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Thomou C, Nussbaumer M, Grammenou E, Komini C, Vlaikou AM, Papageorgiou MP, Filiou MD. Early Handling Exerts Anxiolytic Effects and Alters Brain Mitochondrial Dynamics in Adult High Anxiety Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04116-5. [PMID: 38761326 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Early handling (EH), the brief separation of pups from their mother during early life, has been shown to exert beneficial effects. However, the impact of EH in a high anxiety background as well as the role of brain mitochondria in shaping EH-driven responses remain elusive.Here, we used a high (HAB) vs. normal (NAB) anxiety-related behavior mouse model to study how EH affects pup and dam behavior in divergent anxiety backgrounds. We also investigated EH-induced effects at the protein and mRNA levels in adult male HAB mice in the hypothalamus, the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus by examining the same mitochondrial/energy pathways and mitochondrial dynamics mechanisms (fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy) in all three brain regions.EH exerts anxiolytic effects in adult HAB but not NAB male mice and does not affect HAB or NAB maternal behavior, although basal HAB vs. NAB maternal behaviors differ. In adult HAB male mice, EH does not impact oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and oxidative stress in any of the brain regions studied but leads to increased protein expression of glycolysis enzymes and a correlation of anxiety-related behavior with Krebs cycle enzymes in HAB mice in the hypothalamus. Intriguingly, EH alters mitochondrial dynamics by increasing hypothalamic DRP1, OPA1, and PGC1a protein levels. At the mRNA level, we observe altered, EH-driven mitochondrial dynamics mRNA signatures which predominantly affect the prefrontal cortex.Taken together, our results show that EH exerts anxiolytic effects in adulthood in high anxiety and modulates mitochondrial dynamics pathways in a brain region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Thomou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Markus Nussbaumer
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Grammenou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Komini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria P Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece.
- Institute of Biosciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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Battaglia M, Rossignol O, Lorenzo LE, Deguire J, Godin AG, D’Amato FR, De Koninck Y. Enhanced harm detection following maternal separation: Transgenerational transmission and reversibility by inhaled amiloride. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8750. [PMID: 37792939 PMCID: PMC10550232 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversities are associated with altered defensive responses. Here, we demonstrate that the repeated cross-fostering (RCF) paradigm of early maternal separation is associated with enhancements of distinct homeostatic reactions: hyperventilation in response to hypercapnia and nociceptive sensitivity, among the first generation of RCF-exposed animals, as well as among two successive generations of their normally reared offspring, through matrilineal transmission. Parallel enhancements of acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1), ASIC2, and ASIC3 messenger RNA transcripts were detected transgenerationally in central neurons, in the medulla oblongata, and in periaqueductal gray matter of RCF-lineage animals. A single, nebulized dose of the ASIC-antagonist amiloride renormalized respiratory and nociceptive responsiveness across the entire RCF lineage. These findings reveal how, following an early-life adversity, a biological memory reducible to a molecular sensor unfolds, shaping adaptation mechanisms over three generations. Our findings are entwined with multiple correlates of human anxiety and pain conditions and suggest nebulized amiloride as a therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Youth and Emerging Adult Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Orlane Rossignol
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Louis-Etienne Lorenzo
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jasmin Deguire
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine G. Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca R. D’Amato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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3
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Shin S, Lee S. The impact of environmental factors during maternal separation on the behaviors of adolescent C57BL/6 mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1147951. [PMID: 37293540 PMCID: PMC10244624 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1147951] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal maternal separation is a widely used method to construct an early-life stress model in rodents. In this method, pups are separated from their mothers for several hours every day during the first 2 weeks of life, which results in adverse early-life events. It is a known fact that maternal separation can exert a significant impact on the behavior and psychological health, such as anxiety and depression, in adolescent offspring. However, environmental conditions during maternal separation can differ such as the presence of other animals or by placing pups in a different dam. To investigate the differential effects of various conditions of maternal separation on the behavior of adolescent mice, we created the following groups: (1) iMS group: pups were moved to an isolated room with no other adult mice in a nearby cage, (2) eDam group: the pups randomly exchanged their dams, (3) OF group: pups were shifted to another cage with the bedding material containing maternal odor (olfactory stimulation), and (4) MS group: pups were shifted to another vivarium. From postnatal day (PND) 2-20 (i.e., 19 consecutive days), pups were separated from the dam daily for 4 h and exposed to various environments (MS, iMS, eDam, and OF) or were left undisturbed [control (CON) group]. A series of behavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate locomotion, anxiety, recognition, learning, and memory in adolescent offspring. The results showed that neonatal maternal separation led to impaired recognition memory, motor coordination, and motor skill learning across all groups. However, the iMS group exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test and enhanced the extinction of fear memory in the auditory fear conditioning test. The OF and eDam groups displayed partially recovered short-term working memory in the Y-maze test but exhibited opposite exploratory behaviors. The OF group spent more time in the center, while the eDam group spent less time. These findings demonstrated that exposure to different environmental conditions during maternal separation causes behavioral alterations in adolescent offspring, providing a potential explanation for the variation in behavioral phenotypes observed in the early-life stress models.
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Kinkead R, Ambrozio-Marques D, Fournier S, Gagnon M, Guay LM. Estrogens, age, and, neonatal stress: panic disorders and novel views on the contribution of non-medullary structures to respiratory control and CO 2 responses. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183933. [PMID: 37265841 PMCID: PMC10229816 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183933] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CO2 is a fundamental component of living matter. This chemical signal requires close monitoring to ensure proper match between metabolic production and elimination by lung ventilation. Besides ventilatory adjustments, CO2 can also trigger innate behavioral and physiological responses associated with fear and escape but the changes in brain CO2/pH required to induce ventilatory adjustments are generally lower than those evoking fear and escape. However, for patients suffering from panic disorder (PD), the thresholds for CO2-evoked hyperventilation, fear and escape are reduced and the magnitude of those reactions are excessive. To explain these clinical observations, Klein proposed the false suffocation alarm hypothesis which states that many spontaneous panics occur when the brain's suffocation monitor erroneously signals a lack of useful air, thereby maladaptively triggering an evolved suffocation alarm system. After 30 years of basic and clinical research, it is now well established that anomalies in respiratory control (including the CO2 sensing system) are key to PD. Here, we explore how a stress-related affective disorder such as PD can disrupt respiratory control. We discuss rodent models of PD as the concepts emerging from this research has influenced our comprehension of the CO2 chemosensitivity network, especially structure that are not located in the medulla, and how factors such as stress and biological sex modulate its functionality. Thus, elucidating why hormonal fluctuations can lead to excessive responsiveness to CO2 offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating this key aspect of respiratory control and the pathophysiology of respiratory manifestations of PD.
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Guan QS, Arusha KS, Caramihai N, Stukal I, Bauer CM. Fostered offspring develop hyper-reactive endocrine stress responses in a plural-breeding rodent, Octodon degus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 336:114259. [PMID: 36878393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term parental separation can lead to altered behavioral and physical development in human children. Rodent models are popular for studying parent-child separation, and several studies have found that maternal separation leads to chronic changes in the endocrine stress response. However, while human children are generally raised by multiple caregivers, most rodent studies utilize solitary breeding species. Therefore, we used degus (Octodon degus) as a model for studying human parental separation, as these rodents practice plural breeding and communal care. In this study, we cross-fostered degu litters at different ages (post-natal day [PND] 2, 8, and 14) to test the hypotheses that fostering affects offspring stress hormone levels in both the short- and long-term and that these impacts differ depending on the age at which offspring are fostered. We found that fostering had long-term effects, as fostered offspring had higher stress-induced cortisol levels and weaker cortisol negative feedback than non-fostered offspring at weaning age (PND28). We also found that the timing of fostering mattered, as degus fostered at PND8 had higher baseline cortisol levels the day after fostering, while degus fostered at PND2 had higher stress-induced cortisol levels at weaning. These data suggest that long-term cross-fostering has enduring impacts on the endocrine stress response in degus, therefore making them a useful model organism for investigating impacts of parental separation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaja S Arusha
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, USA
| | | | - Ilana Stukal
- Department of Biology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn M Bauer
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, USA; Department of Biology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA.
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Warhaftig G, Almeida D, Turecki G. Early life adversity across different cell- types in the brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105113. [PMID: 36863603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA)- which includes physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse is one of the most common predictors to diverse psychopathologies later in adulthood. As ELA has a lasting impact on the brain at a developmental stage, recent findings from the field highlighted the specific contributions of different cell types to ELA and their association with long lasting consequences. In this review we will gather recent findings describing morphological, transcriptional and epigenetic alterations within neurons, glia and perineuronal nets and their associated cellular subpopulation. The findings reviewed and summarized here highlight important mechanisms underlying ELA and point to therapeutic approaches for ELA and related psychopathologies later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Warhaftig
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
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Gigliucci V, Di Segni M, Ventura R, Battaglia M. Editorial: Long-term effects of early-life manipulations: risks and advantages for neurodevelopment. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1193912. [PMID: 37153638 PMCID: PMC10158931 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1193912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gigliucci
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Council of Research, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Gigliucci
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Matteo Di Segni
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
- Rossella Ventura
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Marco Battaglia
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McMurray KMJ, Sah R. Neuroimmune mechanisms in fear and panic pathophysiology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1015349. [PMID: 36523875 PMCID: PMC9745203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1015349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is unique among anxiety disorders in that the emotional symptoms (e.g., fear and anxiety) associated with panic are strongly linked to body sensations indicative of threats to physiological homeostasis. For example, panic attacks often present with feelings of suffocation that evoke hyperventilation, breathlessness, or air hunger. Due to the somatic underpinnings of PD, a major focus has been placed on interoceptive signaling and it is recognized that dysfunctional body-to-brain communication pathways promote the initiation and maintenance of PD symptomatology. While body-to-brain signaling can occur via several pathways, immune and humoral pathways play an important role in communicating bodily physiological state to the brain. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroimmune mediators play a role in fear and panic-associated disorders, although this has not been systematically investigated. Currently, our understanding of the role of immune mechanisms in the etiology and maintenance of PD remains limited. In the current review, we attempt to summarize findings that support a role of immune dysregulation in PD symptomology. We compile evidence from human studies and panic-relevant rodent paradigms that indicate a role of systemic and brain immune signaling in the regulation of fear and panic-relevant behavior and physiology. Specifically, we discuss how immune signaling can contribute to maladaptive body-to-brain communication and conditioned fear that are relevant to spontaneous and conditioned symptoms of PD and identify putative avenues warranting future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. J. McMurray
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Renu Sah
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Petković A, Chaudhury D. Encore: Behavioural animal models of stress, depression and mood disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:931964. [PMID: 36004305 PMCID: PMC9395206 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.931964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies over the past two decades have led to extensive advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Among these, rodent behavioural models proved to be of highest informative value. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models with respect to physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. Behavioural stress paradigms and behavioural tests are assessed in terms of outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value, especially in the domain of pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipesh Chaudhury
- Laboratory of Neural Systems and Behaviour, Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Karmon G, Sragovich S, Hacohen-Kleiman G, Ben-Horin-Hazak I, Kasparek P, Schuster B, Sedlacek R, Pasmanik-Chor M, Theotokis P, Touloumi O, Zoidou S, Huang L, Wu PY, Shi R, Kapitansky O, Lobyntseva A, Giladi E, Shapira G, Shomron N, Bereswill S, Heimesaat MM, Grigoriadis N, McKinney RA, Rubinstein M, Gozes I. Novel ADNP Syndrome Mice Reveal Dramatic Sex-Specific Peripheral Gene Expression With Brain Synaptic and Tau Pathologies. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:81-95. [PMID: 34865853 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADNP is essential for embryonic development. As such, de novo ADNP mutations lead to an intractable autism/intellectual disability syndrome requiring investigation. METHODS Mimicking humans, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9 editing produced mice carrying heterozygous Adnp p.Tyr718∗ (Tyr), a paralog of the most common ADNP syndrome mutation. Phenotypic rescue was validated by treatment with the microtubule/autophagy-protective ADNP fragment NAPVSIPQ (NAP). RESULTS RNA sequencing of spleens, representing a peripheral biomarker source, revealed Tyr-specific sex differences (e.g., cell cycle), accentuated in females (with significant effects on antigen processing and cellular senescence) and corrected by NAP. Differentially expressed, NAP-correctable transcripts, including the autophagy and microbiome resilience-linked FOXO3, were also deregulated in human patient-derived ADNP-mutated lymphoblastoid cells. There were also Tyr sex-specific microbiota signatures. Phenotypically, Tyr mice, similar to patients with ADNP syndrome, exhibited delayed development coupled with sex-dependent gait defects. Speech acquisition delays paralleled sex-specific mouse syntax abnormalities. Anatomically, dendritic spine densities/morphologies were decreased with NAP amelioration. These findings were replicated in the Adnp+/- mouse, including Foxo3 deregulation, required for dendritic spine formation. Grooming duration and nociception threshold (autistic traits) were significantly affected only in males. Early-onset tauopathy was accentuated in males (hippocampus and visual cortex), mimicking humans, and was paralleled by impaired visual evoked potentials and correction by acute NAP treatment. CONCLUSIONS Tyr mice model ADNP syndrome pathology. The newly discovered ADNP/NAP target FOXO3 controls the autophagy initiator LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3), with known ADNP binding to LC3 augmented by NAP, protecting against tauopathy. NAP amelioration attests to specificity, with potential for drug development targeting accessible biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidon Karmon
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomo Sragovich
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gal Hacohen-Kleiman
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbar Ben-Horin-Hazak
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Petr Kasparek
- Department of Transgenic Models of Diseases and Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Björn Schuster
- Department of Transgenic Models of Diseases and Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Department of Transgenic Models of Diseases and Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Metsada Pasmanik-Chor
- Bioinformatics Unit, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Touloumi
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Zoidou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Linxuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pei You Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roy Shi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Oxana Kapitansky
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lobyntseva
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliezer Giladi
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Gastrointestinal Microbiology Research Group, Institute for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus M Heimesaat
- Gastrointestinal Microbiology Research Group, Institute for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R Anne McKinney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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11
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Juvenile handling rescues autism-related effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7174. [PMID: 35504947 PMCID: PMC9065111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors acting on young animals affect neurodevelopmental trajectories and impact adult brain function and behavior. Psychiatric disorders may be caused or worsen by environmental factors, but early interventions can improve performance. Understanding the possible mechanisms acting upon the developing brain could help identify etiological factors of psychiatric disorders and enable advancement of effective therapies. Research has focused on the long-lasting effects of environmental factors acting during the perinatal period, therefore little is known about the impact of these factors at later ages when neurodevelopmental pathologies such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are usually diagnosed. Here we show that handling mice during the juvenile period can rescue a range of behavioral and cellular effects of prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. VPA-exposed animals show reduced sociability and increased repetitive behaviors, along with other autism-related endophenotypes such as increased immobility in the forced swim test and increased neuronal activity in the piriform cortex (Pir). Our results demonstrate that briefly handling mice every other day between postnatal days 22 and 34 can largely rescue these phenotypes. This effect can also be observed when animals are analyzed across tests using an “autism” factor, which also discriminates between animals with high and low Pir neuron activity. Thus, we identified a juvenile developmental window when environmental factors can determine adult autism-related behavior. In addition, our results have broader implications on behavioral neuroscience, as they highlight the importance of adequate experimental design and control of behavioral experiments involving treating or testing young animals.
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12
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Chelini G, Pangrazzi L, Bozzi Y. At the Crossroad Between Resiliency and Fragility: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective on Early-Life Experiences. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:863866. [PMID: 35465609 PMCID: PMC9023311 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.863866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal development of the brain is characterized by sensitive windows during which, local circuitry are drastically reshaped by life experiences. These critical periods (CPs) occur at different time points for different brain functions, presenting redundant physiological changes in the underlying brain regions. Although circuits malleability during CPs provides a valuable window of opportunity for adaptive fine-tuning to the living environment, this aspect of neurodevelopment also represents a phase of increased vulnerability for the development of a variety of disorders. Consistently, accumulating epidemiological studies point to adverse childhood experience as a major risk factor for many medical conditions, especially stress- and anxiety-related conditions. Thanks to creative approaches to manipulate rodents’ rearing environment, neurobiologist have uncovered a pivotal interaction between CPs and early-life experiences, offering an interesting landscape to improve our understanding of brain disorders. In this short review, we discuss how early-life experience impacts cellular and molecular players involved in CPs of development, translating into long-lasting behavioral consequences in rodents. Bringing together findings from multiple laboratories, we delineate a unifying theory in which systemic factors dynamically target the maturation of brain functions based on adaptive needs, shifting the balance between resilience and vulnerability in response to the quality of the rearing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Chelini
- CIMeC-Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gabriele Chelini,
| | - Luca Pangrazzi
- CIMeC-Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- CIMeC-Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Ventura R, Cabib S, Babicola L, Andolina D, Di Segni M, Orsini C. Interactions Between Experience, Genotype and Sex in the Development of Individual Coping Strategies. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:785739. [PMID: 34987364 PMCID: PMC8721137 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.785739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coping strategies, the first line of defense against adversities, develop through experience. There is consistent evidence that both genotype and sex contribute to the development of dysfunctional coping, leading to maladaptive outcomes of adverse experiences or to adaptive coping that fosters rapid recovery even from severe stress. However, how these factors interact to influence the development of individual coping strategies is just starting to be investigated. In the following review, we will consider evidence that experience, sex, and genotype influence the brain circuits and neurobiological processes involved in coping with adversities and discuss recent results pointing to the specific effects of the interaction between early experiences, genotype, and stress in the development of functional and dysfunctional coping styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy Babicola
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Orsini
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Lo Iacono L, Mancini C, Babicola L, Pietrosanto M, Di Segni M, D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Ielpo D, Pascucci T, Cabib S, Ferlazzo F, D'Amato FR, Andolina D, Helmer-Citterich M, Cifani C, Ventura R. Early life adversity affecting the attachment bond alters ventral tegmental area transcriptomic patterning and behavior almost exclusively in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100406. [PMID: 34660854 PMCID: PMC8503667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life experiences that affect the attachment bond formation can alter developmental trajectories and result in pathological outcomes in a sex-related manner. However, the molecular basis of sex differences is quite unknown. The dopaminergic system originating from the ventral tegmental area has been proposed to be a key mediator of this process. Here we exploited a murine model of early adversity (Repeated Cross Fostering, RCF) to test how interfering with the attachment bond formation affects the VTA-related functions in a sex-specific manner. Through a comprehensive behavioral screening, within the NiH RDoC framework, and by next-generation RNA-Seq experiments, we analyzed the long-lasting effect of RCF on behavioral and transcriptional profiles related to the VTA, across two different inbred strains of mouse in both sexes. We found that RCF impacted to an extremely greater extent VTA-related behaviors in females than in males and this result mirrored the transcriptional alterations in the VTA that were almost exclusively observed in females. The sexual dimorphism was conserved across two different inbred strains in spite of their divergent long lasting consequences of RCF exposure. Our data suggest that to be female primes a sub-set of genes to respond to early environmental perturbations. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence of an almost exclusive effect of early life experiences on females, thus mirroring the extremely stronger impact of precocious aversive events reported in clinical studies in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Lo Iacono
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Lucy Babicola
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Pietrosanto
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Institute, National Research Council, Via E Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo Scalo, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Manuela Helmer-Citterich
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- University of Camerino School of Pharmacy, Camerino, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
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15
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Lovick TA, Zangrossi H. Effect of Estrous Cycle on Behavior of Females in Rodent Tests of Anxiety. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:711065. [PMID: 34531768 PMCID: PMC8438218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. In women the menstrual cycle introduces another variable; indeed, some conditions e.g., premenstrual syndrome, are menstrual cycle specific. Animal models of fear and anxiety, which form the basis for research into drug treatments, have been developed almost exclusively, using males. There remains a paucity of work using females and the available literature presents a confusing picture. One confound is the estrous cycle in females, which some authors consider, but many do not. Importantly, there are no accepted standardized criteria for defining cycle phase, which is important given the rapidly changing hormonal profile during the 4-day cycle of rodents. Moreover, since many behavioral tests that involve a learning component or that consider extinction of a previously acquired association require several days to complete; the outcome may depend on the phase of the cycle on the days of training as well as on test days. In this article we consider responsiveness of females compared to males in a number of commonly used behavioral tests of anxiety and fear that were developed in male rodents. We conclude that females perform in a qualitatively similar manner to males in most tests although there may be sex and strain differences in sensitivity. Tests based on unconditioned threatening stimuli are significantly influenced by estrous cycle phase with animals displaying increased responsiveness in the late diestrus phase of the cycle (similar to the premenstrual phase in women). Tests that utilize conditioned fear paradigms, which involve a learning component appear to be less impacted by the estrous cycle although sex and cycle-related differences in responding can still be detected. Ethologically-relevant tests appear to have more translational value in females. However, even when sex differences in behavior are not detected, the same outward behavioral response may be mediated by different brain mechanisms. In order to progress basic research in the field of female psychiatry and psychopharmacology, there is a pressing need to validate and standardize experimental protocols for using female animal models of anxiety-related states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma A. Lovick
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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16
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Kislal S, Jin W, Maesner C, Edlow AG. Mismatch between obesogenic intrauterine environment and low-fat postnatal diet may confer offspring metabolic advantage. Obes Sci Pract 2021; 7:450-461. [PMID: 34401203 PMCID: PMC8346367 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mismatch between a depleted intrauterine environment and a substrate-rich postnatal environment confers an increased risk of offspring obesity and metabolic syndrome. Maternal diet-induced obesity (MATOB) is associated with the same outcomes. These experiments tested the hypothesis that a mismatch between a nutrient-rich intrauterine environment and a low-fat postnatal environment would ameliorate offspring metabolic morbidity. METHODS C57BL6/J female mice were fed either a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) or a 10% fat control diet (CD) for 14-week pre-breeding and during pregnancy/lactation. Offspring were weaned to CD. Weight was evaluated weekly; body composition was determined using EchoMRI. Serum fasting lipids and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Metabolic rate, locomotor, and sleep behavior were evaluated with indirect calorimetry. RESULTS MATOB-exposed/CD-weaned offspring of both sexes had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to controls. Males had improved fasting lipids. Females had significantly increased weight and body fat percentage in adulthood compared to sex-matched controls. Females also had significantly increased sleep duration and reduced locomotor activity compared to males. CONCLUSIONS Reduced-fat dietary switch following intrauterine and lactational exposure to MATOB was associated with improved glucose handling and lipid profiles in adult offspring, more pronounced in males. A mismatch between a high-fat prenatal and low-fat postnatal environment may confer a metabolic advantage. The amelioration of deleterious metabolic programming by strict offspring adherence to a low-fat diet may have translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezen Kislal
- Vincent Center for Reproductive BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - William Jin
- Vincent Center for Reproductive BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Claire Maesner
- Vincent Center for Reproductive BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Vincent Center for Reproductive BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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17
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Luchetti A, Di Segni M, Andolina D, Ventura R, Battaglia M, D'Amato FR. Mouse model of panic disorder: Vulnerability to early environmental instability is strain-dependent. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22135. [PMID: 34196403 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Early life experiences and genetic background shape phenotypic variation. Several mouse models based on early treatments have evaluated short- and long-term phenotypic alterations and explored their molecular mechanisms. The instability of maternal cues was used to model human separation anxiety in outbred mice, one of the etiopathogenetic factors that predict panic disorder (PD). Application of the repeated cross-fostering (RCF) protocol to inbred strains (C57 and DBA) allowed us to measure differential responses to the same experimental manipulation. Ultrasounds emitted during isolation indicated that after RCF, pups from both strains lose their ability to be comforted by nest cues, but the frequency modulation of separation calls increased in RCF-C57 and decreased in RCF-DBA mice. No strain-specific difference in olfactory ability explained these responses in RCF-exposed mice. Rather, disruption of the infant-mother bond may differentially affect separation calls in the two strains. Moreover, the RCF-associated increased respiratory response to hypercapnia-an endophenotype of human PD documented among mice outbred strains-was replicated in the C57 strain only. We suggest that RCF-induced instability of the early environment affects emotionality and respiratory physiology differentially, depending on pups' genetic background. These strain-specific responses provide a lead to understand differential vulnerability to emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Luchetti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child, Youth and Emerging Adults Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Francesca Romana D'Amato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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18
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Caesarean section and offspring's emotional development: Sex differences and the role of key neurotransmitters. Brain Res 2021; 1767:147562. [PMID: 34144003 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Increasing caesarean section (CS) rates are of global concern not only for health care providers but also from a more general public health point of view. Growing concern on the association between CS and offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes have been raised in recent years, but the effect of CS on offspring's emotional development is rarely reported. By using mice models, we have set up two groups, ie. offspring born via CS and in-fostered by dams with vaginal delivery (VD), and offspring born via VD and in-fostered by their non-biological mothers. Depression-like behavioral was evaluated by sucrose preference test and forced swimming test, and anxiety-like behavioral was evaluated by open-field test and elevated plus maze test, respectively during offspring's adolescence and adulthood. Offspring's prefrontal cortex was collected for HE staining and assessment for DA, HVA, 5-HT, 5-HIAA. It was found that offspring born of CS have anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Male offspring was sensitive to be depressive and female offspring tended to be anxious. Although no significant sex difference was observed, there existed edema and nuclear retraction of neurons in the prefrontal cortex in offspring via CS during adolescence and adulthood. Compared with offspring born via VD, offspring through CS had shown higher DA and HVA levels while lower 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in adolescence and adulthood, and this difference was observed in female offspring. The findings highlight the sex-specific effect of CS on offspring's emotional development. Variations in key neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex may partly explain the association between CS and offspring's emotional symptoms.
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19
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Tenorio-Lopes L, Kinkead R. Sex-Specific Effects of Stress on Respiratory Control: Plasticity, Adaptation, and Dysfunction. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2097-2134. [PMID: 34107062 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As our understanding of respiratory control evolves, we appreciate how the basic neurobiological principles of plasticity discovered in other systems shape the development and function of the respiratory control system. While breathing is a robust homeostatic function, there is growing evidence that stress disrupts respiratory control in ways that predispose to disease. Neonatal stress (in the form of maternal separation) affects "classical" respiratory control structures such as the peripheral O2 sensors (carotid bodies) and the medulla (e.g., nucleus of the solitary tract). Furthermore, early life stress disrupts the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), a structure that has emerged as a primary determinant of the intensity of the ventilatory response to hypoxia. Although underestimated, the PVH's influence on respiratory function is a logical extension of the hypothalamic control of metabolic demand and supply. In this article, we review the functional and anatomical links between the stress neuroendocrine axis and the medullary network regulating breathing. We then present the persistent and sex-specific effects of neonatal stress on respiratory control in adult rats. The similarities between the respiratory phenotype of stressed rats and clinical manifestations of respiratory control disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing and panic attacks are remarkable. These observations are in line with the scientific consensus that the origins of adult disease are often found among developmental and biological disruptions occurring during early life. These observations bring a different perspective on the structural hierarchy of respiratory homeostasis and point to new directions in our understanding of the etiology of respiratory control disorders. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-38, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Tenorio-Lopes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Kinkead
- Département de Pédiatrie, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Cheng AA, Li W, Walker TM, Silvers C, Arendt LM, Hernandez LL. Investigating the complex interplay between genotype and high-fat-diet feeding in the lactating mammary gland using the Tph1 and Ldlr knockout models. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 320:E438-E452. [PMID: 33427054 PMCID: PMC7988787 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00456.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a prevailing problem across the globe. Women who are obese have difficulty initiating and sustaining lactation. However, the impact of genetics and diet on breastfeeding outcomes is understudied. Here we explore the effect of diet and genotype on lactation. We utilized the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr-KO) transgenic mouse model as an obesity and hypercholesterolemia model. Additionally, we used the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1-KO) mouse, recently identified as a potential anti-obesogenic model, to investigate if addition of Tph1-KO could ameliorate negative effects of obesity in Ldlr-KO mice. We created a novel transgenic mouse line by combining the Ldlr and Tph1 [double knockout (DKO)] mice to study the interaction between the two genotypes. Female mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD; 10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) from 3 wk of age through early [lactation day 3 (L3)] or peak lactation [lactation day 11 (L11)]. After 4 wk of consuming either LFD or HFD, female mice were bred. On L2 and L10, dams were milked to investigate the effect of diet and genotype on milk composition. Dams were euthanized on L3 or L11. There was no impact of diet or genotype on milk protein or triglycerides (TGs) on L2; however, by L10, Ldlr-KO and DKO dams had increased TG levels in milk. RNA-sequencing of L11 mammary glands demonstrated Ldlr-KO dams fed HFD displayed enrichment of genes involved in immune system pathways. Interestingly, the DKO may alter vesicle budding and biogenesis during lactation. We also quantified macrophages by immunostaining for F4/80+ cells at L3 and L11. Diet played a significant role on L3 (P = 0.013), but genotype played a role at L11 (P < 0.0001) on numbers of F4/80+ cells. Thus the impact of diet and genotype on lactation differs depending on stage of lactation, illustrating complexities of understanding the intersection of these parameters.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have created a novel mouse model that is focused on understanding the intersection of diet and genotype on mammary gland function during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne A Cheng
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Wenli Li
- US Department of Agriculture-Dairy Forage, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Teresa M Walker
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Caylee Silvers
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lisa M Arendt
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Laura L Hernandez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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21
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Minakova E, Sarafinovska S, Mikati MO, Barclay KM, McCullough KB, Dougherty JD, Al-Hasani R, Maloney SE. Ontogenetic Oxycodone Exposure Affects Early Life Communicative Behaviors, Sensorimotor Reflexes, and Weight Trajectory in Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:615798. [PMID: 33692675 PMCID: PMC7937712 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.615798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nationwide, opioid misuse among pregnant women has risen four-fold from 1999 to 2014, with commensurate increase in neonates hospitalized for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs when a fetus exposed to opioids in utero goes into rapid withdrawal after birth. NAS treatment via continued post-natal opioid exposure has been suggested to worsen neurodevelopmental outcomes. We developed a novel model to characterize the impact of in utero and prolonged post-natal oxycodone (Oxy) exposure on early behavior and development. Via subcutaneous pump implanted before breeding, C57BL/6J dams were infused with Oxy at 10 mg/kg/day from conception through pup-weaning. At birth, in utero oxy-exposed pups were either cross-fostered (paired with non-Oxy exposed dams) to model opioid abstinence (in utero Oxy) or reared by their biological dams still receiving Oxy to model continued post-natal opioid exposure (prolonged Oxy). Offspring from vehicle-exposed dams served as cross-fostered (in utero Veh) or biologically reared (prolonged Veh) controls. In utero Oxy exposure resulted in sex-dependent weight reductions and altered spectrotemporal features of isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalization (USV). Meanwhile, prolonged Oxy pups exhibited reduced weight and sex-differential delays in righting reflex. Specifically, prolonged Oxy female offspring exhibited increased latency to righting. Prolonged Oxy pups also showed decreases in number of USV calls and changes to spectrotemporal USV features. Overall, ontogenetic Oxy exposure was associated with impaired attainment of gross and sensorimotor milestones, as well as alterations in communication and affective behaviors, indicating a need for therapeutic interventions. The model developed here will enable studies of withdrawal physiology and opioid-mediated mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Minakova
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Simona Sarafinovska
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Marwa O. Mikati
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kia M. Barclay
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Katherine B. McCullough
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Joseph D. Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University In St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Susan E. Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University In St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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22
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Davidson CQ, Tharmalingam S, Niccoli S, Nemec-Bakk A, Khurana S, Murray A, Tai TC, Boreham DR, Khaper N, Lees SJ. Dose threshold for radiation induced fetal programming in a mouse model at 4 months of age: Hepatic expression of genes and proteins involved in glucose metabolism and glucose uptake in brown adipose tissue. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231650. [PMID: 32315370 PMCID: PMC7173787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to ionizing radiation contributing to negative health outcomes is a widespread concern. However, the impact of low dose and sub-lethal dose radiation (SLDR) exposures remain contentious, particularly in pregnant women who represent a vulnerable group. The fetal programming hypothesis states that an adverse in utero environment or stress during development of an embryo or fetus can result in permanent physiologic changes often resulting in progressive metabolic dysfunction with age. To assess changes in gene expression profiles of glucose/insulin signaling and lipid metabolism caused by radiation exposure in utero, pregnant C57Bl/6J mice were irradiated using a dose response ranging from low dose to SLDR and compared to a Sham-irradiated group. mRNA expression analysis in 16 week old offspring (n = 84) revealed that genes involved in metabolic function including glucose metabolism, insulin signaling and lipid metabolism were unaffected by prenatal radiation exposures up to 300 mGy. However, female offspring of dams exposed to 1000 mGy had upregulated expression of genes contributing to insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis. In a second cohort of mice, the effects of SLDR on fetal programming of hepatic SOCS3 and PEPCK protein expression were assessed. 4 month old female offspring of dams irradiated at 1000 mGy had: 1) increased liver weights, 2) increased hepatic expression of proteins involved in glucose metabolism and 3) increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) measured by positron emission tomography (PET) (n = 25). The results of this study indicate that prenatal radiation exposure does not affect metabolic function up to 300 mGy and 1000 mGy may be a threshold dose for sex-specific alterations in glucose uptake and hepatic gene and protein expression of SOCS3, PEPCK, PPARGC1A and PPARGC1B. These findings suggest that SLDR doses alter glucose uptake in IBAT and hepatic gene and protein expression of offspring and these changes may progress with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Niccoli
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley Nemec-Bakk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - T. C. Tai
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas R. Boreham
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon J. Lees
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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23
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Armstrong EC, Caruso A, Servadio M, Andreae LC, Trezza V, Scattoni ML, Fernandes C. Assessing the developmental trajectory of mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders: Social and communication deficits in mice with Neurexin 1α deletion. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12630. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Armstrong
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
| | - Angela Caruso
- Research Coordination and Support ServiceIstituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Michela Servadio
- Department of ScienceSection of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University “Roma Tre” Rome Italy
| | - Laura C. Andreae
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of ScienceSection of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University “Roma Tre” Rome Italy
| | - Maria L. Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support ServiceIstituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College London London UK
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, PO82, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College London London UK
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Maternal Separation Early in Life Alters the Expression of Genes Npas4 and Nr1d1 in Adult Female Mice: Correlation with Social Behavior. Behav Neurol 2020; 2020:7830469. [PMID: 32190129 PMCID: PMC7072106 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7830469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress affects neuronal plasticity of the brain regions participating in the implementation of social behavior. Our previous studies have shown that brief and prolonged separation of pups from their mothers leads to enhanced social behavior in adult female mice. The goal of the present study was to characterize the expression of genes (which are engaged in synaptic plasticity) Egr1, Npas4, Arc, and Homer1 in the prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of adult female mice with a history of early-life stress. In addition, we evaluated the expression of stress-related genes: glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (Nr3c1 and Nr3c2) and Nr1d1, which encodes a transcription factor (also known as REVERBα) modulating sociability and anxiety-related behavior. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to either maternal separation (MS, 3 h once a day) or handling (HD, 15 min once a day) on postnatal days 2 through 14. In adulthood, the behavior of female mice was analyzed by some behavioral tests, and on the day after the testing of social behavior, we measured the gene expression. We found increased Npas4 expression only in the prefrontal cortex and higher Nr1d1 expression in both the prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of adult female mice with a history of MS. The expression of the studied genes did not change in HD female mice. The expression of stress-related genes Nr3c1 and Nr3c2 was unaltered in both groups. We propose that the upregulation of Npas4 and Nr1d1 in females with a history of early-life stress and the corresponding enhancement of social behavior may be regarded as an adaptation mechanism reversing possible aberrations caused by early-life stress.
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25
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Social play changes reflect differences in biology and development of three felids. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.18.2.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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26
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Orso R, Creutzberg KC, Wearick-Silva LE, Wendt Viola T, Tractenberg SG, Benetti F, Grassi-Oliveira R. How Early Life Stress Impact Maternal Care: A Systematic Review of Rodent Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:197. [PMID: 31555106 PMCID: PMC6724664 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Maternal care refers to the behavior performed by the dam to nourish and protect her litter during its early development. Frequent and high-quality performance of such maternal behaviors is critical for the neurodevelopment of the pups. Maternal exposure to stress during early development can impair maternal care and amplify the deleterious effects of poor maternal caregiving and neglect. As such, a thorough understanding of the effects caused by several models of early life stress on maternal care may yield more insights into the relationship between stress and maternal behavior. Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify and address the effects of early life stress on maternal behavior. The search was conducted using three online databases: PUBMED, Embase, and Web of Science. To provide clear evidence of the impact of stress on maternal care, in every study, the stress group was always compared to a control group. Outcomes were categorized into eight different behaviors: (1) licking/grooming; (2) arched-back nursing; (3) blanket-nursing/passive nursing; (4) nest building; (5) contact with pups; (6) harmful/adverse caregiving; (7) no contact; (8) nest exits. Additionally, the methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. Results: A total of 12 different early life stress protocols were identified from the 56 studies included in this systematic review. Our data demonstrate that different stress models can promote specific maternal patterns of behavior. Regarding the maternal separation protocol, we observed an overall increase in nursing and licking/grooming behaviors, which are essential for pup development. An increase in the number of nest exits, which represents a fragmentation of maternal care, was observed in the limited bedding protocol, but the total amount of maternal care appears to remain similar between groups. Conclusions: Each stress protocol has unique characteristics that increase the difficulty of rendering comparisons of maternal behavior. The increase in maternal care observed in the maternal separation protocol may be an attempt to overcompensate for the time off-nest. Fragmented maternal care is a key component of the limited bedding protocol. Moreover, the methodological approaches to evaluate maternal behavior, such as time, duration, and behavior type should be more homogeneous across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kerstin Camile Creutzberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thiago Wendt Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Saulo Gantes Tractenberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando Benetti
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia Cognitiva e do Desenvolvimento, Department of Physiology, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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27
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Di Segni M, Andolina D, D'Addario SL, Babicola L, Ielpo D, Luchetti A, Pascucci T, Lo Iacono L, D'Amato FR, Ventura R. Sex-dependent effects of early unstable post-natal environment on response to positive and negative stimuli in adult mice. Neuroscience 2019; 413:1-10. [PMID: 31228589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in early environmental conditions that interfere with the creation of a stable mother-pup bond have been suggested to be a risk factor for the development of stress-related psychopathologies later in life. The long-lasting effects of early experiences are mediated by changes in various cerebral circuits, such as the corticolimbic system, which processes aversive and rewarding stimuli. However, it is evident that the early environment is not sufficient per se to induce psychiatric disorders; interindividual (eg, sex-based) differences in the response to environmental challenges exist. To examine the sex-related effects that are induced by an early experience on later events in adulthood, we determine the enduring effects of repeated cross-fostering (RCF) in female and male C57BL/6J mice. To this end, we assessed the behavioral phenotype of RCF and control (male and female) mice in the saccharine preference test and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference to evaluate the response to natural and pharmacological stimuli and in the elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test to measure their anxiety- and depression-like behavior. We also evaluated FST-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in various brain regions that are engaged in the response to acute stress exposure (FST). Notably, RCF has opposing effects on the adult response to these tests between sexes, directing male mice toward an "anhedonia-like" phenotype and increasing the sensitivity for rewarding stimuli in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Di Segni
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy Babicola
- Dept. of Applied and Biotechnological Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Luchetti
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184 Rome, Italy; IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Maloney SE, Yuede CM, Creeley CE, Williams SL, Huffman JN, Taylor GT, Noguchi KN, Wozniak DF. Repeated neonatal isoflurane exposures in the mouse induce apoptotic degenerative changes in the brain and relatively mild long-term behavioral deficits. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2779. [PMID: 30808927 PMCID: PMC6391407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest exposures to anesthetic agents and/or sedative drugs (AASDs) in children under three years old, or pregnant women during the third trimester, may adversely affect brain development. Evidence suggests lengthy or repeated AASD exposures are associated with increased risk of neurobehavioral deficits. Animal models have been valuable in determining the type of acute damage in the developing brain induced by AASD exposures, as well as in elucidating long-term functional consequences. Few studies examining very early exposure to AASDs suggest this may be a critical period for inducing long-term functional consequences, but the impact of repeated exposures at these ages has not yet been assessed. To address this, we exposed mouse pups to a prototypical general anesthetic, isoflurane (ISO, 1.5% for 3 hr), at three early postnatal ages (P3, P5 and P7). We quantified the acute neuroapoptotic response to a single versus repeated exposure, and found age- and brain region-specific effects. We also found that repeated early exposures to ISO induced subtle, sex-specific disruptions to activity levels, motor coordination, anxiety-related behavior and social preference. Our findings provide evidence that repeated ISO exposures may induce behavioral disturbances that are subtle in nature following early repeated exposures to a single AASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carla M Yuede
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Catherine E Creeley
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, 14063, USA
| | - Sasha L Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jacob N Huffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - George T Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Kevin N Noguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David F Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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29
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Social Behaviour and Epigenetic Status in Adolescent and Adult Rats: The Contribution of Early-Life Stressful Social Experience. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:371-385. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Battaglia M, Rossignol O, Bachand K, D'Amato FR, De Koninck Y. Amiloride modulation of carbon dioxide hypersensitivity and thermal nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by interference with early maternal environment. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:101-108. [PMID: 29968500 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118784872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life adversities are risk factors for anxiety disorders and for pain syndromes, which are, in turn, highly comorbid with anxiety disorders. Repeated cross-fostering mouse pups to adoptive lactating females induces epigenetic modification and heightened mRNA-expression of the acid-sensing-ion-channel-1 gene, altered nociception, and hypersensitivity to 6% carbon dioxide air mixtures, a trait marker of specific human anxiety disorders such as, most clearly and prominently, panic disorder. AIMS We hypothesized that the acid-sensing ion channel inhibitor amiloride can modulate repeated cross-fostering animals' exaggerated responses to carbon dioxide and nociceptive thermal stimulation. METHODS Respiratory carbon dioxide sensitivity was assessed by plethysmography during 6% carbon dioxide air mixture challenges, and nociception was assessed by latency of paw withdrawal to thermal stimulation, in repeated cross-fostering and control animals. To circumvent the blood-brain barrier, prior to testing, amiloride was nebulized in a plethysmograph. Data were analyzed by general linear models. RESULTS Analyses of tidal volume responses to 6% carbon dioxide of animals pre-treated with nebulized amiloride/saline in a randomized crossover design showed significant modulatory effect of amiloride, and amiloride×repeated cross-fostering interaction. In contrast, repeated cross-fostering animals' responses to 6% carbon dioxide after intraperitoneal amiloride, saline, or no treatment, were no different. Analyses of responses to thermal stimuli showed a significant modulatory effect of nebulized amiloride, and repeated cross-fostering×amiloride interaction. CONCLUSIONS Single-dose nebulized amiloride decreased repeated cross-fostering animals' carbon dioxide sensitivity and nociception indices to levels that were no different from those of control animals. Inasmuch as these results pertain to human anxiety and/or pain hypersensitivity, our findings provide a rationale for studying inhaled amiloride in some anxiety disorders and/or pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battaglia
- Child Youth and Emerging Adult Programme, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Orlane Rossignol
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Karine Bachand
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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31
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Di Segni M, Andolina D, Ventura R. Long-term effects of early environment on the brain: Lesson from rodent models. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 77:81-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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32
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Ershov NI, Bondar NP, Lepeshko AA, Reshetnikov VV, Ryabushkina JA, Merkulova TI. Consequences of early life stress on genomic landscape of H3K4me3 in prefrontal cortex of adult mice. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:93. [PMID: 29504911 PMCID: PMC5836825 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4479-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal separation models in rodents are widely used to establish molecular mechanisms underlying prolonged effects of early life adversity on neurobiological and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. However, global epigenetic signatures following early life stress in these models remain unclear. Results In this study, we carried out a ChIP-seq analysis of H3K4 trimethylation profile in the prefrontal cortex of adult male mice with a history of early life stress. Two types of stress were used: prolonged separation of pups from their mothers (for 3 h once a day, maternal separation, MS) and brief separation (for 15 min once a day, handling, HD). Adult offspring in the MS group demonstrated reduced locomotor activity in the open field test accompanied by reduced exploratory activity, while the HD group showed decreased anxiety-like behavior only. In a group of maternal separation, we have found a small number (45) of slightly up-regulated peaks, corresponding to promoters of 70 genes, while no changes were observed in a group of handling. Among the genes whose promoters have differential enrichment of H3K4me3, the most relevant ones participate in gene expression regulation, modulation of chromatin structure and mRNA processing. For two genes, Ddias and Pip4k2a, increased H3K4me3 levels were associated with the increased mRNA expression in MS group. Conclusion The distribution of H3K4me3 in prefrontal cortex showed relatively low variability across all individuals, and only some subtle changes were revealed in mice with a history of early life stress. It is possible that the observed long-lasting behavioral alterations induced by maternal separation are mediated by other epigenetic mechanisms, or other brain structures are responsible for these effects. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4479-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita I Ershov
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Prospect Lavrentyeva, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalya P Bondar
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Prospect Lavrentyeva, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia. .,Novosibirsk National Research State University, 2 Pirogov Street, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Arina A Lepeshko
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Prospect Lavrentyeva, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk National Research State University, 2 Pirogov Street, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vasiliy V Reshetnikov
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Prospect Lavrentyeva, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Julia A Ryabushkina
- Novosibirsk National Research State University, 2 Pirogov Street, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana I Merkulova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Prospect Lavrentyeva, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk National Research State University, 2 Pirogov Street, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
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33
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Spiacci A, Vilela-Costa HH, Sant'Ana AB, Fernandes GG, Frias AT, da Silva GSF, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Zangrossi H. Panic-like escape response elicited in mice by exposure to CO 2, but not hypoxia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:178-186. [PMID: 29111406 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to elevated concentrations of CO2 or hypoxia has been widely used in psychiatric research as a panic provoking stimulus. However, the use of these respiratory challenges to model panic-like responses in experimental animals has been less straightforward. Little data is available, from behavioral and endocrine perspectives, to support the conclusion that a marked aversive situation, such as that experienced during panic attacks, was evoked in these animals. We here compared the behavioral responses of male CB57BL/6 mice during exposure to 20% CO2 or 7% O2 and its consequence on plasma levels of corticosterone. We also evaluated whether clinically-effective panicolytic drugs affect the behavioral responses expressed during CO2 exposure. The results showed that whereas hypoxia caused a marked reduction in locomotion, inhalation of CO2-enriched air evoked an active escape response, characterized by bouts of upward leaps directed to the border of the experimental cage, interpreted as escape attempts. Corticosterone levels were increased 30min after either of the respiratory challenges used, but it was higher in the hypoxia group. Chronic (21days), but not acute, treatment with fluoxetine or imipramine (5, 10 or 15mg/kg) or a single injection of alprazolam (0.025, 0.05 or 0.1mg/kg), but not of the anxiolytic diazepam (0.025, 0.05 or 0.1 and 1mg/kg) reduced the number of escape attempts, indicating a panicolytic-like effect. Altogether, the results suggest that whereas hypoxia increased anxiety, exposure to 20% CO2 evoked a panic-like state. The latter condition/test protocol seems to be a simple and validated model for studying in mice pathophysiological mechanisms and the screening of novel drugs for panic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailton Spiacci
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Heloisa H Vilela-Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Sant'Ana
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Gripp Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil
| | - Alana Tercino Frias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil
| | | | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto CEP:14049-900, Brazil.
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Giannese F, Luchetti A, Barbiera G, Lampis V, Zanettini C, Knudsen GP, Scaini S, Lazarevic D, Cittaro D, D'Amato FR, Battaglia M. Conserved DNA Methylation Signatures in Early Maternal Separation and in Twins Discordant for CO 2 Sensitivity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2258. [PMID: 29396481 PMCID: PMC5797081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory and emotional responses to blood-acidifying inhalation of CO2 are markers of some human anxiety disorders, and can be enhanced by repeatedly cross-fostering (RCF) mouse pups from their biological mother to unrelated lactating females. Yet, these dynamics remain poorly understood. We show RCF-associated intergenerational transmission of CO2 sensitivity in normally-reared mice descending from RCF-exposed females, and describe the accompanying alterations in brain DNA methylation patterns. These epigenetic signatures were compared to DNA methylation profiles of monozygotic twins discordant for emotional reactivity to a CO2 challenge. Altered methylation was consistently associated with repeated elements and transcriptional regulatory regions among RCF-exposed animals, their normally-reared offspring, and humans with CO2 hypersensitivity. In both species, regions bearing differential methylation were associated with neurodevelopment, circulation, and response to pH acidification processes, and notably included the ASIC2 gene. Our data show that CO2 hypersensitivity is associated with specific methylation clusters and genes that subserve chemoreception and anxiety. The methylation status of genes implicated in acid-sensing functions can inform etiological and therapeutic research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Giannese
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Luchetti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbiera
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Zanettini
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.,National Institute on Drug Abuse, Medication Development Program Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, USA
| | - Gun Peggy Knudsen
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health Department of Genetics, Environment and Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simona Scaini
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Dejan Lazarevic
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Cittaro
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Division of Child, Youth and Emerging Adulthood, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.
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35
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Effects of Early-Life Stress on Social and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Adult Mice: Sex-Specific Effects. Behav Neurol 2018; 2018:1538931. [PMID: 29619126 PMCID: PMC5818933 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1538931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful events in an early postnatal period have critical implications for the individual's life and can increase later risk for psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of early-life stress on the social behavior of adult male and female mice. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to maternal separation (MS, 3 h once a day) or handling (HD, 15 min once a day) on postnatal day 2 through 14. Adult male and female mice were tested for social behavior in the social interaction test and for individual behavior in the plus-maze and open-field tests. Female mice exposed to maternal separation had increased social behavior and increased anxiety. MS male mice had no changes in social behavior but had significantly disrupted individual behavior, including locomotor and exploratory activity. Handling had positive effects on social behavior in males and females and decreased anxiety in males. Our results support the hypothesis that brief separation of pups from their mothers (handling), which can be considered as moderate stress, may result in future positive changes in behavior. Maternal separation has deleterious effects on individual behavior and significant sex-specific effects on social behavior.
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Battaglia M, Khan WU. Reappraising Preclinical Models of Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and CO 2 Sensitivity: Implications for Methodology and Translation into New Treatments. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 40:195-217. [PMID: 29696603 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Separation anxiety applies to multiple forms of distress responses seen in mammals during postnatal development, including separation from a caregiver. Childhood separation anxiety disorder is an important risk factor for developing panic disorder in early adulthood, and both conditions display an increased sensitivity to elevated CO2 concentrations inhaled from the air. By interfacing epidemiological, genetic, and physiological knowledge with preclinical animal research models, it is possible to decipher the mechanisms that are central to separation anxiety and panic disorders while also suggesting possible therapies. Preclinical research models allow for environmentally controlled studies of early interferences with parental care. These models have shown that different forms of early maternal separation in mice and rats induce elevated CO2 respiratory sensitivity, an important biomarker of separation anxiety and panic disorders. In mice, this is likely due to gene-environment interactions that affect multiple behavioural and physical phenotypes after exposure to this early adversity. Although several questions regarding the causal mechanism of separation anxiety and panic disorder remain unanswered, the identification and improved understanding of biomarkers that link these mental health conditions under the guise of preclinical research models in conjunction with human longitudinal cohort studies can help resolve these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battaglia
- Division of Child, Youth and Emerging Adulthood Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Waqas Ullah Khan
- Division of Child, Youth and Emerging Adulthood Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Reshetnikov V, Studenikina A, Ryabushkina J, Merkulova T, Bondar N. The impact of early-life stress on the expression of HPA-associated genes in the adult murine brain. BEHAVIOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Early life is an important period for the development of the nervous system and for the programming of behavioural phenotypes in adulthood. In our study, two types of early-life stress were used: prolonged separation of pups from their mothers (for 3 h/day, maternal separation (MS)) and brief separation (for 15 min/day, handling (HD)). We analysed the effects of early-life stress on behaviour and the expression of HPA-associated genes in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex of male mice. Adult mice in the MS group demonstrated reduced locomotor activity and deficiencies in spatial long-term memory, while the HD showed no significant changes. Additionally, early-life MS resulted in reduced hippocampal Crhr1 mRNA, increased MR/GR mRNA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Both groups, HD and MS, showed increased Avp mRNA in the hypothalamus. Thus, prolonged maternal separation but not brief leads to adverse behavioural changes and influences the expression of HPA-associated genes in a brain region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- V.V. Reshetnikov
- aLaboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A.A. Studenikina
- aLaboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- bNovosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - J.A. Ryabushkina
- aLaboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- cNovosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - T.I. Merkulova
- aLaboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- cNovosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N.P. Bondar
- aLaboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- cNovosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Hari A, Cruz SA, Qin Z, Couture P, Vilmundarson RO, Huang H, Stewart AFR, Chen HH. IRF2BP2-deficient microglia block the anxiolytic effect of enhanced postnatal care. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9836. [PMID: 28852125 PMCID: PMC5575313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10349-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced postnatal care (EPC) increases resilience to adversity in adulthood. Since microglia participate in shaping neural circuits, we asked how ablation of an inflammation-suppressing factor IRF2BP2 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 2 Binding Protein 2) in microglia would affect the responses to EPC. Mice lacking IRF2BP2 in microglia (KO) and littermate controls (WT) were subjected to EPC during the first 3 weeks after birth. EPC reduced anxiety in WT but not KO mice. This was associated with reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in the hypothalamus. Whole genome RNAseq profiling of the hypothalamus identified 101 genes whose expression was altered by EPC: 95 in WT, 11 in KO, with 5 in common that changed in opposite directions. Proteoglycan 4 (Prg4), prostaglandin D2 synthase (Ptgds) and extracellular matrix protease inhibitor Itih2 were suppressed by EPC in WT but elevated in KO mice. On the other hand, the glutamate transporter VGLUT1 (Slc17a7) was increased by EPC in WT but not KO mice. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is known to enhance microglial inflammation and promote Gfap expression. ELISA confirmed reduced PGD2 in the hypothalamus of WT mice after EPC, associated with reduced Gfap expression. Our study suggests that the anxiety-reducing effect of EPC operates by suppressing microglial inflammation, likely by reducing neuronal prostaglandin D2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Hari
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Zhaohong Qin
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Hua Huang
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandre F R Stewart
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa, Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hsiao-Huei Chen
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada. .,University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Institute, Ottawa, Canada. .,Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Canada. .,University of Ottawa, Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Ottawa, Canada.
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McCarty R. Cross-fostering: Elucidating the effects of gene×environment interactions on phenotypic development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:219-254. [PMID: 28034661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cross-fostering of litters from soon after birth until weaning is a valuable tool to study the ways in which gene×environment interactions program the development of neural, physiological and behavioral characteristics of mammalian species. In laboratory mice and rats, the primary focus of this review, cross-fostering of litters between mothers of different strains or treatment groups (intraspecific) or between mothers of different species (interspecific) has been conducted over the past 9 decades. Areas of particular interest have included maternal effects on emotionality, social preferences, responses to stressful stimulation, nutrition and growth, blood pressure regulation, and epigenetic effects on brain development and behavior. Results from these areas of research highlight the critical role of the postnatal maternal environment in programming the development of offspring phenotypic characteristics. In addition, experimental paradigms that have included cross-fostering have permitted investigators to tease apart prenatal versus postnatal effects of various treatments on offspring development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard McCarty
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240 USA.
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40
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Battaglia M. Separation anxiety: at the neurobiological crossroads of adaptation and illness. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2016. [PMID: 26487808 PMCID: PMC4610612 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2015.17.3/mbattaglia] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Physiological and adaptive separation anxiety (SA) is intimately connected with the evolutionary emergence of new brain structures specific of paleomammalians, the growth of neomammalian—and later hominid—brain and skull size, and the appearance of bipedalism. All these evolutionary milestones have contributed to expanding the behavioral repertoire and plasticity of prehuman and human beings, at the cost of more prolonged dependency of the infant and of the child on parental care. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) can be seen as an exaggerated/inappropriate manifestation of SA that constitutes a gateway to poorer mental and physical health. By blending epidemiological, genetic-epidemiological, endophenotypic, and animal laboratory approaches, it is possible to delineate some of the mechanisms that link childhood-adolescence SA and SAD to health problems later in life. Causal mechanisms include gene-environment interplays and likely differential regulation of genes and functional net-works that simultaneously affect multiple behavioral and physical phenotypes after exposure to early-life adversity, including parental separation/loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Canada
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41
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Cittaro D, Lampis V, Luchetti A, Coccurello R, Guffanti A, Felsani A, Moles A, Stupka E, D' Amato FR, Battaglia M. Histone Modifications in a Mouse Model of Early Adversities and Panic Disorder: Role for Asic1 and Neurodevelopmental Genes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25131. [PMID: 27121911 PMCID: PMC4848503 DOI: 10.1038/srep25131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperventilation following transient, CO2-induced acidosis is ubiquitous in mammals and heritable. In humans, respiratory and emotional hypersensitivity to CO2 marks separation anxiety and panic disorders, and is enhanced by early-life adversities. Mice exposed to the repeated cross-fostering paradigm (RCF) of interference with maternal environment show heightened separation anxiety and hyperventilation to 6% CO2-enriched air. Gene-environment interactions affect CO2 hypersensitivity in both humans and mice. We therefore hypothesised that epigenetic modifications and increased expression of genes involved in pH-detection could explain these relationships. Medullae oblongata of RCF- and normally-reared female outbred mice were assessed by ChIP-seq for H3Ac, H3K4me3, H3K27me3 histone modifications, and by SAGE for differential gene expression. Integration of multiple experiments by network analysis revealed an active component of 148 genes pointing to the mTOR signalling pathway and nociception. Among these genes, Asic1 showed heightened mRNA expression, coherent with RCF-mice’s respiratory hypersensitivity to CO2 and altered nociception. Functional enrichment and mRNA transcript analyses yielded a consistent picture of enhancement for several genes affecting chemoception, neurodevelopment, and emotionality. Particularly, results with Asic1 support recent human findings with panic and CO2 responses, and provide new perspectives on how early adversities and genes interplay to affect key components of panic and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cittaro
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lampis
- Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Luchetti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Guffanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Genomnia srl, Lainate, Italy
| | - Armando Felsani
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Genomnia srl, Lainate, Italy
| | - Anna Moles
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Genomnia srl, Lainate, Italy
| | - Elia Stupka
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca R D' Amato
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Child and Youth Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
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Cross-Fostering of Male Mice Subtly Affects Female Olfactory Preferences. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146662. [PMID: 26756471 PMCID: PMC4710493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal environment has been shown to influence female olfactory preferences through early chemosensory experience. However, little is known about the influence of the maternal environment on chemosignals. In this study, we used two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6 (C57) and BALB/c (BALB), and explored whether adoption could alter male chemosignals and thus influence female olfactory preferences. In Experiment 1, C57 pups were placed with BALB dams. Adult BALB females then served as the subjects in binary choice tests between paired male urine odours (BALB vs. C57, BALB vs. adopted C57 and C57 vs. adopted C57). In Experiment 2, BALB pups were placed with C57 dams, and C57 females served as the subjects in binary choice tests between paired male urine odours (C57 vs. BALB, C57 vs. adopted BALB, and BALB vs. adopted BALB). In both experiments, we found that females preferred the urine of males from different genetic backgrounds, suggesting that female olfactory preferences may be driven by genetic compatibility. Cross-fostering had subtle effects on female olfactory preferences. Although the females showed no preference between the urine odours of adopted and non-adopted males of the other strain, the BALB females preferred the urine odour of BALB males to that of adopted C57 males, whereas the C57 females showed no preference between the urine odour of C57 and adopted BALB males. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and stepwise discriminant analysis, we found that the ratios of volatile chemicals from urine and preputial gland secretions were altered in the fostered male mice; these changes may have resulted in the behavioural changes observed in the females. Overall, the results suggest that female mice prefer urine odours from males with different genetic backgrounds; this preference may be driven by genetic compatibility. The early maternal environment influences the chemosignals of males and thus may influence the olfactory preferences of females. Our study provides additional evidence in support of genotype-dependent maternal influences on phenotypic variability in adulthood.
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43
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Luchetti A, Battaglia M, D’Amato F. Repeated Cross-fostering Protocol as a Mouse Model of Early Environmental Instability. Bio Protoc 2016. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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