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Badini F, Mirshekar MA, Shahraki S, Fanaei H, Bayrami A. Neuroprotective effects of levothyroxine on cognition deficits and memory in an experimental model of Huntington's disease in rats: An electrophysiological study. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5939-5951. [PMID: 38372755 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03006-w] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficits and motor function. Levothyroxine (L-T4) is a synthetic form of Thyroxine (T4), which can improve cognitive ability. The aim of the present study was to determine the neuroprotective effect of L-T4 administration in rats with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced Huntington's disease. Forty-eight Wistar male rats were divided into six groups (n = 8): Group 1 control group that received physiological saline, Group 2 and 3: which received L-T4 (30 and 100 μg/kg), Group 4: HD group that received 3-NP and Groups 5 and 6: The treatment of the HD rats with L-T4 (30 and 100 μg/kg). Spatial memory, locomotor activity, and frequency of neuronal firing were assessed. After decapitation, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in the striatum was measured. The results showed that the indices of spatial memory (mean path length and latency time) and motor dysfunction (immobility time) significantly increased, while time spent in the goal quadrant, swimming speed, spike rate, and striatum levels of BDNF significantly decreased in the HD group compared to the control group. L-T4 treatment significantly enhanced time spent in the goal quadrant, swimming speed, motor activity (number of line crossing and rearing), spike rate and striatal BDNF level. This research showed that L-T4 prevented the disruption of motor activity and cognitive deficiencies induced by 3-NP. The beneficial effects of L-T4 may be due to an increase in the concentration of BDNF and enhancement of the spike rate in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Badini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mirshekar
- Clinical Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Samira Shahraki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hamed Fanaei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Bayrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
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Toll A, Blanco-Hinojo L, Berge D, Manzano A, El Abidi K, Perez-Solà V, Mané A. Relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone, BDNF levels, and hippocampal volume in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis patients. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1301714. [PMID: 38130289 PMCID: PMC10734033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1301714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Thyroid hormones play an essential role in hippocampal development, a key structure in psychosis. However, the role of these hormones in first-episode psychosis (FEP) has received limited attention. It has been hypothesized that thyroid hormones could cause morphological modifications in the hippocampal structure through the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this study, we primarily aimed to determine the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, peripheral BDNF levels, and hippocampal volume in antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients. We also aimed to determine whether TSH levels were associated with clinical symptomatology. Materials and methods A total of 50 antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients were included in the study. At baseline, we collected fasting blood samples and registered sociodemographic and clinical variables (substance use, DUP, PANSS, GAF, and CDSS). Structural T1 MRI was performed at baseline to quantify brain volumes. No control group was used for this study. Results Of the 50 patients, more than one-third (36%) presented alterations in TSH levels, mainly elevated levels (32% of patients). The TSH levels were inversely correlated with both peripheral BDNF and hippocampal volume. On the multivariate analysis, the model that best predicted the relative hippocampal volume was a single variable model (TSH levels). No significant association was observed between TSH levels and clinical symptomatology. Discussion These results suggest that thyroid hormones could have a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampus in FEP patients, possibly through their effect by increasing BDNF concentrations, which could attenuate brain injury and neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, thyroid hormones could also affect hippocampal volume through other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Toll
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Blanco-Hinojo
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- MRI Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Berge
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Manzano
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Perez-Solà
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Mané
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
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Costa RA, Olvera A, Power DM, Velez Z. Ocean acidification affects the expression of neuroplasticity and neuromodulation markers in seabream. Biol Open 2022; 11:274528. [PMID: 35199828 PMCID: PMC8935210 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059073] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A possible explanation for acidification-induced changes in fish behaviour is that acidification interferes with neurogenesis and modifies the plasticity of neuronal circuitry in the brain. We tested the effects on the olfactory system and brain of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to 4 weeks' exposure to ocean acidification (OA). Olfactory epithelium (OE) morphology changed shortly after OA exposure and persisted over the 4 weeks. Expression of genes related to olfactory transduction, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, GABAergic innervation, and cell proliferation were unchanged in the OE and olfactory bulb (OB) after 4 weeks' exposure. Short-term changes in the ionic content of plasma and extradural fluid (EDF) returned to control levels after 4 weeks' exposure, except for [Cl−], which remained elevated. This suggests that, in general, there is an early physiological response to OA and by 4 weeks a new homeostatic status is achieved. However, expression of genes involved in proliferation, differentiation and survival of undifferentiated neurons were modified in the brain. In the same brain areas, expression of thyroid hormone signalling genes was altered suggesting modifications in the thyroid-system may be linked to the changes in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Overall, the results of the current study are consistent with and effect of OA on neuroplasticity. Summary: Ocean acidification alters fish behaviour. We show altered expression of genes involved in neuroplasticity and neuromodulation in fish exposed to high PCO2, highlighting their possible roles in such behavioural alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita A Costa
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology Group, Centre for Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Aurora Olvera
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology Group, Centre for Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Deborah M Power
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology Group, Centre for Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Zélia Velez
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology Group, Centre for Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Butruille L, Vancamp P, Demeneix BA, Remaud S. Thyroid hormone regulation of adult neural stem cell fate: A comparative analysis between rodents and primates. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:133-192. [PMID: 33752817 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling, a highly conserved pathway across vertebrates, is crucial for brain development and function throughout life. In the adult mammalian brain, including that of humans, multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate and generate neuronal and glial progenitors. The role of TH has been intensively investigated in the two main neurogenic niches of the adult mouse brain, the subventricular and the subgranular zone. A key finding is that T3, the biologically active form of THs, promotes NSC commitment toward a neuronal fate. In this review, we first discuss the roles of THs in the regulation of adult rodent neurogenesis, as well as how it relates to functional behavior, notably olfaction and cognition. Most research uncovering these roles of TH in adult neurogenesis was conducted in rodents, whose genetic background, brain structure and rate of neurogenesis are considerably different from that of humans. To bridge the phylogenetic gap, we also explore the similarities and divergences of TH-dependent adult neurogenesis in non-human primate models. Lastly, we examine how photoperiodic length changes TH homeostasis, and how that might affect adult neurogenesis in seasonal species to increase fitness. Several aspects by which TH acts on adult NSCs seem to be conserved among mammals, while we only start to uncover the molecular pathways, as well as how other in- and extrinsic factors are intertwined. A multispecies approach delivering more insights in the matter will pave the way for novel NSC-based therapies to combat neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Butruille
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Pieter Vancamp
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Barbara A Demeneix
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Remaud
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.
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Barakat-Walter I, Kraftsik R. Stimulating effect of thyroid hormones in peripheral nerve regeneration: research history and future direction toward clinical therapy. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:599-608. [PMID: 29722302 PMCID: PMC5950660 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.230274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Injury to peripheral nerves is often observed in the clinic and severe injuries may cause loss of motor and sensory functions. Despite extensive investigation, testing various surgical repair techniques and neurotrophic molecules, at present, a satisfactory method to ensuring successful recovery does not exist. For successful molecular therapy in nerve regeneration, it is essential to improve the intrinsic ability of neurons to survive and to increase the speed of axonal outgrowth. Also to induce Schwann cell phenotypical changes to prepare the local environment favorable for axonal regeneration and myelination. Therefore, any molecule that regulates gene expression of both neurons and Schwann cells could play a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Clinical and experimental studies have reported that thyroid hormones are essential for the normal development and function of the nervous system, so they could be candidates for nervous system regeneration. This review provides an overview of studies devoted to testing the effect of thyroid hormones on peripheral nerve regeneration. Also it emphasizes the importance of combining biodegradable tubes with local administration of triiodothyronine for future clinical therapy of human severe injured nerves. We highlight that the local and single administration of triiodothyronine within biodegradable nerve guide improves significantly the regeneration of severed peripheral nerves, and accelerates functional recovering. This technique provides a serious step towards future clinical application of triiodothyronine in human severe injured nerves. The possible regulatory mechanism by which triiodothyronine stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration is a rapid action on both axotomized neurons and Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Barakat-Walter
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - R Kraftsik
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Mokhtari T, Akbari M, Malek F, Kashani IR, Rastegar T, Noorbakhsh F, Ghazi-Khansari M, Attari F, Hassanzadeh G. Improvement of memory and learning by intracerebroventricular microinjection of T3 in rat model of ischemic brain stroke mediated by upregulation of BDNF and GDNF in CA1 hippocampal region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 25:4. [PMID: 28202057 PMCID: PMC5312580 DOI: 10.1186/s40199-017-0169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Ischemic stroke is a common leading cause of death and disability with lack of effective therapies. In this study, T3 was intra-ventricularly injected to evaluate gene expression and protein concentration of and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in hippocampal CA1 region in rat model of brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods In this study, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) was used as model of ischemic brain stroke. Rats were randomly divided in four groups of Co, Sh, tMCAo and tMCAo + T3. Then, a single dose of intra-ventricular T3 was administered via a Hamilton syringe. Passive avoidance test was used as behavioral investigations. After 21 days, the animals were sacrificed and their brains were used for molecular and histopathological studies. Results T3 significantly improved the learning and memory compared with tMCAo group according to Morris water maze findings (P < 0.05). Step-through latency (STL) significantly decreased in tMCAo group (P < 0.05). There were significant increase in the STL of T3 group compared with tMCAo group (P < 0.05).A significant reduction in BDNF mRNAs and protein levels were observed in the tMCAo compared with Co and Sh group (P < 0.05). A significant increase of BDNF and GDNF mRNAs and proteins was recorded in tMCAo + T3 group compared with Co, Sh and tMCAO groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results of current study demonstrated that T3 had therapeutic effects on cerebral ischemic stroke by increasing the neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) in CA1 region of hippocampus. Graphical abstract The effects of intracerebroventricular microinjection of T3on memory and learning in rat model of ischemic brain stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Malek
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Ragerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghazi-Khansari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Attari
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hassanzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ge JF, Xu YY, Li N, Zhang Y, Qiu GL, Chu CH, Wang CY, Qin G, Chen FH. Resveratrol improved the spatial learning and memory in subclinical hypothyroidism rat induced by hemi-thyroid electrocauterization. Endocr J 2015; 62:927-38. [PMID: 26228795 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej15-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol (RES) on the spatial learning and memory ability in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) rat model and the potential mechanism. A SCH rat model was induced by hemi-thyroid electrocauterization and the activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis was detected. The spatial learning and memory ability was tested using Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze. The protein expressions of synaptotagmin-1 (syt-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were measured via western blot. The results showed that SCH rat model was successfully duplicated. The SCH rats showed impaired learning and memory in the behavioral tests. However, these changes were reversed by the treatment of RES (15mg/kg) and levothyroxine (LT4). Moreover, RES treated rats exhibited reduced plasma TSH level and hypothalamic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA expression, which suggested that the imbalance of HPT axis in the SCH rats could be reversed by RES treatment. Furthermore, RES treatment up-regulated the protein levels of syt-1 and BDNF in hippocampus. These findings indicated an amelioration effect of RES on the spatial learning and memory in the SCH rats, the mechanism of which might be involved with its ability of modifying the hyperactive HPT axis and up-regulating the hippocampal hypo-expression of syt-1 and BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Fang Ge
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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Westerholz S, de Lima AD, Voigt T. Thyroid hormone-dependent development of early cortical networks: temporal specificity and the contribution of trkB and mTOR pathways. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:121. [PMID: 23964198 PMCID: PMC3734363 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in neocortical network development, triiodothyronine (T3) promotes GABAergic neurons' population increase, their somatic growth and the formation of GABAergic synapses. In the presence of T3, GABAergic interneurons form longer axons and conspicuous axonal arborizations, with an increased number of putative synaptic boutons. Here we show that the increased GABAergic axonal growth is positively correlated with the proximity to non-GABAergic neurons (non-GABA). A differential innervation emerges from a T3-dependent decrease of axonal length in fields with low density of neuronal cell bodies, combined with an increased bouton formation in fields with high density of neuronal somata. T3 addition to deprived networks after the first 2 weeks of development did not rescue deficits in the GABAergic synaptic bouton distribution, or in the frequency and duration of spontaneous bursts. During the critical 2-week-period, GABAergic signaling is depolarizing as revealed by calcium imaging experiments. Interestingly, T3 enhanced the expression of the potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2), and accelerated the developmental shift from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing GABAergic signaling in non-GABA. The T3-related increase of spontaneous network activity was remarkably reduced after blockade of either tropomyosin-receptor kinase B (trkB) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. T3-dependent increase in GABAergic neurons' soma size was mediated mainly by mTOR signaling. Conversely, the T3-dependent selective increase of GABAergic boutons near non-GABAergic cell bodies is mediated by trkB signaling only. Both trkB and mTOR signaling mediate T3-dependent reduction of the GABAergic axon extension. The circuitry context is relevant for the interaction between T3 and trkB signaling, but not for the interactions between T3 and mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Westerholz
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
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Interplay between thyroxin, BDNF and GABA in injured neurons. Neuroscience 2013; 239:241-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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10
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Hung PL, Huang CC, Huang HM, Tu DG, Chang YC. Thyroxin Treatment Protects Against White Matter Injury in The Immature Brain via Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Stroke 2013; 44:2275-83. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.113.001552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Liu Y, Zhang L, Li J, Shan Z, Teng W. Maternal marginal iodine deficiency affects the expression of relative proteins during brain development in rat offspring. J Endocrinol 2013; 217:21-9. [PMID: 23328070 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Marginal iodine deficiency is a major health problem in pregnant women, but its impact on nerve and intelligence development in offspring has been rarely reported. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal marginal iodine deficiency on nerve and cognitive development in offspring and the related mechanisms. Marginal iodine-deficient rats were given 3 μg iodine per day, while normal control rats were given 4 μg iodine daily. Western blot was used to detect the amounts of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in the hippocampus of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure c-jun and c-fos expression in the hippocampal CA1 region. Finally, the water maze method was used to measure spatial performance. Free thyroxine (FT₄) levels in marginal iodine-deficient rats decreased by about 30%. Seven days after birth, EGR1 and BDNF protein levels significantly decreased in the hippocampus of marginal iodine deficiency rats compared with the normal control group. In addition, c-jun and c-fos expression in the hippocampus of 40-day-old rats was decreased in marginal iodine-deficient rats, compared with control. The spatial learning and memory ability of 40-day-old marginal iodine-deficient rats had a downward trend compared with the normal control group. FT₄ significantly decreased after pregnancy in rats with marginal iodine deficiency, affecting the expression of related proteins in the brain of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjing Bei Street, Hepig District, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
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Xu M, Sulkowski ZL, Parekh P, Khan A, Chen T, Midha S, Iwasaki T, Shimokawa N, Koibuchi N, Zavacki AM, Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. Effects of Perinatal Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Exposure on the Developing Rat Brain; Modeling the Effect of Maternal Infection on the Developing Human CNS. THE CEREBELLUM 2013; 12:572-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0465-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Gilbert ME, Lasley SM. Developmental thyroid hormone insufficiency and brain development: a role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)? Neuroscience 2012. [PMID: 23201250 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) are essential for normal brain development. Even modest degrees of TH disruption experienced in utero can result in neuropsychological deficits in children despite normal thyroid status at birth. Neurotrophins have been implicated in a host of brain cellular functions, and in particular, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a well documented role in development and function of the nervous system. A number of laboratories have reported the effects of TH administration or severe deprivation on neurotrophin expression in brain. This review provides an overview and update of recent developments in the thyroid field as they relate to the nervous system. Secondly, we describe an animal model of low level TH insufficiency that is more relevant for studying the neurological consequences associated with the modest TH perturbations of subclinical hypothyroidism, or that would be anticipated from exposure to environmental contaminants with a mode-of-action that involves the thyroid. Finally, we review the available in vivo literature on TH-mediated alterations in neurotrophins, particularly BDNF, and discuss their possible contribution to brain impairments associated with TH insufficiency. The observations of altered BDNF protein and gene expression have varied as a function of hypothyroid model, age, and brain region assessed. Only a handful of studies have investigated the relationship of neurotrophins and TH using models of TH deprivation that are not severe, and dose-response information is sparse. Differences in the models used, species, doses, regions assessed, age at assessment, and method employed make it difficult to reach a consensus. Based on the available literature, the case for a direct role for BDNF in thyroid-mediated effects in the brain is not compelling. We conclude that delineation of the potential role of neurotrophins in TH-mediated neuronal development may be more fruitful by examining additional neurotrophins (e.g., nerve growth factor), moderate degrees of TH insufficiency, and younger ages. We further suggest that investigation of BDNF invoked by synaptic activation (i.e., plasticity, enrichment, trauma) may serve to elucidate a role of thyroid hormone in BDNF-regulated synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Gilbert
- Toxicity Assessment Division, Neurotoxicology Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Wang S, Teng W, Gao Y, Fan C, Zhang H, Shan Z. Early levothyroxine treatment on maternal subclinical hypothyroidism improves spatial learning of offspring in rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:841-8. [PMID: 22192600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hypothyroidism has adverse effects on neural development in the offspring. The present study aimed to investigate whether maternal subclinical hypothyroidism impairs spatial learning in the offspring, as well as the efficacy and optimal time of levothyroxine (L-T(4)) treatment in pregnancy. Female adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group): control, hypothyroid (H), subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) and SCH treated with L-T(4), starting from the tenth, thirteenth and seventeenth gestational day (GD10, GD13 and GD17), respectively, to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. Spatial learning was assessed on progenies by a water maze test, a field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) recording, and an long-term potentiation induction assay. Protein levels of early growth response protein 1 (Egr1), activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by western blotting. Progenies from the SCH and H groups demonstrated significantly longer mean latency in the water maze test and a lower amplification percentage of the amplitude and slope of the fEPSPs compared to offspring of the control group. L-T(4) treatment for the GD10 and GD13 groups significantly shortened mean latency and increased the amplification percentage of the amplitude and slope of the fEPSPs of the progeny of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, L-T(4) treatment for the GD17 group showed only minimal effects on spatial learning in the offspring. Progenies of SCH and H groups had lower levels of Egr1, Arc, p-ERK and BDNF but higher levels of Rap1 compared to those of the controls. L-T(4) treatment ameliorated these protein expression changes in the progeny of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism. Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism impaired spatial learning in the offspring; L-T(4) treatment in early pregnancy recovered this adverse effect, and the optimal time of treatment should start from early pregnancy (GD10 and GD13).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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15
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Lasley SM, Gilbert ME. Developmental thyroid hormone insufficiency reduces expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adults but not in neonates. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:464-72. [PMID: 21530650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin critical for many developmental and physiological aspects of CNS function. Severe hypothyroidism in the early neonatal period results in developmental and cognitive impairments and reductions in mRNA and protein expression of BDNF in a number of brain regions. The present study examined the impact of modest levels of developmental thyroid hormone insufficiency on BDNF protein expression in the hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum in the neonatal and adult offspring of rat dams treated throughout pregnancy and lactation. Graded levels of hormone insufficiency were induced by adding propylthiouracil (PTU, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 10 ppm) to the drinking water of pregnant dams from early gestation (gestational day 6) until weaning of the pups. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal days (PN) 14 and 21, and -PN100, and trunk blood collected for thyroid hormone analysis. Hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum were separated from dissected brains and assessed for BDNF protein. Dose-dependent reductions in serum hormones in dams and pups were produced by PTU. Consistent with previous findings, age and regional differences in BDNF concentrations were observed. However, no differences in BDNF expression were detected in the preweanling animals as a function of PTU exposure; yet dose-dependent alterations emerged in adulthood despite the return of thyroid hormone levels to control values. Males were more affected by PTU than females, BDNF levels in hippocampus and cortex were altered but not those in cerebellum, and biphasic dose-response functions were detected in both sexes. These findings indicate that BDNF may mediate some of the adverse effects accompanying developmental thyroid hormone insufficiency, and reflect the potential for delayed impact of modest reductions in thyroid hormones during critical periods of brain development on a protein important for normal synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lasley
- Dept. of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
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Lehman MN, Ladha Z, Coolen LM, Hileman SM, Connors JM, Goodman RL. Neuronal plasticity and seasonal reproduction in sheep. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 32:2152-64. [PMID: 21143669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07530.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction represents a naturally occurring example of functional plasticity in the adult brain as it reflects changes in neuroendocrine pathways controlling gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and, in particular, the responsiveness of GnRH neurons to estradiol negative feedback. Structural plasticity within this neural circuitry may, in part, be responsible for seasonal switches in the negative feedback control of GnRH secretion that underlie annual reproductive transitions. We review evidence for structural changes in the circuitry responsible for seasonal inhibition of GnRH secretion in sheep. These include changes in synaptic inputs onto GnRH neurons, as well as onto dopamine neurons in the A15 cell group, a nucleus that plays a key role in estradiol negative feedback. We also present preliminary data suggesting a role for neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors as an early mechanistic step in the plasticity that accompanies seasonal reproductive transitions in sheep. Finally, we review recent evidence suggesting that kisspeptin cells of the arcuate nucleus constitute a critical intermediary in the control of seasonal reproduction. Although a majority of the data for a role of neuronal plasticity in seasonal reproduction has come from the sheep model, the players and principles are likely to have relevance for reproduction in a wide variety of vertebrates, including humans, and in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Lehman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Sui L, Li BM. Effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on regulation of reelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in rat hippocampus: Role of DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Steroids 2010; 75:988-97. [PMID: 20600205 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones have long been known to play important roles in the development and functions of the central nervous system, however, the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate thyroid hormone-responsive gene expression are not well understood. The present study investigated the role of DNA methylaion and histone acetylation in the effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on regulation of reelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression in rat hippocampus. The findings indicated that the activities of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), methylated reelin and BDNF genes were up-regulated, whereas, the activities of histone acetylases (HAT), the levels of global acetylated histone 3 (H3) and global acetylated histone 4 (H4), and acetylated H3, acetylated H4 at reelin promoter and at BDNF gene promoter for exon II were down-regulated in the hippocampus at the developmental stage of the hypothyroid animals. These results suggest that epigenetic modification of chromatin might underlie the mechanisms of hypothyroidism-induced down-regulation of reelin and BDNF gene expression in developmental rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sui
- Basic Medicine Laboratory, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jun Gong Road, Shanghai 200093, China.
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Sui L, Ren WW, Li BM. Administration of thyroid hormone increases reelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in rat hippocampus in vivo. Brain Res 2009; 1313:9-24. [PMID: 20018181 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones play important roles in the maturation and function of the central nervous system. However, the underlying mechanism behind thyroid hormone-regulated gene expression in the adult brain is not well understood. Two genes critical for neuronal plasticity and implicated in psychiatric disorders, reelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were investigated in the present study. Triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of thyroid hormone was administered to young adult rats in two different manners: systemic injection or local brain infusion. Real time RT-PCR results revealed that T3 administration lead to a significant increase in reelin, total BDNF and exon-specific BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the association of transcriptional coactivators (including steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP), and thyroid hormone receptor associated protein 220 (TRAP 220)) and RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II), with reelin and BDNF genes in the rat hippocampus displayed a distinct process following thyroid hormone administration. These findings suggest that association of transcriptional coactivators and RNA Pol II with gene promoters may be a possible mechanism explaining T3-induced reelin and BDNF expression in the hippocampus of young adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sui
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
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Shulga A, Blaesse A, Kysenius K, Huttunen HJ, Tanhuanpää K, Saarma M, Rivera C. Thyroxin regulates BDNF expression to promote survival of injured neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2009; 42:408-18. [PMID: 19765661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2009.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing amount of evidence indicates that neuronal trauma can induce a recapitulation of developmental-like mechanisms for neuronal survival and regeneration. Concurrently, ontogenic dependency of central neurons for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is lost during maturation but is re-acquired after injury. Here we show in organotypic hippocampal slices that thyroxin, the thyroid hormone essential for normal CNS development, induces up-regulation of BDNF upon injury. This change in the effect of thyroxin is crucial to promote survival and regeneration of damaged central neurons. In addition, the effect of thyroxin on the expression of the K-Cl cotransporter (KCC2), a marker of neuronal maturation, is changed from down to up-regulation. Notably, previous results in humans have shown that during the first few days after traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, thyroid hormone levels are often diminished. Our data suggest that maintaining normal levels of thyroxin during the early post-traumatic phase of CNS injury could have a therapeutically positive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Shulga
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Viikki Biocenter, Viikinkaari 9, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Byerly MS, Simon J, Lebihan-Duval E, Duclos MJ, Cogburn LA, Porter TE. Effects of BDNF, T3, and corticosterone on expression of the hypothalamic obesity gene network in vivo and in vitro. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 296:R1180-9. [PMID: 19158410 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90813.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic neuropeptides, neurotrophins, and systemic hormones modulate food intake and body composition. Although advances toward elucidating these interactions have been made, many aspects of the underlying mechanisms remain vague. Hypothalami from fat and lean chicken lines were assessed for differential expression of anabolic/orexigenic and catabolic/anorexigenic genes. Effects of triiodothyronine (T(3)), corticosterone (Cort), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on expression of anabolic/orexigenic and catabolic/anorexigenic genes were tested in cultures of hypothalamic neurons. From this, we found that BDNF increased and T(3) decreased gene expression for BDNF, leptin receptor (LEPR), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), and agouti-related protein (AGRP). Thyroid hormone levels were manipulated during development to show that T(3) inhibited BDNF, TRH, and BDNF receptor gene expression. Delivery of T(3), Cort, T(3) plus Cort, or vehicle in vivo continuously for 72 h indicated that Cort and T(3) have overlapping roles in regulating TRH, LEPR, and POMC gene expression and that Cort and T(3) regulate BDNF, neuropeptide Y, and AGRP in opposite directions. Collectively, these findings suggest that interactions between the neuropeptide BDNF and the hormones T(3) and/or Cort may constitute a homeostatic mechanism that links hypothalamic energy regulation controlling body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mardi S Byerly
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20712, USA
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