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Ramos TL, de Sousa Fernandes MS, da Silva Fidélis DE, Jurema Santos GC, Albuquerque RB, Ferreira DJS, de Souza RF, Badicu G, Yagin FH, Yagin B, Alwhaibi RM, Souto FO, Lagranha CJ. The impact of enriched environments on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents: a systematic review of environmental variability effects. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1366747. [PMID: 38665291 PMCID: PMC11043487 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1366747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present review aimed to systematically summarize the impacts of environmental enrichment (EE) on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents exposed to normal and unfavorable environmental conditions. Methods In this systematic review, four databases were used: PubMed (830 articles), Scopus (126 articles), Embase (127 articles), and Science Direct (794 articles). Eligibility criteria were applied based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study (PICOS) strategy to reduce the risk of bias. The searches were carried out by two independent researchers; in case of disagreement, a third participant was requested. After the selection and inclusion of articles, data related to sample characteristics and the EE protocol (time of exposure to EE, number of animals, and size of the environment) were extracted, as well as data related to brain tissues and biomarkers of oxidative balance, including carbonyls, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine, oxygen-reactive species, and glutathione (reduced/oxidized). Results A total of 1,877 articles were found in the four databases, of which 16 studies were included in this systematic review. The results showed that different EE protocols were able to produce a global increase in antioxidant capacity, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, which are the main factors for the neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system (CNS) subjected to unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, it was possible to notice a slowdown in neural dysfunction associated with oxidative damage, especially in the prefrontal structure in mice. Discussion In conclusion, EE protocols were determined to be valid tools for improving oxidative balance in the CNS. The global decrease in oxidative stress biomarkers indicates refinement in reactive oxygen species detoxification, triggering an improvement in the antioxidant network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Lacerda Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Aplicada à Saúde, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Matheus Santos de Sousa Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Aplicada à Saúde, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Débora Eduarda da Silva Fidélis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Aplicada à Saúde, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Renata B. Albuquerque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Aplicada à Saúde, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Georgian Badicu
- Department of Physical Education and Special Motricity, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
| | - Fatma Hilal Yagin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Burak Yagin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Reem M. Alwhaibi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fabrício Oliveira Souto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Aplicada à Saúde, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Claúdia Jacques Lagranha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição Atividade Física e Plasticidade Fenotípica, Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Stress Evaluation of Mouse Husbandry Environments for Improving Laboratory Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020249. [PMID: 36670789 PMCID: PMC9854663 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020249] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is recognized as essential for the coexistence of humans and animals. Considering the increased demand and interest in animal welfare, many methods for improving animal welfare are being devised, but which method reduces animal stress has not been scientifically verified. Therefore, reducing animal stress by providing a proper breeding environment and environmental enrichment can be the basis for animal study. In this study, stress levels were assessed based on the mouse-breeding environment. We considered that the higher the body weight and the lower the corticosterone concentration, the lower the stress. According to the results, animals in the individual ventilation cages were determined to have lower serum cortisol concentrations, while the body weight of the animals was increased when in individual ventilation cages compared with individual isolated cages and when providing environmental enrichment compared with group breeding or not providing environmental enrichment. The results provide appropriate guidelines for improving laboratory animal welfare.
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Zhang YX, Wei QY, Wang YT, Zeng LP, Sun SY, Wu YF, Ren CY, Wang F, Chen GH, Cao L. A postpartum enriched environment rescues impaired cognition and oxidative markers in aged mice with gestational inflammation. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2817. [PMID: 36409568 PMCID: PMC9759132 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2817] [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: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown that gestational inflammation can accelerate age-associated cognitive decline (AACD) in maternal mice; enriched environments (EEs) have been reported to protect normally aging mice from AACD and improve mitochondrial function. However, it is unclear whether the nitrosative stress-related proteins tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) are involved in the accelerated aging process of gestational inflammation and whether EEs can slow this process. METHODS In this study, CD-1 female mice on the 15th day of pregnancy were injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg; LPS group) or an equivalent amount of normal saline (CON group) from the abdominal cavity for 4 consecutive days. Twenty-one days after delivery, half of the LPS-treated mice were randomly selected for EE until the end of the behavioral experiment (LPS-E group). When the female rats were raised to 6 months and 18 months of age, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to detect spatial learning and memory ability; RT-PCR and Western blots were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR. RESULTS As for the control group, compared with 6-month-old mice, the spatial learning and memory ability of 18-month-old mice decreased, and the hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR mRNA and protein levels were decreased. Gestational inflammation exacerbated these age-related changes, but an EE alleviated the effects. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that performance during the learning and memory periods in the MWM correlated with the levels of hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that gestational inflammation accelerates age-related learning and memory impairments and that postpartum EE exposure could alleviate these changes. These effects may be related to hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China.,Department of Neurology, Bengbu Second People's Hospital, Bengbu, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Yao Wei
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei (Chaohu), Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ping Zeng
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei (Chaohu), Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Yu Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Fang Wu
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei (Chaohu), Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Chong-Yang Ren
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei (Chaohu), Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei (Chaohu), Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, P. R. China
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Balietti M, Conti F. Environmental enrichment and the aging brain: is it time for standardization? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104728. [PMID: 35691473 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aging entails a progressive decline of cognitive abilities. However, since the brain is endowed with considerable plasticity, adequate stimulation can delay or partially compensate for age-related structural and functional impairment. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been reported to determine a wide range of cerebral changes. Although most findings have been obtained in young and adult animals, research has recently turned to aged individuals. Notably, EE can contribute identifying key lifestyle factors whose change can help extend the "mind-span", i.e., the time an individual lives in a healthy cognitive condition. Here we discuss specific methodological issues that can affect the outcomes of EE interventions applied to aged rodents, summarize the main variables that would need standardization (e.g., timing and duration, enrichment items, control animals and setting), and offer some suggestions on how this goal may be achieved. Reaching a consensus on EE experiment design would significantly reduce differences between and within laboratories, enable constructive discussions among researchers, and improve data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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Duggan MR, Parikh V. Microglia and modifiable life factors: Potential contributions to cognitive resilience in aging. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113207. [PMID: 33640394 PMCID: PMC8005490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Given the increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline, it is relevant to consider the factors and mechanisms that might facilitate an individual's resiliency to such deficits. Growing evidence suggests a preeminent role of microglia, the prime mediator of innate immunity within the central nervous system. Human and animal investigations suggest aberrant microglial functioning and neuroinflammation are not only characteristic of the aged brain, but also might contribute to age-related dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Conversely, accumulating data suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors (MLFs), such as healthy diet, exercise and cognitive engagement, can reliably afford cognitive benefits by potentially suppressing inflammation in the aging brain. The present review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the role for microglia in maintaining brain homeostasis and cognitive functioning in aging. Moreover, we propose an integrated, mechanistic model that postulates an individual's resiliency to cognitive decline afforded by MLFs might be mediated by the mitigation of aberrant microglia activation in aging, and subsequent suppression of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Duggan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, United States
| | - Vinay Parikh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, United States.
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Zhuang ZQ, Zhang ZZ, Zhang YM, Ge HH, Sun SY, Zhang P, Chen GH. A Long-Term Enriched Environment Ameliorates the Accelerated Age-Related Memory Impairment Induced by Gestational Administration of Lipopolysaccharide: Role of Plastic Mitochondrial Quality Control. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:559182. [PMID: 33613195 PMCID: PMC7886998 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.559182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that gestational inflammation accelerates age-related memory impairment in mother mice. An enriched environment (EE) can improve age-related memory impairment, whereas mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of brain aging. However, it is unclear whether an EE can counteract the accelerated age-related memory impairment induced by gestational inflammation and whether this process is associated with the disruption of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) processes. In this study, CD-1 mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 μg/kg) or normal saline (CON group) during gestational days 15–17 and were separated from their offspring at the end of normal lactation. The mothers that received LPS were divided into LPS group and LPS plus EE (LPS-E) treatment groups based on whether the mice were exposed to an EE until the end of the experiment. At 6 and 18 months of age, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure the messenber RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of MQC-related genes in the hippocampus, respectively. The results showed that all the aged (18 months old) mice underwent a striking decline in spatial learning and memory performances and decreased mRNA/protein levels related to mitochondrial dynamics (Mfn1/Mfn2, OPA1, and Drp1), biogenesis (PGC-1α), and mitophagy (PINK1/parkin) in the hippocampi compared with the young (6 months old) mice. LPS treatment exacerbated the decline in age-related spatial learning and memory and enhanced the reduction in the mRNA and protein levels of MQC-related genes but increased the levels of PGC-1α in young mice. Exposure to an EE could alleviate the accelerated decline in age-related spatial learning and memory abilities and the accelerated changes in MQC-related mRNA or protein levels resulting from LPS treatment, especially in aged mice. In conclusion, long-term exposure to an EE can counteract the accelerated age-related spatial cognition impairment modulated by MQC in CD-1 mother mice that experience inflammation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Qiang Zhuang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue-Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - He-Hua Ge
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shi-Yu Sun
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Sleep Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Kolarik BS, Stark SM, Stark CEL. Enriching Hippocampal Memory Function in Older Adults Through Real-World Exploration. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:158. [PMID: 32581768 PMCID: PMC7286388 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related structural and functional changes in the hippocampus can have a severe impact on hippocampal-dependent memory performance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a real-world spatial exploration and learning intervention would improve hippocampal-dependent memory performance in healthy older adults. We developed a scavenger hunt task that participants performed over the course of a 4-week behavioral intervention period. Following this intervention, participants’ lure discrimination index (LDI) on the Mnemonic Similarity Task was significantly higher than it was at baseline and greater than that of a No-Contact Control Group, while traditional recognition scores remained relatively unchanged. These results point to the viability of a spatial exploration intervention for improving hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branden S Kolarik
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Wahl D, Solon-Biet SM, Cogger VC, Fontana L, Simpson SJ, Le Couteur DG, Ribeiro RV. Aging, lifestyle and dementia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104481. [PMID: 31136814 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for most diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative disease. There is emerging evidence that interventions that improve metabolic health with aging may also be effective for brain health. The most robust interventions are non-pharmacological and include limiting calorie or protein intake, increasing aerobic exercise, or environmental enrichment. In humans, dietary patterns including the Mediterranean, Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) and Okinawan diets are associated with improved age-related health and may reduce neurodegenerative disease including dementia. Rapamycin, metformin and resveratrol act on nutrient sensing pathways that improve cardiometabolic health and decrease the risk for age-associated disease. There is some evidence that they may reduce the risk for dementia in rodents. There is a growing recognition that improving metabolic function may be an effective way to optimize brain health during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Clinical School/Sydney Medical School, Concord 2139, Australia.
| | - Samantha M Solon-Biet
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Clinical School/Sydney Medical School, Concord 2139, Australia
| | - Victoria C Cogger
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Clinical School/Sydney Medical School, Concord 2139, Australia
| | - Luigi Fontana
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - David G Le Couteur
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Clinical School/Sydney Medical School, Concord 2139, Australia
| | - Rosilene V Ribeiro
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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Llorens-Martín M. Exercising New Neurons to Vanquish Alzheimer Disease. Brain Plast 2018; 4:111-126. [PMID: 30564550 PMCID: PMC6296267 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-180065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in individuals over 65 years of age. The neuropathological hallmarks of the condition are Tau neurofibrillary tangles and Amyloid-β senile plaques. Moreover, certain susceptible regions of the brain experience a generalized lack of neural plasticity and marked synaptic alterations during the progression of this as yet incurable disease. One of these regions, the hippocampus, is characterized by the continuous addition of new neurons throughout life. This phenomenon, named adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), provides a potentially endless source of new synaptic elements that increase the complexity and plasticity of the hippocampal circuitry. Numerous lines of evidence show that physical activity and environmental enrichment (EE) are among the most potent positive regulators of AHN. Given that neural plasticity is markedly decreased in many neurodegenerative diseases, the therapeutic potential of making certain lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, is being recognised in several non-pharmacologic strategies seeking to slow down or prevent the progression of these diseases. This review article summarizes current evidence supporting the putative therapeutic potential of EE and physical exercise to increase AHN and hippocampal plasticity both under physiological and pathological circumstances, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Llorens-Martín
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa”, CBMSO, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Mitra A, Sur TK, Upadhyay S, Bhattacharyya D, Hazra J. Effect of Coelogyne cristata Lindley in alleviation of chronic fatigue syndrome in aged Wistar rats. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018; 9:266-271. [PMID: 29102461 PMCID: PMC6314245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swarna Jibanti scientifically known as Coelogyne cristata Lindley (Orchidaceae), an orchid mentioned in Ayurvedic medicine is used to promote healthy life span. OBJECTIVE(S) The present work was planned to study the efficacy of hydro-alcoholic extract of pseudobulbs of C. cristata (CCE) to assess its role on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) induced behavioural and biochemical changes in aged Wistar rats compared to Panax ginseng (PG), a prototype anti-stress agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS CFS was induced by forced swimming for consecutive 21 days for fixed duration (15 min sessions). The criteria of CFS due to fatigue were counted using locomotor activity, depression and anxiety through automated photactometer, immobility time and plus maze activity respectively. Acute toxicity study of CCE (upto 2 g/kg, Limit test) was also performed. For CFS, animals were divided into five groups, naive control, control, CCE treated (25 mg/kg b.w., 250 mg/kg b.w.) and standard PG treated (100 mg/kg b.w.) groups. All drugs were given orally for consecutive 21 days along with CFS. After assessing behavioural parameters, all animals were sacrificed at day 21 and in vivo antioxidant potential of CCE was determined by lipid peroxides, nitrite, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in brain tissue. RESULTS CCE was found to be non-toxic. CCE treated aged rats significantly improved (p < 0.001) the spontaneous locomotor movement with respect to control rats, while, decreased the mobility period or depression score. In CFS, CCE also enhanced the time spent (p < 0.001) in open arms while reducing the time spent in closed arm as compared to CFS control, indicating lowering anxiety score. Moreover, marked diminution in lipid peroxidation, nitrite and SOD level was exhibited after CCE treatment and significantly enhanced catalase level significantly (p < 0.01) with respect to CFS control. PG also showed similar actions. CONCLUSION The results confirmed the potential therapeutic actions of CCE against experimentally induced CFS in aged rats that might be due to its CNS mediatory antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achintya Mitra
- National Research Institute of Ayurvedic Drug Development, Kolkata Under CCRAS, Min. of AYUSH, Government of India, 4 CN Block, Sector-V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, 700 091, India.
| | - Tapas Kumar Sur
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 24 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, 700 020, India
| | - Sachhidananda Upadhyay
- National Research Institute of Ayurvedic Drug Development, Kolkata Under CCRAS, Min. of AYUSH, Government of India, 4 CN Block, Sector-V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, 700 091, India
| | - Dipankar Bhattacharyya
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 24 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, 700 020, India
| | - Jayram Hazra
- National Research Institute of Ayurvedic Drug Development, Kolkata Under CCRAS, Min. of AYUSH, Government of India, 4 CN Block, Sector-V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, 700 091, India
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Seo JH, Pyo S, Shin YK, Nam BG, Kang JW, Kim KP, Lee HY, Cho SR. The Effect of Environmental Enrichment on Glutathione-Mediated Xenobiotic Metabolism and Antioxidation in Normal Adult Mice. Front Neurol 2018; 9:425. [PMID: 30022966 PMCID: PMC6039562 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory bulb (OB) plays an important role in protecting against harmful substances via the secretion of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a common rehabilitation method and known to have beneficial effects in the central nervous system. However, the effects of EE in the OB still remain unclear. At 6 weeks of age, CD-1® (ICR) mice were assigned to standard cages or EE cages. After 2 months, we performed proteomic analysis. Forty-four up-regulated proteins were identified in EE mice compared to the control mice. Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway demonstrated that the upregulated proteins were mainly involved in metabolic pathways against xenobiotics. Among those upregulated proteins, 9 proteins, which participate in phase I or II of the xenobiotic metabolizing process and are known to be responsible for ROS detoxification, were validated by qRT-PCR. To explore the effect of ROS detoxification mediated by EE, glutathione activity was measured by an ELISA assay. The ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione was significantly increased in EE mice. Based on a linear regression analysis, GSTM2 and UGT2A1 were found to be the most influential genes in ROS detoxification. For further analysis of neuroprotection, the level of iNOS and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 were significantly decreased in EE mice. While TUNEL+ cells were significantly decreased, Ki67+ cells were significantly increased in EE mice, implicating that EE creates an optimal state for xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant activity. Taken together, our results suggested that EE protects olfactory layers via the upregulation of glutathione-related antioxidant and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, eventually lowering ROS-mediated inflammation and apoptosis and increasing neurogenesis. This study may provide an opportunity for a better understanding of the beneficial effects of EE in the OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwa Seo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soonil Pyo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyum Shin
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bae-Geun Nam
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate Program of NanoScience and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Won Kang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea.,Precision Medicine Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Hoo Young Lee
- Department of Medicine, The Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,TBI Rehabilitation Center, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, South Korea.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate Program of NanoScience and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Medicine, The Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Yonsei Stem Cell Research Center, Avison Biomedical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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12
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Ahmadalipour A, Sadeghzadeh J, Samaei SA, Rashidy-Pour A. Protective Effects of Enriched Environment Against Transient Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Impairment of Passive Avoidance Memory and Long-Term Potentiation in Rats. Basic Clin Neurosci 2017; 8:443-452. [PMID: 29942428 PMCID: PMC6010655 DOI: 10.29252/nirp.bcn.8.6.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enriched Environment (EE), a complex novel environment, has been demonstrated to improve synaptic plasticity in both injured and intact animals. The present study investigated the capacity of an early environmental intervention to normalize the impairment of passive avoidance memory and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) induced by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-vessel occlusion, 2VO) in rats. Methods After weaning, young Wistar rats (22 days old) were housed in EE or Standard Environment (SE) for 40 days. Transient (30-min) incomplete forebrain ischemia was induced 4 days before the passive avoidance memory test and LTP induction. Results The transient forebrain ischemia led to impairment of passive avoidance memory and LTP induction in the Perforant Path-Dentate Gyrus (PP-DG) synapses. Interestingly, housing and growing in EE prior to 2VO was found to significantly reverse 2VO-induced cognitive and LTP impairments. Conclusion Our results suggest that early housing and growing in EE exhibits therapeutic potential to normalize cognitive and LTP abnormalities induced by 2VO ischemic model in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmadalipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Students Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Jafar Sadeghzadeh
- Students Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Seyed Afshin Samaei
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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13
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Kreilaus F, Spiro AS, Hannan AJ, Garner B, Jenner AM. Therapeutic Effects of Anthocyanins and Environmental Enrichment in R6/1 Huntington's Disease Mice. J Huntingtons Dis 2017; 5:285-296. [PMID: 27567888 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-160204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no effective treatment or cure. Environmental enrichment has been used to slow processes leading to ageing and neurodegenerative diseases including HD. Phenolic phytochemicals including anthocyanins have also been shown to improve brain function in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of anthocyanin dietary supplementation and environmental enrichment on behavioural phenotypes and brain cholesterol metabolic alterations in the R6/1 mouse model of HD. METHODS R6/1 HD mice and their wild-type littermate controls were randomised into the different experimental conditions, involving either environmentally enriched versus standard housing conditions, or anthocyanin versus control diet. Motor dysfunction was assessed from 6 to 26 weeks using the RotaRod and the hind-paw clasping tests. Gas chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify a broad range of sterols in the striatum and cortex of R6/1 HD mice. RESULTS Anthocyanin dietary supplementation delayed the onset of motor dysfunction in female HD mice. Environmental enrichment improved motor function and the hind paw clasping phenotype in male HD mice only. These mice also had lower levels of cholesterol oxidation products in the cortex compared to standard-housed mice. CONCLUSION Both anthocyanin supplementation and environmental enrichment are able to improve the motor dysfunction phenotype of R6/1 mice, however the effectiveness of these interventions was different between the two sexes. The interventions examined did not alter brain cholesterol metabolic deficits that have been reported previously in this mouse model of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kreilaus
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Adena S Spiro
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett Garner
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew M Jenner
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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14
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Li BY, Wang Y, Tang HD, Chen SD. The role of cognitive activity in cognition protection: from Bedside to Bench. Transl Neurodegener 2017; 6:7. [PMID: 28360996 PMCID: PMC5371186 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-017-0078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline poses a great concern to elderly people and their families. In addition to pharmacological therapies, several varieties of nonpharmacological intervention have been developed. Most training trials proved that a well-organized task is clinically effective in cognition improvement. MAIN BODY We will first review clinical trials of cognitive training for healthy elders, MCI and AD patients, respectively. Besides, potential neuroprotective and compensatory mechanisms in animal models of AD are discussed. Despite controversy, cognitive training has promising effect on cognitive ability. In animal model of AD, environmental enrichment showed beneficial effect for cognitive ability, as well as neuronal plasticity. Neurotrophin, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator signaling pathway were also involved in the process. Well-designed cognitive activity could benefit cognitive function, and thus life quality of patients and their families. CONCLUSION The positive effects of cognitive activity is closely related with neural plasticity, neurotrophin, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator signaling pathway changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Yin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Hui-Dong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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15
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Koizumi M, Kondo Y, Isaka A, Ishigami A, Suzuki E. Vitamin C impacts anxiety-like behavior and stress-induced anorexia relative to social environment in SMP30/GNL knockout mice. Nutr Res 2016; 36:1379-1391. [PMID: 27932080 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The role of endogenous vitamin C (VC) in emotion and psychiatric measures has long been uncertain. We aimed to investigate how an individual's VC status impacts his or her mental health. Our hypothesis is that body VC levels modulate anxiety, anorexia, and depressive phenotypes under the influence of psychosocial rearing environments and sex. The VC status of senescence marker protein-30/gluconolactonase knockout mice, which lack the ability to synthesize VC, were continuously shifted from adequate (VC+) to depleted (VC-) by providing a water with or without VC. Despite weight loss in both sexes, suppressed feeding was specifically seen in males only during the VC- phase. Anxiety responses in the novelty-suppressed feeding paradigm were worse during the VC-, especially in females. Sensitivity to the forced swim test as determined by the initial latency was significantly shorter in the socially stable animals compared with socially unstable animals during the VC+ condition. The stress coping underlying depressive phenotypes was assessed by immobility duration in a series of forced swim tests. No significant differences were apparent between contrasting VC status. Homeostatic symptoms following stressful behavioral tests consisted of a great loss of appetite during the VC-. It should be noted that anorexia is extremely serious for the females. We conclude that endogenous VC status is critical for determining vulnerability to anxiety and anorexia in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwako Koizumi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Ohanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Kondo
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Isaka
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Ohanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan.
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Emiko Suzuki
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Ohanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan.
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16
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Mabunga DFN, Gonzales ELT, Kim JW, Kim KC, Shin CY. Exploring the Validity of Valproic Acid Animal Model of Autism. Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:285-300. [PMID: 26713077 PMCID: PMC4688329 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.4.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The valproic acid (VPA) animal model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most widely used animal model in the field. Like any other disease models, it can't model the totality of the features seen in autism. Then, is it valid to model autism? This model demonstrates many of the structural and behavioral features that can be observed in individuals with autism. These similarities enable the model to define relevant pathways of developmental dysregulation resulting from environmental manipulation. The uncovering of these complex pathways resulted to the growing pool of potential therapeutic candidates addressing the core symptoms of ASD. Here, we summarize the validity points of VPA that may or may not qualify it as a valid animal model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Froy N Mabunga
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, and Neuroscience Research Center, SMART-IABS and KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Edson Luck T Gonzales
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, and Neuroscience Research Center, SMART-IABS and KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Ji-Woon Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, and Neuroscience Research Center, SMART-IABS and KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Ki Chan Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, and Neuroscience Research Center, SMART-IABS and KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, and Neuroscience Research Center, SMART-IABS and KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea. ; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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17
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Ratajczak P, Nowakowska E, Kus K, Danielewicz R, Herman S, Woźniak A. Neuroleptics and enrichment environment treatment in memory disorders and other central nervous system function observed in prenatally stressed rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:526-37. [PMID: 25062975 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114543934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
It is believed that the most effective method of treatment in schizophrenia is pharmacotherapy, in particular, the use of atypical neuroleptics like aripiprazole (ARI) and olanzapine (OLA). Moreover, studies of many authors have shown that enriched living conditions and tobacco smoke exposure can also affect the cognitive functions that are disturbed in the course of schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to find whether tobacco smoke and enrichment living conditions have the influence on cognitive functions in the newborn offspring of prenatally stressed rats and whether drugs such as ARI (1.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)) and OLA (0.5 mg/kg ip) in single and chronic treatment modify those functions (Morris water maze). The study (in the same conditions) also analyses immobility time (Porsolt test) and motor activity of animals that received ARI and OLA. It has been shown that ARI and OLA as well as enriched environment reduce cognitive function disorders and modify cognitive functions in rats exposed to tobacco smoke. In turn, current research has shown that nicotine has increased cognitive function disorders compared to the previous study (animals without tobacco smoke exposure).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ratajczak
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - E Nowakowska
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - K Kus
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - R Danielewicz
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - S Herman
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Woźniak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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18
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Doulames V, Lee S, Shea TB. Environmental enrichment and social interaction improve cognitive function and decrease reactive oxidative species in normal adult mice. Int J Neurosci 2013; 124:369-76. [DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2013.848441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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19
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Harati H, Barbelivien A, Herbeaux K, Muller MA, Engeln M, Kelche C, Cassel JC, Majchrzak M. Lifelong environmental enrichment in rats: impact on emotional behavior, spatial memory vividness, and cholinergic neurons over the lifespan. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 35:1027-1043. [PMID: 22592932 PMCID: PMC3705108 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-012-9424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We assessed lifelong environmental enrichment effects on possible age-related modifications in emotional behaviors, spatial memory acquisition, retrieval of recent and remote spatial memory, and cholinergic forebrain systems. At the age of 1 month, Long-Evans female rats were placed in standard or enriched rearing conditions and tested after 3 (young), 12 (middle-aged), or 24 (aged) months. Environmental enrichment decreased the reactivity to stressful situations regardless of age. In the water maze test, it delayed the onset of learning deficits and prevented age-dependent spatial learning and recent memory retrieval alterations. Remote memory retrieval, which was altered independently of age under standard rearing conditions, was rescued by enrichment in young and middle-aged, but unfortunately not aged rats. A protected basal forebrain cholinergic system, which could well be one out of several neuronal manifestations of lifelong environmental enrichment, might have contributed to the behavioral benefits of this enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Harati
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandra Barbelivien
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karine Herbeaux
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Muller
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Engeln
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Kelche
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Majchrzak
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie et de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7237 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IFR 37 de Neurosciences, GDR 2905 du CNRS, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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20
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Environmental enrichment restores neurogenesis and rapid acquisition in aged rats. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:263-74. [PMID: 22795793 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Strategies combatting cognitive decline among the growing aging population are vital. We tested whether environmental enrichment could reverse age-impaired rapid spatial search strategy acquisition concomitantly with hippocampal neurogenesis in rats. Young (5-8 months) and aged (20-22 months) male Fischer 344 rats were pair-housed and exposed to environmental enrichment (n = 7 young, 9 aged) or housed individually (n = 7 young, 7 aged) for 10 weeks. After 5 weeks, hidden platform trials (5 blocks of 3 trials; 15 m inter-block interval), a probe trial, and then visible platform trials (5 blocks of 3 trials; 15 m inter-block interval) commenced in the water maze. One week after testing, rats were given 5 daily intraperitoneal bromodeoxyuridine (50 mg/kg) injections and perfused 4 weeks later to quantify neurogenesis. Although young rats outperformed aged rats, aged enriched rats outperformed aged individually housed rats on all behavioral measures. Neurogenesis decreased with age but enrichment enhanced new cell survival, regardless of age. The novel correlation between new neuron number and behavioral measures obtained in a rapid water maze task among aged rats, suggests that environmental enrichment increases their ability to rapidly acquire and flexibly use spatial information along with neurogenesis.
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21
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Yang S, Lu W, Zhou DS, Tang Y. Enriched environment and white matter in aging brain. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 295:1406-14. [PMID: 22777883 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Normal aging is commonly associated with decreased cognitive functions, which could be conspicuously alleviated by enriched environment (EE) with physical, social, and sensory stimuli, suggesting that aging brain still has intriguing plasticity. Multiple researches have been carried out to explore the structural and the molecular changes in aging brain, which would be considered for evidences that EE regulated brain plasticity. Because there is no significant neuron loss in aging cerebral cortex and the white matter is crucial for cognitive functions, this review focused on the age-related white matter changes and the effects of EE on aged white matter. Data from our stereology laboratory revealed that age-related spatial memory declines had more to do with white matter alterations, which were due to marked demyelination and loss of oligodendrocytes in the white matter. We also demonstrated that EE recovered spatial memory impairment and increased white matter volume by promoting marked remyelination in aged brain. This review approached the issue that EE might contribute to normal aging and be beneficial for those suffering from demyelinated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
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22
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Cechetti F, Worm PV, Lovatel G, Moysés F, Siqueira IR, Netto CA. Environmental enrichment prevents behavioral deficits and oxidative stress caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in the rat. Life Sci 2012; 91:29-36. [PMID: 22683434 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of environmental enrichment (EE), assessed by cognitive activity in the Morris water maze, and on brain oxidative status, through measurement of macromolecules damage, lipid peroxidation levels, total cellular thiols and antioxidant enzymes in hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex. MAIN METHODS Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to the modified permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2VO) method, with right common carotid artery being first occluded, and tested three months after the ischemic event. Cognitive and physical stimulation, named Environmental Enrichment, consisted of one-hour sessions run 3 times per week during 12weeks, following two different stimulation protocols: pre-ischemia and pre+post-ischemia. Rats were then tested for both reference and working spatial memory tasks in the water maze and later sacrificed for measurement of oxidative stress parameters. KEY FINDINGS A significant cognitive deficit was found in both spatial tasks after hypoperfusion; this effect was reversed in the 2VO enriched group. Moreover, hippocampal oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme activity were decreased by environmental enrichment. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that both stimulation protocols exert a neuroprotective effect against the cognitive impairment and the reduction of biomarkers for oxidative damage caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cechetti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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23
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Enriched environment prevents hypobaric hypoxia induced neurodegeneration and is independent of antioxidant signaling. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2012; 32:599-611. [PMID: 22331403 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-012-9807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) induced neurodegeneration has been attributed to several factors including increased oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, decreased growth factors, apoptosis, etc. Though enriched environment (EE) has been known to have beneficial effects in various neurological disorders, its effect on HH mediated neurodegeneration remains to be studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the effect of EE on HH induced neurodegeneration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in enriched and standard conditions during exposure to HH (7 days) equivalent to an altitude of 25,000 ft. The effect of EE on oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and corticosterone level in hippocampus was investigated. EE during exposure to HH was found to decrease neurodegeneration as evident from decreased caspase 3 expression and LDH leakage. However, no significant changes were observed in ROS, MDA, and antioxidant status of hippocampus. HH elevates corticosterone level and affected the diurnal corticoid rhythm which may contribute to neurodegeneration, whereas EE ameliorate this effect. Because of the association of neurotrophins and stress and/or corticosterone the BDNF and NGF levels were also examined and it was found that HH decreases their level but concurrent exposure to EE maintains their level. Moreover, inhibition of Tyrosine kinase receptor (Trk) with K252a nullifies the protective effect of EE, whereas Trk activation with agonist, amitriptyline showed protective effect similar to EE. Taken together, we conclude that EE has a potential to ameliorate HH mediated neuronal degeneration which may act through antioxidant independent pathway by modulation of neurotrophins.
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Kumar A, Rani A, Tchigranova O, Lee WH, Foster TC. Influence of late-life exposure to environmental enrichment or exercise on hippocampal function and CA1 senescent physiology. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 33:828.e1-17. [PMID: 21820213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Aged (20-22 months) male Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned to sedentary (A-SED), environmentally-enriched (A-ENR), or exercise (A-EX) conditions. After 10-12 weeks of differential experience, the 3 groups of aged rats and young sedentary controls were tested for physical and cognitive function. Spatial discrimination learning and memory consolidation, tested on the water maze, were enhanced in environmentally-enriched compared with sedentary. A-EX exhibited improved and impaired performance on the cue and spatial task, respectively. Impaired spatial learning in A-EX was likely due to a bias in response selection associated with exercise training, as object recognition memory improved for A-EX rats. An examination of senescent hippocampal physiology revealed that enrichment and exercise reversed age-related changes in long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP). Rats in the enrichment group exhibited an increase in cell excitability compared with the other 2 groups of aged animals. The results indicate that differential experience biased the selection of a spatial or a response strategy and factors common across the 2 conditions, such as increased hippocampal activity associated with locomotion, contribute to reversal of senescent synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA
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25
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Attention and memory in aged rats: Impact of lifelong environmental enrichment. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 32:718-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2009.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Short-term environmental enrichment enhances adult neurogenesis, vascular network and dendritic complexity in the hippocampus of type 1 diabetic mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13993. [PMID: 21085588 PMCID: PMC2981567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several brain disturbances have been described in association to type 1 diabetes in humans. In animal models, hippocampal pathological changes were reported together with cognitive deficits. The exposure to a variety of environmental stimuli during a certain period of time is able to prevent brain alterations and to improve learning and memory in conditions like stress, aging and neurodegenerative processes. Methodology/Principal Findings We explored the modulation of hippocampal alterations in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice by environmental enrichment. In diabetic mice housed in standard conditions we found a reduction of adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, decreased dendritic complexity in CA1 neurons and a smaller vascular fractional area in the dentate gyrus, compared with control animals in the same housing condition. A short exposure -10 days- to an enriched environment was able to enhance proliferation, survival and dendritic arborization of newborn neurons, to recover dendritic tree length and spine density of pyramidal CA1 neurons and to increase the vascular network of the dentate gyrus in diabetic animals. Conclusions/Significance The environmental complexity seems to constitute a strong stimulator competent to rescue the diabetic brain from neurodegenerative progression.
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Arranz L, De Castro NM, Baeza I, Maté I, Viveros MP, De la Fuente M. Environmental Enrichment Improves Age-Related Immune System Impairment: Long-Term Exposure Since Adulthood Increases Life Span in Mice. Rejuvenation Res 2010; 13:415-28. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2009.0989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Arranz
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria M. De Castro
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Baeza
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ianire Maté
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Paz Viveros
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica De la Fuente
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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BDNF increases with behavioral enrichment and an antioxidant diet in the aged dog. Neurobiol Aging 2010; 33:546-54. [PMID: 20447733 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aged canine (dog) is an excellent model for investigating the neurobiological changes that underlie cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in humans, as canines and humans undergo similar pathological and behavioral changes with aging. Recent evidence indicates that a combination of environmental enrichment and antioxidant-fortified diet can be used to reduce the rate of age-dependent neuropathology and cognitive decline in aged dogs, although the mechanisms underlying these changes have not been established. We examined the hypothesis that an increase in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the factors underlying improvements in learning and memory. Old, cognitively impaired animals that did not receive any treatment showed a significant decrease in BDNF mRNA in the temporal cortex when compared with the young group. Animals receiving either an antioxidant diet or environmental enrichment displayed intermediate levels of BDNF mRNA. However, dogs receiving both an antioxidant diet and environmental enrichment showed increased levels of BDNF mRNA when compared with untreated aged dogs, approaching levels measured in young animals. BDNF receptor TrkB mRNA levels did not differ between groups. BDNF mRNA levels were positively correlated with improved cognitive performance and inversely correlated with cortical Aβ((1-42)) and Aβ((1-40)) levels. These findings suggest that environmental enrichment and antioxidant diet interact to maintain brain levels of BDNF, which may lead to improved cognitive performance. This is the first demonstration in a higher animal that nonpharmacological changes in lifestyle in advanced age can upregulate BDNF to levels approaching those in the young brain.
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Rivas-Arancibia S, Guevara-Guzmán R, López-Vidal Y, Rodríguez-Martínez E, Zanardo-Gomes M, Angoa-Pérez M, Raisman-Vozari R. Oxidative stress caused by ozone exposure induces loss of brain repair in the hippocampus of adult rats. Toxicol Sci 2009; 113:187-97. [PMID: 19833740 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfp252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic ozone exposure causes a secondary increase of reactive oxygen species, which cause an oxidative stress state in the organism. Ozone is one of the main components of photochemical pollution. Our purpose was to test that oxidative stress caused by chronic low doses of ozone, by itself, alters adult neurogenesis and causes progressive neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, which actions lead to the loss of brain plasticity in the mature central nervous system of rats. Animals were exposed to an ozone-free air stream and for 15, 30, 60, and 90 days to low doses of ozone to cause oxidative stress. Each group was then tested by (1) a spectrophotometer test to quantify lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels; (2) immunohistochemistry testing against doublecortin, Neu-N, p53, microglia, and glial fibrillary acidic protein; (3) Western blot tests for doublecortin and Neu-N; and (4) a one-trial passive avoidance test. Our results indicated that ozone causes an increase of LPO levels, morphological changes in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and cell swelling in neurons. The Western blot shows a decrease for Neu-N and doublecortin. Activated and later phagocytic microglia and an increased number of astrocytes were found. There was a memory deficiency positively related to the amount of ozone exposure. These alterations suggest that oxidative stress caused by low doses of ozone causes dysregulation of inflammatory processes, progressive neurodegeneration, chronic loss of brain repair in the hippocampus, and brain plasticity changes in the rat analogous to those seen in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selva Rivas-Arancibia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70-250, CP 04510 México D.F., México.
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Pereira LO, Nabinger PM, Strapasson ACP, Nardin P, Gonçalves CAS, Siqueira IR, Netto CA. Long-term effects of environmental stimulation following hypoxia–ischemia on the oxidative state and BDNF levels in rat hippocampus and frontal cortex. Brain Res 2009; 1247:188-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 09/30/2008] [Accepted: 10/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Glenn MJ, Kirby ED, Gibson EM, Wong-Goodrich SJ, Mellott TJ, Blusztajn JK, Williams CL. Age-related declines in exploratory behavior and markers of hippocampal plasticity are attenuated by prenatal choline supplementation in rats. Brain Res 2008; 1237:110-23. [PMID: 18786518 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental choline in the maternal diet produces a lasting enhancement in memory in offspring that resists age-related decline and is accompanied by neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and neurochemical changes in the hippocampus. The present study was designed to examine: 1) if prenatal choline supplementation alters behaviors that contribute to risk or resilience in cognitive aging, and 2) whether, at old age (25 months), prenatally choline-supplemented rats show evidence of preserved hippocampal plasticity. A longitudinal design was used to look at exploration of an open field, with and without objects, at 1 and 24 months of age in male and female rats whose mothers were fed a diet supplemented with choline (SUP; 5 mg/kg choline chloride) or not supplemented (CON; 1.1 mg/kg choline chloride) on embryonic days 12-17. Aging caused a significant decline in open field exploration that was more pronounced in males but interest in novel objects was maintained in both sexes. Prenatal choline supplementation attenuated, but did not prevent age-related decline in exploration in males and increased object exploration in young females. Following behavioral assessment, rats were euthanized to assess markers of hippocampal plasticity. Aged SUP males and females had more newly proliferated cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were significantly elevated in female SUP rats in comparison to all other groups. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that prenatal choline supplementation causes changes in exploratory behaviors over the lifespan and preserves some features of hippocampal plasticity that can be seen even at 2 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Glenn
- Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Segovia G, Del Arco A, Garrido P, de Blas M, Mora F. Environmental enrichment reduces the response to stress of the cholinergic system in the prefrontal cortex during aging. Neurochem Int 2008; 52:1198-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2007.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fischer FR, Peduzzi JD. Functional recovery in rats with chronic spinal cord injuries after exposure to an enriched environment. J Spinal Cord Med 2007; 30:147-55. [PMID: 17591227 PMCID: PMC2031947 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2007.11753926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2006] [Accepted: 11/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the effect of environmental enrichment on the sensorimotor function of rats with chronic spinal cord injuries. DESIGN Adult Sprague-Dawley rats received a contusive injury of moderate severity at vertebral level T8 using a weight-drop device. Three months after injury, 1 randomized group (n = 16) of rats was placed in an enriched environment, whereas the control group (n = 16) remained housed in standard laboratory cages (2/cage). METHODS Animals were placed in an enriched environment for 4 weeks beginning at 3 months after injury. The enriched environment consisted of a large cage (5-6 rats/cage) with access to items such as tubes, ramps, and running wheel, with items changed daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Functional evaluation consisted of the open field Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test and the tests that form the combined behavioral score (CBS). The CBS includes motor score, toe spread, placing, withdrawal, righting, inclined plane, hot plate, and swim tests. Behavioral testing was repeated 7 times before and after the period of intervention. RESULTS The group placed in the enriched environment scored significantly better on the BBB (ANOVA repeated-measures, P < 0.01) test and CBS (ANOVA repeated-measures, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Environmental enrichment results in significant functional improvement in animals with spinal cord injury even with a substantial delay in initiating treatment after injury. The features of an enriched environment that may be responsible for the improvement include social interactions, exercise, and novel items in an interesting environment. These findings suggest a continued plasticity of the chronically injured rat spinal cord and a possible therapeutic intervention for people with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean D Peduzzi
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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Kumar A, Foster T. Environmental enrichment decreases the afterhyperpolarization in senescent rats. Brain Res 2006; 1130:103-7. [PMID: 17169341 PMCID: PMC1800885 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 08/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that an age-related increase in the amplitude of the Ca2+-dependent, K+-mediated afterhyperpolarization (AHP) is related to cognitive decline. However, because the AHP is measured following completion of training, it is unclear whether the AHP amplitude is strictly dependent on biological aging or is modified by the training procedure. To address this distinction we examined the effect of environmental enrichment on the AHP amplitude. Young (5-8 months) and aged (22-24 months) male Fischer 344 rats were exposed to environmental enrichment conditions (EC) or maintained in individual cages (IC). Following 8-10 weeks of differential experience, sharp microelectrode current-clamp recordings were obtained in CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. Examination of the AHP demonstrated that the amplitude was significantly reduced in aged animals exposed to enriched conditions. The results indicate that the amplitude of the AHP in hippocampal pyramidal cells from aged animals is dependent on the history of experience and hippocampal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA
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Unno K, Takabayashi F, Yoshida H, Choba D, Fukutomi R, Kikunaga N, Kishido T, Oku N, Hoshino M. Daily consumption of green tea catechin delays memory regression in aged mice. Biogerontology 2006; 8:89-95. [PMID: 16957869 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-006-9036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Almost all elderly people show brain atrophy and cognitive dysfunction, even if they are saved from illness, such as cardiac disease, malignancy and diabetes. Prevention or delay of brain senescence would therefore enhance the quality of life for older persons. Because oxidative stress has been implicated in brain senescence, we investigated the effects of green tea catechin (GT-catechin), a potential antioxidant, in senescence-accelerated (SAMP10) mice. The mouse is a model of brain senescence with short life span, cerebral atrophy and cognitive dysfunction. Mice were fed water containing 0.02% GT-catechin from 1- to 15-month-old. The mean dose was about 35 mg/kg/day. We found that daily consumption of GT-catechin prevented memory regression and DNA oxidative damage in these mice. GT-catechin did not prolong the lifetime of SAMP10 mice, but it did delay brain senescence. These findings suggest that continued intake of GT-catechin might promote healthy ageing of the brain in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Unno
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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Toscano CD, McGlothan JL, Guilarte TR. Experience-dependent regulation of zif268 gene expression and spatial learning. Exp Neurol 2006; 200:209-15. [PMID: 16545374 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is known to enhance the cognitive ability of rodents. To translate EE to the human condition, it is important to understand the parameters of its efficacy. In this study, we examine if the cognitive enhancement associated with EE is permanent and whether a developmental window exists for its efficacy. Rats were housed in continuous isolation (ISO), continuous enrichment (EE), enrichment from postnatal day (PN) 21-50, and then isolation from PN50-79 (PM), or isolation from PN21-50 and then enriched from PN50-79 (CW). Spatial learning ability and basal expression of the immediate-early genes zif268 and Arc as well as the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor were assessed. Rats housed in an enriched environment at the time of testing (EE and CW) performed significantly better in the spatial learning task than rats housed in an isolated environment at the time of testing (ISO and PM). Enhanced performance in the spatial learning task was associated with a higher expression of zif268 only in the CA3/CA4 region of the hippocampus. Our study further defines parameters that make environmental enrichment effective in enhancing learning performance and the findings may be helpful in the translation of this intervention to the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Toscano
- Molecular Neurotoxicology Laboratory, Division of Toxicological Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Schneider T, Turczak J, Przewłocki R. Environmental enrichment reverses behavioral alterations in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid: issues for a therapeutic approach in autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:36-46. [PMID: 15920505 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment has been repeatedly shown to affect multiple aspects of brain function, and is known to improve cognitive, behavioral, and histopathological outcome after brain injuries. The purpose of the present experiments was to determine the effect of an enriched environment on behavioral aberrations observed in male rats exposed to valproic acid on day 12.5 of gestation (VPA rats), and proposed on the basis of etiological, anatomical, and behavioral data as an animal model of autism. Environmental enrichment reversed almost all behavioral alterations observed in the model. VPA rats after environmental enrichment (VPA-E) compared to VPA rats reared in standard conditions have higher sensitivity to pain and lower sensitivity to nonpainful stimuli; stronger acoustic prepulse inhibition; lower locomotor, repetitive/stereotypic-like activity, and enhanced exploratory activity; decreased anxiety; increased number of social behaviors; and shorter latency to social explorations. In comparison with control animals (Con), VPA-E rats exhibited increased number of pinnings in adolescence and social explorations in adulthood, and were less anxious in the elevated plus maze. Similar differences in social behavior and anxiety were observed between control rats exposed to environmental enrichment (Con-E) and control group reared in standard conditions. These results suggest that postnatal environmental manipulations can counteract the behavioral alterations in VPA rats. We propose environmental enrichment as an important tool for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Schneider
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Mahncke HW, Bronstone A, Merzenich MM. Brain plasticity and functional losses in the aged: scientific bases for a novel intervention. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2006; 157:81-109. [PMID: 17046669 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(06)57006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with progressive losses in function across multiple systems, including sensation, cognition, memory, motor control, and affect. The traditional view has been that functional decline in aging is unavoidable because it is a direct consequence of brain machinery wearing down over time. In recent years, an alternative perspective has emerged, which elaborates on this traditional view of age-related functional decline. This new viewpoint--based upon decades of research in neuroscience, experimental psychology, and other related fields--argues that as people age, brain plasticity processes with negative consequences begin to dominate brain functioning. Four core factors--reduced schedules of brain activity, noisy processing, weakened neuromodulatory control, and negative learning--interact to create a self-reinforcing downward spiral of degraded brain function in older adults. This downward spiral might begin from reduced brain activity due to behavioral change, from a loss in brain function driven by aging brain machinery, or more likely from both. In aggregate, these interrelated factors promote plastic changes in the brain that result in age-related functional decline. This new viewpoint on the root causes of functional decline immediately suggests a remedial approach. Studies of adult brain plasticity have shown that substantial improvement in function and/or recovery from losses in sensation, cognition, memory, motor control, and affect should be possible, using appropriately designed behavioral training paradigms. Driving brain plasticity with positive outcomes requires engaging older adults in demanding sensory, cognitive, and motor activities on an intensive basis, in a behavioral context designed to re-engage and strengthen the neuromodulatory systems that control learning in adults, with the goal of increasing the fidelity, reliability, and power of cortical representations. Such a training program would serve a substantial unmet need in aging adults. Current treatments directed at age-related functional losses are limited in important ways. Pharmacological therapies can target only a limited number of the many changes believed to underlie functional decline. Behavioral approaches focus on teaching specific strategies to aid higher order cognitive functions, and do not usually aspire to fundamentally change brain function. A brain-plasticity-based training program would potentially be applicable to all aging adults with the promise of improving their operational capabilities. We have constructed such a brain-plasticity-based training program and conducted an initial randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of its use by older adults. A main objective of this initial study was to estimate the effect size on standardized neuropsychological measures of memory. We found that older adults could learn the training program quickly, and could use it entirely unsupervised for the majority of the time required. Pre- and posttesting documented a significant improvement in memory within the training group (effect size 0.41, p<0.0005), with no significant within-group changes in a time-matched computer using active control group, or in a no-contact control group. Thus, a brain-plasticity-based intervention targeting normal age-related cognitive decline may potentially offer benefit to a broad population of older adults.
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Segovia G, Yagüe AG, García-Verdugo JM, Mora F. Environmental enrichment promotes neurogenesis and changes the extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA in the hippocampus of aged rats. Brain Res Bull 2005; 70:8-14. [PMID: 16750477 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of environmental enrichment on the neurogenesis and the extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA in the hippocampus of freely moving young and aged rats. Male Wistar rats of 2 (young) and 25 (old) months of age were housed during 8 weeks in an enriched environment; control rats were kept in individual plastic cages during that same period of time. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU; 40 mg/kg; 7 days) during the fourth week of the housing period to detect neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Rats were sacrified 6 weeks after the last injection of BrdU. During the last week of housing, rats were tested in the water maze for the evaluation of spatial learning. After the housing period, rats were stereotaxically implanted with guide-cannulas to accommodate microdialysis probes in the CA3 area of the hippocampus and the extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA were determined. Aged rats showed a decrease in the number of BrdU positive cells in the dentate gyrus compared to young rats. However, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of both young and old rats was increased in animals housed in an enriched environment. Microdialysis experiments in the CA3 area of the hippocampus showed that enriched housing conditions increased basal extracellular concentrations of glutamate in aged rats. Perfusion of KCl 100 mM produced a higher increase of extracellular glutamate and GABA in aged rats but not in young rats housed in an enriched environment compared to control rats. These results suggest that enriched housing conditions change both neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and glutamate and GABA levels in the CA3 area of the hippocampus of aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Segovia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Ciudad Universitaria, s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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