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Published on: February 10, 2023
Self-injurious behaviours in rhesus macaques: Potential glial mechanisms
J Ramsey1, E C Martin2, O M Purcell1
1Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.
Background:
Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) can be classified as intentional, direct injuring of body tissue usually without suicidal intent. In its non-suicidal form it is commonly seen as a clinical sign of borderline personality disorder, autism, PTSD, depression, and anxiety affecting a wide range of ages and conditions. In rhesus macaques SIB is most commonly manifested through hair plucking, self-biting, self-hitting, and head banging. SIB in the form of self-biting is observed in approximately 5-15% of individually housed monkeys. Recently, glial cells are becoming recognised as key players in regulating behaviours.
Method:
The goal of this study was to determine the role of glial activation, including astrocytes, in macaques that had displayed SIB. To this end, we performed immunohistochemistry and next generation sequence of brain tissues from rhesus macaques with SIB.
Results:
Our studies showed increased vimentin, but not nestin, expression on astrocytes of macaques displaying SIB. Initial RNA Seq analyses indicate activation of pathways involved in tissue remodelling, neuroinflammation and cAMP signalling.
Conclusions:
Glia are most probably activated in primates with self-injury, and are therefore potential novel targets for therapeutics.
Insights
Glial cells, including astrocytes, show activation in rhesus macaques with self-injurious behavior (SIB). This suggests glial activation plays a role in SIB and may offer new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is intentional self-harm without suicidal intent, often linked to conditions like borderline personality disorder, autism, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- In rhesus macaques, SIB commonly presents as hair plucking, self-biting, self-hitting, and head banging, with self-biting affecting 5-15% of individually housed monkeys.
- Glial cells are increasingly recognized for their crucial role in regulating various behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glial activation, specifically astrocytes, in rhesus macaques exhibiting SIB.
- To identify molecular changes associated with SIB in primate brain tissue.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to examine brain tissue from rhesus macaques with SIB.
- Next-generation sequencing (RNA Seq) was performed on brain tissues to analyze gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes in macaques with SIB displayed increased vimentin expression, but not nestin.
- Initial RNA sequencing revealed the activation of pathways related to tissue remodeling, neuroinflammation, and cAMP signaling.
Conclusions:
- Glial cells are likely activated in primates experiencing self-injury.
- Activated glia represent potential novel therapeutic targets for treating SIB.
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