马桑内酯慢性致痫大鼠海马星形胶质细胞的激活

目的：研究慢性癫痛大鼠点时海马星形胶细胞的激活情况。方法：采用马桑内酯慢性癫痫大鼠模型,观察大鼠点燃后海马NF－kBp65和胶质原纤维酸性蛋白（glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP）免疫细胞化学反应（immunoreactivity,IR)的变化。结果：点燃后1h,海马CA1区GFAR－IR开始增强,4－8h可观察到GFAP－IR阳性细胞数量增多并明显浓染。这种强GFAP－IR持续至点燃点24h点燃后1h,NF－kBp65即可在海马CA1区神经元和胶质细胞内表达,主要位于胞核内,至8h阳性神经元细胞核基本消失而可见大量NF－kBp65－IR阳性的胶质细胞,双重免疫细胞化学方法显示GFAP／NF－kBp65－IR阳性细胞在点燃后1h即可观察到,4h表达最高峰,24h恢复对照组水平。结论：马桑内酯慢性致痫大鼠点燃时星形胶质细胞表现一种早期而持续的激活,提示反复激活的星形胶质细胞对癫痫的复发可能起重要的作用。     

缺血缺氧对体外培养星形胶质细胞细胞活化和细胞周期的影响

目的观察缺血缺氧损伤对星形胶质细胞细胞活化和细胞周期的影响。方法用流式细胞仪及BrdU掺入法检测缺血缺氧后不同时间点星形胶质细胞细胞周期变化和细胞的增殖活力;用荧光免疫细胞化学技术测定胶质细胞纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)及细胞周期蛋白cyclinD1的表达水平。结果体外缺血缺氧损伤后星形胶质细胞S期较正常组明显增高,6h达高峰,BrdU掺入法显示损伤后6h星形胶质细胞的增殖活力最高,而随后S期细胞数目及细胞增殖活力都呈下降趋势。在缺血缺氧早期,GFAP阳性染色增强,6h最高;缺血缺氧12h后GFAP阳性染色变弱,而cyclinD1的表达在损伤后逐渐增加,在24h时达高峰。结论缺血缺氧损伤激活星形胶质细胞,使其进入新的细胞周期,出现细胞的增殖反应;cyclinD1参与了损伤后星形胶质细胞的修复和增殖;细胞周期事件与星形胶质细胞的增殖活化密切相关。     

活化星形胶质细胞NGF、IL-6表达的时间特性

目的:研究星形胶质细胞活化后神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)、白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)表达的时间规律性,探讨星形胶质细胞活化后启动保护性机制与损伤性机制的时间特性.方法:体外分离培养星形胶质细胞,分为对照组、活化组、抑制组.通过光学显微镜及免疫荧光化学观察各组细胞的形态变化;应用半定量RT-PCR方法分析各组细胞间胶原纤维酸性蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic protein,GFAP)mRNA及NGF mRNA、IL-6 mRNA表达变化;用ELISA法检测各组细胞上清液中不同时间点(6h,24h,48h,72h)NGF、IL-6的含量.结果:活化组与对照组比较,细胞胞体变大,GFAP荧光增强;RT-PCR示GFAP mRNA、NGF mRNA、IL-6 mRNA表达均明显增高,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);ELISA法检测示星形胶质细胞活化后NGF分泌量在活化后24小时达到高峰,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);活化后48小时IL-6的含量达到高峰,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);应用抑制剂Genistein干预后,与活化组相比,抑制组细胞胞体变小,星形胶质细胞活化被抑制,GFAP mRNA表达下降,NGF mRNA、IL-6 mMRA表达亦下降,与活化组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01).结论:星形胶质细胞活化后NGF、IL-6表达均上调,但NGF表达时间早于IL-6表达时间,表明在星形胶质细胞活化的早期,可能其神经保护作用占主导,而后期其神经毒性作用逐渐明显;Genistein能抑制星形胶质细胞活化,使NGF、IL-6表达下调.     

NDRG2与GFAP在不同脑区星形胶质细胞的表达与分布

目的:观察NDRG2(N-myc下游调节基因2)与GFAP(胶质纤维酸性蛋白)在不同脑区星形胶质细胞的表达与分布。方法:利用免疫荧光NDRG2与GFAP双标技术以及Western Blot技术观察皮层、海马及纹状体等不同脑区星形胶质细胞NDRG2和GFAP的表达与分布。结果:免疫荧光结果显示NDRG2阳性细胞广泛而均匀地分布于不同脑区,并与GFAP存在较好的共定位;NDRG2与GFAP标记的星形胶质细胞形态不尽相同。Western Blot结果显示NDRG2在皮层中表达比海马和纹状体多,而GFAP在海马中表达比皮层和纹状体多。结论:NDRG2广泛表达于不同脑区星形胶质细胞,并于GFAP存在较好的共定位。     

创伤性脑损伤后IL-1?茁在神经胶质细胞中经时定位表达的研究*

目的:探讨创伤性脑损伤(TBI)后白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)在神经胶质细胞中的经时定位表达情况。方法:选择72只SPF级雄性小鼠分为假手术组(sham组)、TBI 6h组、TBI 12h组、TBI 1d组、TBI 4d组与TBI 7d组,每组12只,分别在脑损伤后6h、12h、1d、4d、7d时获取血清和脑组织并且制作切片。ELISA检测损伤后炎症因子IL-1β、白细胞介素-6 (IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达。Western blot检测钙离子结合蛋白-1(IBA-1)和胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的表达。应用免疫荧光双重染色技术观察炎症因子IL-1β在小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞中的定位表达情况。结果:TBI后6h-7d时炎症因子IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的表达量均高于sham组(P0.05)。Western blot结果显示,IBA-1的表达在损伤后6h-7d时高于sham组,GFAP的表达在损伤后1d-7d时高于sham组(P0.05)。免疫荧光双重染色技术显示,6h、12h时IL-1β主要表达在小胶质细胞中,IL-1β和IBA-1共表达细胞数量多于sham组(P0.05);1d、4d、7d时IL-1β主要表达在星形胶质细胞中,IL-1β和GFAP共表达细胞数量多于sham组(P0.05)。结论:TBI诱导了胶质细胞和炎症因子的表达,其表达随脑损伤的时间而变化,IL-1β早期定位表达于小胶质细胞,后期定位表达于星形胶质细胞中。     

戊四氮致痫大鼠大脑皮质和海马内GFAP和cyclin D1表达的变化及脑和脑脊液天冬氨酸和谷氨酸含量的变化

目的研究癫痫发病时星形胶质细胞的激活及脑和脑脊液兴奋性氨基酸含量的变化.方法将实验SD大鼠随机分为2组:1.生理盐水对照(control)组(n=8);腹腔注射与致痫剂等容量的生理盐水.2.戊四氮(PTZ)组;PTZ 60mg/kg腹腔注射后2h、4h、8h、12h取脑,每个时间点各8只,检测下列指标:(1)用免疫组织化学方法(SABC法)观察大鼠大脑皮质和海马内星形胶质细胞胶质原纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)含量的变化;(2)用Western blot方法检测大鼠大脑皮质和海马细胞周期素D1(cyclin D1)表达的变化;(3)采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)法测定大鼠大脑皮质和海马组织匀浆及脑脊液中兴奋性氨基酸(天冬氨酸和谷氨酸)含量的变化.结果星形胶质细胞GFAP免疫组织化学染色结果显示癫痫发作4h后在大脑皮质和海马CA3区、CA1区和皮质内GFAP免疫反应明显增强(P<0.05);Western blot检测癫痫发作2h后cyclin D1的表达在皮质和海马均较对照组明显增强(P<0.05);HPLC测定癫痫发作4h后大脑皮质中天冬氨酸(Asp)和谷氨酸(Glu)的含量达到最高峰,分别为8.900±0.540μmol/g protein和17.500±0.526μmol/g protein,与对照组(分别为7.083±0.693μmol/g protein和7.017±0.419μmol/g protein)相比均有显著性差异(P<0.05),在海马内Asp的含量在癫痫发作后2h达到最高峰,为11.425±1.006μmol/g protein,Glu的含量在癫痫发作后4h达到最高峰,为17.698±0.250μmol/g protein,与对照组(分别为7.300±0.824μmol/g protein和10.925±0.323μmol/g protein)比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05),脑脊液中Asp的含量在癫痫发作后2h达到最高峰,为82.65±4.81μmol/L,而Glu的含量在癫痫发作后持续增高,12h后达到72.80±3.66μmol/L.结论戊四氮致痫过程中兴奋性氨基酸含量增多,海马及皮质内星形胶质细胞激活,cyclin D1表达增加,星形胶质细胞增殖,以上变化在癫痫的形成和维持中发挥作用.     

细胞周期调控对大鼠全脑缺血后海马迟发性神经元死亡的影响

目的观察细胞周期调控对大鼠全脑缺血再灌流后海马区迟发性神经元死亡(delayed neuronal death,DND)以及星形胶质细胞的活化、增殖的影响.方法建立大鼠短暂性全脑缺血再灌流模型,利用尼氏染色、TUNEL、免疫组织化学方法观察再灌流后细胞周期素依赖的蛋白激酶(cyclin depedent kinase, CDK)抑制剂Olomoucine对海马DND以及星形胶质细胞活化增殖的影响.结果全脑缺血再灌流后3d、7d、30d海马神经元明显脱失,部分CA1、CA2区神经元凋亡;星形胶质细胞数目增多,GFAP表达上调,应用Olomoucine后TUNEL阳性神经元数目明显减少,幸存神经元数目增加;星形胶质细胞数目无明显增多,GFAP表达明显下调.结论 CDK抑制剂Olomoucine可有效抑制大鼠全脑缺血后海马神经元DND以及星形胶质细胞活化增殖.     

C57/BL6癫痫小鼠海马齿状回DCX和GFAP表达的时程变化

目的：观察C57/BL6癫痫小鼠海马神经元DCX和GFAP表达的时程变化,为神经元发生,发育和星形胶质细胞的变化提供理论基础。方法：应用海人藻酸建立小鼠癫痫模型,应用免疫荧光组织化学方法检测海马齿状回不同时间点双皮质醇,胶质纤维酸性蛋白的表达。结果：与对照组相比,癫痫发生后3天7、天,海马齿状回DCX阳性神经元的免疫荧光强度明显增强;GFAP阳性神经元的免疫荧光强度在癫痫发生后持续的一周内较对照组均见明显持续表达增强。结论：小鼠癫痫后会引起海马星形胶质细胞的活化,同时发病早期神经元已经出现再生标记物的增加。     

IL-1β对星形胶质细胞的激活作用

目的研究IL-1β对体外原代培养的星形胶质细胞中的激活及增殖作用,并探讨IL-1β对星形胶质细胞细胞周期的影响.方法将单层培养于盖玻片上的纯化的星形胶质细胞分为4组,分别采取血清培养和血清剥夺培养,加入不同浓度IL-1β,其浓度依次为0ng/ml、1ng/ml、10ng/ml、100ng/ml,作用24小时.采用免疫细胞化学观察GFAP和PCNA的表达.并且采用流式细胞术观察其对星形胶质细胞周期的影响.结果血清培养时不同浓度IL-1β组的星形胶质细胞GFAP表达和细胞指数无明显改变,PCNA表达较对照组明显增强,但是1ng/ml和10ng/ml IL-1β时星形胶质细胞PCNA表达无明显变化.而血清剥夺时不同浓度IL-1β组的星形胶质细胞GFAP和PCNA表达较对照组明显增强,S和G2/M期的细胞指数较对照组增多.结论 IL-1β激活星形胶质细胞,上调GFAP和PCNA的表达,并启动细胞周期进程,促使星形胶质细胞进入增殖周期.这对中枢神经系统损伤和疾病时反应性胶质增生及胶质瘢痕的形成机制起着重要作用.     

高压氧治疗创伤性脑损伤的效用及机制研究

目的:研究高压氧(HBO)对大鼠创伤性脑损伤(TBI)治疗效用并观察脑组织星形胶质细胞活化及胶质细胞源性神经营养因子(GDNF)和神经生长因子(NGF)表达的变化以探讨作用机制。方法:SD雄性大鼠54只,随机分为3组(n=18):假手术组、TBI组和HBO治疗组。采用Feeney法建立大鼠TBI模型,假手术组只开放骨窗,不予打击。HBO治疗组大鼠于脑损伤后6 h采用动物高压舱,以3ATA压力纯氧治疗60 min。TBI后48 h测量神经功能,然后分离脑组织,其中18只用干湿法测定脑含水量;18只脑组织用于切片,部分进行尼氏染色后作形态学观察,部分进行免疫组织化学染色,检测星形胶质细胞标记物胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)、波形蛋白(vimentin)与S100蛋白的表达;另18只大鼠取伤侧脑半球,进行Western blot分析,观察GDNF和NGF的表达。结果:HBO治疗能减轻神经功能障碍,降低脑含水量,减少海马部位神经细胞丢失,进一步激活损伤侧皮质与海马部位GFAP、vimentin与S-100阳性表达星形胶质细胞,促进损伤侧脑组织GDNF与NGF的表达。结论:HBO对创伤性脑损伤有较好治疗效果,其机制与上调GDNF和NGF的表达有关。     

The expression of heat shock protein 70 in rat brain after +Gz exposure

To investigate the effect of +Gz exposure on the expression and distribution of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in rat brain. Methods: One hundred rats were randomly divided into control group, +2 Gz, +6 Gz and +10 Gz exposures groups. The +Gz group rats were exposed to +2 Gz, +4 Gz, +6 Gz and +10 Gz for 3 minute respectively. The expression of HSP70 in rat brain was measured by immunohistochemistry and West blot methods after +Gz exposure. Results: There was no HSP70 expression in the brains of control rats. In +2, +4. and +6 Gz groups, HSP70 was obviously expressed in cortex, hippocampus and pyriform cortex 6 h after exposures, and strongly expressed 1 d after exposure, and then had a tendency to decrease 2 d after exposure, and returned to control level 6 d after exposure. The expression of HSP70 after +6 Gz exposure was the strongest in all +Gz groups. In +10 GZ group, HSP70 protein was only weakly expressed in pyriform cortex after exposure. Conclusions: +Gz exposures may cause time-dependent HSP70 expression in rat brain.     

正加速度重复暴露后大鼠心室肌缝隙连接蛋白43表达及分布的改变

本文旨在探讨不同水平的一周重复多次正加速度( Gz)暴露后大鼠心室肌缝隙连接蛋白43(connexin 43, Cx43)表达及分布的改变.36只雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为对照组、 6Gz组和 10Gz组,每组12只. Gz组大鼠分别暴露于 6Gz和 10Gz各3min,1次/d,共1周,分别于末次暴露后即刻、1d、3d、7d(各3只)取心室肌作免疫组织化学染色和Western blot分析,检测Cx43的表达和分布.免疫组织化学结果显示, Gz重复暴露可引起大鼠心室肌Cx43分布方式明显紊乱,Cx43在心肌细胞侧-侧连接处的表达明显增加,在心肌细胞端-端连接处的表达减少.Western Blot结果显示, 6Gz组与 10Gz组的Cx43蛋白表达量于末次暴露后即刻、1d、3d、7d与对照组相应时刻相比均明显减少(P<0.001),以暴露后即刻减少最为明显,且随着 Gz暴露时间的延长,表达逐渐恢复,但在暴露后7d,两组的Cx43表达量仍未恢复至对照组水平.Cx43蛋白表达的上述改变在 10Gz组比 6Gz组更为显著.以上结果提示 Gz重复暴露可引起大鼠心室肌Cx43表达量的一过性减少,分布方式明显紊乱,这种改变很可能是 Gz致心律失常发生的重要原因之一.     

离心机训练对大鼠脑及其它组织IL-6和TNFα基因表达水平的影响

为了解离心机训练前后大鼠脑及心、肺、肾和小肠组织中IL 6和TNFα基因表达水平的变化 ,对雄性SD大鼠进行动物离心机训练 ,刺激值从 + 7Gz～ + 12Gz ,每天增加 + 0 5Gz ,第 12d重复 + 12Gz刺激 ,第 13d离心机训练后 ,断头处死 ,取心、脑、肺、肾和小肠组织 ,分别提取mRNA并定量 .用地高辛标记IL 6和TNFαcDNA作为探针 ,进行狭缝杂交 ,杂交结果通过光密度扫描定量后 ,进行统计学处理 .离心机训练不同时间 ,比较大鼠各组织IL 6和TNFα基因表达水平的变化 .结果显示随着训练时间的延长 ,表达水平均有所差异 .提示训练对大鼠脑及其它主要组织IL 6和TNFα基因表达水平有影响 ,这种影响可能与机体对加速度作用的习服有关     

产前应激对子代大鼠脑缺血/再灌注后星形胶质细胞的影响

目的：探讨产前应激对雄性子代大鼠大脑中动脉缺血/再灌注后星形胶质细胞的影响。方法：SD孕鼠随机分为有产前应激处理（妊娠第15到21天每日3次限制活动）和无产前应激处理,并对其雄性子代大鼠采用线栓法制备大脑中动脉闭塞（MCAO）模型,共分为产前应激+假手术组、MCAO模型组、产前应激+MCAO组（n=10）,于再灌注后第5天检测脑梗死体积,免疫荧光双标染色检测缺血灶边缘区星形胶质细胞形态及促红细胞生成素肝细胞受体A4（EphA4）和胶质纤维酸性蛋白（GFAP）的共表达情况,并采用Western blot检测EphA4、GFAP和神经蛋白聚糖（Neurocan）蛋白表达。结果：产前应激+MCAO组子代大鼠脑梗死体积百分比、EphA4、GFAP和Neurocan蛋白表达均较MCAO组显著增加（P均<0.05）,且GFAP阳性细胞形态学改变及EphA4/GFAP共表达也较MCAO组明显。结论：产前应激可能改变子代大鼠脑缺血/再灌注后星形胶质细胞上EphA4受体的表达,促进星形胶质细胞活化,产生神经蛋白聚糖。     

重复正加速度暴露对大鼠心肌血管内皮超微结构和ICAM-1表达的影响

目的 :观察重复正加速度 ( Gz)暴露对大鼠心肌血管内皮细胞超微结构的影响及其暴露后细胞间粘附分子 1(ICAM 1)表达的变化情况 ,进一步探讨高 Gz暴露致心肌损伤的机理。方法 :30只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分成 3组 (n =10 ) ,其中对照组不受 Gz作用 ;正加速度组分为 1Gz组 :受 1Gz作用 , 10Gz组 :重复 10Gz暴露 ( 10Gz 30s,5counts/d ,3d/w ,3w)。于末次 Gz作用后次日同时处死大鼠 ,速取左室心肌 ,常规透射电镜制样、观察。另取左室心肌制成石蜡切片 ,行免疫组化检测。结果 :重复 10Gz作用后 ,心肌间质弥漫水肿 ,小血管内皮细胞肿胀 ,吞饮泡增多 ,血管内皮细胞ICAM 1含量也明显增加 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,而 1Gz组心肌血管内皮结构及其I CAM 1含量与对照组之间无明显差别。结论 :重复 Gz暴露后 ,大鼠心肌血管内皮细胞可出现明显损伤 ,其I CAM 1表达增多 ,提示粘附分子诱导的炎症反应参与了高 Gz应激导致的心肌损伤     

Autophagy was activated in injured astrocytes and mildly decreased cell survival following glucose and oxygen deprivation and focal cerebral ischemia

The present study evaluated autophagy activation in astrocytes and its contribution to astrocyte injury induced by cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats. In vitro hypoxia in cultured primary astrocytes was induced by the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Alterations of astrocytes were evaluated with astroglia markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The formation of autophagosomes in astrocytes was examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of autophagy-related proteins were examined with immunoblotting. The role of autophagy in OGD or focal cerebral ischemia-induced death of astrocytes was assessed by pharmacological inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or bafilomycin A1 (Baf). The results showed that GFAP staining was reduced in the infarct brain areas 3-12 h following pMCAO. Cerebral ischemia or OGD induced activation of autophagy in astrocytes as evidenced by the increased formation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes and monodansylcadaverine (MDC)-labeled vesicles; the increased production of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II); the upregulation of Beclin 1, lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) and lysosomal cathepsin B expression; and the decreased levels of cytoprotective Bcl-2 protein in primary astrocytes. 3-MA inhibited OGD-induced the increase in LC3-II and the decline in Bcl-2. Furthermore, 3-MA and Baf slightly but significantly attenuated OGD-induced death of astrocytes. 3-MA also significantly increased the number of GFAP-positive cells and the protein levels of GFAP in the ischemic cortex core 12 h following pMCAO. These results suggest that ischemia or hypoxia-induced autophagic/lysosomal pathway activation may at least partly contribute to ischemic injury of astrocytes.     

miR-103a对癫痫大鼠海马组织星形胶质细胞活化的影响

为了考察miR-103a对癫痫大鼠海马组织星形胶质细胞活化的影响。本研究通过腹腔注射氯化锂和毛果芸香碱诱导癫痫大鼠模型,对大鼠脑室内注射miR-103a抑制剂来敲低miR-103a的表达;采用免疫组织化学染色检测大鼠海马组织中胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的阳性表达;采用RT-qPCR和Western blotting方法检测大鼠海马组织中miR-103a、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、GFAP、TNF-α和IL-6的m RNA和蛋白表达;苏木精-伊红(HE)染色评价海马组织病变程度;Nissl染色检测神经元存活情况;TUNEL染色检测神经元的凋亡。结果显示,癫痫大鼠海马组织中miR-103a被上调。下调miR-103a抑制癫痫大鼠海马组织中GFAP的mRNA和蛋白表达,且抑制癫痫大鼠海马神经元的病理损伤,但能促进癫痫大鼠海马神经元的存活并抑制其凋亡。此外,下调miR-103a还抑制癫痫大鼠海马组织中IL-6和TNF-α的表达,并促进癫痫大鼠海马组织中BDNF的表达。本研究表明,靶向沉默miR-103a可以抑制癫痫大鼠海马组织中星形胶质细胞的活化并改善神经元的病理损伤。     

Short-term alterations in hippocampal glutamate transport system caused by one-single neonatal seizure episode: implications on behavioral performance in adulthood

Impairment in the activity and expression of glutamate transporters has been found in experimental models of epilepsy in adult animals. However, there are few studies investigating alterations on glutamate transporters caused by epilepsy in newborn animals, especially in the early periods after seizures. In this study, alterations in the hippocampal glutamate transporters activity and immunocontent were investigated in neonatal rats (7 days old) submitted to kainate-induced seizures model. Glutamate uptake, glutamate transporters (GLT-1, GLAST, EAAC1) and glutamine synthetase (GS) were assessed in hippocampal slices obtained 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 60 days after seizures. Immunoreactivity for hippocampal GFAP, NeuN and DAPI were assessed 24 h after seizure. Behavioral analysis (elevated-plus maze and inhibitory avoidance task) was also investigated in the adult animals (60 days old). The decrease on glutamate uptake was observed in hippocampal slices obtained 24 h after seizures. The immunocontent of GLT-1 increased at 12 h and decreased at 24 h (+62% and −20%, respectively), while GLAST increased up to 48 h after seizures. No alterations were observed for EAAC1 and GS. It should be mentioned that there were no long-term changes in tested glutamate transporters at 60 days after kainate treatment. GFAP immunoreactivity increased in all hippocampal subfields (CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus) with no alterations in NeuN and DAPI staining. In the adulthood, kainate-treated rats showed anxiety-related behavior and lower performance in the inhibitory avoidance task. Our findings indicate that acute modifications on hippocampal glutamate transporters triggered by a single convulsive event in early life may play a role in the behavioral alterations observed in adulthood.