Citation

Broussard JI, Acion L, De Jesús-Cortés H, Yin T, Britt JK, Salas R, Costa-Mattioli M, Robertson C, Pieper AA, Arciniegas DB, Jorge R. Brain Inj. 2018; 32(1): 113-122.

Affiliation

Department of Veteran Affairs , Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center , Houston TX , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2017.1380228

PMID

29156991

Abstract

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Repeated traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) are frequently associated with debilitating neuropsychiatric conditions such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. We tested the hypothesis that repeated mild traumatic brain injury impairs spatial memory and enhances anxiety-like behaviour. RESEARCH DESIGN: We used a between groups design using single (smTBI) or repeated (rmTBI) controlled cranial closed skull impacts to mice, compared to a control group.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We assessed the effects of smTBI and rmTBI using measures of motor performance (Rotarod Test [RT]), anxiety-like behaviour (Elevated Plus Maze [EPM] and Open Field [OF] tests), and spatial memory (Morris Water Maze [MWM]) within 12 days of the final injury. In separate groups of mice, astrocytosis and microglial activation were assessed 24 hours after the final injury using GFAP and IBA-1 immunohistochemistry. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: RmTBI impaired spatial memory in the MWM and increased anxiety-like behaviour in the EPM and OFT. In addition, rmTBI elevated GFAP and IBA-1 immunohistochemistry throughout the mouse brain. RmTBI produced astrocytosis and microglial activation, and elicited impaired spatial memory and anxiety-like behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS: rmTBI produces acute cognitive and anxiety-like disturbances associated with inflammatory changes in brain regions involved in spatial memory and anxiety.

Language: en

Keywords

Animal model; anxiety; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; mild traumatic brain injury; spatial memory