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Asthma Induction During Development and Adult Lung Function, Behavior and Brain Gene Expression.
Jasmine I Caulfield1,2,3, Michael J Caruso1,3, Rebecca A Bourne1
1Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|September 15, 2018
Summary
Childhood allergic asthma can persistently affect adult lung function and alter brain stress regulation. Early asthma symptoms, like labored breathing, may also increase anxiety, with sex and temperament influencing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Allergic asthma is a common chronic condition in developing youth, often linked to psychiatric issues.
- Understanding the causal link between developmental asthma and altered brain/behavioral trajectories is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of developmental allergic asthma on adult lung function, behavior, and brain gene expression.
- To establish a mouse model for studying developmental asthma's impact on emotion and stress regulation.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model was used, manipulating airway inflammation (AI) and methacholine (MCH)-induced bronchospasm (labored breathing, LB) in young mice.
- Adult outcomes were assessed 3 months post-intervention, including lung function, behavior, and brain gene expression (Crhr1, GR, SERT).
- Sex and pre-asthma fear behavior (ultrasonic vocalization rates) were analyzed as modulating factors.
Main Results:
- Allergen exposure induced persistent lung AI, mucus, and asthma-related gene expression in adults.
- Early asthma also altered brain gene expression related to stress (Crhr1, GR) and serotonin (SERT) regulation.
- Developmental labored breathing (LB) events were linked to altered anxiety-related behaviors, modulated by sex and temperament.
Conclusions:
- Developmental allergic asthma can have lasting impacts on adult lung health and emotion/stress regulation.
- These long-term effects are influenced by biological sex and pre-existing temperament, highlighting a complex interplay.
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