Temporal perception in closed-skill sports: An experimental study on expert swimmers and runners.

The cognitive benefits of closed-skill sports practice have so far been scantily investigated. Here, we thus focused on the potential impact of swimming and running - two sports that highly rely on a precise control of timing - on time processing. To investigate the impact of these closed-skill sports on time perception and estimation, three groups of participants (for a total of eighty-four young adults) took part in the present study: expert swimmers, expert runners, and non-athletes. The ability to process temporal information in the milliseconds and seconds range was assessed through a time reproduction and a finger-tapping tasks, while a motor imagery paradigm was adopted to assess temporal estimation of sport performance in a wider interval range. We also employed the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire to assess the individual's ability of motor imagery. Results showed that closed-skill sports, specifically time-related disciplines, enhance motor imagery and time perception abilities. Swimmers were more accurate and consistent in perceiving time when compared to runners, probably thanks to the sensory muffled environment that leads these athletes to be more focused on the perception of their internal rhythm.

Antidepressant Potential of a Functionalized 3-Selanyl Benzo[b]Furan Compound in Mice: Focus on the Serotonergic System.

The present study investigated the antidepressant-like potential of a functionalized 3-selanyl benzo[b]furan (SeBZF) in male Swiss mice. To evaluate possible antidepressant-like actions, the compounds SeBZF1-5 (50 mg/kg, intragastric, i.g., route) were acutely screened in the tail suspension tests (TSTs). The compound 3-((4-methoxyphenyl)selanyl)-2-phenylbenzofuran (SeBZF3) was then selected. Dose-response and time-response curves revealed that SeBFZ3 exerts antidepressant-like effects in the TST (5-50 mg/kg) and forced swimming test (FST; 50 mg/kg). Additional tests demonstrated that pretreatment with receptor antagonists WAY100635 (5-HT1A; 0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneous route), ketanserin (5-HT2A/C; 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.), or ondansetron (5-HT3; 1 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the SeBZF3 antidepressant-like effects (50 mg/kg) in the TST. In addition, the coadministration of subeffective doses of SeBZF3 (1 mg/kg, i.g.) and fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 5 mg/kg, i.p.) produced synergistic action. A high dose of SeBZF3 (300 mg/kg) did not produce oral acute toxicity. The present results provide evidence for the antidepressant-like action of SeBZF3 and its relative safety, as well as predict the possible interactions with the serotonergic system, aiding in the development of novel options to alleviate psychiatric disabilities.

Anxiolytic, antidepressant and inhibitory effect on MAO isoenzymes by Bougainvillea glabra flower extract in rats.

Main aim of current study was to determine the anxiolytic and antidepressant potential of Bougainvillea glabra Extract (BVE). The effects were investigated by using Open-Field-Test (OFT), Light-and-Dark Model (LD), Hole-Board (HB) and Forced-Swimming-Test (FST). Different doses for BVE were given to Wistar-Rats and compared with Control and Diazepam. Data has been collected by simple observations of animal behaviors in mentioned models. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS-22 version. In OFT (number of squares travelled), significant differences noted between Control and BV100mg/kg (p=0.001), Diazepam and BV100mg/kg (p=0.0001), Diazepam and BV200mg/kg (p=0.015), Diazepam and BV300 mg/kg (p=0.002). In LD-Test, significant differences were noted between Control and BV100mg/kg, BV200mg/kg and BV300mg/kg (p=0.0001), Diazepam and BV100mg/kg, 200mg/kg (p=0.0001), Diazepam and BV300mg/kg (p=0.028). In HB-Test by head dips, significant differences noted between control group and BV100mg/kg and 200mg/kg (p=0.0001), Control group and BV300mg/kg (p=0.005). For number of head dips, significant differences noted between Diazepam and BV100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg (p=0.0001). In FST, significant differences were observed between Control group and BV100mg/kg, BV200mg/kg and BV300mg/kg (p=0.0001), Fluoxetine and BV100mg/kg, BV200mg/kg and BV300mg/kg (p=0.0001). It is observed that MAO-A and MAO-B are inhibited by BVE. Study demonstrates that BV flowers have anxiolytic and antidepressant activities.

Pharmacological insights on the antidepressant, anxiolytic and aphrodisiac potentials of Aglaonema hookerianum Schott.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aglaonema hookerianum Schott is an ethnomedicinally important plant used to treat a variety of diseases, including sexual and depression-like disorders. However, the scientific basis underlying the aforesaid properties have not been well justified. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation aimed to investigate the anxiolytic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac potentials of methanol leaves extract of A. hookerianum (MEAH) in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS & METHODS: Swiss albino mice (20-30 g) were orally administrated with MEAH at the doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg/kg, b.w. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board test (HBT) were performed to determine the anxiolytic activity and the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were performed to determine the antidepressant activity of MEAH. Besides, the aphrodisiac activity of MEAH was conducted through the mounting behaviour and orientation behaviour analysis. Diazepam (1 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) for EPM and HBT; fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) for FST and TST, and sildenafil (5 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) for the mounting behaviour analysis and orientation behaviour analysis were used as reference drugs. RESULTS: The administration of the MEAH produced a strong (p < 0.001) dose-dependent anxiolytic effects in both HBT and EPM tests. Likewise, the extract revealed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the immobility time in both FST and TST as compared to the control group. Besides, the MEAH also found to possess marked aphrodisiac activity complying several facets such as an increase in the sexual performance at the highest dose (400 mg/kg, p.o.) as well as the orientation toward female mice (p < 0.001) at all tested doses. CONCLUSION: Taken together, MEAH can be recommended as a potent source of neuroprotective and a libido-boosting drug candidate for the management of neurological and sexual disorders.

Effects of Sesame Oil Aroma on Mice after Exposure to Water Immersion Stress: Analysis of Behavior and Gene Expression in the Brain.

(1) Background: Sesame has been popular as a healthy food since ancient times, and effects of the aroma component of roasted sesame are also expected. However, little research has been reported on its scent; (2) Methods: Jcl:ICR male mice were housed under water immersion stress for 24 h. Then, the scent of saline or sesame oil was inhaled to stress groups for 90 min. We investigated the effects of sesame oil aroma on the behavior and brains of mice; (3) Results: In an elevated plus maze test, the rate of entering to open arm and the staying time were decreased by the stress. These decrements were significantly enhanced by sesame oil aroma. Stress had a tendency to increase the serum corticosterone concentration, which was slightly decreased by the aroma. Expression of Kruppel-like factor-4 (Klf-4) and Dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (Dusp-1) in the striatum were increased by water immersion stress, and the level of Klf-4 and Dusp-1 in the striatum and hippocampus were significantly attenuated by sesame oil aroma (4) Conclusions: The present results strongly suggest that the odor component of sesame oil may have stress suppressing effects. Moreover, Klf-4 and Dusp-1 may be sensitive stress-responsive biomarkers.

Perceptions and use of recovery strategies: Do swimmers and coaches believe they are effective?

This study aimed to investigate swimmer's use and coach prescription of recovery strategies during training and competition while examining perceived challenges, barriers, and beliefs in the importance of their effectiveness. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was implemented. Thirty-seven male and 45 female sub-elite to elite swimmers (age 18 ± 3 y), and 4 male and 6 female coaches (age 40 ± 9 y) completed an online, 78-item recovery strategy survey. Swimmers and coaches responded to questions regarding when, why, and how they used recovery strategies, perceived challenges and barriers to strategy inclusion during training and competition. Data were coded and analysed thematically. Fisher's Exact Test was conducted on 5-point Likert scale responses. Most recovery strategies were used and prescribed more during competition. Swimmers reported active recovery as the most effective recovery strategy (44%), whereas coaches rated sleep or napping (40%). Swimmers and coaches perceived most recovery strategies to be more effective and important during competition than in training. Swimmers used, and coaches prescribed, recovery strategies more during the competition, highlighting the discrepancies in use between training and competition. Targeted education programmes should enhance athletes and coach's recovery knowledge and practical application of strategies, while accounting for individual sport and life demands.

A comparative neurobehavioral study of sesame oil and fish oil on experimental animals.

Natural oils are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are important for our health. Recent experimental data explained that PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on various brain functions such as anxiety, dementia, epileptic seizures, depression or bipolar and other neurobehavioral diseases. The objective of the current research work was to evaluate the effect of sesame oil, fish oil and mixture of both oils (1:1) on neurobehavioral changes and cognition. For this purpose shark fish oil and sesame oil were extracted out and there poly unsaturated and saturated fatty acids were analyzed by using GCFID that exposed the presence of different PUFs in shark fish oil, sesame oil and mixture of both oils. Neurobehavioral changes were seen after 5ml/kg/day sesame oil, 5ml/kg/day shark fish oil and 1:1 combination of both oil 5ml/kg/day administration on open field, cage crossing, light and dark, stationary rod, forced swimming induced depression test and water maze test. Our GCFID results showed sesame and fish oil enriched with higher amount of PUFs and showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant like effect after 30 days of treatment (P<0.05) however combination of these both oils exhibited greater efficacy (P<0.01) in reducing anxiety and depression as imipramine standard drug. Results showed that combination of both oils (sesame oil and fish oil) could be a better option to treat neurobehavioral problems as compared to alone.

Behavioral Evaluation of the Effects of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Suaeda vermiculata Forssk on Rats.

BACKGROUND: Suaeda vermiculata is one of the widely distributed halophytes in central Saudi Arabia. The plant is used as a remedy for liver diseases, jaundice, and inflammation. S. vermiculata is also used as camels' food by local shepherds. PURPOSE: The study aims to evaluate the behavioral antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of S. vermiculata aqueous and ethanol extracts. METHODS: Aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. vermiculata were prepared by the maceration technique. Standard forced swim test cylinder and light/dark chamber device were used to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of the extracts (200 mg/kg) in rats model, respectively. RESULTS: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. vermiculata showed remarkable antidepressant activity with significant increase in the swimming time and reduced immobility in the rats compared to imipramine treated animals (P<0.05). Ethanol extract increased the swimming time by 20% and decreased the immobility time by more than 60% compared to the control group of animals. In contrast, the extracts induced the anxiety behavior in experimental rats compared to vehicle- treated animals. The extracts significantly (P<0.001) reduced the time spent by rats in the light chamber by more than 50% and increased the time spent in dark chamber as compared with the control group and the group receiving diazepam. CONCLUSION: The medicinally important plant S. vermiculata induced anxiety behavior with antidepressant activity in rats. These effects from our point of view are similar to the effects of some common beverages containing caffeine such as coffee and tea.

Effects of neuromedin U-8 on stress responsiveness and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in male C57BL/6J mice.

Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide that has been implicated in the stress response. To better understand how it influences various aspects of the stress response, we studied the effects of intracerebroventricular NMU-8 administration on stress-related behavior and activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in male C57BL/6J mice. We investigated these NMU-8 effects when mice remained in their home cage and when they were challenged by exposure to forced swim stress. NMU-8 administration resulted in increased grooming behavior in mice that remained in their home cage and in a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). Surprisingly, NMU-8 administration significantly decreased plasma corticosterone concentrations. Furthermore, NMU-8 administration increased immobility in the forced swim test in both naïve mice and mice that were previously exposed to swim stress. The effect of NMU-8 on c-Fos immunoreactivity in the PVH was dependent on previous exposure to swim stress given that we observed no significant changes in mice exposed for the first time to swim stress. In contrast, in the ARC we observed a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity regardless of previous stress exposure. Interestingly, NMU-8 administration also significantly decreased plasma corticosterone concentrations in mice that were exposed to single forced swim stress, while this effect was no longer observed when mice were exposed to forced swim stress for a second time. Taken together, our data indicate that NMU-8 regulates stress responsiveness and suggests that its effects depend on previous stress exposure.

The combination of swimming and curcumin consumption may improve spatial memory recovery after binge ethanol drinking.

Helping the return of people with social disorders, including ethanol consumption, are important research topics in the field of biological sciences, and there are many uncertainties about the efficacy of drug interventions and exercise training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects short-term combination of curcumin and swimming on the improvement of spatial memory. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned into ethanol or dextrose groups. After 4 days of gavage, and withdrawn of consumption, they were affected by swimming intervention or curcumin supplementation within 2 weeks. Spatial memory was assessed in Morris Water Maze (MWM) apparatus by a single training session of eight trials. Furthermore, levels of BDNF were measured in hippocampal tissue by doing real time PCR. The results showed that binge ethanol drinking had no significant effect on the traveled distance [F(1,14) = 0.024; P > .05] and escape latency [F(1,14) = 0.648; P > .05] of reaching the platform. In the probe test, both the percentage of swimming time [t(14) = -4.621; P < .001] and distance [t(14) = -4.989; P < .001] in the target quadrant was significantly lower in the ethanol group than the dextrose group. On the other hand in reviewing the effect of curcumin and swimming exercise on learning and spatial memory, The percentage of swimming time was significantly higher in the swim+curcumin [P < .01], training [P < .05] and curcumin [P < .05] subgroups then the control subgroup. The percentage of distance traveled in the swim+curcumin subgroup [P < .001] and curcumin subgroup [P < .05] was significantly higher than the control subgroup. In addition, in the group of binge ethanol drinking, the percentage of swimming time and distance traveled in the target quadrant in the swim+curcumin subgroup was significantly higher than the control subgroup [P < .001]. There was a positive correlation between BDNF gene expression and the percentage of swimming time [P < .01] and the distance traveled in the target quadrant [P < .001] was observed. In conclusion, Binge ethanol drinking causes spatial memory deficiency by reduction of BDNF, and the combination of curcumin and swimming training improves impaired spatial memory after binge ethanol drinking.

Monoaminergic system is implicated in the antidepressant-like effect of hyperoside and protocatechuic acid isolated from Impatiens glandulifera Royle in mice.

We have recently demonstrated that the hydroethanolic extracts of Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) have antianxiety effect in mice. The present study was aimed to investigate an antidepressant activity of hyperoside (HYP) and protocatechuic acid (PCA), two polyphenols isolated from the aerial parts of this plant, using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. The implication of the monoaminergic system in this effect was assessed and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was measured. At doses 1.875, 3.75 and 7.5 mg/kg, HYP and PCA significantly reduced immobility in the FST and TST, without affecting locomotor activity of mice. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA 100 mg/kg, a serotonin synthesis inhibitor) or α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT 100 mg/kg, a catecholamine synthesis inhibitor) was able to prevent antidepressant-like effect of HYP and PCA (3.75 mg/kg). Sub-effective doses of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) or reboxetine (2 mg/kg) were capable of potentiating the effect of a sub-effective dose of HYP (0.94 mg/kg) in the FST. Co-administration of sub-effective dose of PCA (0.94 mg/kg) and reboxetine (2 mg/kg) resulted in reducing immobility in the FST. The antidepressant-like effect of HYP and PCA was also prevented by the administration of sulpiride (50 mg/kg), a D2 antagonist. In addition, HYP (3.75 and 7.5 mg/kg) and PCA (7.5 mg/kg) improved the expression of hippocampal BDNF of mice subjected to TST. Altogether, our findings suggest that HYP and PCA exert antidepressant-like effects in mice, which was possibly mediated by monoaminergic system and the upregulation of BDNF level.

Antidepressant-like effect and toxicological parameters of extract and withanolides isolated from aerial parts of Solanum capsicoides All. (Solanaceae).

The present work describes the evaluation of the antidepressant-like activity of the extract, fractions, and compounds obtained from the aerial parts of Solanum capsicoides. The methanolic extract (MESC) obtained by conventional maceration was partitioned with solvents of increasing polarities yielding the respective fractions of hexane (HE), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EA). The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were submitted to chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, leading to the isolation and identification of cilistadiol (1), astragalin (2), and cilistol A (3). In relation to the antidepressant activity, the extract was active against the forced swimming test (FST) at a concentration of 300 mg/kg an ED50 (deffective dose that reduces 50% of immobility time) of 120.3 (117.3-123.4) mg/kg. Similar values were observed when evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST). In addition, the results showed no influence on motor behavior when evaluated in the open field test (OFT). Based on the observed profile of the MESC, dichloromethane fraction presenting the best profile, in both FST and TST test. Likewise, the fraction also did not present motor impairment when evaluated by the OFT test. Considering that the dichloromethane fraction was more effective, the isolated compounds cilistadiol and cilistol A were evaluated in the same experimental models. In FST, both compounds had a significant antidepressant-like effect, with ED50 values of 0.22 (0.16-0.28) and 1.03 (0.89-1.18) µmol/kg, respectively. When evaluated in the TST, showed ED50 values of 0.30 (0.18-0.52) and 1.49 (1.27-1.73) µmol/kg, respectively. The isolated compounds also did not present significant differences in the motor behavior when evaluated on OFT test in comparison with the control group. No toxicological parameters were observed until the highest dose of MESC (2000 mg/kg), demonstrating safety in the use of this plant.

Individual variability in female and male mice in a test-retest protocol of the forced swim test.

BACKGROUND: The challenges to embody the complexity of symptoms and biological mechanism of affective disorders question the value of animal models as well as their reproducibility and validity. Validity is further hindered by large individual variability in many models. Whereas individual variability presents a challenge, it can also be used to study susceptibility and resistance. One of the frequently used models for screening antidepressants and interventions related to depression is the forced swim test (FST). The FST is typically performed only once. METHODS: The current study was designed with a number of objectives: (1) Examine the group effects of repeated FST (2) Examine the interaction between sex and repeated FST and (3) examine the consistency of individual variability across test and retest in the FST. We exposed ICR female and male mice to the FST 3 or 5 times with two days between exposures. Immobility time was analyzed across exposures at the group and the individual levels using repeated measures ANOVA as well as Pearson's correlations. RESULTS: As expected, repeated exposure to the FST resulted in increased immobility across exposures with no consistent effect of sex. At the level of individual mice, immobility time showed correlation across exposures. DISCUSSION: The current study demonstrates the effects of repeating the FST in both sexes with attention to individual variability. The results suggest that the FST can be used more than once and that mice show a consistent individual pattern of responding in the test.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis induces neuroinflammation and emotional alterations in euthyroid mice.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have reported an increased risk for mood disorders in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients even in the euthyroid state, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Neuroinflammation may play a key role in the etiology of mood disorders in humans and behavioral disturbances in rodents. Therefore, this study established a euthyroid HT model in mice and investigated whether HT itself was capable of triggering neuroinflammation accompanied by emotional alterations. METHODS: Experimental HT was induced by immunizing NOD mice with thyroglobulin and adjuvant twice. Four weeks after the last challenge, mice were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze tests and depression-like behavior in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Then, animals were sacrificed for thyroid-related parameter measure as well as detection of cellular and molecular events associated with neuroinflammation. The changes in components of central serotonin signaling were also investigated. RESULTS: HT mice showed intrathyroidal monocyte infiltration and rising serum thyroid autoantibody levels accompanied by normal thyroid function, which defines euthyroid HT in humans. These mice displayed more anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors than controls. HT mice further showed microglia and astrocyte activation in the frontal cortex detected by immunohistochemistry, real-time RT-PCR, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These observations were also accompanied by enhanced gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α in the frontal cortex. Despite this inflammatory response, no signs of neuronal apoptosis were visible by the TUNEL staining and TEM in the frontal cortex of HT mice. Additionally, IDO1 and SERT, key serotonin-system-related genes activated by proinflammatory cytokines, were upregulated in HT mice, accompanied by reduced frontal cortex serotonin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are the first to suggest that HT induces neuroinflammation and alters related serotonin signaling in the euthyroid state, which may underlie the deleterious effects of HT itself on emotional function.

Standardized Citrus unshiu peel extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity and depressive-like behaviors in mice.

Dried Citrus unshiu peel, also known as Chinpi, have been commonly used as a traditional medicine to improve for allergy, inflammation and hepatopathy. Many previously studies have reported that citrus flavonoids show neuroprotective activities. However, the antidepressant-related effects of C. unshiu peels have not been well characterized. Here, the antidepressant-like effects of standardized C. unshiu peel extract (SCP) were evaluated in in vivo and in vitro depression models induced by dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid. Male ICR mice (9-week-old) were injected the DEX (40 mg/kg) and were orally given SCP daily (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The depressive-like behaviors were determined by use of open filed test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). We show that treatment with SCP significantly alleviated DEX-induced depressive-like behaviors and reduced neurotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, repeated DEX injection markedly decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), while SCP treatment improved these levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions. Our findings suggest that SCP exhibits significant antidepressant-like effects in the DEX-induced depressive animal model, and this activity may be mediated by preventing corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity.

Impact of nutrition on inflammation, tauopathy, and behavioral outcomes from chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) are associated with cognitive deficits, inflammation, and stress-related events. We tested the effect of nutrient intake on the impact of rmTBI in an animal model of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to study the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this model. We used a between group design rmTBI closed head injuries in mice, compared to a control and nutrient-treated groups. METHODS: Our model allows for controlled, repetitive closed head impacts to mice. Briefly, 24-week-old mice were divided into five groups: control, rmTBI, and rmTBI with nutrients (2% of NF-216, NF-316 and NF-416). rmTBI mice received four concussive impacts over 7 days. Mice were treated with NutriFusion diets for 2 months prior to the rmTBI and until euthanasia (6 months). Mice were then subsequently euthanized for macro- and micro-histopathologic analysis for various times up to 6 months after the last TBI received. Animals were examined behaviorally, and brain sections were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes, iba-1 for activated microglia, and AT8 for phosphorylated tau protein. RESULTS: Animals on nutrient diets showed attenuated behavioral changes. The brains from all mice lacked macroscopic tissue damage at all time points. The rmTBI resulted in a marked neuroinflammatory response, with persistent and widespread astrogliosis and microglial activation, as well as significantly elevated phospho-tau immunoreactivity to 6 months. Mice treated with diets had significantly reduced inflammation and phospho-tau staining. CONCLUSIONS: The neuropathological findings in the rmTBI mice showed histopathological hallmarks of CTE, including increased astrogliosis, microglial activation, and hyperphosphorylated tau protein accumulation, while mice treated with diets had attenuated disease process. These studies demonstrate that consumption of nutrient-rich diets reduced disease progression.

Prenatal influenza vaccination rescues impairments of social behavior and lamination in a mouse model of autism.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal infection is a substantial risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in offspring. We have previously reported that influenza vaccination (VAC) during early pregnancy contributes to neurogenesis and behavioral function in offspring. RESULTS: Here, we probe the efficacy of VAC pretreatment on autism-like behaviors in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model. We show that VAC improves abnormal fetal brain cytoarchitecture and lamination, an effect associated with promotion of intermediate progenitor cell differentiation in MIA fetal brain. These beneficial effects are sufficient to prevent social deficits in adult MIA offspring. Furthermore, whole-genome analysis suggests a strong interaction between Ikzf1 (IKAROS family zinc-finger 1) and neuronal differentiation. Intriguingly, VAC rescues excessive microglial Ikzf1 expression and attenuates microglial inflammatory responses in the MIA fetal brain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study implies that a preprocessed influenza vaccination prevents maternal bacterial infection from causing neocortical lamination impairments and autism-related behaviors in offspring.

Protective Effects of Crocetin on Depression-like Behavior Induced by Immobilization in Rat.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Crocetin, an active ingredient of saffron, has been recognized as a potent antioxidant. Plant extracts or their components may be useful in ameliorating the various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigated the effects of crocetin on oxidative damage induced by chronic restraint stress in the rat brain. For this reason, rats were kept in the restrainers for 1 hour every day, for 21 consecutive days. The animals were injected crocetin (20, 40, 60 mg/kg) or vehicle daily for 21 days. Findings showed that the immobility time significantly increased in the rodents subjected to the chronic stress compared with the normal group. However, the number of crossing beams in the rats submitted to the chronic stress significantly decreased versus the non-stress rats. Treatment with crocetin ameliorated the immobility time and the number of crossing in the chronic restraint stress rats versus the non-treated stress group. Crocetin also reverted the levels of MDA and GSH and also the activities of antioxidant enzymes to the normal levels in the stress groups. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that crocetin may be useful for the management of depressantlike effects induced by chronic stress through decreasing oxidative damage in the brain.

Fish oil supplementation reverses behavioral and neurochemical alterations induced by swimming exercise in rats.

Diet and exercise are known to affect learning and memory. However, the effects of these interventions in the brain under development remains to be better investigated as the effects of high-intensity exercise. Moreover, it is still unclear how long the influence of diet and exercise lasts after the interventions are ceased. To investigate this, juvenile Wistar rats (30 days old) were supplemented with fish oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and performed swimming training for 50 days, 45 min per day, 5 times/week. The animals were assessed for locomotor activity with the open field test and for spatial memory with the object location task. To investigate neurochemical parameters such as fatty acids incorporation within the plasma membrane and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, the animals were euthanized, and the hippocampus dissected. These investigations were made at the end of the supplementation and exercise protocols and 21 days after the protocol has ended. Results indicate that high-intensity exercise impaired the spatial memory and decreased the levels of BDNF. Although supplementation led to PUFAs incorporation in plasma membrane, it did not prevent the harmful effect of exercise on memory. After 21 days of interruption, we observed that the supplementation reversed not only the deleterious effect of exercise on memory but also increased the BDNF levels. These results point to a complex influence of diet and exercise on spatial memory of juvenile rats, persisting after 21 days of interruption.

Electroacupuncture restores hippocampal synaptic plasticity via modulation of 5-HT receptors in a rat model of depression.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on Wistar Kyoto (WKY) depressive model rats and explore the possible mechanism of EA on hippocampal CA1 region neuronal synaptic plasticity. METHODS: The male WKY rats were randomized to three experimental groups (EA, Sham EA, and Model group, n = 8/group), and Wistar rats as the normal control group (n = 8). EA treatment was administered once daily for 3 weeks at acupuncture points Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (EX-HN3). In the Sham EA group, acupuncture needles were inserted superficially into the acupoints without electrical stimulation. On day 21, the forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were conducted. After the behavioral tests, long-term potentiation (LTP) was evoked at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices in vitro by electrophysiological recording, 5-HTT, 5-HT1A and 5-HT1 B protein levels in the hippocampus CA1 region were examined by using Western blot. RESULT: EA significantly decreased immobility in FST and improved sucrose intake compared with the Sham EA and Model groups. The center time and total move time in OFT were significantly increased in the EA group compared to the Model group. Compared with those of the Sham EA and Model groups, the fEPSP slope of the EA group increased significantly, and the LTP induction was successful. EA significantly decreased 5-HTT protein expression in the hippocampus CA1 region in comparison to the Sham EA and Model groups. Additionally, EA down regulated the 5-HT1A protein expression in the hippocampus CA1 region in comparison to the Sham EA group. CONCLUSION: EA could ameliorate depressive-like behaviors by restoring hippocampus CA1 synaptic plasticity, which might be mainly mediated by regulating 5-HT receptor levels.