The development and optimisation of an HPLC-based in vitro serum stability assay for a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist peptide.

Evaluation of the stability of peptide drug candidates in biological fluids, such as blood serum, is of high importance during the lead optimisation phase. Here, we describe the optimisation and validation of a method for the evaluation of the stability of a lead calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist peptide (P006) in blood serum. After initially determining appropriate peptide and human serum concentrations and selection of the quenching reagent, the HPLC method optimisation used two experimental designs, Plackett-Burman design and Taguchi design. The analytical method was validated as complying with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines. The optimised method allowed the successful resolution of the parent peptide from its metabolites using RP-HPLC and identification of the major metabolites of P006 by mass spectrometry. This paradigm may be widely adopted as a robust early-stage platform for screening peptide stability to rule out candidates with low in vitro stability, which would likely translate into poor in vivo pharmacokinetics.

Novel peptide calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists for migraine therapy.

OBJECTIVES: It has previously been shown that the peptide (34Pro,35Phe)CGRP27-37 is a potent calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP receptor antagonist, and in this project we aimed to improve the antagonist potency through the structural modification of truncated C-terminal CGRP peptides. METHODS: Six peptide analogues were synthesized and the anti-CGRP activity confirmed using both in vitro and in vivo studies. KEY FINDINGS: A 10 amino acid-containing peptide VPTDVGPFAF-NH2 (P006) was identified as a key candidate to take forward for in vivo evaluation, where it was shown to be an effective antagonist after intraperitoneal injection into mice. P006 was formulated as a preparation suitable for nasal administration by spray drying with chitosan to form mucoadhesive microcarriers (9.55 ± 0.91 mm diameter) and a loading of 0.2 mg peptide per 20 mg dose. CONCLUSIONS: The project has demonstrated the potential of these novel small peptide CGRP antagonists, to undergo future preclinical evaluation as anti-migraine therapeutics.

Development of a novel cell-based, In-Cell Western/ERK assay system for the high-throughput screening of agonists acting on the delta-opioid receptor.

Background: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are important signaling mediators in mammalian cells and, as a result, one of the major areas of research focus. The detection and quantification of ERK phosphorylation as an index of activation is normally conducted using immunoblotting, which does not allow high-throughput drug screening. Plate-based immunocytochemical assays provide a cheaper and relatively high-throughput alternative method for quantifying ERK phosphorylation. Here, we present optimization steps aimed to increase assay sensitivity and reduce variance and cost using the LI-COR In-Cell Western (I-CW) system in a recombinant CHO-K1 cell line, over-expressing the human delta-opioid receptor (hDOPr) as a model. Methods: Cells cultured in 96-well microassay plates were stimulated with three standard/selective DOPr agonists (SNC80, ADL5859, and DADLE) and a novel selective DOPr agonist (PN6047) to elicit a phospho-ERK response as an index of activation. A number of experimental conditions were investigated during the assay development. Key results: Preliminary experiments revealed a clearly visible edge-effect which significantly increased assay variance across the plate and which was reduced by pre-incubation for 30 min at room temperature. ERK phosphorylation was detectable as early as 1 min after agonist addition, with a distinct peak at 3-5 min. Optimization of the cell seeding densities showed that 25,000 cells per well have the lowest basal phospho-ERK response and an optimal agonist ERK1/2 signal. Pre-incubation with apyrase (an ATPase) did not reduce the basal or agonist responses. All agonists produced concentration-dependent increases in phospho-ERK activation, and pertussis toxin was able to attenuate these ERK responses. Naltrindole, which is a selective DOPr antagonist, was able to antagonize the DOPr-mediated ERK activation of the ligands. Conclusion: We have developed an optimization protocol and highlighted a number of considerations when performing this high-throughput fluorescence immunocytochemical (ICC) assay measuring ERK phosphorylation in the human DOPr. The optimized protocol was found to be a more conducive option for the screening of delta agonists. This provides a basis for additional assay development to investigate opioid pharmacology. This protocol should be widely applicable for measuring ERK phosphorylation in any cell line and investigating other protein targets in GPCR drug discovery.

Planning experiments: Updated guidance on experimental design and analysis and their reporting III.

Scientists who plan to publish in British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP) must read this article before undertaking a study. This editorial provides guidance for the design of experiments. We have published previously two guidance documents on experimental design and analysis (Curtis et al., 2015; Curtis et al., 2018). This update clarifies and simplifies the requirements on design and analysis for BJP manuscripts. This editorial also details updated requirements following an audit and discussion on best practice by the BJP editorial board. Explanations for the requirements are provided in the previous articles. Here, we address new issues that have arisen in the course of handling manuscripts and emphasise three aspects of design that continue to present the greatest challenge to authors: randomisation, blinded analysis and balance of group sizes.

A pilot of the feasibility and usefulness of an aged obese model for use in stroke research.

Background: Animal models of stroke have been criticised as having poor predictive validity, lacking risk factors prevalent in an aging population. This pilot study examined the development of comorbidities in a combined aged and high-fat diet model, and then examined the feasibility of modelling stroke in such rats. Methods: Twelve-month old male Wistar-Han rats (n=15) were fed a 60% fat diet for 8 months during which monthly serial blood samples were taken to assess the development of metabolic syndrome and pro-inflammatory markers. Following this, to pilot the suitability of these rats for undergoing surgical models of stroke, they underwent 30min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) alongside younger controls fed a standard diet (n=10). Survival, weight and functional outcome were monitored, and blood vessels and tissues collected for analysis. Results: A high fat diet in aged rats led to substantial obesity. These rats did not develop type 2 diabetes or hypertension. There was thickening of the thoracic arterial wall and vacuole formation in the liver; but of the cytokines examined changes were not seen. MCAO surgery and behavioural assessment was possible in this model (with some caveats discussed in manuscript). Conclusions: This study shows MCAO is possible in aged, obese rats. However, this model is not ideal for recapitulating the complex comorbidities commonly seen in stroke patients.

A CGRP receptor antagonist peptide formulated for nasal administration to treat migraine.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the formulation of the peptide-based antagonist (34 Pro,35 Phe)CGRP27-37 , of the human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor as a potential nasally delivered migraine treatment. METHODS: Peptide sequences were prepared using automated methods and purified by preparative HPLC. Their structure and stability were determined by LC-MS. Antagonist potency was assessed by measuring CGRP-stimulated cAMP accumulation in SK-N-MC, cells and in CHO cells overexpressing the human CGRP receptor. In vivo activity was tested in plasma protein extravasation (PPE) studies using Evans blue dye accumulation. Peptide-containing chitosan microparticles were prepared by spray drying. KEY FINDINGS: (34 Pro,35 Phe)CGRP27-37 exhibited a 10-fold increased affinity compared to αCGRP27-37 . Administration of (34 Pro,35 Phe)CGRP27-37 to mice led to a significant decrease in CGRP-induced PPE confirming antagonistic properties in vivo. There was no degradation of (34 Pro,35 Phe)CGRP27-37 and no loss of antagonist potency during formulation and release from chitosan microparticles. CONCLUSIONS: (34 Pro,35 Phe)CGRP27-37 is a potent CGRP receptor antagonist both in vitro and in vivo, and it can be formulated as a dry powder with no loss of activity indicating its potential as a nasally formulated anti-migraine medicine.

Sex-specific hippocampal metabolic signatures at the onset of systemic inflammation with lipopolysaccharide in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Systemic inflammation enhances the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent pro-inflammatory endotoxin produced by the gut, is found in excess levels in AD where it associates with neurological hallmarks of pathology. Sex differences in susceptibility to inflammation and AD progression have been reported, but how this impacts on LPS responses remains under investigated. We previously reported in an APP/PS1 model of AD that systemic LPS administration rapidly altered hippocampal metabolism in males. Here, we used untargeted metabolomics to comprehensively identify hippocampal metabolic processes occurring at onset of systemic inflammation with LPS (100 µg/kg, i.v.) in APP/PS1 mice, at an early pathological stage, and investigated the sexual dimorphism in this response. Four hours after LPS administration, pathways regulating energy metabolism, immune and oxidative stress responses were simultaneously recruited in the hippocampi of 4.5-month-old mice with a more protective response in females despite their pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant metabolic signature in the absence of immune stimulation. LPS induced comparable behavioural sickness responses in male and female wild-type and APP/PS1 mice and comparable activation of both the serotonin and nicotinamide pathways of tryptophan metabolism in their hippocampi. Elevations in N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, a major toxic metabolite of nicotinamide, correlated with behavioural sickness regardless of sex, as well as with the LPS-induced hypothermia seen in males. Males also exhibited a pro-inflammatory-like downregulation of pyruvate metabolism, exacerbated in APP/PS1 males, and methionine metabolism whereas females showed a greater cytokine response and anti-inflammatory-like downregulation of hippocampal methylglyoxal and methionine metabolism. Metabolic changes were not associated with morphological markers of immune cell activation suggesting that they constitute an early event in the development of LPS-induced neuroinflammation and AD exacerbation. These data suggest that the female hippocampus is more tolerant to acute systemic inflammation.

Generation and phenotypic characterisation of a cytochrome P450 4x1 knockout mouse.

Cytochrome P450 4x1 (Cyp4x1) is expressed at very high levels in the brain but the function of this protein is unknown. It has been hypothesised to regulate metabolism of fatty acids and to affect the activity of endocannabinoid signalling systems, which are known to influence appetite and energy metabolism. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the impact of Cyp4x1 on body weight and energy metabolism by developing a line of transgenic Cyp4x1-knock out mice. Mice were developed with a global knock-out of the gene; the full-length RNA was undetectable, and mice were viable and fertile. Both male and female Cyp4x1-knock out mice gained significantly more body weight on normal lab chow diet compared to control flox mice on the same genetic background. At necropsy, Cyp4x1-knock out male mice had significantly greater intra-abdominal fat deposits (P<0.01), and enlarged adipocytes. Metabolic rate and locomotor activity as inferred from VO2 measures and crossing of infrared beams in metabolic cages were not significantly affected by the mutation in either gender. The respiratory exchange ratio was significantly decreased in male knock out mice (P<0.05), suggesting a greater degree of fat oxidation, consistent with their higher adiposity. When mice were maintained on a high fat diet, VO2 was significantly decreased in both male and female Cyp4x1-knock out mice. We conclude that the Cyp4x1-knock out mouse strain demonstrates a mildly obese phenotype, consistent with the view that cytochrome P450 4x1 plays a role in regulating fat metabolism.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol reverses TNFα-induced increase in airway epithelial cell permeability through CB2 receptors.

Despite pharmacological treatment, bronchial hyperresponsiveness continues to deteriorate as airway remodelling persists in airway inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reverses bronchoconstriction with an anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of THC on bronchial epithelial cell permeability after exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα. Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells were cultured at air-liquid interface. Changes in epithelial permeability were measured using Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER), then confirmed with a paracellular permeability assay and expression of tight junction proteins by Western blotting. Treatment with THC prevented the TNFα-induced decrease in TEER and increase in paracellular permeability. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor-like immunoreactivity was found in Calu-3 cells. Subsequent experiments revealed that pharmacological blockade of CB2, but not CB1 receptor inhibited the THC effect. Selective stimulation of CB2 receptors displayed a similar effect to that of THC. TNFα decreased expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, which was prevented by pre-incubation with THC. These data indicate that THC prevents cytokine-induced increase in airway epithelial permeability through CB2 receptor activation. This highlights that THC, or other cannabinoid receptor ligands, could be beneficial in the prevention of inflammation-induced changes in airway epithelial cell permeability, an important feature of airways diseases.

Anti-nociceptive and desensitizing effects of olvanil on capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Olvanil (NE 19550) is a non-pungent synthetic analogue of capsaicin, the natural pungent ingredient of capsicum which activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel and was developed as a potential analgesic compound. Olvanil has potent anti-hyperalgesic effects in several experimental models of chronic pain. Here we report the inhibitory effects of olvanil on nociceptive processing using cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and compare the effects of capsaicin and olvanil on thermal nociceptive processing in vivo; potential contributions of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor to olvanil's anti-hyperalgesic effects were also investigated. METHODS: A hot plate analgesia meter was used to evaluate the anti-nociceptive effects of olvanil on capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia and the role played by CB1 receptors in mediating these effects. Single cell calcium imaging studies of DRG neurons were employed to determine the desensitizing effects of olvanil on capsaicin-evoked calcium responses. Statistical analysis used Student's t test or one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's post-hoc test as appropriate. RESULTS: Both olvanil (100 nM) and capsaicin (100 nM) produced significant increases in intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca(2+)]i in cultured DRG neurons. Olvanil was able to desensitise TRPV1 responses to further capsaicin exposure more effectively than capsaicin. Intraplantar injection of capsaicin (0.1, 0.3 and 1 µg) produced a robust TRPV1-dependant thermal hyperalgesia in rats, whilst olvanil (0.1, 0.3 and 1 µg) produced no hyperalgesia, emphasizing its lack of pungency. The highest dose of olvanil significantly reduced the hyperalgesic effects of capsaicin in vivo. Intraplantar injection of the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (1 µg) altered neither capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia nor the desensitizing properties of olvanil, indicating a lack of involvement of CB1 receptors. CONCLUSIONS: Olvanil is effective in reducing capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia, probably via directly desensitizing TRPV1 channels in a CB1 receptor-independent fashion. The results presented clearly support the potential for olvanil in the development of new topical analgesic preparations for treating chronic pain conditions while avoiding the unwanted side effects of capsaicin treatments.

Corticosterone and dopamine D2/D3 receptors mediate the motivation for voluntary wheel running in C57BL/6J mice.

Physical exercise can improve cognition but whether this is related to motivation levels is unknown. Voluntary wheel running is a rewarding activity proposed as a model of motivation to exercise. To question the potential effects of exercise motivation on subsequent behaviour, we used a pharmacological approach targeting some reward mechanisms. The stress hormone corticosterone has rewarding effects mediated by activation of low affinity glucocorticoid receptors (GR). To investigate whether corticosterone synthesis motivates exercise via activation of GRs and subsequently, impacts on behaviour, we treated C57BL/6J mice acutely with the inhibitor of corticosterone synthesis metyrapone (35mg/kg) or repeatedly with the GR antagonist mifepristone (30mg/kg) prior to 1-h running wheel sessions. To investigate whether reducing motivation to exercise impacts on behaviour, we antagonised running-induced dopamine D2/D3 receptors activation with sulpiride (25 or 50mg/kg) and assessed locomotor, anxiety-related and memory performance after 20 running sessions over 4 weeks. We found that corticosterone synthesis contributes to running levels, but the maintenance of running behaviour was not mediated by activation of GRs. Intermittent exercise was not associated with changes in behavioural or cognitive performance. The persistent reduction in exercise levels triggered by sulpiride also had limited impact on behavioural performance, although the level of performance for some behaviours was related to the level of exercise. Altogether, these findings indicate that corticosterone and dopamine D2/D3 receptor activation contribute to the motivation for wheel running, but suggest that motivation for exercise is not a sufficient factor to alter behaviour in healthy mice.

A potential role for cannabinoid receptors in the therapeutic action of fenofibrate.

Cannabinoids are reported to have actions through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which led us to investigate PPAR agonists for activity at the cannabinoid receptors. Radio-ligand binding and functional assays were conducted using human recombinant cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) or cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, as well as the guinea pig isolated ileum, using the full agonist CP55940 as a positive control. The PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate exhibited submicromolar affinity for both receptors (pKi CB1, 6.3 ± 0.1; CB2, 7.7 ± 0.1). Functionally, fenofibrate acted as an agonist at the CB2 receptor (pEC50, 7.7 ± 0.1) and a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor, although with a decrease in functional response at higher concentrations, producing bell-shaped concentration-response curves. High concentrations of fenofibrate were able to increase the dissociation rate constant for [(3)H]-CP55940 at the CB1 receptor, (kfast without: 1.2 ± 0.2/min; with: 3.8 ± 0.1 × 10(-2)/min) and decrease the maximal response to CP55940 (Rmax, 86 ± 2%), which is consistent with a negative allosteric modulator. Fenofibrate also reduced electrically induced contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum via CB1 receptors (pEC50, 6.0 ± 0.4). Fenofibrate is thus identified as an example of a new class of cannabinoid receptor ligand and allosteric modulator, with the potential to interact therapeutically with cannabinoid receptors in addition to its primary PPAR target.

Evaluating the translational potential of progesterone treatment following transient cerebral ischaemia in male mice.

BACKGROUND: Progesterone is neuroprotective in numerous preclinical CNS injury models including cerebral ischaemia. The aim of this study was two-fold; firstly, we aimed to determine whether progesterone delivery via osmotic mini-pump would confer neuroprotective effects and whether such neuroprotection could be produced in co-morbid animals. RESULTS: Animals underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. At the onset of reperfusion, mice were injected intraperitoneally with progesterone (8 mg/kg in dimethylsulfoxide). Adult and aged C57 Bl/6 mice were dosed additionally with subcutaneous infusion (1.0 µl/h of a 50 mg/ml progesterone solution) via implanted osmotic minipumps. Mice were allowed to survive for up to 7 days post-ischaemia and assessed for general well-being (mass loss and survival), neurological score, foot fault and t-maze performance. Progesterone reduced neurological deficit [F(1,2) = 5.38, P = 0.027] and number of contralateral foot-faults [F(1,2) = 7.36, P = 0.0108] in adult, but not aged animals, following ischaemia. In hypertensive animals, progesterone treatment lowered neurological deficit [F(1,6) = 18.31, P = 0.0001], reduced contralateral/ipsilateral alternation ratio % [F(1,2) = 17.05, P = 0.0006] and time taken to complete trials [F(1,2) = 15.92, P = 0.0009] for t-maze. CONCLUSION: Post-ischemic progesterone administration via mini-pump delivery is effective in conferring functional improvement in a transient MCAO model in adult mice. Preliminary data suggests such a treatment regimen was not effective in producing a protective effect in aged mice. However, in hypertensive mice, who received post-ischemic progesterone intraperitoneally at the onset of reperfusion had better functional outcomes than control hypertensive mice.

Simultaneous tissue profiling of eicosanoid and endocannabinoid lipid families in a rat model of osteoarthritis.

We describe a novel LC method for the simultaneous and quantitative profiling of 43 oxylipins including eicosanoids, endocannabinoids, and structurally related bioactive lipids with modified acyl groups. The LC-MS/MS method uses switching at a defined time between negative and positive electrospray ionization modes to achieve optimal detection sensitivity for all the lipids. The validated method is linear over a range of 0.01-5 nmol/g (0.1-50 nmol/g for 2-arachidonoyl glycerol) with intra- and interday precision and accuracy between 1.38 and 26.76% and 85.22 and 114.3%, respectively. The method successfully quantified bioactive lipids in different tissue types in the rat, including spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), knee joint, brain, and plasma. Distinct regional differences in the pattern of lipid measured between tissue types were observed using principle component analysis. The method was applied to analyze tissue samples from an established preclinical rat model of osteoarthritis (OA) pain and showed that levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were significantly increased in the OA rat knee joint compared with controls, and that 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was significantly increased in the DRGs in the model of OA compared with controls. The developed LC-MS/MS method has the potential to provide detailed pathway profiling in tissues and biofluids where the disruption of bioactive oxylipins may be involved in disease states.

Reductions in endocannabinoid levels and enhanced coupling of cannabinoid receptors in the striatum are accompanied by cognitive impairments in the AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alterations in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are thought to play a role in learning and memory impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to determine the status of the brain ECS in the AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 model of AD. The ECS comprises the neuromodulatory lipid endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG), which interact with the G protein-coupled type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors. Using mass spectrometry, we quantified endocannabinoid levels and assessed lipidomic profiles of the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of 4-8 month old wildtype and AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice to determine whether regional variations in endocannabinoids and lipid metabolism are observed with age and disease progression. Additionally, open-field activity, performance in the contextual fear conditioning task, and various other tasks assessing spatial and recognition memory were examined to determine the influence of age and pathology on these parameters. At all ages, AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice were significantly hyperactive in the open-field and acquired contextual fear as well as wildtype mice, reflecting intact associative learning. They, however, exhibited enhanced contextual fear memory and reduced contextual fear extinction regardless of age. Disturbances in striatal lipid metabolism were observed in 6 and 8 month old AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice. Endocannabinoids increased significantly with age in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of both genotypes. 8 month old AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice displayed significantly lower levels of striatal 2AG than wildtype mice, but greater cannabinoid receptor/effector coupling. This study shows that alterations in lipid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling develop with age in AßPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice, possibly contributing to the development of AD-like behavioral deficits.

Cannabidiol enhances microglial phagocytosis via transient receptor potential (TRP) channel activation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Microglial cells are important mediators of the immune response in the CNS. The phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to have central anti-inflammatory properties, and the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of CBD and other phytocannabinoids on microglial phagocytosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Phagocytosis was assessed by measuring ingestion of fluorescently labelled latex beads by cultured microglial cells. Drug effects were probed using single-cell Ca²âº imaging and expression of mediator proteins by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. KEY RESULTS: CBD (10 µM) enhanced bead phagocytosis to 175 ± 7% control. Other phytocannabinoids, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids were without effect. The enhancement was dependent upon Ca²âº influx and was abolished in the presence of EGTA, the Ca²âº channel inhibitor SKF96365, the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel blocker ruthenium red, and the TRPV1 antagonists capsazepine and AMG9810. CBD produced a sustained increase in intracellular Ca²âº concentration in BV-2 microglia and this was abolished by ruthenium red. CBD rapidly increased the expression of TRPV2 and TRPV1 proteins and caused a translocation of TRPV2 to the cell membrane. Wortmannin blocked CBD enhancement of BV-2 cell phagocytosis, suggesting that it is mediated by PI3K signalling downstream of the Ca²âº influx. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The TRPV-dependent phagocytosis-enhancing effect of CBD suggests that pharmacological modification of TRPV channel activity could be a rational approach to treating neuroinflammatory disorders involving changes in microglial function and that CBD is a potential starting point for future development of novel therapeutics acting on the TRPV receptor family.

Lentiviral delivery of a vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1)-targeting short hairpin RNA vector into the mouse hippocampus impairs cognition.

Glutamate is the principle excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, and dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission is implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric and neurological diseases. This study utilized novel lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vectors to target expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) following injection into the dorsal hippocampus of adult mice, as partial reductions in VGLUT1 expression should attenuate glutamatergic signaling and similar reductions have been reported in schizophrenia. The VGLUT1-targeting vector attenuated tonic glutamate release in the dorsal hippocampus without affecting GABA, and selectively impaired novel object discrimination (NOD) and retention (but not acquisition) in the Morris water maze, without influencing contextual fear-motivated learning or causing any adverse locomotor or central immune effects. This pattern of cognitive impairment is consistent with the accumulating evidence for functional differentiation along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus, and supports the involvement of dorsal hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmission in both spatial and nonspatial memory. Future use of this nonpharmacological VGLUT1 knockdown mouse model could improve our understanding of glutamatergic neurobiology and aid assessment of novel therapies for cognitive deficits such as those seen in schizophrenia.

Corticosterone protects against memory impairments and reduced hippocampal BDNF levels induced by a chronic low dose of ethanol in C57BL/6J mice.

Acute low doses of ethanol can produce reversible memory deficits, but it is unknown whether they persist upon chronic use. We investigated whether the chronic intake of a low dose of ethanol induces memory impairments in the ethanol-preferring C57BL/6J mouse strain. Because stress precipitates alcohol abuse and the stress hormone corticosterone contributes to memory processes, ethanol consumption and toxic effects, we also determined the impact of co-treatment with corticosterone on these effects. BDNF contributes to memory function and toxic effects of ethanol, therefore its levels were quantified in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Ethanol (1% in drinking water) and corticosterone (250 µg/mL) were administered using the two-bottle choice test to monitor their appetitive properties. Spatial and non-spatial memory performance was assessed using the spontaneous alternation, object recognition and object location tests. The chronic exposure to a low dose of ethanol caused spatial and non-spatial memory deficits after withdrawal associated with a reduction in hippocampal BDNF levels, which were prevented by co-treatment with corticosterone (~21 mg/kg/day). The protective effect of corticosterone on memory was no longer observed at higher doses (~41 mg/kg/day), but persisted for hippocampal BDNF levels. C57BL/6J mice did not develop an appetence for 1% ethanol, but the addition of corticosterone increased voluntary consumption of and preference for the ethanol+corticosterone solutions. Although acute low doses of corticosterone (1 mg/kg) were found to rescue established memory impairments, this is the first report of a protective effect of chronic doses of corticosterone in the range of 20-32 mg/kg, and particularly against memory deficits induced by alcohol.