Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniella Dusa, Tamas Ollmann, Veronika Kallai, Laszlo Lenard, Erika Kertes, Beata Berta, Adam Szabo, Kristof Laszlo, Rita Galosi, Olga Zagoracz, Zoltan Karadi, Laszlo Peczely
Summary: Sulpiride, a D2R antagonist, has been found to modulate learning processes and induce rewarding effects when microinjected into the VP. However, animals are unable to associate the rewarding effect with spatial locations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Lucia Amendola, Daniel Weary, Gosia Zobel
Summary: Individual variation in responses to anxiety and spatial memory tests is often reported. These variations are related to consistent individual differences in behavior (personality). However, personality differences are rarely considered in anxiety treatment studies. This article focuses on rat literature to describe principles in anxiety and spatial memory tests and discusses the influence of personality and housing conditions on behavioral responses. The authors propose that environmental enrichment can enhance stress resiliency in environmentally sensitive individuals. Incorporating personality measures into study design and analysis can improve research reproducibility.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zahra Gholami Mahmoudian, Ali Ghanbari, Iraj Rashidi, Iraj Amiri, Alireza Komaki
Summary: This study investigated the effects of minocycline on cognitive abilities, antioxidant enzyme activities, neuronal loss, and plaque number in rats with Alzheimer's disease induced by Aβ. The results showed that minocycline improved anxiety behavior, restored learning and memory deficits, and had antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nagat El-Demerdash, Tiffany Pan, Olivia Choi, Manda Saraswati, Raymond C. Koehler, Courtney L. Robertson, Alena Savonenko
Summary: Therapies for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in young children, are limited and can result in long-term consequences. Animal models have provided insights into the mechanisms of pediatric TBI, but it is challenging to demonstrate clinically relevant long-term behavioral and cognitive deficits. This study used a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of pediatric TBI to assess short- and long-term outcomes through a series of tests. The results showed functional impairments in most tests for TBI rats compared to control groups, particularly in cognitive processes related to fast one-trial learning, memory flexibility, response strategies, and recognition memory in social interactions.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kui Cui, Fan Yang, Turan Tufan, Muhammad U. Raza, Yanqiang Zhan, Yan Fan, Fei Zeng, Russell W. Brown, Jennifer B. Price, Thomas C. Jones, Gary W. Miller, Meng-Yang Zhu
Summary: This study demonstrates that over-expression of specific transcription factors in the LC region of the brain in a PD mouse model improves noradrenergic and dopaminergic activities, leading to enhanced spatial memory and locomotor behavior. These findings highlight the potential for gene therapies in treating PD and expand our understanding of the interaction between LC-norepinephrine and dopamine systems in PD progression.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Getulio Nicola Bressan, Paola Magro Cardoso, Juliane Reckziegel, Roselei Fachinetto
Summary: This study investigated the role of monoamines (dopamine and serotonin) in the response to thermal nociceptive stimuli in Drosophila melanogaster. The results showed that monoamines play an important role in the thermal tolerance and avoidance of noxious heat in flies. Inhibitors of dopamine and serotonin receptors decreased heat tolerance and avoidance behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. These findings suggest that monoamines, particularly serotonin, are associated with the impaired avoidance of noxious heat and reduction of heat tolerance in flies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leila Karimi-Zandi, Maryam Zahmatkesh, Gholamreza Hassanzadeh, Soheila Hosseinzadeh
Summary: This study found an increase in fractalkine-positive microvesicles in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jagadeesh Dhamodharan, Ganthimathy Sekhar, Arunachalam Muthuraman
Summary: This study aimed to explore the ameliorative potential of gefitinib (GE) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. The results showed that GE significantly improved AD-associated behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological changes by inhibiting EGFR kinase activation and having antioxidant and antilipid peroxidative effects against A beta(1-42) oligomer-induced neurotoxicity.
Article
Neurosciences
Lisa Wintzell, Samuel Klemetz, Stefan Lange, Eric Hanse, Caroline Wass, Joakim Strandberg
Summary: The endogenous peptide antisecretory factor (AF) enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory by disinhibiting GABAergic transmission in the rat hippocampus.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Amanda Dyer, Maxine De Butte
Summary: This study aimed to examine the effects of chronic low-dose vanadium administration on the behavior of young male rats. The findings suggest that vanadium does not significantly affect exploration, locomotion, or anxiety-like behavior in rats, but does affect novel object recognition performance. Additionally, vanadium administration led to lower latency times in the Morris Water maze task.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Kovalska, Eva Baranovicova, Dagmar Kalenska, Anna Tomascova, Marian Adamkov, Libusa Kovalska, Jan Lehotsky
Summary: This study induced mild hyperhomocysteinemia in adult male Wistar rats using a diet enriched with L-methionine, leading to alterations in plasma metabolome, behavioral patterns, and histomorphological changes in the vulnerable hippocampal CA 1 area. The results suggest that mild hyperhomocysteinemia can have negative effects on nervous tissue, likely due to the changes induced by high methionine intake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael T. Williams, Chiho Sugimoto, Samantha L. Regan, Emily M. Pitzer, Adam L. Fritz, Mathieu Sertorio, Anthony E. Mascia, Ralph E. Vatner, John P. Perentesis, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: Recent studies suggest that ultra-high dose rates of proton radiation confer less toxicity to exposed healthy tissue and reduce cognitive decline compared with conventional radiation dose rates. However, further preclinical data are required to demonstrate this sparing effect.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
C. Leonardo Jimenez Chavez, Eliyana Van Doren, Gavin Scheldrup, Emely Rivera, Jose Torres-Gonzalez, Jessica N. Herbert, Christopher J. E. Denning, Sarah Khorsandi, Andrew Garcia, Marian Castro, Karen K. Szumlinski
Summary: This study found that excessive alcohol consumption has a negative impact on emotional regulation and cognition, with females being more susceptible to these effects. By conducting experiments on male and female mice, it was found that long-term binge drinking has an impact on negative affect and cognitive abilities. The findings have potential significance in understanding individual differences in the onset and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Pochkhidze Nino, Zhvania Mzia, Japaridze Nadezhda, Tizabi Yousef, Lobzhanidze Giorgi, Lordkipanidze Tamar
Summary: Addiction to toluene-containing volatile inhalants is a significant concern, especially among youth. The lasting effects of chronic toluene exposure in different age groups have not been well studied. This study found that adolescent and adult rats showed differential responses to chronic toluene exposure, indicating the importance of considering age-dependent effects in interventions.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aria W. Tarudji, Connor C. Gee, Sarah M. Romereim, Anthony J. Convertine, Forrest M. Kievit
Summary: Utilizing antioxidant nanoparticles NP1, this study demonstrates a potential treatment strategy to reduce secondary spread of traumatic brain injury. The NP1 treatment protected mice from learning and memory deficits induced by injury, likely through reduction of oxidative stress and spread of neuroinflammation. These findings suggest that NP1-mediated reduction in post-traumatic oxidative stress correlates with protection of spatial memory and learning, offering an improved therapeutic approach for TBI.
Article
Neurosciences
Samantha L. Regan, Chiho Sugimoto, Adam L. Fritz, Charles V. Vorhees, Michael T. Williams
Summary: The study shows that PRM and DLM have different effects on ASR and TSR, with different outcomes depending on the timing and type of prepulse used.
NEUROTOXICITY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Jenna L. N. Sprowles, Charles V. Vorhees, Michael T. Williams
Summary: This study compared the effects of barren cage rearing and maternal separation on preweaning rat behavior. Barren cage rearing reduced the time-in-open in the EZM test, while isolation rearing decreased open-field activity in male rats and increased it in female rats. The combined stressors had long-term effects with some evidence that effects were seen when both stressors were present, but no synergistic effects were observed.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Samantha L. Regan, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: LPHN3, a G-protein-coupled receptor in the adhesion subfamily, regulates synaptic function in brain regions associated with locomotor activity, attention, and memory, with variants linked to increased risk of ADHD. Research suggests that LPHN3 plays a significant role in neuroplasticity.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
C. V. Vorhees, R. E. Vatner, M. T. Williams
Summary: Ionising radiation can lead to secondary tumors and cognitive deficits, especially in children. Proton therapy and ultra-high dose rate radiation (FLASH effect) show promising results in tumor control with less damage to surrounding tissues, but more comprehensive evaluation of outcomes is needed, especially in the context of proton exposure.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Helen J. K. Sable, Deranda B. Lester, Joshua L. Potter, Hunter G. Nolen, Destinee M. Cruthird, Lauren M. Estes, Alyssa D. Johnson, Samantha L. Regan, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: The study explored the impact of Lphn3 deletion on behavioral control associated with ADHD and externalizing behaviors in rats. Results showed deficits in impulsive action and working memory in Lphn3(-/-) rats compared to control rats, suggesting a role for Lphn3 in modulating inhibitory control and working memory. Further research on the role of Lphn3 in externalizing disorders is warranted.
GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Emily M. Pitzer, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: Deltamethrin (DLM), a Type II pyrethroid pesticide, is widely used in various sectors. Epidemiological studies show that increased pyrethroid exposure during development is linked to neurobehavioral disorders, but further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Charles V. Vorhees, Michael T. Williams
Summary: Developmental neurotoxicity studies could benefit from revisions in study design, data analysis, and behavioral test methods to enhance reproducibility. Some behavioral tests have limitations in detecting the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL), which affects the overall effectiveness of the studies.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Tori L. Schaefer, Amy A. Ashworth, Durgesh Tiwari, Madison P. Tomasek, Emma V. Parkins, Angela R. White, Andrew Snider, Matthew H. Davenport, Lindsay M. Grainger, Robert A. Becker, Chandler K. Robinson, Rishav Mukherjee, Michael T. Williams, Jay R. Gibson, Kimberly M. Huber, Christina Gross, Craig A. Erickson
Summary: Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, resulting from the loss of Fragile X Protein. While modulation of the GABAergic system has been suggested as a treatment strategy, clinical trials using broad spectrum GABA receptor-specific agonists have not shown broad improvements in FXS phenotypes. The experimental drug BAER-101, a selective GABA(A) alpha 2/alpha 3 agonist, has shown promising results in reducing hyperexcitability in cortical circuits and improving certain phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Samantha L. Regan, Emily M. Pitzer, Jillian R. Hufgard, Chiho Sugimoto, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: Research suggests that LPHN3 has a selective impact on egocentric and allocentric learning and memory, while having no effects on conditioned freezing or recognition memory.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Samantha L. Regan, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: This study reviews the impact of genetic and environmental factors on the development of ADHD. Although there is no perfect rodent model, several models show promise. The genetic models mainly include rats and mice, while environmental factors include alcohol, nicotine, and pollutants. Future research should combine multiple gene knockouts and environmental factors to better understand the pathogenesis of ADHD.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Sandra P. Zoubovsky, Michael T. Williams, Sarah Hoseus, Shivani Tumukuntala, Amy Riesenberg, Jay Schulkin, Charles V. Vorhees, Kenneth Campbell, Hee-Woong Lim, Louis J. Muglia
Summary: Prenatal stress in mice leads to anxiety-like behavior and increased activity of the HPA axis. Evidence of fetal amygdala programming precedes these abnormalities. In adult offspring, there are sex-specific amygdalar transcriptional changes and dysfunction in neurotransmitter systems. These abnormalities are primarily driven by in-utero stress exposure, but postnatal maternal care changes can reverse anxiety-related behaviors and partially rescue gene alterations associated with neurotransmission.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Samantha L. Regan, Chiho Sugimoto, Hannah E. Dawson, Michael T. Williams, Charles V. Vorhees
Summary: In this study, the researchers generated a knockout rat model for the Lphn3 gene and found that Lphn3 plays a critical role in brain function and behavior. The gene dosage effect observed in heterozygous rats suggests that Lphn3 exhibits dominant expression in regions where it is most abundantly expressed, influencing related behaviors.
GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Brian A. Upton, Gowri Nayak, Ivy Schweinzger, Shane P. D'Souza, Charles V. Vorhees, Michael T. Williams, Brian R. Earl, Richard A. Lang
Summary: Opn3 is the first nonvisual opsin gene discovered in mammals and it is expressed in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. The behavioral consequences of Opn3 deficiency were investigated and it was found that Opn3-deficient mice perform similarly to wild-type mice in most behavioral tests, but have an attenuated acoustic startle reflex.