Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Skyler Younger, Sydney Boutros, Francesca Cargnin, Shin Jeon, Jae W. Lee, Soo-Kyung Lee, Jacob Raber
Summary: FOXG1 syndrome is a rare and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by various symptoms. Mouse models with Foxg1 gene mutation displayed phenotypes similar to symptoms of human FS individuals, including anxiety, cognitive impairments, and fear memory deficits.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Shannon J. Moore, Victor A. Cazares, Stephanie J. Temme, Geoffrey G. Murphy
Summary: The calcium dysregulation hypothesis suggests that increased neuronal calcium concentration in the aging brain is responsible for learning and memory deficits. Researchers generated transgenic mice with increased expression of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, Ca(V)1.3, and found that this increase led to changes in neuronal physiology and cognitive function similar to those seen in aged animals.
Article
Neurosciences
Justin J. Botterill, K. Yaragudri Vinod, Kathleen J. Gerencer, Catia M. Teixeira, John J. LaFrancois, Helen E. Scharfman
Summary: The dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus plays a crucial role in cognition and behavior, with mossy cells (MCs) potentially regulating anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive performance in specific ways. Manipulations of MCs can bidirectionally influence behaviors by activating or inhibiting MCs. Sex-specific effects were observed in some behaviors, with females showing more pronounced effects than males.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hui Lv, Xiao Gu, Xingyue Shan, Tailin Zhu, Bingke Ma, Hao-Tian Zhang, Victorio Bambini-Junior, Tiantian Zhang, Wei-Guang Li, Xiaoling Gao, Fei Li
Summary: By utilizing nanotechnology, the study found that bumetanide can effectively alleviate social deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) region. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of bumetanide was found to be dependent on microglia targeting in the mPFC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wenlong Zhang, Jie Huang, Feng Gao, Qianglong You, Liuyan Ding, Junwei Gong, Mengran Zhang, Runfang Ma, Shaohui Zheng, Xiangdong Sun, Yunlong Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that Cntnap4 deficiency leads to social behavior and fear memory deficits in mice. Reduced GABAergic transmission was observed in the amygdala of Cntnap4-/- mice. Microbiota supplementation through Lactobacillus treatment or faecal transplantation can improve fear memory abnormalities caused by Cntnap4 deficiency.
Article
Immunology
Jiayin Liu, Chuanqi Liu, Zhanyuan Gao, Lianyu Zhou, Junwei Gao, Yi Luo, Tianyao Liu, Xiaotang Fan
Summary: In this study, researchers found that administering the FXR agonist GW4064 can improve behavioral deficits in an animal model for autism and modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, providing a potential strategy for improving ASD symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Zhang, Xiaowen Xu, Liya Ma, Xinxin Wang, Meifang Jin, Lili Li, Hong Ni
Summary: This study explores the effects of zinc water supplementation on autism-like behavior, seizure threshold, and neurogenesis in ASD model mice. The results show that zinc water supplementation for 6 weeks can prevent autism-like behavior, reduce susceptibility to seizures, and increase the proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells in BTBR mice. However, it has less effect on mossy fiber sprouting and neural progenitor cell differentiation. The findings suggest that zinc water can reduce autism-like behavior in a partially inherited autism model mice by promoting hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation and reversing hyperexcitability.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ozlem Mutlu-Burnaz, Burak Yulug, Merve Oncul, Esref Celik, Nilufer Sayar Atasoy, Seyda Cankaya, Lutfu Hanoglu, Halil Aziz Velioglu
Summary: Memory storage in the brain is a key subject in neuroscience, with particular interest in the role of hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neuronal activity in memory consolidation. In this study, chemogenetic inhibition of MCH neurons did not show significant improvement or worsening in memory consolidation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Peiyan Jiang, Lianyu Zhou, Zhulin Du, Linyang Zhao, Yexi Tang, Xinghang Fei, Lian Wang, Dabing Li, Song Li, Hui Yang, Xiaotang Fan, Huiling Liao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Icariin (ICA) on autism-like behavioral deficits in BTBR mice and its relationship with hippocampal inflammation and excitatory/inhibitory synapse balance. The results showed that ICA improved social deficits, repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and short-term memory deficits in BTBR mice. It also reduced neuroinflammation and restored the imbalance of excitatory-inhibitory synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that ICA could be a promising novel drug for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammed M. Alanazi, Mushtaq A. Ansari, Ahmed Nadeem, Sabry M. Attia, Saleh A. Bakheet, Haneen A. Al-Mazroua, Abdullah A. Aldossari, Mohammed M. Almutairi, Thamer H. Albekairi, Marwa H. Hussein, Mohammed A. Al-Hamamah, Sheikh F. Ahmad
Summary: This study found that cadmium exposure exacerbates self-grooming and marble-burying behaviors, decreases social interactions, and leads to immune abnormalities in an autism spectrum disorder animal model. Further investigation revealed potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. These findings have important implications for the etiology of autism spectrum disorders and provide further evidence of heavy metals contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders through proinflammatory effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Le Wang, Yinna Tan, Hao Wang, Xu-Dong Yu, Yanxin Mo, James Reilly, Zhiming He, Xinhua Shu
Summary: Trans-urocanic acid (UCA) has been found to play a role in short-term and long-term memory. In this study, the effect of UCA on memory acquisition in mice was investigated using novel object recognition (NOR) and object location recognition (OLR) tasks. The results showed that UCA facilitated both short-term and long-term memory acquisition, with a higher dose facilitating long-term memory acquisition in both tasks. The enhancing effect of UCA on memory acquisition was not dependent on nonspecific responses.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel Essler, Tamara Becher, Carolina Pletti, Burkhard Gniewosz, Markus Paulus
Summary: This article explores the psychological processes that influence the development of infants' imitation abilities. The results demonstrate that being imitated by sensitive caregivers in infancy positively predicts infants' imitation abilities. This provides substantial evidence for understanding the key factors in human cultural learning.
Article
Neurosciences
Wenlin Deng, Fang Li, Haoran Ke, Siqi Wang, Zitong Li, Pinjing Lv, Ye Chen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the biological mechanisms linking diet-related obesity and autism-related behaviors by focusing on gut microbiota, serotonin (5-HT) levels, and autistic behaviors in an animal model for autism (BTBR mice). The results showed that a high-fat diet exacerbated autistic symptoms in BTBR mice, which could be alleviated by metformin. The composition of gut microbiota and serotonin levels were associated with autistic behaviors.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Els van der Goot, Stefanie N. Vink, Danique van Vliet, Francjan J. van Spronsen, Joana Falcao Salles, Eddy A. van der Zee
Summary: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that causes cognitive and psychological deficits. This study investigated the effects of dietary phenylalanine (Phe) restriction on gut microbiome composition in mice and found that the severity of the restriction influenced the changes in the microbiome. The study highlights the importance of considering dietary effects on the microbiome when optimizing the Phe-restricted diet for PKU patients.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Milou S. C. Sep, Marijn Vellinga, R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh, Marian Joels
Summary: Environmental information is crucial for memory formation, with the hippocampal system integrating stable context information with event details to form context-dependent memory. Studies on rodents using the object-in-context task show variation in implementation and interpretation, hindering comparison and behavior assessment. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis help identify critical factors influencing task outcomes, leading to recommendations for more standardized and evidence-based experimental design in rodent research.
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.