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Brain Sciences
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Animal Models of Neurological Disorders
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Animal Models of Neurological Disorders

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 September 2024 | Viewed by 7848

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alireza Sarkaki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Department of Physiology, Medicine Faculty, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61355-45, Iran
Interests: neurosciences; animal models of behaviors; brain electrophysiology; neurodegenerative diseases; sleep deprivation; brain trauma injury; cerebral ischemia; dust storm side effects; microdialysis for neurotransmitter measurement; pain

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

[Background & history of this topic]: This Special Issue is an important branch of Brain Sciences, focusing on ethical, fundamental and basic scientific investigations using laboratory animals and/or their organs or tissues for purposes such as cell cultures or simulation samples in studies on sleep deprivation, brain and spinal cord traumatic injuries and the adverse effects of ambient particulate matters and dust storms on brain functions and other related fields. These types of manuscripts could act as foundations for applied and clinical trials in order to develop human health programs.   

[Aim and scope of the special issue]: This Special Issue aims to present a collection of research on animal models of neurological behaviors (motor, cognition, learning and memory), diabetes and brain functions, addiction and brain functions, natural substances and nervous system functions, neurodegenerative disorders, nervous system development, different types of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, pain and neuropathic pain, evoked potentials from auditory and visual systems, etc.   

[Cutting-edge research]: Manuscripts discussing cutting-edge research, such as brainstem auditory evoked potential, visual-evoked potential, nano-technologic research in neuroscience, etc., are also welcome.

[What kind of papers we are soliciting]: We aim to solicit papers on basic sciences and experimental research on laboratory animals in the fields of animal behavior, animal neurological disorders (AD, PD, MS, anxiety and depression, Huntington’s diseases, etc.), brain electrophysiology (local field potential (LFP), cortical EEG, EPSP, LTP, etc.) and peripheral nerve electrophysiology (conduction velocity, EMG, etc.).

Prof. Dr. Alireza Sarkaki
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neurodegenerative disorders
  • motor
  • cognitive
  • oxidative stress
  • neuroinflammation
  • gene expression
  • animal

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2654 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of Long-Term Escitalopram Administration on Memory and Hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 Gene Expressions in Rats Exposed to Predictable and Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress
by Vajihe Saedi Marghmaleki, Maryam Radahmadi, Hojjatallah Alaei and Hossein Khanahmad
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050420 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Stress and escitalopram (an anti-stress medication) can affect brain functions and related gene expression. This study investigated the protective effects of long-term escitalopram administration on memory, as well as on hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions in rats exposed to predictable and unpredictable [...] Read more.
Stress and escitalopram (an anti-stress medication) can affect brain functions and related gene expression. This study investigated the protective effects of long-term escitalopram administration on memory, as well as on hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions in rats exposed to predictable and unpredictable chronic mild stress (PCMS and UCMS, respectively). Male rats were randomly assigned to different groups: control (Co), sham (Sh), predictable and unpredictable stress (PSt and USt, respectively; 2 h/day for 21 consecutive days), escitalopram (Esc; 10 mg/kg for 21 days), and predictable and unpredictable stress with escitalopram (PSt-Esc and USt-Esc, respectively). The passive avoidance test was used to assess behavioral variables. The expressions of the BDNF and BCL-2 genes were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR. Latency significantly decreased in the PSt and USt groups. Additionally, latency showed significant improvement in the PSt-Esc group compared to the PSt group. The expression of the BDNF gene significantly decreased only in the USt group. BDNF gene expression significantly increased in the PSt-Esc and USt-Esc groups compared to their respective stress-related groups, whereas the expression of the BCL-2 gene did not change significantly in both PSt-Esc and USt-Esc groups. PCMS and UCMS had devastating effects on memory. Escitalopram improved memory only under PCMS conditions. PCMS and UCMS exhibited fundamental differences in hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions. Furthermore, escitalopram increased hippocampal BDNF gene expression in the PCMS and UCMS subjects. Hence, neurogenesis occurred more significantly than anti-apoptosis under both PCMS and UCMS conditions with escitalopram. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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30 pages, 7830 KiB  
Article
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Extract: Possible Effects on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) Axis in Modulating Chronic Stress
by Guedang Nyayi Simon Désiré, Foyet Harquin Simplice, Camdi Woumitna Guillaume, Fatima Zahra Kamal, Bouvourné Parfait, Tchinda Defo Serge Hermann, Ngatanko Abaissou Hervé Hervé, Keugong Wado Eglantine, Damo Kamda Jorelle Linda, Rebe Nhouma Roland, Kamleu Nkwingwa Balbine, Kenko Djoumessi Lea Blondelle, Alin Ciobica and Laura Romila
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(11), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13111561 - 07 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1219
Abstract
Depression presents a significant global health burden, necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments. This investigation aims to assess the antidepressant effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) on depression-related behaviors in rats. The depression model involved 42 days of [...] Read more.
Depression presents a significant global health burden, necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments. This investigation aims to assess the antidepressant effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) on depression-related behaviors in rats. The depression model involved 42 days of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) exposure and was assessed using the sucrose preference and the forced swimming (FST) test. Additionally, memory-related aspects were examined using the tests Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM), following 21 days of treatment with varying doses of the AO extract (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and Imipramine (20 mg/kg), commencing on day 21. The monoamines (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine), oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD), and cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) within the brain were evaluated. Additionally, the concentration of blood corticosterone was measured. Treatment with AO significantly alleviated UCMS-induced and depressive-like behaviors in rats. This was evidenced by the ability of the extract to prevent further decreases in body mass, increase sucrose consumption, reduce immobility time in the test Forced Swimming, improve cognitive performance in both tests Y-maze and the Morris water maze by increasing the target quadrant dwelling time and spontaneous alternation percentage, and promote faster feeding behavior in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, corticosterone, and MDA levels, and increased monoamine levels and SOD activity. HPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of triterpenoid compounds (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and lupane) and polyphenols (catechin quercetin and kaempferol). These results evidenced the antidepressant effects of the AO, which might involve corticosterone and monoaminergic regulation as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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24 pages, 13158 KiB  
Article
Repetitive, but Not Single, Mild Blast TBI Causes Persistent Neurological Impairments and Selective Cortical Neuronal Loss in Rats
by Rita Campos-Pires, Bee Eng Ong, Mariia Koziakova, Eszter Ujvari, Isobel Fuller, Charlotte Boyles, Valerie Sun, Andy Ko, Daniel Pap, Matthew Lee, Lauren Gomes, Kate Gallagher, Peter F. Mahoney and Robert Dickinson
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(9), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13091298 - 08 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Exposure to repeated mild blast traumatic brain injury (mbTBI) is common in combat soldiers and the training of Special Forces. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to a mild or subthreshold blast can cause serious and long-lasting impairments, but the mechanisms causing these symptoms [...] Read more.
Exposure to repeated mild blast traumatic brain injury (mbTBI) is common in combat soldiers and the training of Special Forces. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to a mild or subthreshold blast can cause serious and long-lasting impairments, but the mechanisms causing these symptoms are unclear. In this study, we characterise the effects of single and tightly coupled repeated mbTBI in Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to shockwaves generated using a shock tube. The primary outcomes are functional neurologic function (unconsciousness, neuroscore, weight loss, and RotaRod performance) and neuronal density in brain regions associated with sensorimotor function. Exposure to a single shockwave does not result in functional impairments or histologic injury, which is consistent with a mild or subthreshold injury. In contrast, exposure to three tightly coupled shockwaves results in unconsciousness, along with persistent neurologic impairments. Significant neuronal loss following repeated blast was observed in the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, auditory cortex, and amygdala. Neuronal loss was not accompanied by changes in astrocyte reactivity. Our study identifies specific brain regions particularly sensitive to repeated mbTBI. The reasons for this sensitivity may include exposure to less attenuated shockwaves or proximity to tissue density transitions, and this merits further investigation. Our novel model will be useful in elucidating the mechanisms of sensitisation to injury, the temporal window of sensitivity and the evaluation of new treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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20 pages, 5641 KiB  
Article
Effect of Berberine against Cognitive Deficits in Rat Model of Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy (Behavioral, Biochemical, Molecular and Histological Evaluations)
by Somayeh Hajipour, Yaghoob Farbood, Mahin Dianat, Ali Nesari and Alireza Sarkaki
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(6), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13060944 - 12 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is one of the chronic liver diseases with high disability and mortality accompanying hepatic encephalopathy (HE) followed by cognitive dysfunctions. In this work, the effect of berberine (Ber) on spatial cognition was studied in a rat model of LC [...] Read more.
Background: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is one of the chronic liver diseases with high disability and mortality accompanying hepatic encephalopathy (HE) followed by cognitive dysfunctions. In this work, the effect of berberine (Ber) on spatial cognition was studied in a rat model of LC induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were divided into six groups: (1) control; (2) TAA, 200 mg/kg/day, i.p.; (3–5) TAA + Ber; received Ber (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg, i.p., daily after last TAA injection); (6) Dizocilpine (MK-801) + TAA, received MK-801 (2 mg/kg/day, i.p.) 30 m before TAA injection. The spatial memory, BBB permeability, brain edema, liver enzymes, urea, serum and brain total bilirubin, oxidative stress and cytokine markers in the hippocampus were measured. Furthermore, a histological examination of the hippocampus was carried out. Results: The BBB permeability, brain edema, liver enzymes, urea, total bilirubin levels in serum and hippocampal MDA and TNF-α increased significantly after TAA injection (p < 0.001); the spatial memory was impaired (p < 0.001), and hippocampal IL-10 decreased (p < 0.001). Ber reversed all the above parameters significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). MK-801 prevented the development of LC via TAA (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Results showed that Ber improves spatial learning and memory in TAA-induced LC by improving the BBB function, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Ber might be a promising therapeutic agent for cognitive improvement in LC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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Review

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19 pages, 2092 KiB  
Review
Models of Trigeminal Activation: Is There an Animal Model of Migraine?
by Eleonóra Spekker, Annamária Fejes-Szabó and Gábor Nagy-Grócz
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(4), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040317 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 917
Abstract
Migraine, recognized as a severe headache disorder, is widely prevalent, significantly impacting the quality of life for those affected. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the application of animal model technologies in unraveling the pathomechanism of migraine and developing more [...] Read more.
Migraine, recognized as a severe headache disorder, is widely prevalent, significantly impacting the quality of life for those affected. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the application of animal model technologies in unraveling the pathomechanism of migraine and developing more effective therapies. It introduces a variety of animal experimental models used in migraine research, emphasizing their versatility and importance in simulating various aspects of the condition. It details the benefits arising from the utilization of these models, emphasizing their role in elucidating pain mechanisms, clarifying trigeminal activation, as well as replicating migraine symptoms and histological changes. In addition, the article consciously acknowledges the inherent limitations and challenges associated with the application of animal experimental models. Recognizing these constraints is a fundamental step toward fine-tuning and optimizing the models for a more accurate reflection of and translatability to the human environment. Overall, a detailed and comprehensive understanding of migraine animal models is crucial for navigating the complexity of the disease. These findings not only provide a deeper insight into the multifaceted nature of migraine but also serve as a foundation for developing effective therapeutic strategies that specifically address the unique challenges arising from migraine pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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11 pages, 1657 KiB  
Review
Brain Swelling versus Infarct Size: A Problematizing Review
by J. Marc Simard, Bradley Wilhelmy, Natalya Tsymbalyuk, Bosung Shim, Jesse A. Stokum, Madison Evans, Anandita Gaur, Cigdem Tosun, Kaspar Keledjian, Prajwal Ciryam, Riccardo Serra and Volodymyr Gerzanich
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(3), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030229 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 802
Abstract
In human stroke, brain swelling is an important predictor of neurological outcome and mortality, yet treatments to reduce or prevent brain swelling are extremely limited, due in part to an inadequate understanding of mechanisms. In preclinical studies on cerebroprotection in animal models of [...] Read more.
In human stroke, brain swelling is an important predictor of neurological outcome and mortality, yet treatments to reduce or prevent brain swelling are extremely limited, due in part to an inadequate understanding of mechanisms. In preclinical studies on cerebroprotection in animal models of stroke, historically, the focus has been on reducing infarct size, and in most studies, a reduction in infarct size has been associated with a corresponding reduction in brain swelling. Unfortunately, such findings on brain swelling have little translational value for treating brain swelling in patients with stroke. This is because, in humans, brain swelling usually becomes evident, either symptomatically or radiologically, days after the infarct size has stabilized, requiring that the prevention or treatment of brain swelling target mechanism(s) that are independent of a reduction in infarct size. In this problematizing review, we highlight the often-neglected concept that brain edema and brain swelling are not simply secondary, correlative phenomena of stroke but distinct pathological entities with unique molecular and cellular mechanisms that are worthy of direct targeting. We outline the advances in approaches for the study of brain swelling that are independent of a reduction in infarct size. Although straightforward, the approaches reviewed in this study have important translational relevance for identifying novel treatment targets for post-ischemic brain swelling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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Other

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15 pages, 610 KiB  
Systematic Review
Mainly Visual Aspects of Emotional Laterality in Cognitively Developed and Highly Social Mammals—A Systematic Review
by Guido Gainotti
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010052 - 05 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Several studies have shown that emotions are asymmetrically represented in the human brain and have proposed three main models (the ‘right hemisphere hypothesis’, the ‘approach-withdrawal hypothesis’ and the ‘valence hypothesis’) that give different accounts of this emotional laterality. Furthermore, in recent years, many [...] Read more.
Several studies have shown that emotions are asymmetrically represented in the human brain and have proposed three main models (the ‘right hemisphere hypothesis’, the ‘approach-withdrawal hypothesis’ and the ‘valence hypothesis’) that give different accounts of this emotional laterality. Furthermore, in recent years, many investigations have suggested that a similar emotional laterality may also exist in different animal taxa. However, results of a previous systematic review of emotional laterality in non-human primates have shown that some of these studies might be criticized from the methodological point of view and support only in part the hypothesis of a continuum in emotional laterality across vertebrates. The aim of the present review therefore consisted in trying to expand this survey to other cognitively developed and highly social mammals, focusing attention on mainly visual aspects of emotional laterality, in studies conducted on the animal categories of horses, elephants, dolphins and whales. The 35 studies included in the review took into account three aspects of mainly visual emotional laterality, namely: (a) visual asymmetries for positive/familiar vs. negative/novel stimuli; (b) lateral position preference in mother–offspring or other affiliative interactions; (c) lateral position preference in antagonistic interactions. In agreement with data obtained from human studies that have evaluated comprehension or expression of emotions at the facial or vocal level, these results suggest that a general but graded right-hemisphere prevalence in the processing of emotions can be found at the visual level in cognitively developed non-primate social mammals. Some methodological problems and some implications of these results for human psychopathology are briefly discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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