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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.10.23.352161

A two-hit adversity model in developing rats reveals sex-specific impacts on prefrontal cortex structure and behavior

Gildawie, K. R.·Ryll, L. M.·Hexter, J. C.·Peterzell, S.·Valentine, A. A.·Brenhouse, H. C.
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Abstract

Adversity early in life substantially impacts prefrontal cortex (PFC) development and vulnerability to later-life psychopathology. Importantly, repeated adverse experiences throughout childhood increase the risk for PFC-mediated behavioral deficits more commonly in women. Evidence from animal models points to effects of adversity on later-life neural and behavioral dysfunction; however, few studies have investigated the neurobiological underpinnings of sex-specific, long term consequences of multiple developmental stressors. We modeled early life adversity in rats via maternal separation (postnatal day (P)2-20) and juvenile social isolation (P21-35). Adult (P85) male and female rats were assessed for differences in the presence and structural integrity of PFC perineuronal nets (PNNs) enwrapping parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons. PNNs are extracellular matrix structures formed during critical periods in postnatal development that play a key role in the plasticity of PV cells. Females - but not males - exposed to multiple hits of adversity demonstrated a reduction in PFC PV cells in adulthood. We also observed a sex-specific, potentiated reduction in PV+ PNN structural integrity. Moreover, correlations between neural disruption and hyperactivity/risk-assessment behavior were altered by adversity differently in males and females. These findings suggest a sex-specific impact of repeated adversity on neurostructural development and implicate PNNs as a contributor to associated behavioral dysfunction.

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Gildawie, K. R., Ryll, L. M., Hexter, J. C., Peterzell, S., Valentine, A. A., Brenhouse, H. C.. 2020-10-25. A two-hit adversity model in developing rats reveals sex-specific impacts on prefrontal cortex structure and behavior. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.23.352161

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