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Buján GE, D'Alessio L, Serra HA, Guelman LR, Molina SJ. Assessment of Hippocampal-Related Behavioral Changes in Adolescent Rats of both Sexes Following Voluntary Intermittent Ethanol Intake and Noise Exposure: A Putative Underlying Mechanism and Implementation of a Non-pharmacological Preventive Strategy. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:29. [PMID: 38856796 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00707-1] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ethanol (EtOH) intake and noise exposure are particularly concerning among human adolescents because the potential to harm brain. Unfortunately, putative underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Moreover, implementing non-pharmacological strategies, such as enriched environments (EE), would be pertinent in the field of neuroprotection. This study aims to explore possible underlying triggering mechanism of hippocampus-dependent behaviors in adolescent animals of both sexes following ethanol intake, noise exposure, or a combination of both, as well as the impact of EE. Adolescent Wistar rats of both sexes were subjected to an intermittent voluntary EtOH intake paradigm for one week. A subgroup of animals was exposed to white noise for two hours after the last session of EtOH intake. Some animals of both groups were housed in EE cages. Hippocampal-dependent behavioral assessment and hippocampal oxidative state evaluation were performed. Results show that different hippocampal-dependent behavioral alterations might be induced in animals of both sexes after EtOH intake and sequential noise exposure, that in some cases are sex-specific. Moreover, hippocampal oxidative imbalance seems to be one of the potential underlying mechanisms. Additionally, most behavioral and oxidative alterations were prevented by EE. These findings suggest that two frequently found environmental agents may impact behavior and oxidative pathways in both sexes in an animal model. In addition, EE resulted a partially effective neuroprotective strategy. Therefore, it could be suggested that the implementation of a non-pharmacological approach might also potentially provide neuroprotective advantages against other challenges. Finally, considering its potential for translational human benefit might be worth.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Buján
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Toxicología y Farmacología, 1ª Cátedra de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, piso 15, 1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L D'Alessio
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Toxicología y Farmacología, 1ª Cátedra de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, piso 15, 1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H A Serra
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Toxicología y Farmacología, 1ª Cátedra de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, piso 15, 1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L R Guelman
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Toxicología y Farmacología, 1ª Cátedra de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, piso 15, 1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - S J Molina
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Campbell S, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic ethanol exposure and optogenetic activation of hypocretin neurons stimulate similar behaviors early in life associated with later alcohol consumption. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3021. [PMID: 38321123 PMCID: PMC10847468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52465-x] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The initiation of alcohol use early in life is one of the strongest predictors of developing a future alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies have identified specific behaviors during early childhood that predict an increased risk for excess alcohol consumption later in life. These behaviors, including increased hyperactivity, anxiety, novelty-seeking, exploratory behavior, impulsivity, and alcohol-seeking, are similarly stimulated in children and adolescent offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. Here we tested larval zebrafish in addition to young pre-weanling rats and found this repertoire of early behaviors along with the overconsumption of alcohol during adolescence to be increased by embryonic ethanol exposure. With hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neurons known to be stimulated by ethanol and involved in mediating these alcohol-related behaviors, we tested their function in larval zebrafish and found optogenetic activation of Hcrt neurons to stimulate these same early alcohol-related behaviors and later alcohol intake, suggesting that these neurons have an important role in producing these behaviors. Together, these results show zebrafish to be an especially useful animal model for investigating the diverse neuronal systems mediating behavioral changes at young ages that are produced by embryonic ethanol exposure and predict an increased risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Treble-Barna A, Petersen BA, Stec Z, Conley YP, Fink EL, Kochanek PM. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury and Recovery. Biomolecules 2024; 14:191. [PMID: 38397427 PMCID: PMC10886547 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020191] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We review emerging preclinical and clinical evidence regarding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein, genotype, and DNA methylation (DNAm) as biomarkers of outcomes in three important etiologies of pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI), traumatic brain injury, global cerebral ischemia, and stroke. We also summarize evidence suggesting that BDNF is (1) involved in the biological embedding of the psychosocial environment, (2) responsive to rehabilitative therapies, and (3) potentially modifiable. BDNF's unique potential as a biomarker of neuroplasticity and neural repair that is reflective of and responsive to both pre- and post-injury environmental influences separates it from traditional protein biomarkers of structural brain injury with exciting potential to advance pediatric ABI management by increasing the accuracy of prognostic tools and informing clinical decision making through the monitoring of therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amery Treble-Barna
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (B.A.P.); (Z.S.)
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.L.F.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Bailey A. Petersen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (B.A.P.); (Z.S.)
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.L.F.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Zachary Stec
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (B.A.P.); (Z.S.)
| | - Yvette P. Conley
- Department of Health Promotion & Development, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Ericka L. Fink
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.L.F.); (P.M.K.)
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Patrick M. Kochanek
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.L.F.); (P.M.K.)
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Marengo L, Barey A, Salguero A, Fabio MC, Cendán CM, Morón-Henche I, D'Addario C, Pautassi RM. Neurobehavioral alterations induced by third-trimester gestation-equivalent ethanol exposure are inhibited by folate administration. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22426. [PMID: 37860900 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22426] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) causes several neurobehavioral impairments in the fetus. Postnatal days (PDs) 4-9 in rodents are considered equivalent to the third trimester of gestation in humans. This period is characterized by high rates of synaptogenesis and myelination and the maturation of key structures and transmitter systems. Nutritional supplements, such as folate, have gained attention as putative treatments to mitigate detrimental effects of PEE. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism and heightens antioxidant defenses. The present study examined neurobehavioral effects of the concurrent administration of folate (20 mg/kg/day) and ethanol (5 g/kg/day) during PDs 4-9 in male and female Wistar rats. During PDs 16-18, the rat pups were tested for anxiety-like and exploratory activity in the light-dark box (LDB), open field (OF), and concentric square field (CSF) tests. After weaning, they were tested for sucrose preference and ethanol intake. Neonatal ethanol exposure reduced body weight in infancy but did not enhance ethanol self-administration or significantly affect performance in the OF or LDB. Neonatal ethanol exposure also reduced sucrose intake in the preference test and increased shelter-seeking in the CSF, and folate significantly inhibited these effects. The present findings suggest that folate, a treatment that is devoid of serious side effects, can ameliorate some neurobehavioral effects of PEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marengo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agostina Barey
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agustín Salguero
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cruz Miguel Cendán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada and Biosanitary Research Institute ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Morón-Henche
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behaviour (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Yasmin N, Collier AD, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Khalizova N, Leibowitz SF. Subpopulations of hypocretin/orexin neurons differ in measures of their cell proliferation, dynorphin co-expression, projections, and response to embryonic ethanol exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8448. [PMID: 37231149 PMCID: PMC10213024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35432-w] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies in animals demonstrate that embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) at low-moderate doses stimulates neurogenesis and increases the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptide, hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt). A recent study in zebrafish showed that this effect on the Hcrt neurons in the anterior hypothalamus (AH) is area specific, evident in the anterior (aAH) but not posterior (pAH) part of this region. To understand specific factors that may determine the differential sensitivity to EtOH of these Hcrt subpopulations, we performed additional measures in zebrafish of their cell proliferation, co-expression of the opioid dynorphin (Dyn), and neuronal projections. In association with the increase in Hcrt neurons in the aAH but not pAH, EtOH significantly increased only in the aAH the proliferation of Hcrt neurons and their number lacking Dyn co-expression. The projections of these subpopulations differed markedly in their directionality, with those from the pAH primarily descending to the locus coeruleus and those from the aAH ascending to the subpallium, and they were both stimulated by EtOH, which induced specifically the most anterior subpallium-projecting Hcrt neurons to become ectopically expressed beyond the aAH. These differences between the Hcrt subpopulations suggest they are functionally distinct in their regulation of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Marengo L, Fabio MC, Bernal IS, Salguero A, Molina JC, Morón I, Cendán CM, D'Addario C, Pautassi RM. Folate administration ameliorates neurobehavioral effects of prenatal ethanol exposure. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:63-75. [PMID: 36722686 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2159425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) induces heightened ethanol intake at adolescence in preclinical studies. Ethanol intake alters the absorption of folate, a methyl-group donor critical for numerous cellular functions. The prenatal administration of folate is, therefore, a promising approach to reduce the effects of PEE.Objectives: Experiment 1 determined if prenatal folate modulated the effects of PEE on ethanol intake, anxiety-like response, and exploratory behaviors (Experiment 1) in Wistar rats. Experiment 2 assessed, in rats not given PEE, if postnatal folate reversed effects of ethanol exposure at postnatal days 28-42. Experiment 3 assessed if folate altered blood ethanol levels (BELs).Methods: Experiment 1 involved 242 (125 male) adolescent Wistar rats derived from dams given folate (20 mg/kg, gestational days - GD- 13-20) + ethanol (2.0 g/kg, GD 17-20), ethanol, or vehicle only at pregnancy. Experiment 2 involved 29 male adolescents administered vehicle or ethanol doses co-administered or not with folate. In Experiment 3 twelve adult females were tested for BELs after folate administration. These tests were applied: intake tests, light dark box (LDB), elevated plus maze, open field and concentric square field.Results: PEE heightened ethanol intake (η2 ps = 0.06-07) and induced hyperactivity and a reduced latency to exit the white area of the LDB (η2 ps = 0.12-17). These effects were partially inhibited by folate (p > .05). Rats exposed to ethanol exposure at adolescence exhibited reduced motor activity (η2 p = .17), regardless of folate treatment. Folate did not affect BELs.Conclusion: Folate administration should be considered as a preventive or acute treatment to attenuate the neurobehavioral effects of PEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marengo
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ivan Servín Bernal
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agustín Salguero
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Morón
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CIMCYC), Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cruz Miguel Cendán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM) Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, and Biosanitary Research Institute ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Muhammad JS, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder: putative differential gene expression patterns that might be associated with neurological complications. Hosp Pract (1995) 2022; 50:189-195. [PMID: 35686663 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2022.2088183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 invasion of the central nervous system leads to meningitis and encephalopathy syndromes. Additionally, chronic alcoholics were found to be at a higher risk of developing mental health problems and serious neurological manifestations, if exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS Herein, we studied RNA seq data from alcoholics' brain tissue and COVID-19 patient's brain tissue to identify the common differentially expressed genes. RESULTS Overlap analysis depicted the expression of seven genes (GHRL, SLN, VGF, IL1RL1, NPTX2, PDYN, and RPRML) that were significantly upregulated in both groups. Along with these, protein-protein interaction analysis revealed 10 other key molecules with strong interactions with the aforementioned genes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together with the functional effect of these genes, we suggest a strong molecular link between COVID-19-induced severities and neurological impairment in patients suffering from alcohol abuse disorder. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying chronic alcoholism as a risk factor for developing cognitive and memory impairment in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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Fibroblast growth factor 2: Role in prenatal alcohol-induced stimulation of hypothalamic peptide neurons. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 116:110536. [PMID: 35176416 PMCID: PMC8920779 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) increases alcohol consumption and risk for alcohol use disorder. This phenomenon in rodents is suggested to involve a stimulatory effect of PAE, in female more than male offspring, on neurogenesis and density of neurons expressing neuropeptides in lateral hypothalamus (LH), including melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), known to promote alcohol intake. With evidence suggesting a role for fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptor FGFR1 in stimulating neurogenesis and alcohol drinking, we investigated here whether the FGF2-FGFR1 system is involved in the PAE-induced increase in MCH neurons, in postnatal offspring of pregnant rats given ethanol orally (embryonic day 10-15) at a low-moderate (2 g/kg/day) or high (5 g/kg/day) dose. Our results demonstrate that PAE at the low-moderate but not high dose stimulates FGF2 and FGFR1 gene expression and increases the density of MCH neurons co-expressing FGF2, only in females, but FGFR1 in both sexes. PAE induces this effect in the dorsal but not ventral area of the LH. Further analysis of FGF2 and FGFR1 transcripts within individual MCH neurons reveals an intracellular, sex-dependent effect, with PAE increasing FGF2 transcripts positively related to FGFR1 in the nucleus as well as cytoplasm of females but transcripts only in the cytoplasm of males. Peripheral injection of FGF2 itself (80 μg/kg, s.c.) in pregnant rats mimics these effects of PAE. Together, these results support the involvement of the FGF2-FGFR1 system in mediating the PAE-induced, sex dependent increase in density of MCH neurons, possibly contributing to increased alcohol consumption in the offspring.
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Saad AK, Akour A, Mahboob A, AbuRuz S, Sadek B. Role of Brain Modulators in Neurodevelopment: Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Comorbidities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:612. [PMID: 35631438 PMCID: PMC9144645 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders share similar pathogenesis and clinical features. Pathophysiological changes in these diseases are rooted in early neuronal stem cells in the uterus. Several genetic and environmental factors potentially perturb neurogenesis and synaptogenesis processes causing incomplete or altered maturation of the brain that precedes the symptomology later in life. In this review, the impact of several endogenous neuromodulators and pharmacological agents on the foetus during pregnancy, manifested on numerous aspects of neurodevelopment is discussed. Within this context, some possible insults that may alter these modulators and therefore alter their role in neurodevelopment are high-lighted. Sometimes, a particular insult could influence several neuromodulator systems as is supported by recent research in the field of ASD and associated disorders. Dopaminergic hy-pothesis prevailed on the table for discussion of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCH), atten-tion-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ASD for a long time. However, recent cumulative evidence suggests otherwise. Indeed, the neuromodulators that are dysregulated in ASD and comorbid disorders are as diverse as the causes and symptoms of this disease. Additionally, these neuromodulators have roles in brain development, further complicating their involvement in comorbidity. This review will survey the current understanding of the neuromodulating systems to serve the pharmacological field during pregnancy and to minimize drug-related insults in pa-tients with ASD and associated comorbidity disorders, e.g., SCH or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali K. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdulla Mahboob
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salahdein AbuRuz
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
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Grafe EL, Wade MMM, Hodson CE, Thomas JD, Christie BR. Postnatal Choline Supplementation Rescues Deficits in Synaptic Plasticity Following Prenatal Ethanol Exposure. Nutrients 2022; 14:2004. [PMID: 35631142 PMCID: PMC9146219 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PNEE) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental impairments, yet treatments for individuals with PNEE are limited. Importantly, postnatal supplementation with the essential nutrient choline can attenuate some adverse effects of PNEE on cognitive development; however, the mechanisms of action for choline supplementation remain unclear. This study used an animal model to determine if choline supplementation could restore hippocampal synaptic plasticity that is normally impaired by prenatal alcohol. Throughout gestation, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed an ethanol liquid diet (35.5% ethanol-derived calories). Offspring were injected with choline chloride (100 mg/kg/day) from postnatal days (PD) 10-30, and then used for in vitro electrophysiology experiments as juveniles (PD 31-35). High-frequency conditioning stimuli were used to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial perforant path input to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. PNEE altered synaptic transmission in female offspring by increasing excitability, an effect that was mitigated with choline supplementation. In contrast, PNEE juvenile males had decreased LTP compared to controls, and this was rescued by choline supplementation. These data demonstrate sex-specific changes in plasticity following PNEE, and provide evidence that choline-related improvements in cognitive functioning may be due to its positive impact on hippocampal synaptic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Grafe
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Mira M. M. Wade
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Claire E. Hodson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
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11
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Alipio JB, Riggs LM, Plank M, Keller A. Environmental Enrichment Mitigates the Long-Lasting Sequelae of Perinatal Fentanyl Exposure in Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:3557-3569. [PMID: 35332082 PMCID: PMC9053848 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2083-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is a rapidly evolving societal issue driven, in part, by a surge in synthetic opioid use. A rise in fentanyl use among pregnant women has led to a 40-fold increase in the number of perinatally-exposed infants in the past decade. These children are more likely to develop mood-related and somatosensory-related conditions later in life, suggesting that fentanyl may permanently alter neural development. Here, we examined the behavioral and synaptic consequences of perinatal fentanyl exposure in adolescent male and female C57BL/6J mice and assessed the therapeutic potential of environmental enrichment to mitigate these effects. Dams were given ad libitum access to fentanyl (10 µg/ml, per os) across pregnancy and until weaning [postnatal day (PD)21]. Perinatally-exposed adolescent mice displayed hyperactivity (PD45), enhanced sensitivity to anxiogenic environments (PD46), and sensory maladaptation (PD47), sustained behavioral effects that were completely normalized by environmental enrichment (PD21-PD45). Additionally, environmental enrichment normalized the fentanyl-induced changes in the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) of layer 2/3 neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). We also demonstrate that fentanyl impairs short-term potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) in S1 layer 2/3 neurons, which, instead, exhibit a sustained depression of synaptic transmission that is restored by environmental enrichment. On its own, environmental enrichment suppressed long-term depression (LTD) of control S1 neurons from vehicle-treated mice subjected to standard housing conditions. These results demonstrate that the lasting effects of fentanyl can be ameliorated with a noninvasive intervention introduced during early development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Illicit use of fentanyl accounts for a large proportion of opioid-related overdose deaths. Children exposed to opioids during development have a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Here, we employ a preclinical model of perinatal fentanyl exposure that recapitulates these long-term impairments and show, for the first time, that environmental enrichment can reverse deficits in somatosensory circuit function and behavior. These findings have the potential to directly inform and guide ongoing efforts to mitigate the consequences of perinatal opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bondoc Alipio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Lace Marie Riggs
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Translational and Basic Science, Program in Neuroscience and Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Madeline Plank
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Asaf Keller
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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12
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Association of prenatal alcohol exposure with offspring DNA methylation in mammals: a systematic review of the evidence. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:12. [PMID: 35073992 PMCID: PMC8785586 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a range of adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Several studies suggest that PAE modifies DNA methylation in offspring cells and tissues, providing evidence for a potential mechanistic link to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We systematically reviewed existing evidence on the extent to which maternal alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with offspring DNA methylation.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across five online databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and CINAHL Databases were searched for articles relating to PAE in placental mammals. Data were extracted from each study and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the potential for bias in human studies.
Results
Forty-three articles were identified for inclusion. Twenty-six animal studies and 16 human studies measured offspring DNA methylation in various tissues using candidate gene analysis, methylome-wide association studies (MWAS), or total nuclear DNA methylation content. PAE dose and timing varied between studies. Risk of bias was deemed high in nearly all human studies. There was insufficient evidence in human and animal studies to support global disruption of DNA methylation from PAE. Inconclusive evidence was found for hypomethylation at IGF2/H19 regions within somatic tissues. MWAS assessing PAE effects on offspring DNA methylation showed inconsistent evidence. There was some consistency in the relatively small number of MWAS conducted in populations with FASD. Meta-analyses could not be conducted due to significant heterogeneity between studies.
Conclusion
Considering heterogeneity in study design and potential for bias, evidence for an association between PAE and offspring DNA methylation was inconclusive. Some reproducible associations were observed in populations with FASD although the limited number of these studies warrants further research.
Trail Registration: This review is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020167686).
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Khalizova N, Campbell S, Onoichenco A, Fam M, Albeg AS, Leibowitz SF. Sexually dimorphic and asymmetric effects of embryonic ethanol exposure on hypocretin/orexin neurons as related to behavioral changes in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16078. [PMID: 34373563 PMCID: PMC8352948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95707-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons expressing the neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) in the hypothalamus promote reward-related behaviors including alcohol consumption and are shown in rodents and zebrafish to be stimulated by embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH). We used here in zebrafish three-dimensional analyses of the entire population of Hcrt neurons to examine how embryonic EtOH exposure at low-moderate concentrations (0.1% or 0.5% v/v) alters these neurons in relation to behavior. We found that EtOH in the water for 2 h (22-24 h post fertilization) increases the number of Hcrt neurons on the left but not right side of the brain through a stimulation of cell proliferation, this is accompanied by a decrease in locomotor activity under novel conditions but not after habituation, and these effects are evident in both larvae and adults indicating they are long lasting. Our analyses in adults revealed sexually dimorphic effects, with females consuming more EtOH-gelatin and exhibiting more freezing behavior along with an asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons and males exhibiting increased aggression with no change in Hcrt. These findings suggest that a long lasting, asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons induced by EtOH results from an asymmetric increase in proliferation specific to Hcrt and contributes to behavioral changes in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D. Collier
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Amanda Onoichenco
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Avi S. Albeg
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
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14
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Montagud-Romero S, Cantacorps L, Fernández-Gómez FJ, Núñez C, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M, Milanés MV, Valverde O. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in alcohol intake and withdrawal in adolescent mice exposed to alcohol during early life stages. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110025. [PMID: 32599136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol interferes with foetal development and prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to adverse effects known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. We aimed to assess the underlying neurobiological mechanisms involved in alcohol intake and withdrawal in adolescent mice exposed to alcohol during early life stages, in discrete brain areas. Pregnant C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to binge alcohol drinking from gestation to weaning. Subsequently, alcohol seeking and taking behaviour were evaluated in male adolescent offspring, as assessed in the two-bottle choice and oral self-administration paradigms. Brain area samples were analysed to quantify AMPAR subunits GluR1/2 and pCREB/CREB expression following alcohol self-administration. We measured the expression of mu and kappa opioid receptors both during acute alcohol withdrawal (assessing anxiety alterations by the EPM test) and following reinstatement in the two-bottle choice paradigm. In addition, alcohol metabolism was analysed by measuring blood alcohol concentrations under an acute dose of 3 g/kg alcohol. Our findings demonstrate that developmental alcohol exposure enhances alcohol intake during adolescence, which is associated with a decrease in the pCREB/CREB ratio in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum, while the GluR1/GluR2 ratio showed a decrease in the hippocampus. Moreover, PLAE mice showed behavioural alterations, such as increased anxiety-like responses during acute alcohol withdrawal, and higher BAC levels. No significant changes were identified for mu and kappa opioid receptors mRNA expression. The current study highlights that early alcohol exposed mice increased alcohol consumption during late adolescence. Furthermore, a diminished CREB signalling and glutamatergic neuroplasticity are proposed as underpinning neurobiological mechanisms involved in the sensitivity to alcohol reinforcing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco José Fernández-Gómez
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Núñez
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Milanés
- Murcia Research Institute of Health Sciences (IMIB), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS-Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Neurosciences Programme, Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Suárez A, Fabio MC, Bellia F, Fernández MS, Pautassi RM. Environmental enrichment during adolescence heightens ethanol intake in female, but not male, adolescent rats that are selectively bred for high and low ethanol intake during adolescence. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2020; 46:553-564. [PMID: 32811189 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1770778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Discriminating between adolescents who will eventually have ethanol use problems from those who do not is important. Environmental enrichment is a promising approach to reduce drug-related problems, but its impact on ethanol's effects and intake is being scrutinized. Objective: We tested the effects of environmental enrichment on ethanol intake, preference, and anxiety-like response as well as shelter seeking and risk-taking behaviors. Methods: Experiment 1 examined ethanol intake, preference, and anxiety-like responses in 46 male and 54 female Wistar rats that were derived from a short-term breeding program that selected for high and low ethanol drinking during adolescence (ADHI2 and ADLO2 lines, respectively). Shelter-seeking and risk-taking behaviors were assessed (Experiment 2) in ADHI2 and ADLO2 rats (73 males, 76 females) reared under environmental enrichment or standard housing conditions and given doses of ethanol (2.5 g/kg, intraperitoneal) for 3 weeks. Environmental enrichment was applied on postnatal days 21-42. Ethanol intake was measured on postnatal days 42-68. Anxiety-like behavior and exploratory responses were assessed using the light-dark box and multivariate concentric square field test. Results: In Experiment 1, environmental enrichment increased ethanol intake in female, but not male, ADHI2 and ADLO2 rats (p < 0.05). In the baseline measurement of Experiment 2, ADHI2 rats exhibited reduced risk-taking and increased anxiety-like behavior (p < .05). After exposure to environmental enrichment the ADHI and ADLO rats, both males and females, exhibited increased risk-taking and exploratory behavior (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Environmental enrichment appears to increase ethanol intake in female rats by promoting the exploration of new environments or stimuli. The findings indicate that environmental enrichment increased ethanol intake in female, but not male, rats. Clinical programs that treat alcohol use disorder by emphasizing environmental stimulation should be designed with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. Y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. Y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fabio Bellia
- Faculty of Bioscience, Università degli Studi di Teramo , Teramo, Italy
| | - Macarena Soledad Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. Y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. Y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Córdoba, Argentina
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16
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Gaztañaga M, Angulo-Alcalde A, Chotro MG. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure as a Case of Involuntary Early Onset of Alcohol Use: Consequences and Proposed Mechanisms From Animal Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:26. [PMID: 32210773 PMCID: PMC7066994 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure has been found to be an important factor determining later consumption of this drug. In humans, despite the considerable diversity of variables that might influence alcohol consumption, longitudinal studies show that maternal alcohol intake during gestation is one of the best predictors of later alcohol use from adolescence to young adulthood. Experimental studies with animals also provide abundant evidence of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on later alcohol intake. In addition to increased consumption, other effects include enhanced palatability and attractiveness of alcohol flavor as well as sensitization to its sensory and reinforcing effects. Most of these outcomes have been obtained after exposing rats to binge-like administrations of moderate alcohol doses during the last gestational period when the fetus is already capable of detecting flavors in the amniotic fluid and learning associations with aversive or appetitive consequences. On this basis, it has been proposed that one of the mechanisms underlying the increased acceptance of alcohol after its prenatal exposure is the acquisition (by the fetus) of appetitive learning via an association between the sensory properties of alcohol and its reinforcing pharmacological effects. It also appears that this prenatal appetitive learning is mediated by the activation of the opioid system, with fetal brain acetaldehyde playing an important role, possibly as the main chemical responsible for its activation. Here, we review and analyze together the results of all animal studies testing these hypotheses through experimental manipulation of the behavioral and neurochemical elements of the assumed prenatal association. Understanding the mechanisms by which prenatal alcohol exposure favors the early initiation of alcohol consumption, along with its role in the causal pathway to alcohol disorders, may allow us to find strategies to mitigate the behavioral effects of this early experience with the drug. We propose that prenatal alcohol exposure is regarded as a case of involuntary early onset of alcohol use when designing prevention policies. This is particularly important, given the notion that the sooner alcohol intake begins, the greater the possibility of a continued history of alcohol consumption that may lead to the development of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirari Gaztañaga
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Asier Angulo-Alcalde
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - M Gabriela Chotro
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
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