Anxiolytic effects of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 on a mouse model of colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory inflammatory bowel disease, which is known to cause psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression at a high rate in addition to peripheral inflammatory symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders remains mostly unknown. While prior research revealed that the Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001) suppressed UC-like symptoms and accompanying depressive-like behaviors, observed in a UC model using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), whether it has an anxiolytic effect remains unclear. Therefore, we examined whether EF-2001 attenuates DSS-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Treatment with 2% DSS for seven days induced UC-like symptoms and anxiety-like behavior through the hole-board test, increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and corticosterone concentration, and p-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and decreased N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit (NR) 2A and NR2B expression levels in the PFC. Interestingly, these changes were reversed by EF-2001 administration. Further, EF-2001 administration enhanced CAMKII/CREB/BDNF-Drebrin pathways in the PFC of DSS-treated mice, and labeling of p-GR, p-CAMKII, and p-CREB showed colocalization with neurons. EF-2001 attenuated anxiety-like behavior by reducing serum LPS and corticosterone levels linked to the improvement of UC symptoms and by facilitating the CAMKII/CREB/BDNF-Drebrin pathways in the PFC. Our findings suggest a close relationship between UC and anxiety.

Polarization to M1-type microglia in the hippocampus is involved in depression-like behavior in a mouse model of olfactory dysfunction.

Impaired olfactory function may be associated with the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety; however, knowledge on the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders is incomplete. A reversible model of olfactory dysfunction, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) nasal-treated mice, exhibit depression-like behavior accompanying olfactory dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated olfactory function and depression-like behaviors in ZnSO4-treated mice using the buried food finding test and tail suspension test, respectively; investigated the changes in the hippocampal microglial activity and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus by immunohistochemistry; and evaluated the inflammation and microglial polarity related-proteins in the hippocampus using western blot study. On day 14 after treatment, ZnSO4-treated mice showed depression-like behavior in the tail suspension test and recovery of the olfactory function in the buried food finding test. In the hippocampus of ZnSO4-treated mice, expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), cluster of differentiation 40, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cleaved caspase-3, as well as the number of Iba1-positive cells and cell body size increased, and arginase-1 expression and neurogenesis decreased. Except for the increased IL-6, these changes were prevented by a microglia activation inhibitor, minocycline. The findings suggest that neuroinflammation due to polarization of M1-type hippocampal microglia is involved in depression accompanied with olfactory dysfunction.

Peptides obtained by enzymatic decomposition of mackerel induce recovery from physical fatigue by enhancing the SIRT1-mediated antioxidant effect in the soleus muscle of mice.

Fatigue is a serious health problem, and long-term fatigue can lead to mental illnesses and accelerated aging. Oxidative stress, which causes excessive production of reactive oxygen species, is generally thought to increase during exercise and is an indicator of fatigue. Peptides obtained by enzymatic decomposition of mackerel (EMP) contain selenoneine, a strong antioxidant. Although antioxidants increase endurance, the effects of EMP on physical fatigue are unknown. The present study aimed to clarify this aspect. We investigated the effects of EMP on changes in locomotor activity, expression levels of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog peroxisome 1 (SIRT1), proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), and antioxidative-related proteins including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), SOD2, glutathione peroxidase 1, and catalase in the soleus muscle following EMP treatment before and/or after forced walking. Treatment with EMP before and after forced walking, and not only at one or another time point, improved the subsequent decrease in the locomotor activity and enhanced the levels of SIRT1, PGC1α, SOD1, and catalase expression in the soleus muscle of mice. Moreover, EX-527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, abolished these effects of EMP. Thus, we suggest that EMP combats fatigue by modulating the SIRT1/PGC1α/SOD1-catalase pathway.

Donepezil prevents olfactory dysfunction and α-synuclein aggregation in the olfactory bulb by enhancing autophagy in zinc sulfate-treated mice.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with marked olfactory dysfunction observed in the early stages. Clinical studies reported that acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (DNP) attenuated this deficit; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to examine the effects and underlying mechanisms of DNP on olfactory deficits in zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) nasal-treated mice, which were used as a model of reversible olfactory impairment. We evaluated olfactory function using the buried food finding test and neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) using immunohistochemistry. Finally, we measured the expression of doublecortin (DCX), neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), olfactory marker protein, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase 2, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, p-α-synuclein (Ser129), α-synuclein, p-AMPK, p-p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) (Thr389), LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and p-p62 in the olfactory bulb (OB) by western blotting. On day 7 after treatment, ZnSO4-treated mice exhibited prolonged time to find the buried food, cell proliferation enhancement in the SVZ, increased NeuN, p-α-synuclein (Ser129), and α-synuclein levels, and decreased DCX and TH levels in the OB; except for TH, these changes normalized on day 14 after treatment. Repeated administration of DNP prevented the ZnSO4-induced changes on day 7 after treatment. Moreover, DNP increased p-AMPK and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and decreased p-p70S6K and p-p62 (Ser351) levels in the OB, suggesting that DNP enhances autophagy in the OB. These findings indicate that DNP may help prevent olfactory dysfunction by autophagy that reduces α-synuclein aggregation via the AMPK/mTOC1 pathway.

Antidepressant effects of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 through the regulation of prefrontal cortical myelination via the enhancement of CREB/BDNF and NF-κB p65/LIF/STAT3 pathways in olfactory bulbectomized mice.

A therapeutic strategy through the gut-brain axis has been proven to be effective in treatment for depression. In our previous study, we demonstrated that Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001) prevents colitis-induced depressive-like behavior through the gut-brain axis in mice. More recently, we found that demyelination in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was associated with depressive-like behavior in an animal model of major depressive disorder, olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. The present study investigated the effects of EF-2001 on depressive-like behaviors in OBX mice and the underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of myelination in the PFC. OBX mice exhibited depressive-like behaviors in the tail-suspension, splash, and sucrose preference tests, and decreased myelin and paranodal proteins along with mature oligodendrocytes in the PFC. These behavioral and biochemical changes were all prevented by treatment with EF-2001. Further, EF-2001 treatment increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the PFC. Interestingly, an immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced phospho (p) -cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) expression in neurons, p-nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) p65 (Ser536) expression in astrocytes, and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (Ty705) expression in mature oligodendrocytes in the PFC of OBX mice. From these results, we suggest that EF-2001 administration prevents depressive-like behaviors by regulating prefrontal cortical myelination via the enhancement of CREB/BDNF and NFκB p65/LIF/STAT3 pathways. Our findings strongly support the idea that a therapeutic strategy involving the gut microbiota may be a promising alternative treatment for alleviating symptoms of depression.

Alterations in prefrontal cortical neuregulin-1 levels in post-pubertal rats with neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions.

Genetic studies in humans have implicated the gene encoding neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) as a candidate susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. Furthermore, it has been suggested that NRG-1 is involved in regulating the expression and function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and the GABAA receptor in several brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the hippocampus, and the cerebellum. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesioned (NVHL) rats have been considered as a putative model for schizophrenia with characteristic post-pubertal alteration in response to stress and neuroleptics. In this study, we examined NRG-1, erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (erbB4), and phospho-erbB4 (p-erbB4) levels in the PFC and the distribution of NRG-1 in the NVHL rats by using immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses. Neonatal lesions were induced by bilateral injection of ibotenic acid in the ventral hippocampus of postnatal day 7 Sprague-Dawley (SD)-rats. NVHL rats showed significantly decreased levels of NRG-1 and p-erbB4 in the PFC compared to sham controls at post-pubertal period, while the level of erbB4 did not differ between sham and NVHL rats. Moreover, microinjection of NRG-1 into the mPFC improved NVHL-induced prepulse inhibition deficits. Our study suggests PFC NRG-1 alteration as a potential mechanism in schizophrenia-like behaviors in the NVHL model.

Activation of cholinergic system partially rescues olfactory dysfunction-induced learning and memory deficit in mice.

Deficits in olfaction are associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A recent study reported that intranasal zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)-treated mice show olfaction and memory deficits. However, it remains unknown whether olfaction deficit-induced learning and memory impairment is associated with the cholinergic system in the brain. In this study, we evaluated olfactory function by the buried food find test, and learning and memory function by the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests in ZnSO4-treated mice. The expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) protein in the olfactory bulb (OB), prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala was assessed by western blotting. Moreover, we observed the effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine on ZnSO4-induced learning and memory deficits. We found that intranasal ZnSO4-treated mice exhibited olfactory dysfunction, while this change was recovered on day 14 after treatment. Both short-term and long-term learning and memory were impaired on days 4 and 7 after treatment with ZnSO4, whereas the former, but not the latter, was recovered on day 14 after treatment. A significant correlation was observed between olfactory function and short-term memory, but not long-term memory. Treatment with ZnSO4 decreased the ChAT level in the OB on day 4, and increased and decreased the ChAT levels in the OB and hippocampus on day 7, respectively. Physostigmine improved the ZnSO4-induced deficit in short-term, but not long-term, memory. Taken together, the present results suggest that short-term memory may be closely associated with olfactory function via the cholinergic system.

Involvement of the Hippocampal Alpha2A-Adrenoceptors in Anxiety-Related Behaviors Elicited by Intermittent REM Sleep Deprivation-Induced Stress in Mice.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In patients with AD/HD, a decrease in the total and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep times has been observed. We have previously reported that mice with REM sleep deprivation-induced stress (REMSD) may show the hyperactivity- and inattention-like symptoms of AD/HD. However, in this model, impulsivity has not yet been investigated. Impulsivity and anxiety-related behaviors are evaluated by the elevated plus maze test (EPM). In this study, we investigated whether REMSD causes changes in the EPM and expression of alpha2A-adrenoceptors in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in a mouse model. Mice were deprived of REM sleep intermittently using the small-platform method (20 h/d) for 3 d. The time spent in the open arm and the expression levels of alpha2A-adrenoceptor in the hippocampus were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, by the REMSD. The time spent in the open arm was significantly limited by oxymetazoline (an alpha2A-adrenoceptor agonist), methylphenidate, and atomoxetine, which are clinically used to treat AD/HD. Moreover, the positive effects of oxymetazoline were attenuated by yohimbine and BRL44408, which are selective alpha2- and alpha2A-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively. These results suggest that the increase in the time spent in the open arm induced by REMSD may serve as a model of impulsivity in AD/HD. Furthermore, the REMSD eliciting impulsivity-like behavior and the low-levels of anxiety may be linked to alpha2A-adrenoceptor signaling, as indicated by a decrease in alpha2A-adrenoceptor signaling, particularly in the mouse hippocampus.

Dopamine D2 receptor supersensitivity in the hypothalamus of olfactory bulbectomized mice.

Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in rodents induces neurochemical and behavioral changes similar to those observed in individuals with depressive disorders. Our previous study suggested that OBX alters dopaminergic function in the striatum of mice; however, the effects on dopaminergic function in the hypothalamus is unknown. Therefore, in this study we examined dopaminergic system changes in the hypothalamus after OBX. Mice were administrated either the nonselective dopamine (DA) agonist apomorphine or the selective D2 agonist quinelorane, or pretreated with the selective D1 antagonist SCH23390 in combination with the selective D2 antagonist sulpiride or D3 antagonist SB277011A. Body temperature, which is regulated by the hypothalamic dopaminergic system, was monitored to evaluate changes in the dopaminergic system of the hypothalamus. DA D2 receptor (D2DR), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and phosphorylated (p)- DA- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (DARPP-32) levels in the hypothalamus were evaluated by western blotting. OBX mice exhibited significantly enhanced apomorphine-induced or quinelorane-induced hypothermia. The apomorphine-induced hypothermic response was reversed by the administration of sulpiride, but not SCH23390 or SB277011A. Moreover, TH and p-DARPP-32 levels were reduced and D2DR increased in the hypothalamus of OBX mice. These findings revealed that the OBX mice display enhanced DA receptor responsiveness associated with the hypothalamus, which may relate to some of the behavioral and neurochemical alterations reported in this animal model. Identification of changes in the hypothalamic dopaminergic system of OBX mice may provide useful information for the development of novel antidepressant treatments.

Antidementia effects of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 are associated with enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis via the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway in olfactory bulbectomized mice.

Our previous study showed that Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001) suppresses colitis-induced depressive-like behavior through the enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis in mice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EF-2001 on the cognitive behavior of olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice and its molecular mechanisms. The OBX-induced cognitive dysfunction was significantly suppressed by EF-2001. Moreover, EF-2001 also recovered the reductions in p-ERK1/2, p-CREB, BDNF and DCX levels and in neurogenesis observed in the hippocampus of OBX mice. These results suggest that EF-2001-induced antidementia effects are associated with enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis through the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway.

Effect of spinal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activation on the formalin-induced nociceptive response in mice.

We have previously demonstrated that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, through spinal AT1 receptor activation, is involved in formalin-induced nociception and follows accompanied by the increase in spinal angiotensin (Ang) II levels. We have also found that Ang (1-7), an N-terminal fragment of Ang II generated by ACE2, prevents the Ang II-induced nociceptive behavior via spinal MAS1 and the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Here, we examined whether the ACE2 activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) can prevent the formalin-induced nociception in mice. The i.t. administration of DIZE attenuated the second, but not the first phase of formalin-induced nociceptive response. An increase in the activity of spinal ACE2 was measured following DIZE administration. The inhibitory effect of DIZE on nociception was abolished by the i.t. co-administration of the MAS1 antagonist A779. The i.t. administration of Ang (1-7) showed a similar effect on the second phase of the response which was also attenuated by A779. Furthermore, DIZE and Ang (1-7) each inhibited the formalin-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK on the dorsal lumbar spinal cord. This inhibition was again prevented by A779. ACE2 was expressed in neurons and microglia but absent from astrocytes in the superficial dorsal horn. Our data show that the i.t.-administered DIZE attenuates the second phase of the formalin-induced nociception which is accompanied by the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. They also suggest the involvement of MAS1 activation on spinal neurons and microglia in response to the increase in Ang (1-7) following ACE2 activation.

Role of prefrontal cortical 5-HT2A receptors and serotonin transporter in the behavioral deficits in post-pubertal rats following neonatal lesion of the ventral hippocampus.

Neonatal ventral hippocampal-lesioned (NVHL) rats have been shown to display neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities at adulthood, analogous to some of those seen in schizophrenia. Serotonergic neurotransmission is implicated the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, we evaluated possible role of serotonergic transmission is the behaviors of NVHL-lesioned rats. Bilateral lesions to the ventral hippocampus (VH) in rat pups were made using the excitotoxin ibotenic acid. We investigated 5-HT2A-receptor and SERT binding sites in cortical and subcortical areas in post-pubertal NVHL and sham-lesioned rats, using quantitative receptor autoradiography. We compared a 5-HT-dependent behavior in NVHL and sham animals, the wet-dog shake response (WDSr) to a 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI. In addition, we studied prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle responses in NVHL and Sham-lesioned animals treated with antipsychotic drugs haloperidol, risperidone and clozapine and 5-HT2A antagonists ketanserin or MDL100907. The WDSr elicited by DOI was enhanced in post-pubertal NVHL rats compared to sham-lesioned controls. Moreover, post-pubertal NVHL rats exhibited PPI deficits which was reversed by atypical antipsychotics, ketanserin and MDL100907. A significant increase in 5-HT2A-like receptor binding was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in post-pubertal NVHL rats without any significant change in the striatum and ventral pallidum. A significant increase in SERT-like binding was also observed in the mPFC and striatum of NVHL rats at pre-pubertal period; however, at post-pubertal age, the binding remained elevated in mPFC only. These data suggest that increased prefrontal cortical 5-HT transmission may play a role in the behavioral deficits observed in this neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia.

Effect of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 on colitis and depressive-like behavior in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice: involvement of the brain-gut axis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including those with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have higher rates of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety; however, the mechanism of psychiatric disorder development remains unclear. Mice with IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water exhibit depressive-like behavior. The presence of Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota is associated with major depressive disorder. Therefore, we examined whether Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001), a biogenic lactic acid bacterium, prevents DSS-induced depressive-like behavior and changes in peripheral symptoms. METHODS: We evaluated colon inflammation and used the tail suspension test to examine whether EF-2001 prevents IBD-like symptoms and depressive-like behavior in DSS-treated mice. The protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and cleaved caspase-3 in the rectum and hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Hippocampal neurogenesis, altered nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) p65 morphometry, and the localization of activated NFκB p65 and XIAP were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Treatment with 1.5% DSS for 7 days induced IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior, increased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in the rectum and hippocampus, activated caspase-3 in the hippocampus, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, these changes were reversed by 20-day administration of EF-2001. Further, EF-2001 administration enhanced NFκB p65 expression in the microglial cells and XIAP expression in the hippocampus of DSS-treated mice. CONCLUSION: EF-2001 prevented IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior via decreased rectal and hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and facilitated the NFκB p65/XIAP pathway in the hippocampus. Our findings suggest a close relationship between IBD and depression.

Involvement of catecholaminergic and GABAAergic mediations in the anxiety-related behavior in long-term powdered diet-fed mice.

Dietary habits are important factors which affect metabolic homeostasis and the development of emotion. We have previously shown that long-term powdered diet feeding in mice increases spontaneous locomotor activity and social interaction (SI) time. Moreover, that diet causes changes in the dopaminergic system, especially increased dopamine turnover and decreased dopamine D4 receptor signals in the frontal cortex. Although the increased SI time indicates low anxiety, the elevated plus maze (EPM) test shows anxiety-related behavior and impulsive behavior. In this study, we investigated whether the powdered diet feeding causes changes in anxiety-related behavior. Mice fed a powdered diet for 17 weeks from weaning were compared with mice fed a standard diet (control). The percentage (%) of open arm time and total number of arm entries were increased in powdered diet-fed mice in the EPM test. We also examined the effects of diazepam, benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug, bicuculline, GABA-A receptor antagonist, methylphenidate, dopamine transporter (DAT) and noradrenaline transporter (NAT) inhibitor, atomoxetine, selective NAT inhibitor, GBR12909, selective DAT inhibitor, and PD168077, selective dopamine D4 receptor agonist, on the changes of the EPM in powdered diet-fed mice. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are clinically used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. The % of open arm time in powdered diet-fed mice was decreased by treatments of atomoxetine, methylphenidate and PD168077. Diazepam increased the % of open arm time in control diet-fed mice, but not in powdered diet-fed mice. The powdered diet feeding induced a decrease in GABA transaminase, GABA metabolic enzymes, in the frontal cortex. Moreover, the powdered diet feeding induced an increase in NAT expression, but not DAT expression, in the frontal cortex. These results suggest that the long-term powdered diet feeding may cause low anxiety or impulsivity, possibly via noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic, and GABAAergic mediations and increase the risk for onset of ADHD-like behaviors.

Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Administration in Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice Restores Cognitive Impairment through Cholinergic Neuron Activation.

Olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice are characterized by impaired performance in the passive avoidance test and decreased number of cholinergic neurons in the hippocampus. Several studies have reported that κ-opioid receptor agonists improve cognitive function in mice. However, their influence on OBX-induced cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. To address this question, we evaluated the effects of the endogenous κ-opioid receptor agonist dynorphin A (Dyn A) and the selective agonist trans-(-)-U-50488 on the behavior of OBX mice in the passive avoidance test. The cognitive dysfunction of OBX mice was significantly recovered by the intracerebroventricular administration of Dyn A or trans-(-)-U-50488. The effects of these two agonists were counteracted by the selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine or the inhibitor of acetylcholine release ß-bungarotoxin. These findings suggest that κ-opioid receptor agonists produce anti-dementia effects through activation of cholinergic neurons in OBX mice.

Memantine ameliorates depressive-like behaviors by regulating hippocampal cell proliferation and neuroprotection in olfactory bulbectomized mice.

Our previous study suggested that the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine (MEM) inhibits dopamine (DA) reuptake and turnover by inhibiting brain monoamine oxidase. Clinical studies have reported that MEM may improve depressive symptoms; however, specific mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. We performed emotional behavior, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests to examine whether MEM has antidepressant effects in olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice, an animal model of depression. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of MEM on the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), altered microglia morphometry, and astrocyte and cell proliferation in the hippocampus with immunohistochemistry. We also investigated MEM effects on the levels of norepinephrine (NE), DA, and their metabolites with high performance liquid chromatography, and of neurotrophic, proinflammatory, and apoptotic molecules in the hippocampus with western blotting. Forty-two days after surgery, OBX mice showed depressive-like behaviors, as well as decreased levels of monoamines, reduced cell proliferation, and lower levels of TH, phospho(p)-TH (ser31 and ser40), p-protein kinase A (PKA), p-DARPP-32, p-ERK1/2, p-CREB, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin, NeuN, and Bcl-2 levels. In contrast, the number of activated microglia and astrocytes and the levels of Iba1, GFAP, p-IκB-α, p-NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were increased in the hippocampus. These changes (except for those in NE and Bax) were reversed with chronic administration of MEM. These results suggest that MEM-induced antidepressant effects are associated with enhanced hippocampal cell proliferation and neuroprotection via the PKA-ERK-CREB-BDNF/Bcl-2-caspase-3 pathway and increased DA levels.

Involvement of peripheral alpha2A adrenoceptor in the acceleration of gastrointestinal transit and abdominal visceral pain induced by intermittent deprivation of REM sleep.

Many studies have associated sleep alterations with the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, but the direct pathophysiological relationship has not been clarified. In addition, alterations in noradrenergic signaling have been implicated in the pathophysiology of IBS, and alpha2-adrenoceptors are potential treatment targets. We have previously shown that acceleration of gastrointestinal transit (GIT) elicited by intermittent rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation stress may fulfill the profile of a model of IBS. Moreover, we showed hypernoradrenergic function in the brain of sleep-deprived mice. On the other hand, acetic acid-induced writhes indicate visceral pain features of IBS model animals. In this study, using mice, we investigated whether intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress causes changes in acetic acid-induced writhing and whether the number of writhes and GIT are improved by administration of the hydrophilic clonidine analogue, ST-91. Mice were deprived of REM sleep intermittently using the small-platform method (20h/day) for 3days. The intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress elicited acceleration of GIT and the increased number of writhes was significantly improved by ST-91 treatment. The ID50 values of ST-91 on the GIT in cage-control mice and intermittent REM sleep-deprived mice were 0.24 and 0.70mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the ID50 values of ST-91 on the writhes in cage-control mice and intermittent REM sleep-deprived mice were 0.52 and 0.73mg/kg, respectively. Further, the expression of alpha2A-adrenoceptor was decreased in the distal ileum of intermittent REM sleep-deprived mice compared to that in cage-control mice. Moreover, the effects of ST-91 on GIT and writhes in cage-control and intermittent REM sleep-deprived mice were decreased by the administration of BRL44408 (6mg/kg, i.p.), a selective alpha2A-adrenoceptor antagonist, and not by the administration of imiloxan (3mg/kg, i.p.), or JP-1302 (3mg/kg, i.p.), selective alpha2B-and alpha2C-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively. These results suggest that the increase in GIT and writhes induced by intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress may serve as a model of diarrhea and visceral pain symptoms in IBS. Further, the onset of these symptoms may be related to the hypofunction of peripheral alpha2A-adrenoceptor.

Induction of the Histamine-Forming Enzyme Histidine Decarboxylase in Skeletal Muscles by Prolonged Muscular Work: Histological Demonstration and Mediation by Cytokines.

Recent studies suggest that histamine-a regulator of the microcirculation-may play important roles in exercise. We have shown that the histamine-forming enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is induced in skeletal muscles by prolonged muscular work (PMW). However, histological analysis of such HDC induction is lacking due to appropriate anti-HDC antibodies being unavailable. We also showed that the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α can induce HDC, and that PMW increases both IL-1α and IL-1ß in skeletal muscles. Here, we examined the effects (a) of PMW on the histological evidence of HDC induction and (b) of IL-1ß and TNF-α on HDC activity in skeletal muscles. By immunostaining using a recently introduced commercial polyclonal anti-HDC antibody, we found that cells in the endomysium and around blood vessels, and also some muscle fibers themselves, became HDC-positive after PMW. After PMW, TNF-α, but not IL-1α or IL-1ß, was detected in the blood serum. The minimum intravenous dose of IL-1ß that would induce HDC activity was about 1/10 that of TNF-α, while in combination they synergistically augmented HDC activity. These results suggest that PMW induces HDC in skeletal muscles, including cells in the endomysium and around blood vessels, and also some muscle fibers themselves, and that IL-1ß and TNF-α may cooperatively mediate this induction.

Inhibitory effect of angiotensin (1-7) on angiotensin III-induced nociceptive behaviour in mice.

We have previously demonstrated that the intrathecal (i.t.) administration of angiotensin (Ang) II into mice produces a nociceptive behaviour consisting of scratching, biting and licking accompanied by the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the spinal cord, which was mediated through AT1 receptors. Both the p38 MAPK phosphorylation and subsequent nociceptive behaviour were attenuated by the i.t. co-administration of Ang (1-7), an N-terminal fragment of Ang II, that acted via Mas receptors. On the other hand, a C-terminal fragment of Ang II, namely Ang III, was also shown to induce a nociceptive behaviour by acting upon AT1 receptors on spinal astrocytes and neurons, and was found to be more potent than Ang II. However, the inhibitory effect of Ang (1-7) on the Ang III-induced nociceptive behaviour remains unclear. Thus, here we examined whether Ang (1-7) can attenuate the Ang III-induced nociceptive behaviour and activation of spinal p38 MAPK. The i.t. administration of Ang (1-7) (1-100fmol) dose-dependently attenuated the Ang III (1pmol)-induced nociceptive behaviour in mice. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of Ang (1-7) at a dose of 100fmol was prevented by A779 (30fmol), a Mas receptor antagonist. Western blot analysis showed that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK induced by the i.t. administration of Ang III (1pmol) was also attenuated by Ang (1-7) (100fmol), and this inhibition was prevented by A779 (30fmol). Furthermore, we showed that in the lumbar superficial dorsal horn, Mas receptors are expressed in neurons and microglia but absent from astrocytes. Together, these results suggest that the i.t. administration of Ang (1-7) attenuates the nociceptive behaviour and accompanying p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by Ang III, and that this effect is likely mediated through Mas receptors on spinal neurons.

Effects of methylphenidate on the impairment of spontaneous alternation behavior in mice intermittently deprived of REM sleep.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. We have previously shown that abnormal behaviors elicited by intermittent rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation stress may fulfill the profile of a model of ADHD. It is well known that the impairment of spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) in the Y-maze indicates inattentive features of ADHD model animals. On the other hand, it has been reported that nitric oxide (NO) in the hippocampus is required for SAB. In this study, using mice, we investigated whether intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress causes changes in SAB and the expression of NO synthase (NOS) mRNA and in the levels of NO metabolites in the hippocampus. Mice were deprived of REM sleep intermittently by the small-platform method (20 h/day) for 3 days. The SAB, the level of nitrite and expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA in the hippocampus, but not neuronal NOS (nNOS), were significantly decreased by intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress. The decreased levels of SAB, nitrite and iNOS mRNA were significantly increased by methylphenidate treatment, which is used clinically to treat ADHD symptoms. Moreover, these improvement effects of methylphenidate on SAB and the nitrite level were decreased by the administration of selective iNOS and eNOS inhibitors. However, the eNOS inhibitor decreased both nitrate and total NOx levels of the hippocampus in saline treated intermittent REM sleep-deprived mice. These results suggest that the impairment of SAB induced by intermittent REM sleep deprivation stress may serve as a model of the inattention symptom in ADHD. Further, the ameliorating effects of methylphenidate on the impairment of SAB may be mediated through NO production mainly by iNOS in the hippocampus of mice.