervation to the hippocampus: the caudal dorsal raphe (B6) and the median raphe. These changes included increased numbers of serotonin neurons and hyperactivation of Fos expression. Metrics of serotonin neurons in the rostral 2/3 of the dorsal raphe and serotonin content of the prefrontal cortex were less impacted. Thus, serotonin neurons exhibit region-dependent abnormalities in the BTBR mouse that may contribute to their altered behavioral profile. Autism Res 2017, 10: 66-77. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ping Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Conzelmann A, Woidich E, Mucha RF, Weyers P, Müller M, Lesch KP, Jacob CP, Pauli P. Methylphenidate and emotional-motivational processing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:971-9. [PMID: 26852138 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In line with the assumption that emotional-motivational deficits are one core dysfunction in ADHD, in one of our previous studies we observed a reduced reactivity towards pleasant pictures in adult ADHD patients as compared to controls. This was indicated by a lack of attenuation of the startle reflex specifically during pleasant pictures in ADHD patients. The first choice medical agents in ADHD, methylphenidate (MPH), is discussed to normalize these dysfunctions. However, experimental evidence in the sense of double-blind placebo-controlled study designs is lacking. Therefore, we investigated 61 adult ADHD patients twice, one time with placebo and one time with MPH with the same experimental design as in our study previously and assessed emotion processing during the presentation of pleasant, neutral and unpleasant pictures. We obtained startle reflex data as well as valence and arousal ratings in association with the pictures. As previously shown, ADHD patients showed a diminished startle attenuation during pleasant pictures while startle potentiation during unpleasant pictures was normal. Valence and arousal ratings unsuspiciously increased with increasing pleasantness and arousal of the pictures, respectively. There were no significant influences of MPH. The study replicates that ADHD patients show a reduced reactivity towards pleasant stimuli. MPH did not normalize this dysfunction. Possibly, MPH only influences emotions during more complex behavioural tasks that involve executive functions in adults with ADHD. Our results emphasize the importance for the use of double-blind placebo-controlled designs in psychopharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Conzelmann
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Eva Woidich
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ronald F Mucha
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Weyers
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Müller
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian P Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
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Hara Y, Ago Y, Taruta A, Katashiba K, Hasebe S, Takano E, Onaka Y, Hashimoto H, Matsuda T, Takuma K. Improvement by methylphenidate and atomoxetine of social interaction deficits and recognition memory impairment in a mouse model of valproic acid-induced autism. Autism Res 2015; 9:926-39. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hara
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Atsuki Taruta
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Keisuke Katashiba
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Erika Takano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Yusuke Onaka
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Toshio Matsuda
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui; Suita Osaka Japan
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Meyza K, Nikolaev T, Kondrakiewicz K, Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ, Knapska E. Neuronal correlates of asocial behavior in a BTBR T (+) Itpr3(tf)/J mouse model of autism. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:199. [PMID: 26300749 PMCID: PMC4526814 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized, in part, by an inability to adequately respond to social cues. Patients diagnosed with ASD are often devoid of empathy and impaired in understanding other people's emotional perspective. The neuronal correlates of this impairment are not fully understood. Replicating such a behavioral phenotype in a mouse model of autism would allow us insight into the neuronal background of the problem. Here we tested BTBR T(+)Itpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) and c57BL/6J (B6) mice in two behavioral paradigms: the Transfer of Emotional Information test and the Social Proximity test. In both tests BTBR mice displayed asocial behavior. We analyzed c-Fos protein expression in several brain regions after each of these tests, and found that, unlike B6 mice, BTBR mice react to a stressed cagemate exposure in the Transfer of Emotional Information test with no increase of c-Fos expression in either the prefrontal cortex or the amygdala. However, after Social Proximity exposure we observed a strong increase in c-Fos expression in the CA3 field of the hippocampus and two hypothalamic regions of BTBR brains. This response was accompanied by a strong activation of periaqueductal regions related to defensiveness, which suggests that BTBR mice find unavoidable social interaction highly aversive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Meyza
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Nikolaev
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kacper Kondrakiewicz
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Robert J Blanchard
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions' Neurobiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
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Long-term exposure to intranasal oxytocin in a mouse autism model. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e480. [PMID: 25386957 PMCID: PMC4259989 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in mammalian social behavior. It is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies in healthy rodents (prairie voles and C57BL/6J mice) have shown that there may be detrimental effects of long-term intranasal administration, raising the questions about safety and efficacy. To investigate the effects of OT on the aspects of ASD phenotype, we conducted the first study of chronic intranasal OT in a well-validated mouse model of autism, the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J inbred strain (BTBR), which displays low sociability and high repetitive behaviors. BTBR and C57BL/6J (B6) mice (N=94) were administered 0.8 IU/kg of OT intranasally, daily for 30 days, starting on day 21. We ran a well-characterized set of behavioral tasks relevant to diagnostic and associated symptoms of autism, including juvenile reciprocal social interactions, three-chambered social approach, open-field exploratory activity, repetitive self-grooming and fear-conditioned learning and memory, some during and some post treatment. Intranasal OT did not improve autism-relevant behaviors in BTBR, except for female sniffing in the three-chambered social interaction test. Male saline-treated BTBR mice showed increased interest in a novel mouse, both in chamber time and sniffing time, whereas OT-treated male BTBR mice showed a preference for the novel mouse in sniffing time only. No deleterious effects of OT were detected in either B6 or BTBR mice, except possibly for the lack of a preference for the novel mouse's chamber in OT-treated male BTBR mice. These results highlight the complexity inherent in understanding the effects of OT on behavior. Future investigations of chronic intranasal OT should include a wider dose range and early developmental time points in both healthy rodents and ASD models to affirm the efficacy and safety of OT.
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Barua S, Chadman KK, Kuizon S, Buenaventura D, Stapley NW, Ruocco F, Begum U, Guariglia SR, Brown WT, Junaid MA. Increasing maternal or post-weaning folic acid alters gene expression and moderately changes behavior in the offspring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101674. [PMID: 25006883 PMCID: PMC4090150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have indicated that altered maternal micronutrients and vitamins influence the development of newborns and altered nutrient exposure throughout the lifetime may have potential health effects and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. In recent years, folic acid (FA) exposure has significantly increased as a result of mandatory FA fortification and supplementation during pregnancy. Since FA modulates DNA methylation and affects gene expression, we investigated whether the amount of FA ingested during gestation alters gene expression in the newborn cerebral hemisphere, and if the increased exposure to FA during gestation and throughout the lifetime alters behavior in C57BL/6J mice. Methods Dams were fed FA either at 0.4 mg or 4 mg/kg diet throughout the pregnancy and the resulting pups were maintained on the diet throughout experimentation. Newborn pups brain cerebral hemispheres were used for microarray analysis. To confirm alteration of several genes, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed. In addition, various behavior assessments were conducted on neonatal and adult offspring. Results Results from microarray analysis suggest that the higher dose of FA supplementation during gestation alters the expression of a number of genes in the newborns’ cerebral hemispheres, including many involved in development. QRT-PCR confirmed alterations of nine genes including down-regulation of Cpn2, Htr4, Zfp353, Vgll2 and up-regulation of Xist, Nkx6-3, Leprel1, Nfix, Slc17a7. The alterations in the expression of Slc17a7 and Vgll2 were confirmed at the protein level. Pups exposed to the higher dose of FA exhibited increased ultrasonic vocalizations, greater anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity. These findings suggest that although FA plays a significant role in mammalian cellular machinery, there may be a loss of benefit from higher amounts of FA. Unregulated high FA supplementation during pregnancy and throughout the life course may have lasting effects, with alterations in brain development resulting in changes in behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subit Barua
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Kathryn K. Chadman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Salomon Kuizon
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Diego Buenaventura
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Nathan W. Stapley
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Felicia Ruocco
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Umme Begum
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara R. Guariglia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - W. Ted Brown
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohammed A. Junaid
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Graduate Center and College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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