1
|
Moloney RA, Palliser HK, Dyson RM, Pavy CL, Berry M, Hirst JJ, Shaw JC. Ongoing effects of preterm birth on the dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of guinea pigs. Dev Neurobiol 2024; 84:93-110. [PMID: 38526217 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22937] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Children born preterm have an increased likelihood of developing neurobehavioral disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. These disorders have a sex bias, with males having a higher incidence of ADHD, whereas anxiety disorder tends to be more prevalent in females. Both disorders are underpinned by imbalances to key neurotransmitter systems, with dopamine and noradrenaline in particular having major roles in attention regulation and stress modulation. Preterm birth disturbances to neurodevelopment may affect this neurotransmission in a sexually dimorphic manner. Time-mated guinea pig dams were allocated to deliver by preterm induction of labor (gestational age 62 [GA62]) or spontaneously at term (GA69). The resultant offspring were randomized to endpoints as neonates (24 h after term-equivalence age) or juveniles (corrected postnatal day 40, childhood equivalence). Relative mRNA expressions of key dopamine and noradrenaline pathway genes were examined in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and quantified with real-time PCR. Myelin basic protein and neuronal nuclei immunostaining were performed to characterize the impact of preterm birth. Within the frontal cortex, there were persisting reductions in the expression of dopaminergic pathway components that occurred in preterm males only. Conversely, preterm-born females had increased expression of key noradrenergic receptors and a reduction of the noradrenergic transporter within the hippocampus. This study demonstrated that preterm birth results in major changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic receptor, transporter, and synthesis enzyme gene expression in a sex- and region-based manner that may contribute to the sex differences in susceptibility to neurobehavioral disorders. These findings highlight the need for the development of sex-based treatments for improving these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roisin A Moloney
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Biomedical Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Carlton L Pavy
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Max Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Biomedical Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jonathon J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sze Y, Brunton PJ. How is prenatal stress transmitted from the mother to the fetus? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246073. [PMID: 38449331 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246073] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal stress programmes long-lasting neuroendocrine and behavioural changes in the offspring. Often this programming is maladaptive and sex specific. For example, using a rat model of maternal social stress in late pregnancy, we have demonstrated that adult prenatally stressed male, but not prenatally stressed female offspring display heightened anxiety-like behaviour, whereas both sexes show hyperactive hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to stress. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning dysregulated HPA axis responses, including evidence supporting a role for reduced neurosteroid-mediated GABAergic inhibitory signalling in the brains of prenatally stressed offspring. How maternal psychosocial stress is signalled from the mother to the fetuses is unclear. Direct transfer of maternal glucocorticoids to the fetuses is often considered to mediate the programming effects of maternal stress on the offspring. However, protective mechanisms including attenuated maternal stress responses and placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (which inactivates glucocorticoids) should limit materno-fetal glucocorticoid transfer during pregnancy. Moreover, a lack of correlation between maternal stress, circulating maternal glucocorticoid levels and circulating fetal glucocorticoid levels is reported in several studies and across different species. Therefore, here we interrogate the evidence for a role for maternal glucocorticoids in mediating the effects of maternal stress on the offspring and consider the evidence for alternative mechanisms, including an indirect role for glucocorticoids and the contribution of changes in the placenta in signalling the stress status of the mother to the fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Paula J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moloney RA, Pavy CL, Kahl RGS, Palliser HK, Hirst JJ, Shaw JC. Dual isolation of primary neurons and oligodendrocytes from guinea pig frontal cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1298685. [PMID: 38269115 PMCID: PMC10806141 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1298685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary cell culture is a technique that is widely used in neuroscience research to investigate mechanisms that underlie pathologies at a cellular level. Typically, mouse or rat tissue is used for this process; however, altricial rodent species have markedly different neurodevelopmental trajectories comparatively to humans. The use of guinea pig brain tissue presents a novel aspect to this routinely used cell culture method whilst also allowing for dual isolation of two major cell types from a physiologically relevant animal model for studying perinatal neurodevelopment. Primary neuronal and oligodendrocyte cell cultures were derived from fetal guinea pig's frontal cortex brain tissue collected at a gestational age of 62 days (GA62), which is a key time in the neuronal and oligodendrocyte development. The major advantage of this protocol is the ability to acquire both neuronal and oligodendrocyte cellular cultures from the frontal cortex of one fetal brain. Briefly, neuronal cells were grown in 12-well plates initially in a 24-h serum-rich medium to enhance neuronal survival before switching to a serum-free media formulation. Oligodendrocytes were first grown in cell culture flasks using a serum-rich medium that enabled the growth of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) on an astrocyte bed. Following confluency, the shake method of differential adhesion and separation was utilized via horizontally shaking the OPCs off the astrocyte bed overnight. Therefore, OPCs were plated in 12-well plates and were initially expanded in media supplemented with growth hormones, before switching to maturation media to progress the lineage to a mature phenotype. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on both cell culture types to analyze key population markers, and the results were further validated using immunocytochemistry. Primary neurons displayed the mRNA expression of multiple neuronal markers, including those specific to GABAergic populations. These cells also positively stained for microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2; a dendritic marker specific to neurons) and NeuN (a marker of neuronal cell bodies). Primary oligodendrocytes expressed all investigated markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, with a majority of the cells displaying an immature oligodendrocyte phenotype. This finding was further confirmed with positive oligodendrocyte transcription factor (OLIG2) staining, which serves as a marker for the overall oligodendrocyte population. This study demonstrates a novel method for isolating both neurons and oligodendrocytes from the guinea pig brain tissue. These isolated cells display key markers and gene expression that will allow for functional experiments to occur and may be particularly useful in studying neurodevelopmental conditions with perinatal origins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roisin A. Moloney
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlton L. Pavy
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard G. S. Kahl
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K. Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jon J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C. Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou S, Yang Y, Cheng Z, Wu M, Han Q, Zhao W, Liu H. Effects of early maternal separation on the expression levels of hippocampal and prefrontal cortex genes and pathways in lactating piglets. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1243296. [PMID: 37645701 PMCID: PMC10460909 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1243296] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In actual production, due to increased litter size when raising pigs, the management of piglets by split-suckling leads to intermittent neonatal maternal separation (MS). Early lactation is a critical period for the cognitive development of the brain of newborn piglets, and we hypothesized that intermittent MS may affect piglets' neurodevelopment and cognitive ability. Methods To determine the effects of the MS, we selected hippocampal and prefrontal cortex (PFC) tissues from piglets for the detection of neurodevelopmental or cognitive related indicators, the control group (Con group, n = 6) was established with no MS and an experimental group (MS group, n = 6) was established with MS for 6 h/day. Piglets in the MS group were milk-supplemented during the separation period and all piglets in both treatment groups were weaned at postnatal day (PND) 35. On PND 35, three male piglets from each group were sacrificed for hippocampus and PFC samples used for reference transcriptome sequencing. Following bioinformatics analysis, Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and candidate gene screening and pathway were performed for differentially expressed genes. Results The results showed that a total of 1,632 differential genes were identified in the hippocampus of the MS group, including 1,077 up-regulated differential genes, 555 down-regulated differential genes, and 655 significant GO entries. Analysis of the PFC of the MS group revealed 349 up-regulated genes, 151 down-regulated differential genes, and 584 significant GO entries. Genes associated with neurodevelopment were screened for large fold differences in the hippocampus, and genes associated with cognition were screened for large fold differences in the PFC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the sequencing data. Western blot (WB) experiments revealed that MS inhibited the neurodevelopment-related WNT signaling pathway in the hippocampus and the cognitive-related PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the PFC. Discussion Taken together, these findings suggest that intermittent MS may affect some cognitive functions in piglets by damaging hippocampal and PFC genes or pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zheng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Mengyao Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhao
- Institute of New Rural Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Honggui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hanley BA, Moloney RA, Hirst JJ. Prenatal Stress Induces Translational Disruption Associated with Myelination Deficits. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:290-308. [PMID: 37004512 DOI: 10.1159/000530282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions to neurodevelopment are known to be linked to behavioral disorders in childhood and into adulthood. The fetal brain is extremely vulnerable to stimuli that alter inhibitory GABAergic pathways and critical myelination processes, programing long-term neurobehavioral disruption. The maturation of the GABAergic system into the major inhibitory pathway in the brain and the development of oligodendrocytes into mature cells capable of producing myelin are integral components of optimal neurodevelopment. The current study aimed to elucidate prenatal stress-induced mechanisms that disrupt these processes and to delineate the role of placental pathways in these adverse outcomes. Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2 h/day on gestational age (GA) 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65, and groups of fetuses and placentae were collected after the stress exposure on GA40, GA50, GA60, and GA69 (term). Fetal plasma, placental, and brain tissue were collected for allopregnanolone and cortisol quantification with ELISA. Relative mRNA expression of genes of specific pathways of interest was examined with real-time PCR in placental and hippocampal tissue, and myelin basic protein (MBP) was quantified immunohistochemically in the hippocampus and surrounding regions for assessment of mature myelin. Prenatal stress in mid-late gestation resulted in disruptions to the translational machinery responsible for the production of myelin and decreased myelin coverage in the hippocampus and surrounding regions. The male placenta showed an initial protective increase in allopregnanolone concentrations in response to maternal psychosocial stress. The male and female placentae had a sex-dependent increase in neurosteroidogenic enzymes at term following prenatal stress. Independent from exposure to prenatal stress, at gestational day 60 - a critical period for myelin development, the placentae of female fetuses had increased capability of preventing cortisol transfer to the fetus through expression of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2. The deficits early in the process of maturation of myelination indicate that the reduced myelination observed at childhood equivalence in previous studies begins in fetal life. This negative programing persists into childhood, potentially due to dysregulation of MBP translation processes. Expression patterns of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in the placenta at term following stress may identify at-risk fetuses that have been exposed to a stressful in utero environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bethany A Hanley
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roisin A Moloney
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Verma H, Bhattacharjee A, Shivavedi N, Nayak PK. Evaluation of rosmarinic acid against myocardial infarction in maternally separated rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:1189-1207. [PMID: 35876905 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Depression and coronary heart diseases are the common comorbid disorder affecting humans globally. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of rosmarinic acid (RA) against myocardial infarction (MI) in comorbid depression induced by maternal separation in rats. Maternal stress is one of the childhood crises that may be a potential risk factor for coronary heart disease in later part of life. As per protocol, 70-80% of pups were separated daily for 3 h between postnatal day 1 (PND1) and postnatal day 21 (PND21). Forced-swim test, sucrose preference test, and electrocardiography were performed during the experiment. Body weight was measured on PND0, PND35, and PND55. Orally rosmarinic acid (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was done from PND35 to PND55. On PND53 and PND54, isoproterenol (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously) was administered to induce myocardial infarction. On PND55, blood was collected and animals sacrificed, and plasma corticosterone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, cardiac biomarkers, interleukine-10, and anti-oxidant parameters were measured. Rosmarinic acid and fluoxetine ameliorated the maternal separation-induced increase in immobility period, anhedonia, body weight, ST elevation, corticosterone, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At the same time, both drugs elevated the tissue levels of BDNF, IL-10, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase activity. This study provides the first experimental evidence that maternal stress is an independent risk factor of cardiac abnormalities in rats. Moreover, maternal stress synergistically increases the severity of cardiac abnormalities induced by isoproterenol. Interestingly, fluoxetine and rosmarinic acid effectively ameliorated behavioral anomalies and myocardial infarction in maternally separated rats. Schematic representation of possible molecular mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid against MS-induced myocardial infarction. RA, rosmarinic acid; MS, maternal separation; PND, postnatal days; ISO, isoproterenol; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; GSH, glutathione; SOD, superoxide dismutase; IL-10, interleukin-10; MI, myocardial infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Anindita Bhattacharjee
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Naveen Shivavedi
- Shri Ram Group of Institutions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Assche IA, Lemiere J, Amant F, Van Calsteren K. Direct and indirect effects on child neurocognitive development when maternal cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy: What do we know so far? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 179:103824. [PMID: 36174901 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103824] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy threatens the lives of mother and foetus and its incidence is rising, making it an emerging medical challenge. Evidence on the direct impact of cancer therapies on neonatal outcomes resulted in general guidelines for maternal treatment that safeguards foetal development. Less focus has been placed on indirect factors, in pre- and postnatal periods, that may exert long-term impacts specifically on child neurocognition. Foetal development, in the context of maternal cancer during pregnancy, may be influenced directly by exposure to cancer diagnostics and (co-)treatment, or indirectly through maternal inflammation, malnutrition, hormonal fluctuations, prematurity, and psycho-biological stress. Maternal stress and insecure mother-infant bonding related to postpartum cancer treatment may further impact child cognitive-behavioural development. Understanding the independent and synergistic effects of the factors impacting neurocognitive development creates the opportunity to intervene during the oncological treatment to improve the child's long-term outcome, both by medical and psychosocial care and support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indra A Van Assche
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jurgen Lemiere
- Department of Oncology: Pediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics: Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Frédéric Amant
- Department of Oncology: Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Gynaecological Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium; Center for Gynaecologic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Kristel Van Calsteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Foetomaternal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Z, Zhang Y, Feng W, Pang Y, Chen S, Ding S, Chen Y, Sheng C, Marshall C, Shi J, Xiao M. Miconazole Promotes Cooperative Ability of a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:951-967. [PMID: 36112386 PMCID: PMC9670758 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cooperative defect is 1 of the earliest manifestations of disease patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) exhibit, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. METHODS We evaluated the cooperative function of APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice at ages 2, 5, and 8 months by using a cooperative drinking task. We examined neuropathologic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Another experiment was designed to observe whether miconazole, which has a repairing effect on myelin sheath, could promote the cooperative ability of APP/PS1 mice in the early AD-like stage. We also investigated the protective effects of miconazole on cultured mouse cortical oligodendrocytes exposed to human amyloid β peptide (Aβ1-42). RESULTS We observed an age-dependent impairment of cooperative water drinking behavior in APP/PS1 mice. The AD mice with cooperative dysfunction showed decreases in myelin sheath thickness, oligodendrocyte nuclear heterochromatin percentage, and myelin basic protein expression levels in the mPFC. The cooperative ability was significantly improved in APP/PS1 mice treated with miconazole. Miconazole treatment increased oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin sheath thickness without reducing Aβ plaque deposition, reactive gliosis, and inflammatory factor levels in the mPFC. Miconazole also protected cultured oligodendrocytes from the toxicity of Aβ1-42. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that mPFC hypomyelination is involved in the cooperative deficits of APP/PS1 mice. Improving myelination through miconazole therapy may offer a potential therapeutic approach for early intervention in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Weixi Feng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingting Pang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shixin Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengyu Sheng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Charles Marshall
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, Hazard, USA
| | - Jingping Shi
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Correspondence: Ming Xiao, MD, PhD, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Ave, Nanjing 211166, China ()
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Laugesen K, Sørensen HT, Jørgensen JOL, Petersen I. In utero exposure to glucocorticoids and risk of anxiety and depression in childhood or adolescence. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105766. [PMID: 35447494 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid use is prevalent in pregnant women, but whether in utero exposure impacts mental health in the offspring has not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to investigate if in utero exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids increases the risk of anxiety and depression in childhood or adolescence. The study was conducted as a nationwide cohort study, including negative control exposure analyses and a sibling design to optimize control of confounding. The study population comprised 1,275,909 children born in 1996-2015 in Denmark (median follow-up of 13 years). Exposure was divided into systemic and local glucocorticoid exposure, levels of cumulative dose, generic type and according to trimester of exposure. The comparison cohort was children without exposure born to maternal never-users. Negative control exposures included children without glucocorticoid exposure born to: maternal users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or immunotherapy during pregnancy, maternal former users of systemic glucocorticoids, maternal users of systemic glucocorticoids in the postnatal period, and fathers who were prescribed glucocorticoids. The sibling design compared siblings with and without exposure. 9307 (0.7%) children were exposed to systemic glucocorticoids and 116,389 (9.1%) children were exposed to local glucocorticoids. High-dose systemic glucocorticoids (≥500 mg prednisolone equivalents) increased the risk of anxiety compared to the comparison cohort [aIRR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.36-2.37), cumulative risk 16% vs. 7.8% by age 20]. A similar result was found for depression [aIRR 1.45 (95% CI: 0.80-2.63), cumulative risk 3.6% vs. 2.6% by age 20]. The association with anxiety was consistent in the sibling design [aIRR 1.83 (95% CI: 1.03-3.66), exposed siblings (≥ 500 mg) vs. unexposed]. Sex did not modify the associations. Negative control exposure analyses indicated robustness towards confounding from genetics and family environment. No association was found with low doses of systemic exposure or local use. In conclusion, potential adverse mental health effects of in utero exposure to high-dose glucocorticoids merit clinical attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Laugesen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jens Otto Lunde Jørgensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Irene Petersen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shaw JC, Dyson RM, Palliser HK, Sixtus RP, Barnes H, Pavy CL, Crombie GK, Berry MJ, Hirst JJ. Examining Neurosteroid-Analogue Therapy in the Preterm Neonate For Promoting Hippocampal Neurodevelopment. Front Physiol 2022; 13:871265. [PMID: 35514343 PMCID: PMC9062084 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.871265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preterm birth can lead to brain injury and currently there are no targeted therapies to promote postnatal brain development and protect these vulnerable neonates. We have previously shown that the neurosteroid-analogue ganaxolone promotes white matter development and improves behavioural outcomes in male juvenile guinea pigs born preterm. Adverse side effects in this previous study necessitated this current follow-up dosing study, where a focus was placed upon physical wellbeing during the treatment administration and markers of neurodevelopment at the completion of the treatment period. Methods: Time-mated guinea pigs delivered preterm (d62) by induction of labour or spontaneously at term (d69). Preterm pups were randomized to receive no treatment (Prem-CON) or ganaxolone at one of three doses [0.5 mg/kg ganaxolone (low dose; LOW-GNX), 1.0 mg/kg ganaxolone (mid dose; MID-GNX), or 2.5 mg/kg ganaxolone (high dose; HIGH-GNX) in vehicle (45% β-cyclodextrin)] daily until term equivalence age. Physical parameters including weight gain, ponderal index, supplemental feeding, and wellbeing (a score based on respiration, activity, and posture) were recorded throughout the preterm period. At term equivalence, brain tissue was collected, and analysis of hippocampal neurodevelopment was undertaken by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Results: Low and mid dose ganaxolone had some impacts on early weight gain, supplemental feeding, and wellbeing, whereas high dose ganaxolone significantly affected all physical parameters for multiple days during the postnatal period when compared to the preterm control neonates. Deficits in the preterm hippocampus were identified using neurodevelopmental markers including mRNA expression of oligodendrocyte lineage cells (CSPG4, MBP), neuronal growth (INA, VEGFA), and the GABAergic/glutamatergic system (SLC32A1, SLC1A2, GRIN1, GRIN2C, DLG4). These deficits were not affected by ganaxolone at the doses used at the equivalent of normal term. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the effects of a range of doses of ganaxolone to improve preterm brain development. We found that of the three doses, only the highest dose of ganaxolone (2.5 mg/kg) impaired key indicators of physical health and wellbeing over extended periods of time. Whilst it may be too early to see improvements in markers of neurodevelopment, further long-term study utilising the lower doses are warranted to assess functional outcomes at ages when preterm birth associated behavioural disorders are observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan P Sixtus
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Heather Barnes
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Carlton L Pavy
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle K Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Evaluating changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways in early life following prenatal stress and postnatal neurosteroid supplementation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 139:105705. [PMID: 35276552 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A correct balance of activity of the GABA and glutamate systems is vital for optimal neurodevelopment and general CNS function, and the dysregulation of this balance has been implicated in a number of neurological conditions. Maternal exposure to stressors is known to have long lasting, deleterious impacts on neurobehaviour, and similarly, results in dysregulation of inhibitory and excitatory pathways in the offspring. The current study aimed to examine effects on these pathways in a guinea pig model of prenatal stress and to elucidate whether increased neuroprotective support by postnatal neurosteroid supplementation would ameliorate adverse outcomes. METHODS Prenatal stress was achieved by exposing pregnant guinea pigs dams to a strobe light for 2hrs/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65. Dams were allowed to spontaneously deliver (~GA70) and pups were orally administered either allopregnanolone analogue, ganaxolone (5 mg/kg/day in 45% cyclodextrin), the translocator protein (TSPO) agonist, emapunil (XBD173; 0.3 mg/kg/day in 1% tragacanth gum) or vehicle on postnatal days (PND) 1-7. Hippocampal samples were collected at PND30 to measure relative mRNA expression of components involved in the inhibitory GABAergic pathway and exctitatory glutamatergic pathway by real-time PCR. GABAergic interneurons were quantified by assessing immunohistochemical protein expression of markers parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin. RESULTS mRNA expression of GABAergic pathway components at one week of age indicated immature expression profiles of the GABAA receptors as well as decreased GABA synthesis and transport suggesting reduced extrasynaptically-mediated tonic inhibition. Expression profiles of the pathways examined evolved between one week and one month of age but an imbalance in inhibitory/excitatory components persisted. The allopregnanolone analogue ganaxolone offered some protection against excitotoxicity in female hippocampus, however neurosteroid supplementation with ganaxolone or emapunil were unable to fully correct the GABAergic/glutamatergic imbalance observed following prenatal stress. CONCLUSION Prenatal stress leads to programmed lasting effects on the major inhibitory and excitatory pathways in the guinea pig brain that continue evolving between the equivalent of early and late childhood. Neurosteroid therapies particularly improved outcomes in females. Further studies are required to identify additional therapeutic targets that are able to fully restore imbalances in the excitatory and inhibitory systems, which may act to prevent development of childhood behavioural disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adaptations in the Hippocampus during the Fetal to Neonatal Transition in Guinea Pigs. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(Background) The transition from in utero to ex utero life is associated with rapid changes in the brain that are both protective and required for newborn functional activities, allowing adaption to the changing environment. The current study aimed to reveal new insights into adaptations required for normal ongoing brain development and function after birth. (Methods) Time-mated dams were randomly allocated to fetal collection at gestational age 68 or spontaneous term delivery followed by neonatal collection within 24 h of birth. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine mature myelin formation and neuronal nuclei coverage. RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of key markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, neuronal development, and GABAergic/glutamatergic pathway maturation. (Results) Mature myelin was reduced in the subcortical white matter of the neonate, whilst neuronal nuclei coverage was increased in both the hippocampus and the overlying cortical region. Increased mRNA expression in neonates was observed for oligodendrocyte and neuronal markers. There were also widespread mRNA changes across the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic pathways in neonates. (Conclusions) This study has identified important adaptations in the expression of key neurodevelopmental structures, including oligodendrocytes and neurons, that may be essential for appropriate transition in neurodevelopment to the postnatal period.
Collapse
|
13
|
Crombie GK, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Hodgson DM, Walker DW, Hirst JJ. Neurosteroid-based intervention using Ganaxolone and Emapunil for improving stress-induced myelination deficits and neurobehavioural disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105423. [PMID: 34601389 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105423] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress is associated with long-term disturbances in white matter development and behaviour in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin formation is a tightly orchestrated process beginning during gestation, and therefore is very vulnerable to the effects of maternal prenatal stresses in mid-late pregnancy. The current study aimed to examine the effects of prenatal stress on components of the oligodendrocyte lineage to identify the key processes that are disrupted and to determine if postnatal therapies directed at ameliorating white matter deficits also improve behavioural outcomes. METHODS Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to control-handling or prenatal stress with strobe light exposure for 2hrs/day on gestational age (GA) 50, 55, 60 and 65, and allowed to spontaneously deliver ~GA70. Pups were administered oral ganaxolone (5 mg/kg/day in 45% cyclodextrin) or the TSPO agonist, emapunil (XBD173; 0.3 mg/kg/day in 1% tragacanth gum) or vehicle, on postnatal days (PND) 1-7. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze testing on PND7 and PND27. Hippocampal samples were collected at PND30 to assess markers of oligodendrocyte development through assessment of total oligodendrocytes (OLIG2) and mature cells (myelin basic protein; MBP), and total neurons (NeuN) by immunostaining. Real-time PCR was conducted on hippocampal regions to assess markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, markers of neurogenesis and components of the neurosteroidogenesis pathway. Plasma samples were collected for steroid quantification of cortisol, allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone by ELISA. RESULTS Prenatal stress resulted in hyperactivity in male offspring, and anxiety-like behaviour in female offspring in the guinea pig at an age equivalent to late childhood. Postnatal ganaxolone and emapunil treatment after prenatal stress restored the behavioural phenotype to that of control in females only. The oligodendrocyte maturation lineage, translation of MBP mRNA-to-protein, and neurogenesis were disrupted in prenatally-stressed offspring, resulting in a decreased amount of mature myelin. Emapunil treatment restored mature myelin levels in both sexes, and reversed disruptions to the oligodendrocyte lineage in female offspring, an effect not seen with ganaxolone treatment. CONCLUSION The marked and persisting behavioural and white matter perturbations observed in a clinically relevant guinea pig model of prenatal stress highlights the need for postnatal interventions that increase myelin repair and improve long-term outcomes. The effectiveness of emapunil treatment in restoring female offspring behaviour, and promoting maturation of myelin indicates that early therapeutic interventions can reverse the damaging effects of major stressful events in pregnancy. Further studies optimising target mechanisms and dosing are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle K Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prenatal stress-induced disruptions in microbial and host tryptophan metabolism and transport. Behav Brain Res 2021; 414:113471. [PMID: 34280459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aromatic amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is a precursor for multiple metabolites that can steer proper immune and neurodevelopment as well as social behavior in later life. Dysregulation in the Trp metabolic pathways and abundance of Trp or its derivatives, including indoles, kynurenine (Kyn), and particularly serotonin, has been associated with behavioral deficits and neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. Previously, we have shown that prenatal stress (PNS) alters placental Trp and serotonin, and reduces Trp-metabolizing members of the maternal colonic microbiota. Given that PNS also results in alterations in offspring neurodevelopment, behavior and immune function, we hypothesized that PNS affects Trp metabolism and transport in both the maternal and fetal compartments, and that these alterations continue into adolescence. We surmised that this is due to reductions in Trp-metabolizing microbes that would otherwise reduce the Trp pool under normal metabolic conditions. To test this, pregnant mice were exposed to a restraint stressor and gene expression of enzymes involved in Trp and serotonin metabolism were measured. Specifically, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and solute carrier proteins, were altered due to PNS both prenatally and postnatally. Additionally, Parasutterella and Bifidobacterium, which metabolize Trp in the gut, were reduced in both the dam and the offspring. Together, the reductions of Trp-associated microbes and concomitant dysregulation in Trp metabolic machinery in dam and offspring suggest that PNS-induced Trp metabolic dysfunction may mediate aberrant fetal neurodevelopment.
Collapse
|