| 1. |
- Hansson, Elisabeth, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Therapeutic innovation: Inflammatory-reactive astrocytes as targets of inflammation
- 2016
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Ingår i: IBRO Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 2451-8301. ; 1, s. 1-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to test pharmaceutical compounds targeting astrocytes showing inflammatory dysregulation. The primary rat brain cultures were treated with different batches of serum with or without microglia added to make the cells inflammatory-reactive. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tryptase were used as inflammatory inducers. Expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Na+/K+-ATPase, and matrix metalloprotease-13 (MMP-13), as well as actin filament organization, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and intracellular Ca2+ release, were evaluated. LPS combined with tryptase upregulated TLR4 expression, whereas Na+/K+-ATPase expression was downregulated, ATP-evoked Ca2+ transients were increased, actin filaments were reorganized and ring structures instead of stress fibers were observed. Other aims of the study were to prevent astrocytes from becoming inflammatory-reactive and to restore inflammatory dysregulated cellular changes. A combination of the μ-opioid antagonist (−)-naloxone in ultra-low concentrations, the non-addictive μ-opioid agonist (−)-linalool, and the anti-epileptic agent levetiracetam was examined. The results indicated that this drug cocktail prevented the LPS- and tryptase-induced inflammatory dysregulation. The drug cocktail could also restore the LPS- and tryptase-treated cells back to a normal physiological level in terms of the analyzed parameters. © 2016 The Author(s)
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| 2. |
- Lindberg, Frida A, et al.
(författare)
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Behavioral profiling of SLC38A10 knockout mice using the multivariate concentric square field™ test
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1662-5153. ; 16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: SLC38A10 is a gene that encodes the SLC38A10 protein, also known as SNAT10. The SLC38 family is evolutionary old, and SLC38A10 is one of the oldest members of the family. It is ubiquitously expressed, and its substrates are glutamine, glutamate, alanine, aspartate, and serine. However, little is known about its biological importance.Methods: In the current study, an SLC38A10 knockout mouse was run in the multivariate concentric square field (TM) (MCSF) test. The MCSF test gives the mouse a choice of areas to explore; sheltered areas, elevated and illuminated areas, or open spaces, and a behavioral profile is obtained. The multivariate data obtained were analyzed (i) for each parameter, (ii) parameters grouped into functional categories, and (iii) with a principal component analysis.Results: In the trend analysis, knockout mice had a decreased exploratory behavior compared to controls but did not show a distinct grouping in the principal component analysis.Discussion: There was not a pronounced difference in the behavioral profile in SLC38A10 knockout mice compared to their wild-type controls, although subtle alterations in zones associated with exploratory behavior and risk assessment in female and male knockout mice, respectively, could be observed. These results imply that a loss of function of the SLC38A10 protein in mice does not drastically alter behavior in the MSCF test.
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| 3. |
- Lisney, Thomas J., et al.
(författare)
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Using electroretinograms to assess flicker fusion frequency in domestic hens Gallus gallus domesticus
- 2012
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Ingår i: Vision Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0042-6989 .- 1878-5646. ; 62, s. 125-133
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The assessment of flicker fusion frequency (FFF), the stimulus frequency at which a flickering light stimulus can no longer be resolved and appears continuous, and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF; the highest frequency at any light intensity that an observer can resolve flicker) are useful methods for comparing temporal resolution capabilities between animals. Behavioural experiments have found that average CFFs in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are in the range of ca. 75-87 Hz, measured in response to full spectrum (i.e. white light plus UV) stimuli. In order to examine whether the chicken retina is able to detect flicker at higher frequencies, we used electroretinograms (ERGs) to assess FFF/CFF in adult hens from two commercial genotypes, Lohmann Selected Leghorns (LSLs) and Lohmann Browns (LBs). ERGs were recorded in response to flickering light at ten full spectrum light intensities ranging from 0.7 to 2740 cd m(-2). Two methods were used to determine FFF/CFF from the ERG recordings and these methods yielded very similar results, with average FFF ranging from ca. 20 Hz at 0.7 cd m(-2) to an average CFF of ca. 105 Hz at 2740 cd m(-2). In some individuals, CFFs of 118-119 Hz were recorded. The Intensity/FFF (I/FFF) curves are double-branched with a break point representing the rod-cone transition occurring between 2.5 and 5.9 cd m(-2). No significant differences in the I/FFF curves were found between the two genotypes. At stimulus light intensities >250 cd m(-2), the ERG-derived FFF and CFF values are all higher than those from behavioural studies using the same stimuli. Although hens do not appear to be able to consciously perceive flicker above approximately 90 Hz, the finding that the ERG responses are able to remain in phase with light flickering at frequencies >100 Hz means that the retinae of domestic poultry housed in artificial light conditions may be able to resolve flicker from fluorescent lamps. As range of detrimental effects have been reported in humans as a result of exposure to such "invisible flicker", the possibility exists that flicker from fluorescent lamps also acts as stressor in domesticated birds.
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| 4. |
- Uvnäs-Moberg, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the physiological effects caused by skin-to-skin contact - With a particular focus on the oxytocinergic system
- 2020
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Ingår i: Infant Behavior and Development. - : Elsevier. - 0163-6383 .- 1879-0453 .- 1934-8800. ; 61:November
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The positive clinical effects caused by skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth or after repeated skin-to-skin contact of premature infants (kangaroo care) or fullterm infants are well documented in the literature. However, information regarding the physiological mechanisms mediating these effects are surprisingly scarce and incomplete. In this article the oxytocinergic system and the cutaneous sensory pathways by which the oxytocinergic system is activated in response to skin-to-skin contact are presented in more detail. In addition, we discuss how the effects of skin-to-skin treatment can be attributed to different aspects of the effect spectrum of the oxytocinergic or calm and connection system.The structure of the oxytocinergic system, comprising the peripheral (circulating, hormonal) and the central (neurotransmitter) components, as well as, the pathways and mechanisms by which these functions are coordinated are described. Also the various effects induced by the oxytocinergic system (the calm and connection system) are reviewed.The sensory pathways, which include visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile stimuli, given and received by both mother and newborn and which activate the oxytocinergic system in response to skin-to-skin contact, are reviewed. A special emphasis is placed on the role of cutaneous sensory nerves and their activation by touch, light pressure and in particular warmth. The important role of the rise and the pulsatility of maternal temperature in mediating the positive effects of skin-to-skin contact in the newborn is highlighted. The concept of maternal giving of warmth and its possible link to the experience of trust and safety in the newborn is discussed from an evolutionary perspective.The effects induced by skin-to-skin contact can be attributed to the different functions of the oxytocinergic system. Ameliorated social interaction (e.g., more tactile and auditory interaction, more sensitive and synchronous interaction between mother and baby, the baby’s crawling behavior) are expressions of oxytocin’s ability to stimulate social interaction. The decreased levels of fear and stress are expressions of oxytocin’s ability to reduce the activity of the amygdala and of the stress system, e.g. the activity in the HPA-axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Increased HRV, increased activity in endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract as well as stimulation of growth and maturation are examples of oxytocin’s ability to stimulate the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and other peripheral and central mechanisms related to restoration and growth.The propensity of different types of treatment with skin-to-skin contact to induce long-term effects is also highlighted. We propose that the sustained effects caused by skin-to-skin contact are induced by an enduring shift in the balance between the oxytocinergic system (the calm and connection system) and the stress system (fight flight reaction) in favor of the oxytocinergic system. This shift leads to a sustained decrease in the HPA-axis and the sympathetic nervous system probably involving alpha 2-adrenoceptors.It is of clinical importance to be aware of the mechanisms by which skin-to-skin contact induces short and longterm positive effects in parents and newborns. If ward routines are adapted to ascertain a maximal stimulation of these mechanisms, the function of the oxytocinergic system will be optimized, which will be linked to a better clinical outcome for parents and newborns.
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| 5. |
- Lundberg, Stina, 1990-, et al.
(författare)
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Behavioral profiling in early adolescence and early adulthood of male Wistar rats after short and prolonged maternal separation
- 2020
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1662-5153. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early-life stress and its possible correlations to genes, environment, and later health outcomes can only be studied retrospectively in humans. Animal models enable the exploration of such connections with prospective, well-controlled study designs. However, with the recent awareness of replicability issues in preclinical research, the reproducibility of results from animal models has been highlighted. The present study aims to reproduce the behavioral effects of maternal separation (MS) previously observed in the multivariate concentric square fieldTM (MCSF) test. A second objective was to replicate the adolescent behavioral profiles previously described in the MCSF test. Male rats, subjected to short or prolonged MS or standard rearing, were subjected to behavioral testing in early adolescence and early adulthood. As seen in previous studies, the behavioral effects of MS in the MCSF were small at both tested time points. When tested in early adolescence, the animals exhibited a similar behavioral profile as previously seen, and the finding of adolescent behavioral types was also reproduced. The distribution of animals into the behavioral types was different than in the initial study, but in a manner consistent with developmental theories, as the current cohort was younger than the previous. Notably, the Shelter seeker behavioral type persisted through development, while the Explorer type did not. The lack of basal behavioral effect after MS is in line with the literature on this MS paradigm; the working hypothesis is that the prolonged MS gives rise to a phenotype predisposed to negative health outcomes but which is not apparent without additional provocation.
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| 6. |
- Barreto Henriksson, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Support of Concept that Migrating Progenitor Cells from Stem Cell Niches Contribute to Normal Regeneration of the Adult Mammal Intervertebral Disc: A Descriptive study in the New Zeeland white Rabbit.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Spine. - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 37:9, s. 722-732
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ABSTRACT: Study Design. Descriptive experimental study performed in rabbits of two age groups.Objective. To study and investigate presence of prechondrocytic cells and cell migration routes in the IVD region, to gain knowledge about the normal IVD regeneration pattern.Summary of Background Data. Disc degeneration is believed to play a major role in patients with chronic lumbar pain. Regeneration processes and cell migration within the intervertebral disc (IVD) have been sparsely described. Therefore it is of interest to increase knowledge of these processes in order to understand pathological conditions of the IVD.Methods. 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in vivo labelling was performed in two groups of rabbits, 3 and 9 months old at the beginning of the experiment, in total 27 rabbits. BrdU is incorporated into DNA during mitosis and then it is gradually diluted with each cell division until it finally disappears. Incorporation of BrdU was then visualized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) at different time points providing cell division pattern and presence of slow-cycling cells in the IVD region. IVD tissue was investigated by IHC for: Growth- and differentiation-factor-5 (GDF5), SOX9 (chondrogenic lineage markers), SNAIL homolog1 (SNAI1), SNAIL homolog2 (SLUG)(migration markers) and β1-INTEGRIN (cellular adhesion marker). In addition, GDF5, SOX9 and BMPRIB expression were investigated on genetic level.Results. BrdU+ cells were observed in early time points in the IVD niche, adjacent to the epiphyseal plate, at later time points mainly in outer region of the annulus fibrosus (AF) for both age groups of rabbits, indicating a gradual migration of cells. The presence of SLUG, SNAI1, GDF5, SOX9 and β1-INTEGRIN were found in same regions.Conclusion. The results suggest a cellular migration route from the IVD stem cell niche toward the AF and the inner parts of the IVD. These findings may be of importance for understanding IVD regenerative mechanisms and for future development of biological treatment strategies.
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| 7. |
- Frisk, Junmei Hu, et al.
(författare)
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Differential expression of enzymes in thymidylate biosynthesis in zebrafish at different developmental stages : implications for dtymk mutation-caused neurodegenerative disorders
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Neuroscience. - : Springer Nature. - 1471-2202. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundDeoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) is an essential building block of DNA, and defects in enzymes involved in dTTP synthesis cause neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, mutations in DTYMK, the gene coding for thymidylate kinase (TMPK), cause severe microcephaly in human. However, the mechanism behind this is not well-understood. Here we used the zebrafish model and studied (i) TMPK, an enzyme required for both the de novo and the salvage pathways of dTTP synthesis, and (ii) thymidine kinases (TK) of the salvage pathway in order to understand their role in neuropathology.ResultsOur findings reveal that maternal-stored dNTPs are only sufficient for 6 cell division cycles, and the levels of dNTPs are inversely correlated to cell cycle length during early embryogenesis. TMPK and TK activities are prominent in the cytosol of embryos, larvae and adult fish and brain contains the highest TMPK activity. During early development, TMPK activity increased gradually from 6 hpf and a profound increase was observed at 72 hpf, and TMPK activity reached its maximal level at 96 hpf, and remained at high level until 144 hpf. The expression of dtymk encoded Dtymk protein correlated to its mRNA expression and neuronal development but not to the TMPK activity detected. However, despite the high TMPK activity detected at later stages of development, the Dtymk protein was undetectable. Furthermore, the TMPK enzyme detected at later stages showed similar biochemical properties as the Dtymk enzyme but was not recognized by the Dtymk specific antibody.ConclusionsOur results suggest that active dNTP synthesis in early embryogenesis is vital and that Dtymk is essential for neurodevelopment, which is supported by a recent study of dtymk knockout zebrafish with neurological disorder and lethal outcomes. Furthermore, there is a novel TMPK-like enzyme expressed at later stages of development.
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| 8. |
- Hanrieder, Jörg, 1980, et al.
(författare)
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High Resolution Metabolite Imaging in the Hippocampus Following Neonatal Exposure to the Environmental Toxin BMAA Using ToF-SIMS
- 2014
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Ingår i: ACS Chemical Neuroscience. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1948-7193. ; 5:7, s. 568-575
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The environmental neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is suggested to be linked with neurodegenerative disease. In a rat model, neonatal exposure to BMAA induced selective uptake in the hippocampus and caused cell loss, mineralization and astrogliosis as well as learning and memory impairments in adulthood. Moreover, neonatal exposure resulted in increased protein ubiquitination in the cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the adult hippocampus indicating that BMAA may induce protein aggregation. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) based imaging is a powerful technology for spatial profiling of small molecular weight compounds in biological tissues with high chemical specificity and high spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to characterize neurochemical changes in the hippocampus of six month-old rats treated neonatally (postnatal days 9-10) with BMAA. Multivariate data analysis of whole section ToF-SIMS scans was performed to delineate anatomical regions of interest based on their chemical distribution pattern. Further analysis of spectral data obtained from the outlined anatomical regions, including CA1 and dentate gyms (DG) revealed BMAA-induced long-term changes. Increased levels of phospholipids and protein fragments in the histopathologically altered CA1 region as well as phosphate depletion in the DG were observed. Moreover, high resolution SIMS imaging revealed a specific localization of phosphatidylcholine lipids, protein signals and potassium in the histopathologically altered CA1 These findings demonstrate that ToF-SIMS based imaging is a powerful approach for probing biochemical changes in situ and might serve as promising technique for investigating neurotoxin-induced brain pathology.
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| 9. |
- Hansson, Elisabeth, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Anti-inflammatory effects induced by ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine in combination with ultralow concentrations of sildenafil (Viagra) and vitamin D3 on inflammatory reactive brain astrocytes
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 14:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Network coupled cells, such as astrocytes, regulate their cellular homeostasis via Ca2+ signals spread between the cells through gap junctions. Intracellular Ca2+ release is controlled by different signaling pathways that can be stimulated by ATP, glutamate and serotonin (5-HT). Based on our findings, all these pathways are influenced by inflammatory agents and must be restored to fully recover the Ca2+ signaling network. An ultralow concentration of the local anesthetic agent bupivacaine reduced 5-HT-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release, and an ultralow concentration of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil in combination with vitamin D3 reduced ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release. Combinations of these three substances downregulated 5-HT-, glutamate- and ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release to a more normal Ca2+ signaling state. Furthermore, inflammatory Toll-like receptor 4 expression decreased with a combination of these three substances. Substance P receptor neurokinin (NK)-1 expression was reduced by ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine. Here, bupivacaine and sildenafil (at extremely low concentrations) combined with vitamin D3 have potential anti-inflammatory properties. According to the present study, drug combinations at the right concentrations, especially extremely low concentrations of bupivacaine and sildenafil, affect different cellular biochemical mechanisms and represent a potential solution for downregulating inflammatory parameters, thereby restoring cells or networks to normal physiological homeostasis. © 2019 Hansson, Skiöldebrand. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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| 10. |
- Hansson, Elisabeth, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Bupivacaine in combination with sildenafil (Viagra) and vitamin D3 have anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritic chondrocytes
- 2021
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Ingår i: Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery. - : Elsevier BV. - 2590-2571. ; 2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: To treat osteoarthritic chondrocytes and thereby reduce the inflammation with a drug combination that primarily affects 5-HT- and ATP-evoked Ca2+ signaling. In osteoarthritic chondrocytes, Ca2+ signaling is elevated, resulting in increased production of ATP and inflammatory mediators. The expression of TLR4 and Na+/K+-ATPase was used to evaluate the inflammatory status of the cells. Main methods: Equine chondrocytes were collected from joints with mild structural osteoarthritic changes and cultured in monolayers. The cells were treated with a combination of bupivacaine (1 pM) and sildenafil (1 μM) in combination with vitamin D3 (100 nM). A high-throughput screening system, the Flexstation 3 microplate reader, was used to measure intra- and extracellular Ca2+ signaling after exposure to 5-HT, glutamate, or ATP. Expression of inflammatory receptors was assessed by Western blotting. Key findings: Drug treatment substantially reduced 5-HT- and ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release and TLR4 expression compared to those in untreated chondrocytes. The combination of sildenafil, vitamin D3 together with metformin, as the ability to take up glucose is limited, increased Na+/K+-ATPase expression. Significance: The combination of these three therapeutic substances at concentrations much lower than usually used, reduced expression of the inflammatory receptor TLR4 and increased the cell membrane enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase, which regulates cell volume and reduces increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. These remarkable results indicate that this drug combination has disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) properties and may be a new clinical therapy for osteoarthritis (OA). © 2021 The Authors
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