1
|
Gueimonde M, González-Pardo H, Arboleya S, López-Taboada I, Sal-Sarria S, Conejo NM. Combined Effects of Early Life Stress and Prolonged Exposure to Western Diet on Emotional Responses and Gut Microbiota. Psicothema 2024; 36:133-144. [PMID: 38661160 DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2023.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to early life stress (ELS) and maternal consumption of a high-fat and high-sugar diet can have detrimental effects on adult emotional responses. The microbiota and gut-brain axis have been proposed as playing a mediating role in the regulation of stress and emotion. METHOD Young male rats were exposed to maternal separation (MS) together with maternal and postnatal consumption of a HFS diet (45%kcal saturated fat, 17%kcal sucrose). Anxiety-like behaviour was evaluated using an elevated zero-maze, and depression-like behaviour using the forced-swim and sucrose preference tests. Microbiota composition and derived metabolites were also analysed in faecal samples using a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometry. RESULTS Combined exposure to MS and lifelong consumption of a HFS diet partially reversed the abnormal anxiety-like and depression-like behaviours in early adulthood caused by each adverse factor alone. Diet composition had a greater negative impact than ELS exposure on the gut microbiota, and both environmental factors interacted with microbiota composition partially counteracting their negative effects. CONCLUSIONS The effects of exposure to early life stress and a HFS diet independently are partially reversed after the combination of both factors. These results suggest that ELS and diet interact to modulate adult stress response and gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gueimonde
- Instituto De Productos Lácteos De Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) (Spain). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0192-901X
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo (Spain); Health Resarch Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA) (Spain). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4374-6860
| | - Silvia Arboleya
- Instituto De Productos Lácteos De Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) (Spain). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6155-5822
| | | | - Saúl Sal-Sarria
- University of Oviedo (Spain); Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA) (Spain). https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4393-7277
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo (Spain); Health Resarch Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA) Spain. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4749-5453
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
López-Taboada I, Sal-Sarria S, Vallejo G, Coto-Montes A, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H. Sexual dimorphism in spatial learning and brain metabolism after exposure to a western diet and early life stress in rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:113969. [PMID: 36181786 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged daily intake of Western-type diet rich in saturated fats and sugars, and exposure to early life stress have been independently linked to impaired neurodevelopment and behaviour in animal models. However, sex-specific effects of both environmental factors combined on spatial learning and memory, behavioural flexibility, and brain oxidative capacity have still not been addressed. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal and postnatal exposure to a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFS), and exposure to early life stress by maternal separation in adult male and female Wistar rats. For this purpose, spatial learning and memory and behavioural flexibility were evaluated in the Morris water maze, and regional brain oxidative capacity and oxidative stress levels were measured in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Spatial memory, regional brain oxidative metabolism, and levels of oxidative stress differed between females and males, suggesting sexual dimorphism in the effects of a HFS diet and early life stress. Males fed the HFS diet performed better than all other experimental groups independently of early life stress exposure. However, behavioural flexibility evaluated in the spatial reversal leaning task was impaired in males fed the HFS diet. In addition, exposure to maternal separation or the HFS diet increased the metabolic capacity of the prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus in males and females. Levels of oxidative stress measured in the latter brain regions were also increased in groups fed the HFS diet, but maternal separation seemed to dampen regional brain oxidative stress levels. Therefore, these results suggest a compensatory effect resulting from the interaction between prolonged exposure to a HFS diet and early life stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel López-Taboada
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Saúl Sal-Sarria
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Vallejo
- Methodology area, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Coto-Montes
- Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martín-Sánchez A, González-Pardo H, Alegre-Zurano L, Castro-Zavala A, López-Taboada I, Valverde O, Conejo NM. Early-life stress induces emotional and molecular alterations in female mice that are partially reversed by cannabidiol. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 115:110508. [PMID: 34973413 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gender is considered as a pivotal determinant of mental health. Indeed, several psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are more common and persistent in women than in men. In the past two decades, impaired brain energy metabolism has been highlighted as a risk factor for the development of these psychiatric disorders. However, comprehensive behavioural and neurobiological studies in brain regions relevant to anxiety and depression symptomatology are scarce. In the present study, we summarize findings describing cannabidiol effects on anxiety and depression in maternally separated female mice as a well-established rodent model of early-life stress associated with many mental disorders. Our results indicate that cannabidiol could prevent anxiolytic- and depressive-related behaviour in early-life stressed female mice. Additionally, maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) caused long-term changes in brain oxidative metabolism in both nucleus accumbens and amygdalar complex measured by cytochrome c oxidase quantitative histochemistry. However, cannabidiol treatment could not revert brain oxidative metabolism impairment. Moreover, we identified hyperphosphorylation of mTOR and ERK 1/2 proteins in the amygdala but not in the striatum, that could also reflect altered brain intracellular signalling related with to bioenergetic impairment. Altogether, our study supports the hypothesis that MSEW induces profound long-lasting molecular changes in mTOR signalling and brain energy metabolism related to depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours in female mice, which were partially ameliorated by CBD administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Castro-Zavala
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel López-Taboada
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Méndez-Couz M, González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Conejo NM. Hippocampal neuropeptide Y 2 receptor blockade improves spatial memory retrieval and modulates limbic brain metabolism. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 187:107561. [PMID: 34838984 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is broadly distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), and it has been related to neuroprotective functions. NPY seems to be an important component to counteract brain damage and cognitive impairment mediated by drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative diseases, and both NPY and its Y2 receptor (Y2R) are highly expressed in the hippocampus, critical for learning and memory. We have recently demonstrated its influence on cognitive functions; however, the specific mechanism and involved brain regions where NPY modulates spatial memory by acting on Y2R remain unclear. METHODS Here, we examined the involvement of the hippocampal NPY Y2R in spatial memory and associated changes in brain metabolism by bilateral administration of the selective antagonist BIIE0246 into the rat dorsal hippocampus. To further evaluate the relationship between memory functions and neuronal activity, we analysed the regional expression of the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) as an index of oxidative metabolic capacity in limbic and non-limbic brain regions. RESULTS The acute blockade of NPY Y2R significantly improved spatial memory recall in rats trained in the Morris water maze that matched metabolic activity changes in spatial memory processing regions. Specifically, CCO activity changes were found in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus and CA1 subfield of the ventral hippocampus, the infralimbic region of the PFC and the mammillary bodies. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the NPY hippocampal system, through its Y2R receptor, influences spatial memory recall (retrieval) and exerts control over patterns of brain activation that are relevant for associative learning, probably mediated by Y2R modulation of long-term potentiation and long-term depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Méndez-Couz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Pl. Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Dept. Neurophysiology. Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum. Universitätsstraße, 150. Building MA 01/551, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Pl. Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Pl. Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Pl. Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
López-Taboada I, González-Pardo H, Conejo NM. Western Diet: Implications for Brain Function and Behavior. Front Psychol 2020; 11:564413. [PMID: 33329193 PMCID: PMC7719696 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.564413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Western diet (WD) pattern characterized by high daily intake of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates often leads to obesity and overweight, and it has been linked to cognitive impairment and emotional disorders in both animal models and humans. This dietary pattern alters the composition of gut microbiota, influencing brain function by different mechanisms involving the gut-brain axis. In addition, long-term exposure to highly palatable foods typical of WD could induce addictive-like eating behaviors and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation associated with chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In turn, chronic stress modulates eating behavior, and it could have detrimental effects on different brain regions such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and several cortical regions. Moreover, obesity and overweight induce neuroinflammation, causing neuronal dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the current scientific evidence about the mechanisms and factors relating WD consumption with altered brain function and behavior. Possible therapeutic interventions and limitations are also discussed, aiming to tackle and prevent this current pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nélida María Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Méndez-Couz M, Manahan-Vaughan D, Silva AP, González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Conejo NM. Metaplastic contribution of neuropeptide Y receptors to spatial memory acquisition. Behav Brain Res 2020; 396:112864. [PMID: 32827566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is highly abundant in the brain and is released as a co-transmitter with plasticity-related neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA and noradrenaline. Functionally, its release is associated with appetite, anxiety, and stress regulation. NPY acting on Y2 receptors (Y2R), facilitates fear extinction, suggesting a role in associative memory. Here, we explored to what extent NPY action at Y2R contributes to hippocampus-dependent spatial memory and found that dorsal intrahippocampal receptor antagonism improved spatial reference memory acquired in a water maze in rats, without affecting anxiety levels, or spontaneous motor activity. Water maze training resulted in an increase of Y2R, but not Y1R expression in the hippocampus. By contrast, in the prefrontal cortex there was a decrease in Y2R, and an increase of Y1R expression. Our results indicate that neuropeptide Y2R are significantly involved in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory and that receptor expression is dynamically regulated by this learning experience. Effects are consistent with a metaplastic contribution of NPY receptors to cumulative spatial learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Méndez-Couz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Spain; Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Dept. Neurophysiology, Bochum, Germany.
| | | | - Ana Paula Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine and Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Luis Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida María Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Gómez-Lázaro E, López Taboada I, Conejo NM. Sex-Specific Effects of Early Life Stress on Brain Mitochondrial Function, Monoamine Levels and Neuroinflammation. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10070447. [PMID: 32674298 PMCID: PMC7408325 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have been reported in the susceptibility to early life stress and its neurobiological correlates in humans and experimental animals. However, most of the current research with animal models of early stress has been performed mainly in males. In the present study, prolonged maternal separation (MS) paradigm was applied as an animal model to resemble the effects of adverse early experiences in male and female rats. Regional brain mitochondrial function, monoaminergic activity, and neuroinflammation were evaluated as adults. Mitochondrial energy metabolism was greatly decreased in MS females as compared with MS males in the prefrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and the nucleus accumbens shell. In addition, MS males had lower serotonin levels and increased serotonin turnover in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. However, MS females showed increased dopamine turnover in the prefrontal cortex and increased norepinephrine turnover in the striatum, but decreased dopamine turnover in the hippocampus. Sex differences were also found for pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with increased levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of MS males, and increased IL-6 levels in the striatum of MS females. These results evidence the complex sex- and brain region-specific long-term consequences of early life stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; (H.G.-P.); (J.L.A.); (I.L.T.)
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; (H.G.-P.); (J.L.A.); (I.L.T.)
| | - Eneritz Gómez-Lázaro
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, Basque Country University, Avda. Tolosa 70, s/n E-20018 San Sebastian, Spain;
| | - Isabel López Taboada
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; (H.G.-P.); (J.L.A.); (I.L.T.)
| | - Nélida M. Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; (H.G.-P.); (J.L.A.); (I.L.T.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Vallejo G, Conejo NM. Environmental enrichment effects after early stress on behavior and functional brain networks in adult rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226377. [PMID: 31830106 PMCID: PMC6907785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress is associated with long-term and pervasive adverse effects on neuroendocrine development, affecting normal cognitive and emotional development. Experimental manipulations like environmental enrichment (EE) may potentially reverse the effects of early life stress induced by maternal separation (MS) paradigm in rodents. However, the functional brain networks involved in the effects of EE after prolonged exposure to MS have not yet been investigated. In order to evaluate possible changes in brain functional connectivity induced by EE after MS, quantitative cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) histochemistry was applied to determine regional brain oxidative metabolism in adult male rats. Unexpectedly, results show that prolonged MS during the entire weaning period did not cause any detrimental effects on spatial learning and memory, including depressive-like behavior evaluated in the forced-swim test, and decreased anxiety-like behavior. However, EE seemed to alter anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in both control and MS groups, but improved spatial memory in the latter groups. Analysis of brain CCO activity showed significantly lower metabolic capacity in most brain regions selected in EE groups probably associated with chronic stress, but no effects of MS on brain metabolic capacity. In addition, principal component analysis of CCO activity revealed increased large-scale functional brain connectivity comprising at least three main networks affected by EE in both MS and control groups. Moreover, EE induced a pattern of functional brain connectivity associated with stress and anxiety-like behavior as compared with non-enriched groups. In conclusion, EE had differential effects on cognition and emotional behavior irrespective of exposure to MS. In view of the remarkable effects of EE on brain function and behavior, implementation of rodent housing conditions should be optimized by evaluating the balance between scientific validity and animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Vallejo
- Methodology Area, Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida M. Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Vallejo G, Conejo NM. Influence of environmental enrichment on the volume of brain regions sensitive to early life stress by maternal separation in rats. Psicothema 2019; 31:46-52. [PMID: 30664410 DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2018.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to maternal separation (MS) in rodents may have long-lasting consequences for the structure and function of several brain regions, eventually associated with alterations in cognition and emotion later in life. Post-weaning environmental enrichment (EE) has been reported to ameliorate the detrimental effects of exposure to early life stress mainly in the hippocampus. METHOD In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied to evaluate possible volumetric changes in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, the medial prefrontal cortex and the dorsal striatum of 90-day-old male rats after daily MS for 240 min from postnatal days 2-21. RESULTS No significant volume changes were found in the selected brain regions in MS animals as compared with an age-matched control group. However, additional groups of control and MS animals with EE from days 21-60 showed significant volume increases in the medial prefrontal cortex and the ventral hippocampus as compared to the groups without EE. In addition, general hemispheric asymmetry was found in the volume of the brain regions measured. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that EE could have differential effects depending on previous exposure to MS and on the development of brain lateralization.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cantacorps L, González-Pardo H, Arias JL, Valverde O, Conejo NM. Altered brain functional connectivity and behaviour in a mouse model of maternal alcohol binge-drinking. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018. [PMID: 29526773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal and perinatal alcohol exposure caused by maternal alcohol intake during gestation and lactation periods can have long-lasting detrimental effects on the brain development and behaviour of offspring. Children diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) display a wide range of cognitive, emotional and motor deficits, together with characteristic morphological abnormalities. Maternal alcohol binge drinking is particularly harmful for foetal and early postnatal brain development, as it involves exposure to high levels of alcohol over short periods of time. However, little is known about the long-term effects of maternal alcohol binge drinking on brain function and behaviour. To address this issue, we used pregnant C57BL/6 female mice with time-limited access to a 20% v/v alcohol solution as a procedure to model alcohol binge drinking during gestation and lactational periods. Male offspring were behaviourally tested during adolescence (30 days) and adulthood (60 days), and baseline neural metabolic capacity of brain regions sensitive to alcohol effects were also evaluated in adult animals from both groups. Our results show that prenatal and postnatal alcohol exposure caused age-dependent changes in spontaneous locomotor activity, increased anxiety-like behaviour and attenuated alcohol-induced conditioned place preference in adults. Also, significant changes in neural metabolic capacity using cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) quantitative histochemistry were found in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the mammillary bodies, the ventral tegmental area, the lateral habenula and the central lobules of the cerebellum in adult mice with prenatal and postnatal alcohol exposure. In addition, the analysis of interregional CCO activity correlations in alcohol-exposed adult mice showed disrupted functional brain connectivity involving the limbic, brainstem, and cerebellar regions. Finally, increased neurogenesis was found in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of alcohol-exposed offspring, suggesting neuroadaptive effects due to early alcohol exposure. Our results demonstrate that maternal binge-like alcohol drinking causes long-lasting effects on motor and emotional-related behaviours associated with impaired neuronal metabolic capacity and altered functional brain connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Méndez-Couz M, González-Pardo H, Vallejo G, Arias JL, Conejo NM. Spatial memory extinction differentially affects dorsal and ventral hippocampal metabolic activity and associated functional brain networks. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1265-75. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Méndez-Couz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience; Department of Psychology; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo; Plaza Feijoo Oviedo Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience; Department of Psychology; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo; Plaza Feijoo Oviedo Spain
| | - Guillermo Vallejo
- Methodology Area; Department of Psychology; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo; Plaza Feijoo Oviedo Spain
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience; Department of Psychology; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo; Plaza Feijoo Oviedo Spain
| | - Nélida M. Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience; Department of Psychology; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo; Plaza Feijoo Oviedo Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Méndez-Couz M, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Arias JL. Functional interactions between dentate gyrus, striatum and anterior thalamic nuclei on spatial memory retrieval. Brain Res 2015; 1605:59-69. [PMID: 25680583 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The standard model of memory system consolidation supports the temporal reorganization of brain circuits underlying long-term memory storage, including interactions between the dorsal hippocampus and extra-hippocampal structures. In addition, several brain regions have been suggested to be involved in the retrieval of spatial memory. In particular, several authors reported a possible role of the ventral portion of the hippocampus together with the thalamus or the striatum in the persistence of this type of memory. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the contribution of different cortical and subcortical brain regions, and neural networks involved in spatial memory retrieval. For this purpose, we used cytochrome c oxidase quantitative histochemistry as a reliable method to measure brain oxidative metabolism. Animals were trained in a hidden platform task and tested for memory retention immediately after the last training session; one week after completing the task, they were also tested in a memory retrieval probe. Results showed that retrieval of the previously learned task was associated with increased levels of oxidative metabolism in the prefrontal cortex, the dorsal and ventral striatum, the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus and the dentate gyrus of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. The analysis of functional interactions between brain regions suggest that the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus could be involved in spatial memory retrieval. In addition, the results highlight the key role of the extended hippocampal system, thalamus and striatum in this process. Our study agrees with previous ones reporting interactions between the dorsal hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex during spatial memory retrieval. Furthermore, novel activation patterns of brain networks involving the aforementioned regions were found. These functional brain networks could underlie spatial memory retrieval evaluated in the Morris water maze task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Méndez-Couz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology. Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - N M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology. Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - H González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology. Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - J L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology. Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fidalgo C, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Arias JL. Dynamic functional brain networks involved in simple visual discrimination learning. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 114:165-70. [PMID: 24937013 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Visual discrimination tasks have been widely used to evaluate many types of learning and memory processes. However, little is known about the brain regions involved at different stages of visual discrimination learning. We used cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry to evaluate changes in regional brain oxidative metabolism during visual discrimination learning in a water-T maze at different time points during training. As compared with control groups, the results of the present study reveal the gradual activation of cortical (prefrontal and temporal cortices) and subcortical brain regions (including the striatum and the hippocampus) associated to the mastery of a simple visual discrimination task. On the other hand, the brain regions involved and their functional interactions changed progressively over days of training. Regions associated with novelty, emotion, visuo-spatial orientation and motor aspects of the behavioral task seem to be relevant during the earlier phase of training, whereas a brain network comprising the prefrontal cortex was found along the whole learning process. This study highlights the relevance of functional interactions among brain regions to investigate learning and memory processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camino Fidalgo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Nélida María Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Jorge Luis Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics is changing the widely accepted linear conception of genome function by explaining how environmental and psychological factors regulate the activity of our genome without involving changes in the DNA sequence. Research has identified epigenetic mechanisms mediating between environmental and psychological factors that contribute to normal and abnormal behavioral development. METHOD the emerging field of epigenetics as related to psychology is reviewed. RESULTS the relationship between genes and behavior is reconsidered in terms of epigenetic mechanisms acting after birth and not only prenatally, as traditionally held. Behavioral epigenetics shows that our behavior could have long-term effects on the regulation of the genome function. In addition, epigenetic mechanisms would be related to psychopathology, as in the case of schizophrenia. In the latter case, it would be especially relevant to consider epigenetic factors such as life adversities (trauma, disorganized attachment, etc.) as related to its clinical manifestations, rather than genetic factors. Moreover, epigenetics implies overcoming classical dualist dichotomies such as nature-nurture, genotype-phenotype or pathogenesis-pathoplasty. CONCLUSIONS In general, it can be stated that behavior and environment will finally take on a leading role in human development through epigenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
|
15
|
Conejo NM, Cimadevilla JM, González-Pardo H, Méndez-Couz M, Arias JL. Hippocampal inactivation with TTX impairs long-term spatial memory retrieval and modifies brain metabolic activity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64749. [PMID: 23724089 PMCID: PMC3665627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional inactivation techniques enable studying the hippocampal involvement in each phase of spatial memory formation in the rat. In this study, we applied tetrodotoxin unilaterally or bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus to evaluate the role of this brain structure in retrieval of memories acquired 28 days before in the Morris water maze. We combined hippocampal inactivation with the assessment of brain metabolism using cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Several brain regions were considered, including the hippocampus and other related structures. Results showed that both unilateral and bilateral hippocampal inactivation impaired spatial memory retrieval. Hence, whereas subjects with bilateral hippocampal inactivation showed a circular swim pattern at the side walls of the pool, unilateral inactivation favoured swimming in the quadrants adjacent to the target one. Analysis of cytochrome oxidase activity disclosed regional differences according to the degree of hippocampal functional blockade. In comparison to control group, animals with bilateral inactivation showed increased CO activity in CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus during retrieval, while the activity of the dentate gyrus substantially decreased. However, unilateral inactivated animals showed decreased CO activity in Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus. This study demonstrated that retrieval recruits differentially the hippocampal subregions and the balance between them is altered with hippocampal functional lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nélida María Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fidalgo C, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Lazo PS, Arias JL. A role for dorsal and ventral hippocampus in response learning. Neurosci Res 2012; 73:218-23. [PMID: 22507525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus and the striatum have been traditionally considered as part of different and independent memory systems despite growing evidence supporting that both brain regions may even compete for behavioral control in particular learning tasks. In this regard, it has been reported that the hippocampus could be necessary for the use of idiothetic cues in several types of spatial learning tasks. Accordingly, the ventral striatum receives strong anatomical projections from the hippocampus, suggesting a participation of both regions in goal-directed behavior. Our work examined the role of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus on a response learning task. Cytochrome c oxidase (C.O.) quantitative histochemistry was used as an index of brain oxidative metabolism. In addition, determination of C.O. subunit I levels in the hippocampus by western blot analysis was performed to assess the contribution of this subunit to overall C.O. activity. Increased brain oxidative metabolism was found in most of the studied hippocampal subregions when experimental group was compared with a swim control group. However, no differences were found in the amount of C.O. subunit I expressed in the hippocampus by western blot analysis. Our results support that both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus are associated with the use of response strategies during response learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Fidalgo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
González-Pardo H, Conejo N, Lana G, Arias J. Different brain networks underlying the acquisition and expression of contextual fear conditioning: a metabolic mapping study. Neuroscience 2012; 202:234-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
18
|
Fidalgo C, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Arias JL. Functional interaction between the dorsal hippocampus and the striatum in visual discrimination learning. J Neurosci Res 2011; 90:715-20. [PMID: 22012685 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus and the striatum have traditionally been considered as part of different and independent memory systems. However, there is evidence that supports a functional interaction between the hippocampus and the dorsal striatum at least in particular learning tasks. Here, we evaluated the functional contribution of both brain regions in a visual discrimination learning task using cytochrome c oxidase (CO) quantitative histochemistry. Compared with other brain metabolic mapping techniques, CO activity reflects steady-state neuronal energy demand. Rats were trained for 6 days in a water T-maze to find a hidden escape platform associated with an intramaze visual cue. A control group of animals swam for an equivalent amount of time compared as the trained group but without any escape platform available. After finishing the behavioral task, CO activity was measured in subdivisions of the dorsal hippocampus and the dorsal striatum in both groups. Results show significantly higher CO activity in the CA1 area and the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus in the trained rats compared with the control group. In addition, a significant negative functional cross-correlation between area CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus and the anterodorsal striatum was found. Our results support current theories on competitive interaction of different memory systems during visual discrimination learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Fidalgo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fidalgo C, Conejo N, González-Pardo H, Arias J. Cortico-limbic–striatal contribution after response and reversal learning: A metabolic mapping study. Brain Res 2011; 1368:143-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Revised: 09/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
20
|
Alonso A, González-Pardo H, Garrido P, Conejo NM, Llaneza P, Díaz F, del Rey CG, González C. Acute effects of 17 β-estradiol and genistein on insulin sensitivity and spatial memory in aged ovariectomized female rats. Age (Dordr) 2010; 32:421-434. [PMID: 20467821 PMCID: PMC2980599 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-010-9148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by decline in metabolic function and insulin resistance, and both seem to be in the basis of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunction. Estrogens prevent age-related changes, and phytoestrogens influence learning and memory. Our hypothesis was that estradiol and genistein, using rapid-action mechanisms, are able to modify insulin sensitivity, process of learning, and spatial memory. Young and aged ovariectomized rats received acute treatment with estradiol or genistein. Aged animals were more insulin-resistant than young. In each age, estradiol and genistein-treated animals were less insulin-resistant than the others, except in the case of young animals treated with high doses of genistein. In aged rats, no differences between groups were found in spatial memory test, showing a poor performance in the water maze task. However, young females treated with estradiol or high doses of genistein performed well in spatial memory task like the control group. Only rats treated with high doses of genistein showed an optimal spatial memory similar to the control group. Conversely, acute treatment with high doses of phytoestrogens improved spatial memory consolidation only in young rats, supporting the critical period hypothesis for the beneficial effects of estrogens on memory. Therefore, genistein treatment seems to be suitable treatment in aged rats in order to prevent insulin resistance but not memory decline associated with aging. Acute genistein treatment is not effective to restore insulin resistance associated to the early loss of ovarian function, although it can be useful to improve memory deficits in this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alonso
- Department of Functional Biology. Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychobiology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Garrido
- Department of Functional Biology. Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida M. Conejo
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychobiology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Plácido Llaneza
- Gynaecology Department, Central University Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Fernando Díaz
- Department of Functional Biology. Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Celestino González
- Department of Functional Biology. Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Conejo N, González-Pardo H, Gonzalez-Lima F, Arias J. Spatial learning of the water maze: Progression of brain circuits mapped with cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2010; 93:362-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Revised: 10/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
22
|
González-Pardo H, Conejo NM, Arias JL, Monleón S, Vinader-Caerols C, Parra A. Changes in brain oxidative metabolism induced by inhibitory avoidance learning and acute administration of amitriptyline. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008; 89:456-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
23
|
Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, López M, Cantora R, Arias JL. Induction of c-Fos expression in the mammillary bodies, anterior thalamus and dorsal hippocampus after fear conditioning. Brain Res Bull 2007; 74:172-7. [PMID: 17683804 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2006] [Revised: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/12/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to provide further evidence on the role of particular subdivisions of the mammillary bodies, anterior thalamus and dorsal hippocampus to contextual and auditory fear conditioning. We used c-Fos expression as a marker of neuronal activation to compare rats that received tone-footshock pairings in a distinctive context (conditioned group) to rats being exposed to both the context and the auditory CS without receiving footshocks (unconditioned group), and naïve rats that were only handled. Fos immunoreactivity was significantly increased only in the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus and the lateral mammillary nucleus of the conditioned group. However, the dorsal hippocampus showed the highest density of c-Fos positive nuclei in the naïve group as compared to the other groups. Together, our data support previous studies indicating a particular involvement of the mammillary bodies and anterior thalamus in fear conditioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Vallejo G, Arias JL. Changes in brain oxidative metabolism induced by water maze training. Neuroscience 2007; 145:403-12. [PMID: 17222984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2006] [Revised: 11/23/2006] [Accepted: 11/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the hippocampus has been shown to be essential for spatial memory, the contribution of associated brain regions is not well established. Wistar rats were trained to find a hidden escape platform in the water maze during eight days. Following training, the oxidative metabolism in different brain regions was evaluated using cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Metabolic activations were found in the prelimbic cortex, cornu ammonis (CA) 1 subfield of the dorsal hippocampus and the anterior thalamic nuclei, relative to yoked swim controls and naïve rats. In addition, many cross-correlations in brain metabolism were observed among the latter regions. These results support the implication of a hippocampal-prefrontal-thalamic system to spatial memory in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoó, s/n E-33003, Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
González-Pardo H, Conejo NM, Arias JL. Oxidative metabolism of limbic structures after acute administration of diazepam, alprazolam and zolpidem. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2006; 30:1020-6. [PMID: 16647177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of acute administration of two benzodiazepines and a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic on behavior and brain metabolism were evaluated in rats. After testing the behavioral action of the benzodiazepines on the open field and the elevated plus-maze, the effects of the three drugs on neuronal metabolism of particular limbic regions were measured using cytochrome c oxidase (CO) histochemistry. Diazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) and alprazolam (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) induced clear anxiolytic effects and a decrease in locomotion, whereas zolpidem (2 mg/kg i.p.) caused an intense hypnotic effect. The anxiolytic effects of alprazolam were distinguishable from diazepam due to the pharmacological and clinical profile of this triazolobenzodiazepine. CO activity decreased significantly in almost all the limbic regions evaluated after zolpidem administration. However, significant prominent decreases in CO activity were found after diazepam treatment in the medial mammillary nucleus, anteroventral thalamus, cingulate cortex, dentate gyrus and basolateral amygdala. Alprazolam caused similar decreases in CO activity, with the exception of the prelimbic and cingulate cortices, where significant increases were detected. In agreement with previous studies using other functional mapping techniques, our results indicate that particular benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics induce selective changes in brain oxidative metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Alonso A, Fernández R, Moreno M, Ordóñez P, González-Pardo H, Conejo NM, Díaz F, González C. Positive effects of 17beta-estradiol on insulin sensitivity in aged ovariectomized female rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2006; 61:419-26. [PMID: 16720737 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/61.5.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with insulin resistance, which represents a common factor in age-related diseases. We aimed to determine the role of 17beta-estradiol on insulin sensitivity and memory during aging using ovariectomized rats (2-26 months of age) treated with physiological doses of 17beta-estradiol. Our results indicate a lack of effect of 17beta-estradiol replacement on spatial memory assessed in a water maze. Conversely, estradiol treatment improved insulin sensitivity in aging rats. These data imply that relatively low doses of 17beta-estradiol may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis due to the protective effects of estrogen. However, estradiol treatment used in the present study did not prevent memory impairment associated with aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alonso
- Department of Functional Biology, Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Méndez-López M, Méndez M, López L, Aller MA, González-Pardo H, Nava MP, Sánchez-Patán F, Arias J, Arias JL. Increased cytochrome oxidase activity in adrenal glands of thioacetamide-cirrhotic rats. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2005; 26:719-23. [PMID: 16380689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Accepted: 10/26/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytochrome oxidase activity has been determined in the adrenal glands of thioacetamide (TAA)-cirrhotic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two groups of animals (Control group; n=10 and TAA group; n=11) of three months evolution were used to study the cytochrome oxidase activity in the suprarenal cortex (glomerular, fascicular and reticular layers) and medulla. TAA was administered orally and cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity was assayed by an immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS In TAA-cirrhotic rats, COX activity increases in the cortex fascicular layer (221 +/- 1.79 vs 181.9 +/- 2.75; p<0.001) as well as in the medulla (146.6 +/- 1.72 vs 129 +/- 3.09; p<0.001). CONCLUSION These results make it possible to consider the existence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis and adrenomedullary sympathetic system hyperactivity, both peripheral limbs of the stress system, in this experimental model of cirrhosis.
Collapse
|
28
|
García-Moreno LM, Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Aller MA, Nava MP, Arias J, Arias JL. Evaluation of two experimental models of hepatic encephalopathy in rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 2005; 38:127-32. [PMID: 15665999 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2005000100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The serious neuropsychological repercussions of hepatic encephalopathy have led to the creation of several experimental models in order to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease. In the present investigation, two possible causes of hepatic encephalopathy, cholestasis and portal hypertension, were chosen to study the behavioral impairments caused by the disease using an object recognition task. This working memory test is based on a paradigm of spontaneous delayed non-matching to sample and was performed 60 days after surgery. Male Wistar rats (225-250 g) were divided into three groups: two experimental groups, microsurgical cholestasis (N = 20) and extrahepatic portal hypertension (N = 20), and a control group (N = 20). A mild alteration of the recognition memory occurred in rats with cholestasis compared to control rats and portal hypertensive rats. The latter group showed the poorest performance on the basis of the behavioral indexes tested. In particular, only the control group spent significantly more time exploring novel objects compared to familiar ones (P < 0.001). In addition, the portal hypertension group spent the shortest time exploring both the novel and familiar objects (P < 0.001). These results suggest that the existence of portosystemic collateral circulation per se may be responsible for subclinical encephalopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M García-Moreno
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Facultad de Psicologia, Universidade Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Conejo NM, López M, Cantora R, González-Pardo H, López L, Begega A, Vallejo G, Arias JL. Effects of Pavlovian fear conditioning on septohippocampal metabolism in rats. Neurosci Lett 2005; 373:94-8. [PMID: 15567560 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2004] [Revised: 09/17/2004] [Accepted: 09/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of classical fear conditioning in different regions of the limbic system were analysed using cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry. Wistar rats were submitted to different conditions. Rats in the group Paired received tone-shock pairing, to elicit conditioned suppression of lever pressing (i.e., tone will evoke conditioned fear responses). The group Unpaired underwent random presentations of these stimuli and developed no conditioned fear. Untrained animals were also included as a control group. A significant decrease in CO activity was found in the medial septal area and the dorsal hippocampus (CA3 subfield and dentate gyrus) in the group Paired as compared with the group Unpaired. Furthermore there was greater metabolic activity in the control group as compared with the other two groups. No differences in CO labelling of the basolateral amygdala were detected among all groups. These findings suggest that the septohippocampal system plays an important role in controlling conditioned fear behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nélida M Conejo
- Psychobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Plaza Feijoo, s/n E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Cimadevilla JM, Argüelles JA, Díaz F, Vallejo-Seco G, Arias JL. Influence of gonadal steroids on the glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive astrocyte population in young rat hippocampus. J Neurosci Res 2004; 79:488-94. [PMID: 15619230 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It is known that expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an astrocyte-specific marker can be regulated by levels of circulating gonadal steroids during postnatal development. In addition, astrocytes play an important role in the physiology of the hippocampus, a brain region considered sexually dimorphic at the neuronal level in rodents. To evaluate the contribution of glial cells to gender-related differences in the hippocampus, we estimated the number of GFAP-immunoreactive (GFAP-IR) astrocytes in the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3 areas, dorsal and ventral regions) of male and female rats aged 30 days. Groups of 30-day-old masculinized females (TP-females; injected with testosterone propionate at birth) and feminized males (FLU-males, castrated and treated with flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist) were included to assess the effects of gonadal hormones on these hippocampal astrocytes. Using the optical fractionator method, the total number of GFAP-IR cells found in CA1 and CA3 areas was significantly higher in males compared to that in age-matched females. This numerical pattern was reversed in TP-females and FLU-males in both hippocampal areas. In addition, more GFAP-IR cells were found in dorsal hippocampus than in the ventral region in the CA1 area from all experimental groups, whereas this result was found in the CA3 area from males and TP-females. Our results suggest an essential contribution of gonadal hormones to gender differences found in the astrocyte population of the rat hippocampus during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Conejo
- Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Conejo NM, González-Pardo H, Vallejo G, Arias JL. Involvement of the mammillary bodies in spatial working memory revealed by cytochrome oxidase activity. Brain Res 2004; 1011:107-14. [PMID: 15140650 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In view of the inconclusive findings relating the nuclei of the mammillary bodies (MB) with spatial memory, we evaluated the oxidative metabolic activity of the medial and lateral nuclei of the mammillary bodies (MB) after training young rats (30 days) of both sexes in the Morris water maze. Different groups were trained in spatial working (WM) or reference memory (RM) tasks, respectively. The corresponding naïve groups swam for the same amount of time as the trained groups but without the escape platform. Control groups were added that had not been manipulated in any way. No sex-related differences were detected in the working memory task although males exhibited better reference memory than females. Cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity, an endogenous metabolic marker for neuronal activity, was measured in all the groups. CO activity increased significantly in both MB nuclei of male and female rats only in the spatial working memory group. In addition, high CO activity in the lateral nucleus of the MB was linearly correlated with lower escape latencies in both sexes after training in the working memory task. No CO activity changes were found in the basolateral amygdala (BL) in any of the experimental groups. This nucleus was used as a control brain region because of its participation in emotional behavior. The results suggest a specific role of the MB nuclei in spatial working memory in both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n E-33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
We quantified the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive (GFAP-IR) astrocytes in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the adult rat hippocampus. The dorsal and ventral regions of the hippocampus were taken into account to estimate the GFAP-IR cells using unbiased stereological techniques. Males had a higher number of GFAP-IR astrocytes in the CA3 area, whereas females had more in the CA1 area. No sex difference was found between dorsal and ventral regions, although most GFAP-IR astrocytes were located in the dorsal hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
López L, González-Pardo H, Cimadevilla JM, Cavas M, Aller MA, Arias J, Arias JL. Cytochrome oxidase activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and pineal gland in rats with portacaval shunt. Exp Neurol 2002; 173:275-82. [PMID: 11822891 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2001.7840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rhythmic behavioral and biochemical changes have been observed in both human and animal models with hepatic insufficiency. The basis of all these alterations is the principal endogenous pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The aim of this work, therefore, is to determine cytochrome c oxidase activity, a marker of neuronal activity and oxidative metabolism, in this nucleus in rats with portacaval shunt. In order to do this, this enzyme was histochemically marked and quantified by computer-assisted optical densitometry. Results show a reduced cytochrome oxidase activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in animals with portacaval shunts and, inversely, an increase in oxidative metabolism in the pineal gland, another circadian structure. However, the activity measured in a noncircadian brain structure, the hippocampus, which served as a control, showed no changes with surgery. Additionally, locomotor activity was assessed by actimeters and revealed a clearly reduced activity in animals with portacaval shunt. We conclude that the suprachiasmatic nucleus is possibly involved in the rhythmic changes associated with hepatic insufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laudino López
- Laboratorio de Psicobiología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
López L, González-Pardo H, Aller MA, Nava MP, Durán Hipólito J, Arias J, Arias JL. Cytochrome oxidase activity in splanchnic organs of portal hypertensive rats. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2001; 93:794-805. [PMID: 11995361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Portal hypertension is characterized by hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation associated with the development of portosystemic portal collateral circulation. Since blood flow regulation mechanisms in the splanchnic organs can be metabolic, its metabolic capacity has been studied using the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome C oxidase as histochemical marker. METHOD Cytochrome oxidase was quantified with a histochemical technique in the liver, pancreas and small bowel of Wistar rats in the control group (n = 8) and in rats with portal hypertension by triple stenosing ligation of the portal vein (n = 9) at 28 days of evolution. RESULTS All rats with portal hypertension develop portosystemic collateral circulation. In these animals, cytochrome oxidase activity increases (p < 0.01) in the liver (left lateral lobe, periportal zone: 91.81 +/- 5.18 vs. 86.03 +/- 2.82) exocrine pancreas (125.6 +/- 7.25 vs 117.57 +/- 6.43; p < 0.05) as well as in the mucosa (crypts) and duodenum serosa, jejunum and ileum while it decreases in the pericentral zone of the hepatic acinus and intestinal villi. CONCLUSION Cytochrome oxidase is considered an endogenous marker of local tissular metabolic capacity, so that its increased activity in the small bowel mucosa, crypts, exocrine pancreas and visceral peritoneum may be a metabolic factor that induces splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation in short-term portal hypertensive rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L López
- Psychobiology Laboratory, Psychology Faculty, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cimadevilla J, González-Pardo H, López L, Dı́az F, Cueto E, Garcı́a-Moreno L, Arias J. Sex-related differences in spatial learning during the early postnatal development of the rat. Behav Processes 1999; 46:159-71. [DOI: 10.1016/s0376-6357(99)00034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/1998] [Revised: 10/08/1998] [Accepted: 03/22/1999] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
36
|
González-Pardo H, Pérez-Leizea J, Alvarez-Grueso N, Menéndez-Patterson A, Arias JL. Undernutrition and Postnatal Development of Brain Oxidative Metabolism in Limbic Structures: A Quantitative Study. Nutr Neurosci 1999; 2:311-22. [PMID: 27415804 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.1999.11747286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of food restriction during gestation, lactation and post-weaning were studied in rat brain structures (14,21 and 30 days). Oxidative metabolism was quantified in neurons from the anterior thalamus and mammillary bodies using a quantitative histochemical method for cytochrome c oxidase (CO). In all the rat brains studied, a significant increase in activity occurred in the control group from 14 to 21 days after birth which then remained constant up to 30 days. A similar pattern was observed in the undernourished group, although in the anterodorsal and anteromedial thalamic nuclei the rise in CO only occurred between day 14 and 30 and there were no significant age-related changes in the lateral mammillary nucleus. Undernutrition produced a significant drop in CO activity after 21 days in all the nuclei except the lateral mammillary nucleus. In the latter nucleus and also in the pars medialis of the medial mammillary nucleus this parameter decreased at 30 days. Our results suggest that undernutrition and nutritional rehabilitation have different effects on the diencephalic regions studied, which depends on age and region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H González-Pardo
- a Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology , University of Oviedo , E-33003, Oviedo , Spain
| | - J Pérez-Leizea
- b Department of Functional Biology (Physiology) , University of Oviedo , 33006, Oviedo , Spain
| | - N Alvarez-Grueso
- b Department of Functional Biology (Physiology) , University of Oviedo , 33006, Oviedo , Spain
| | - A Menéndez-Patterson
- b Department of Functional Biology (Physiology) , University of Oviedo , 33006, Oviedo , Spain
| | - J L Arias
- a Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology , University of Oviedo , E-33003, Oviedo , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
This paper evaluates the changes of cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity that take place in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) during the light-dark cycle. CO is a mitochondrial energy-generating enzyme used as a marker of neural oxidative metabolism. We measured CO activity using quantitative histochemistry calibrated with brain tissue standards and a computerized analysis image system. The results indicate that the CO enzyme activity changes on the basis of a circadian pattern, with the higher levels during the light phase (P < 0.0001). These changes are detected over a period of hours, in accordance with other studies on the possible short-term regulation of CO activity in the nervous system. It is, therefore, possible to apply this methodology to the study of the SCN and other brain areas which show functional rhythmicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L López
- Psychobiology Laboratory, Psychology Faculty, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
González-Pardo H, Cuesta M, Menéndez-Patterson A, Arias JL. Undernutrition and postnatal development of transcriptional activity in the rat medial mamillary nucleus (hypothalamus). Nutr Res 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0271-5317(97)00112-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
39
|
González-González S, González-Pardo H, Vallejo G, Arias JL. Functional sexual differences in rat mammillary bodies: a quantitative Ag-NOR study. Acta Anat (Basel) 1996; 157:205-9. [PMID: 9226039 DOI: 10.1159/000147882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mammillary bodies of the posterior hypothalamus are one of the CNS structures in which structural sexual dimorphism has already been described. This study quantifies the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) of the neurons from this region in the male and female rats, the latter during two major phases of the estrous cycle (estrus-diestrus). The number and relative area of these NORs stained with a silver nitrate technique are considered as an index of the global protein synthesis of the neurons in the different nuclei from the mammillary bodies. Our results show the existence of statistically significant differences between sexes and estrous cycle phases. These findings suggest a significant influence of gender and the hormonal state on the neural activity of the MB.
Collapse
|
40
|
González-Pardo H, Novelli A, Menéndez-Patterson A, Arias JL. The development of oxidative metabolism in diencephalic structures of the rat: a quantitative study. Brain Res Bull 1996; 41:31-8. [PMID: 8883913 DOI: 10.1016/0361-9230(96)00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A new method for quantitative determination of cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) activity was applied to diencephalic structures of the limbic system that are closely connected anatomically, that is, the mammillary bodies (MB) and the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (AT). This method makes it possible to easily evaluate the oxidative metabolic capacity of brain regions, an index of their functionality. By using this technique, we studied the postnatal development of both structures in Wistar rats of 14, 21, 30, and 120 days of age. Furthermore, animals of 730 days were included in order to evaluate the effects of aging on C.O. activity of these structures. The results showed a significant increase in the C.O. activity of the subdivisions of the AT, its levels remaining constant until the adult age, with a significant decrease in its activity in aged animals. In the MB, only the increase in C.O. activity of the medial mammillary nucleus (pars medialis) was significant until the adult age. A decrease of C.O. values with aging was significant only in the lateral mammillary nucleus. These data suggest that there is a wide heterogeneity in the maturation and aging of brain oxidative metabolism in diencephalic structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
González-Pardo H, Gutiérrez-Sánchez JM, Menéndez-Patterson A, Arias JL. Postnatal development of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in the mammillary body of undernourished rats. Brain Res 1994; 654:75-80. [PMID: 7982100 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)91572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The effects of undernutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation periods on cortical structures have already been reported. However, its effect on non-cortical areas like the hypothalamic, that participates in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system or food intake, has not been extensively investigated. We studied the postnatal development of the medial mammillary nucleus (hypothalamus) in the rat offspring that had a dietary restriction in utero and during lactation. The argyrophilic nucleolar regions (Ag-NORs), that represent the transcriptional activity of the cell, were quantified in their neurons. No statistically significant differences were found in the results between the control and undernourished groups in the ages studied (7, 14, 21 and 30 days). However, a delay in the neuronal activity of the latter group was observed. A critical period in the development of this nucleus, at about 21 days of age, was also seen in both groups. After this age, the activity levels remained steady.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|