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Reid B, East P, Blanco E, Doom J, Burrows R, Correa-Burrows P, Lozoff B, Gahagan S. Early-life adversity is associated with poor iron status in infancy. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1856-1867. [PMID: 35678178 PMCID: PMC9732147 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to early-life adversity (ELA) and iron deficiency early in life are known risk factors for suboptimal brain and socioemotional development. Iron deficiency may arise from and co-occur with ELA, which could negatively affect development. In the present study, we investigated whether ELA is associated with iron deficiency in infants receiving no iron supplementation. This study is a secondary analysis of extant data collected in the 1990s; participants were healthy infants from working-class communities in Santiago, Chile (N = 534, 45.5% female). We measured stressful life events, maternal depression, and low home support for child development during infancy and assessed iron status when the infant was 12 months old. Slightly more than half of the infants were iron-deficient (51%), and 25.8% were iron-deficient anemic at 12 months. Results indicated that ELA was associated with lower iron levels and iron deficiency at 12 months. The findings are consistent with animal and human prenatal models of stress and iron status and provide evidence of the association between postnatal ELA and iron status in humans. The findings also highlight a nutritional pathway by which ELA may impact development and present a nutritionally-focused avenue for future research on ELA and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.M. Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - P. East
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - E. Blanco
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
| | - J.R. Doom
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver
| | - R.A. Burrows
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - P. Correa-Burrows
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. Lozoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - S Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
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2
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Dos Santos Claro PA, Silbermins M, Inda C, Silberstein S. CRHR1 endocytosis: Spatiotemporal regulation of receptor signaling. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 196:229-260. [PMID: 36813360 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is crucial for basal and stress-initiated reactions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and extrahypothalamic brain circuits, where it acts as a neuromodulator to organize behavioral and humoral responses to stress. We review and describe cellular components and molecular mechanisms involved in CRH system signaling through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) CRHR1 and CRHR2, under the current view of GPCR signaling from the plasma membrane but also from intracellular compartments, which establish the bases of signal resolution in space and time. Focus is placed on latest studies of CRHR1 signaling in physiologically significant contexts of the neurohormone function that disclosed new mechanistic features of cAMP production and ERK1/2 activation. We also introduce in a brief overview the pathophysiological function of the CRH system, underlining the need for a complete characterization of CRHRs signaling to design new and specific therapies for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Dos Santos Claro
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Micaela Silbermins
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Inda
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Octamer SRL, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana Silberstein
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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3
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Demaestri C, Gallo M, Mazenod E, Hong AT, Arora H, Short AK, Stern H, Baram TZ, Bath KG. Resource scarcity but not maternal separation provokes unpredictable maternal care sequences in mice and both upregulate Crh-associated gene expression in the amygdala. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100484. [PMID: 36120094 PMCID: PMC9475315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for the development of pathology, including anxiety disorders. Neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes following ELA are multifaceted and are influenced heavily by the type of adversity experienced and sex of the individual experiencing ELA. It remains unclear what properties of ELA portend differential neurobiological risk and the basis of sex-differences for negative outcomes. Predictability of the postnatal environment has emerged as being a core feature supporting development, with the most salient signals deriving from parental care. Predictability of parental care may be a distinguishing feature of different forms of ELA, and the degree of predictability afforded by these manipulations may contribute to the diversity of outcomes observed across models. Further, questions remain as to whether differing levels of predictability may contribute to differential effects on neurodevelopment and expression of genes associated with risk for pathology. Here, we tested the hypothesis that changes in maternal behavior in mice would be contingent on the type of ELA experienced, directly comparing predictability of care in the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) and maternal separation (MS) paradigms. We then tested whether the predictability of the ELA environment altered the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), a sexually-dimorphic neuropeptide that regulates threat-related learning, in the amygdala of male and female mice. The LBN manipulation reliably increased the entropy of maternal care, a measure that indicates lower predictability between sequences of dam behavior. LBN and MS rearing similarly increased the frequency of nest sorties and licking of pups but had mixed effects on other aspects of dam-, pup-, and nest-related behaviors. Increased expression of Crh-related genes was observed in pups that experienced ELA, with gene expression measures showing a significant interaction with sex and type of ELA manipulation. Specifically, MS was associated with increased expression of Crh-related genes in males, but not females, and LBN primarily increased expression of these genes in females, but not males. The present study provides evidence for predictability as a distinguishing feature of models of ELA and demonstrates robust consequences of these differing experience on sex-differences in gene expression critically associated with stress responding and sex differences in risk for pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Demaestri
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghan Gallo
- Doctoral Program in Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./ New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa Mazenod
- Doctoral Program in Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander T. Hong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hal Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin G. Bath
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./ New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Gunnar MR, Bowen M. What was learned from studying the effects of early institutional deprivation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173272. [PMID: 34509501 PMCID: PMC8501402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effect of experiences in infancy on human development is a central question in developmental science. Children raised in orphanage-like institutions for their first year or so of life and then adopted into well-resourced and supportive families provide a lens on the long-term effects of early deprivation and the capacity of children to recover from this type of early adversity. While it is challenging to identify cause-and-effect relations in the study of previously institutionalized individuals, finding results that are consistent with animal experimental studies and the one randomized study of removal from institutional care support the conclusion that many of the outcomes for these children were induced by early institutional deprivation. This review examines the behavioral and neural evidence for altered executive function, declarative memory, affective disorders, reward processing, reactivity to threat, risk-taking and sensation-seeking. We then provide a brief overview of the neurobiological mechanisms that may transduce early institutional experiences into effects on brain and behavior. In addition, we discuss implications for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Gunnar
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Maya Bowen
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Malta MB, Martins J, Novaes LS, Dos Santos NB, Sita L, Camarini R, Scavone C, Bittencourt J, Munhoz CD. Norepinephrine and Glucocorticoids Modulate Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Increase in the Type 2 CRF and Glucocorticoid Receptors in Brain Structures Related to the HPA Axis Activation. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4871-4885. [PMID: 34213722 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The stress response is multifactorial and enrolls circuitries to build a coordinated reaction, leading to behavioral, endocrine, and autonomic changes. These changes are mainly related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and the organism's integrity. However, when self-regulation is ineffective, stress becomes harmful and predisposes the organism to pathologies. The chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) is a widely used experimental model since it induces physiological and behavioral changes and better mimics the stressors variability encountered in daily life. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and glucocorticoids (GCs) are deeply implicated in the CUS-induced physiological and behavioral changes. Nonetheless, the CUS modulation of CRF receptors and GR and the norepinephrine role in extra-hypothalamic brain areas were not well explored. Here, we show that 14 days of CUS induced a long-lasting HPA axis hyperactivity evidenced by plasmatic corticosterone increase and adrenal gland hypertrophy, which was dependent on both GCs and NE release induced by each stress session. CUS also increased CRF2 mRNA expression and GR protein levels in fundamental brain structures related to HPA regulation and behavior, such as the lateral septal nucleus intermedia part (LSI), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). We also showed that NE participates in the CUS-induced increase in CRF2 and GR levels in the LSI, reinforcing the locus coeruleus (LC) involvement in the HPA axis modulation. Despite the CUS-induced molecular changes in essential areas related to anxiety-like behavior, this phenotype was not observed in CUS animals 24 h after the last stress session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia B Malta
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joelcimar Martins
- Central of Facilities, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Leonardo S Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Nilton B Dos Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luciane Sita
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Cristoforo Scavone
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jackson Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil.,Center for Neurosciences and Behavior, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carolina D Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade de Sao Paulo Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, room 323, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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6
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Bardo MT, Hammerslag LR, Malone SG. Effect of early life social adversity on drug abuse vulnerability: Focus on corticotropin-releasing factor and oxytocin. Neuropharmacology 2021; 191:108567. [PMID: 33862030 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversity can set the trajectory for later psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. There are a host of neurobiological factors that may play a role in the negative trajectory. The current review examines preclinical evidence suggesting that early life adversity specifically involving social factors (maternal separation, adolescent social isolation and adolescent social defeat) may influence drug abuse vulnerability by strengthening corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems and weakening oxytocin (OT) systems. In adulthood, pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates that both CRF and OT systems are directly involved in drug reward processes. With early life adversity, numerous studies show an increase in drug abuse vulnerability measured in adulthood, along a concomitant strengthening of CRF systems and a weakening of OT systems. Mechanistic studies, while relatively few in number, are generally consistent with the theme that strengthened CRF systems and weakened OT systems mediate, at least in part, the link between early life adversity and drug abuse vulnerability. Establishing a direct role of CRF and OT in mediating the relation between early life social stressors and drug abuse vulnerability will inform clinical researchers and practitioners toward the development of intervention strategies to reduce risk among those suffering from early life adversities. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA.
| | - Lindsey R Hammerslag
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
| | - Samantha G Malone
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
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7
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Babicola L, Ventura R, D'Addario SL, Ielpo D, Andolina D, Di Segni M. Long term effects of early life stress on HPA circuit in rodent models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 521:111125. [PMID: 33333214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to environmental challenges represents a critical process for survival, requiring the complex integration of information derived from both external cues and internal signals regarding current conditions and previous experiences. The Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis plays a central role in this process inducing the activation of a neuroendocrine signaling cascade that affects the delicate balance of activity and cross-talk between areas that are involved in sensorial, emotional, and cognitive processing such as the hippocampus, amygdala, Prefrontal Cortex, Ventral Tegmental Area, and dorsal raphe. Early life stress, especially early critical experiences with caregivers, influences the functional and structural organization of these areas, affects these processes in a long-lasting manner and may result in long-term maladaptive and psychopathological outcomes, depending on the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. This review summarizes the results of studies that have modeled this early postnatal stress in rodents during the first 2 postnatal weeks, focusing on the long-term effects on molecular and structural alteration in brain areas involved in Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Moreover, a brief investigation of epigenetic mechanisms and specific genetic targets mediating the long-term effects of these early environmental manipulations and at the basis of differential neurobiological and behavioral effects during adulthood is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Babicola
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Alviña K, Jodeiri Farshbaf M, Mondal AK. Long term effects of stress on hippocampal function: Emphasis on early life stress paradigms and potential involvement of neuropeptide Y. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:57-66. [PMID: 32162350 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The brain is both central in orchestrating the response to stress, and, a very sensitive target when such response is not controlled. In fact, stress has long been associated with the onset and/or exacerbation of several neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. The hippocampus is a key brain region involved in the response to stress, not only due to its anatomical connections with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis but also as a major target of stress mediators. The hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)-CA3 circuit, composed of DG granule cells axons (mossy fibers) synapsing onto CA3 pyramidal cells, plays an essential role in memory encoding and retrieval, functions that are vulnerable to stress. Although naturally excitatory, this circuit is under the inhibitory control of GABAergic interneurons that maintain the excitation/inhibition balance. One subgroup of such interneurons produces neuropeptide Y (NPY), which has emerged as a promising endogenous stress "resilience molecule" due to its anxiolytic and anti-epileptic properties. Here we examine existing evidence that reveals a potential role for hilar NPY+ interneurons in mediating stress-induced changes in hippocampal function. We will focus specifically on rodent models of early life stress (ELS), defined as adverse conditions during the early postnatal period that can have profound consequences for neurodevelopment. Collectively, these findings suggest that the long-lasting effects of ELS might stem from the loss of GABAergic NPY+ cells, which then can lead to reduced inhibition in the DG-CA3 pathway. Such change might then lead to hyperexcitability and concomitant hippocampal-dependent behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Alviña
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Amit Kumar Mondal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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9
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Lemos C, Salti A, Amaral IM, Fontebasso V, Singewald N, Dechant G, Hofer A, El Rawas R. Social interaction reward in rats has anti-stress effects. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12878. [PMID: 31984611 PMCID: PMC7757251 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction in an alternative context can be beneficial against drugs of abuse. Stress is known to be a risk factor that can exacerbate the effects of addictive drugs. In this study, we investigated whether the positive effects of social interaction are mediated through a decrease in stress levels. For that purpose, rats were trained to express cocaine or social interaction conditioned place preference (CPP). Behavioural, hormonal, and molecular stress markers were evaluated. We found that social CPP decreased the percentage of incorrect transitions of grooming and corticosterone to the level of naïve untreated rats. In addition, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was increased in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis after cocaine CPP. In order to study the modulation of social CPP by the CRF system, rats received intracerebroventricular CRF or alpha-helical CRF, a nonselective antagonist of CRF receptors. The subsequent effects on CPP to cocaine or social interaction were observed. CRF injections increased cocaine CPP, whereas alpha-helical CRF injections decreased cocaine CPP. However, alpha-helical CRF injections potentiated social CPP. When social interaction was made available in an alternative context, CRF-induced increase of cocaine preference was reversed completely to the level of rats receiving cocaine paired with alpha-helical CRF. This reversal of cocaine preference was also paralleled by a reversal in CRF-induced increase of p38 MAPK expression in the nucleus accumbens shell. These findings suggest that social interaction could contribute as a valuable component in treatment of substance use disorders by reducing stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lemos
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I Medical University Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Ahmad Salti
- Institute of Molecular Biology University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Inês M. Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I Medical University Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Veronica Fontebasso
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Georg Dechant
- Institute for Neuroscience Medical University Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Alex Hofer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I Medical University Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Rana El Rawas
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I Medical University Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
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10
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Bromberg CE, Condon AM, Ridgway SW, Krishna G, Garcia-Filion PC, Adelson PD, Rowe RK, Thomas TC. Sex-Dependent Pathology in the HPA Axis at a Sub-acute Period After Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:946. [PMID: 33101162 PMCID: PMC7554641 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are reported in the United States annually, of which, over 75% are mild TBIs with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) as the primary pathology. TBI instigates a stress response that stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis concurrently with DAI in brain regions responsible for feedback regulation. While the incidence of affective symptoms is high in both men and women, presentation is more prevalent and severe in women. Few studies have longitudinally evaluated the etiology underlying late-onset affective symptoms after mild TBI and even fewer have included females in the experimental design. In the experimental TBI model employed in this study, evidence of chronic HPA dysregulation has been reported at 2 months post-injury in male rats, with peak neuropathology in other regions of the brain at 7 days post-injury (DPI). We predicted that mechanisms leading to dysregulation of the HPA axis in male and female rats would be most evident at 7 DPI, the sub-acute time point. Young adult age-matched male and naturally cycling female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to midline fluid percussion injury (mFPI) or sham surgery. Corticotropin releasing hormone, gliosis, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels were evaluated in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, along with baseline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal gland weights. Microglial response in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus indicated mild neuroinflammation in males compared to sex-matched shams, but not females. Evidence of microglia activation in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was robust in both sexes compared with uninjured shams and there was evidence of a significant interaction between sex and injury regarding microglial cell count. GFAP intensity and astrocyte numbers increased as a function of injury, indicative of astrocytosis. GR protein levels were elevated 30% in the hippocampus of females in comparison to sex-matched shams. These data indicate sex-differences in sub-acute pathophysiology following DAI that precede late-onset HPA axis dysregulation. Further understanding of the etiology leading up to late-onset HPA axis dysregulation following DAI could identify targets to stabilize feedback, attenuate symptoms, and improve efficacy of rehabilitation and overall recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Bromberg
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Andrew M Condon
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha W Ridgway
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Gokul Krishna
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Pamela C Garcia-Filion
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - P David Adelson
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Rachel K Rowe
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Theresa Currier Thomas
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Velíšek L, Velíšková J. Modeling epileptic spasms during infancy: Are we heading for the treatment yet? Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107578. [PMID: 32417271 PMCID: PMC7299814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infantile spasms (IS or epileptic spasms during infancy) were first described by Dr. William James West (aka West syndrome) in his own son in 1841. While rare by definition (occurring in 1 per 3200-3400 live births), IS represent a major social and treatment burden. The etiology of IS varies - there are many (>200) different known pathologies resulting in IS and still in about one third of cases there is no obvious reason. With the advancement of genetic analysis, role of certain genes (such as ARX or CDKL5 and others) in IS appears to be important. Current treatment strategies with incomplete efficacy and serious potential adverse effects include adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone) and vigabatrin, more recently also a combination of hormones and vigabatrin. Second line treatments include pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and ketogenic diet. Additional treatment approaches use rapamycin, cannabidiol, valproic acid and other anti-seizure medications. Efficacy of these second line medications is variable but usually inferior to hormonal treatments and vigabatrin. Thus, new and effective models of this devastating condition are required for the search of additional treatment options as well as for better understanding the mechanisms of IS. Currently, eight models of IS are reviewed along with the ideas and mechanisms behind these models, drugs tested using the models and their efficacy and usefulness. Etiological variety of IS is somewhat reflected in the variety of the models. However, it seems that for finding precise personalized approaches, this variety is necessary as there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach possible for both IS in particular and epilepsy in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Velíšek
- Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
| | - Jana Velíšková
- Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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12
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Long-range inputome of cortical neurons containing corticotropin-releasing hormone. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12209. [PMID: 32699360 PMCID: PMC7376058 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissection of the neural circuits of the cerebral cortex is essential for studying mechanisms underlying brain function. Herein, combining a retrograde rabies tracing system with fluorescent micro-optical sectional tomography, we investigated long-range input neurons of corticotropin-releasing hormone containing neurons in the six main cortical areas, including the prefrontal, somatosensory, motor, auditory, and visual cortices. The whole brain distribution of input neurons showed similar patterns to input neurons distributed mainly in the adjacent cortical areas, thalamus, and basal forebrain. Reconstruction of continuous three-dimensional datasets showed the anterior and middle thalamus projected mainly to the rostral cortex whereas the posterior and lateral projected to the caudal cortex. In the basal forebrain, immunohistochemical staining showed these cortical areas received afferent information from cholinergic neurons in the substantia innominata and lateral globus pallidus, whereas cholinergic neurons in the diagonal band nucleus projected strongly to the prefrontal and visual cortex. Additionally, dense neurons in the zona incerta and ventral hippocampus were found to project to the prefrontal cortex. These results showed general patterns of cortical input circuits and unique connection patterns of each individual area, allowing for valuable comparisons among the organisation of different cortical areas and new insight into cortical functions.
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13
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Lapsley CR, Irwin R, McLafferty M, Thursby SJ, O'Neill SM, Bjourson AJ, Walsh CP, Murray EK. Methylome profiling of young adults with depression supports a link with immune response and psoriasis. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:85. [PMID: 32539844 PMCID: PMC7477873 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00877-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently the leading cause of global disability, clinical depression is a heterogeneous condition characterised by low mood, anhedonia and cognitive impairments. Its growing incidence among young people, often co-occurring with self-harm, is of particular concern. We recently reported very high rates of depression among first year university students in Northern Ireland, with over 25% meeting the clinical criteria, based on DSM IV. However, the causes of depression in such groups remain unclear, and diagnosis is hampered by a lack of biological markers. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine DNA methylation patterns in saliva samples from individuals with a history of depression and matched healthy controls. RESULTS From our student subjects who showed evidence of a total lifetime major depressive event (MDE, n = 186) we identified a small but distinct subgroup (n = 30) with higher risk scores on the basis of co-occurrence of self-harm and attempted suicide. Factors conferring elevated risk included being female or non-heterosexual, and intrinsic factors such as emotional suppression and impulsiveness. Saliva samples were collected and a closely matched set of high-risk cases (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 16) similar in age, gender and smoking status were compared. These showed substantial differences in DNA methylation marks across the genome, specifically in the late cornified envelope (LCE) gene cluster. Gene ontology analysis showed highly significant enrichment for immune response, and in particular genes associated with the inflammatory skin condition psoriasis, which we confirmed using a second bioinformatics approach. We then verified methylation gains at the LCE gene cluster at the epidermal differentiation complex and at MIR4520A/B in our cases in the laboratory, using pyrosequencing. Additionally, we found loss of methylation at the PSORSC13 locus on chromosome 6 by array and pyrosequencing, validating recent findings in brain tissue from people who had died by suicide. Finally, we could show that similar changes in immune gene methylation preceded the onset of depression in an independent cohort of adolescent females. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests an immune component to the aetiology of depression in at least a small subgroup of cases, consistent with the accumulating evidence supporting a relationship between inflammation and depression. Additionally, DNA methylation changes at key loci, detected in saliva, may represent a valuable tool for identifying at-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral R Lapsley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, UK
| | - Rachelle Irwin
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, UK
| | - Margaret McLafferty
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, UK.,School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, UK
| | - Sara Jayne Thursby
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, UK
| | - Siobhan M O'Neill
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, UK
| | - Anthony J Bjourson
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, UK
| | - Elaine K Murray
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, UK.
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14
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Biological intersection of sex, age, and environment in the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system and alcohol. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108045. [PMID: 32217364 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is critical in neural circuit function and behavior, particularly in the context of stress, anxiety, and addiction. Despite a wealth of preclinical evidence for the efficacy of CRF receptor 1 antagonists in reducing behavioral pathology associated with alcohol exposure, several clinical trials have had disappointing outcomes, possibly due to an underappreciation of the role of biological variables. Although he National Institutes of Health (NIH) now mandate the inclusion of sex as a biological variable in all clinical and preclinical research, the current state of knowledge in this area is based almost entirely on evidence from male subjects. Additionally, the influence of biological variables other than sex has received even less attention in the context of neuropeptide signaling. Age (particularly adolescent development) and housing conditions have been shown to affect CRF signaling and voluntary alcohol intake, and the interaction between these biological variables is particularly relevant to the role of the CRF system in the vulnerability or resilience to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Going forward, it will be important to include careful consideration of biological variables in experimental design, reporting, and interpretation. As new research uncovers conditions in which sex, age, and environment play major roles in physiological and/or pathological processes, our understanding of the complex interaction between relevant biological variables and critical signaling pathways like the CRF system in the cellular and behavioral consequences of alcohol exposure will continue to expand ultimately improving the ability of preclinical research to translate to the clinic. This article is part of the special issue on Neuropeptides.
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15
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Kinlein SA, Karatsoreos IN. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a substrate for stress resilience: Interactions with the circadian clock. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100819. [PMID: 31863788 PMCID: PMC7643247 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress, primarily processed via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, engages biological pathways throughout the brain and body which promote adaptation and survival to changing environmental demands. Adaptation to environmental challenges is compromised when these pathways are no longer functioning optimally. The physiological and behavioral mechanisms through which HPA axis function influences stress adaptation and resilience are not fully elucidated. Our understanding of stress biology and disease must take into account the complex interactions between the endocrine system, neural circuits, and behavioral coping strategies. In addition, further consideration must be taken concerning influences of other aspects of physiology, including the circadian clock which is critical for regulation of daily changes in HPA activity. While adding a layer of complexity, it also offers targets for intervention. Understanding the role of HPA function in mediating these diverse biological responses will lead to important insights about how to bolster successful stress adaptation and promote stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Kinlein
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States
| | - Ilia N Karatsoreos
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
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16
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Estrogen receptors α and β in the central amygdala and the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus: Sociosexual behaviors, fear and arousal in female rats during emotionally challenging events. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:128-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Roberts AG, Lopez-Duran NL. Developmental influences on stress response systems: Implications for psychopathology vulnerability in adolescence. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 88:9-21. [PMID: 30466015 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adolescent transition is marked by increases in stress exposure and significant maturation of neural and hormonal stress processing systems. Variability in the development of these systems during adolescence may influence the risk for stress-related psychopathology. This paper aims to review the developmental maturation of the HPA axis and related stress regulation systems, and demonstrate how interference in this adaptive developmental process may increase the risk for negative outcomes. We argue that the developmental maturation of the HPA axis aims to improve the regulatory capacity of the axis in order to more adaptively respond to these increases in stress reactivity. Additionally, we review evidence that sex differences in the development of the HPA and related axes may contribute to sex differences in the risk for stress-related psychopathology. Finally, we discuss how contextual factors, such as early trauma and obesity may alter the development of HPA axis during the adolescence transition and how alterations of normative development increase the risk for stress-related disorders.
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18
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Negative consequences of early-life adversity on substance use as mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor modulation of serotonin activity. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:29-39. [PMID: 30151419 PMCID: PMC6108067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity is associated with increased risk for substance abuse in later life, with women more likely to report past and current stress as a mediating factor in their substance use and relapse as compared to men. Preclinical models of neonatal and peri-adolescent (early through late adolescence) stress all support a direct relationship between experiences of early-life adversity and adult substance-related behaviors, and provide valuable information regarding the underlying neurobiology. This review will provide an overview of these animal models and how these paradigms alter drug and alcohol consumption and/or seeking in male and female adults. An introduction to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and serotonin systems, their development and their interactions at the level of the dorsal raphe will be provided, illustrating how this particular stress system is sexually dimorphic, and is well positioned to be affected by stressors early in development and throughout maturation. A model for CRF-serotonin interactions in the dorsal raphe and how these influence dopaminergic activity within the nucleus accumbens and subsequent reward-associated behaviors will be provided, and alterations to the activity of this system following early-life adversity will be identified. Overall, converging findings suggest that early-life adversity has long-term effects on the functioning of the CRF-serotonin system, highlighting a potentially important and targetable mediator linking stress to addiction. Future work should focus on identifying the exact mechanisms that promote long-term changes to the expression and activity of CRF receptors in the dorsal raphe. Moreover, it is important to clarify whether similar neurobiological mechanisms exist for males and females, given the sexual dimorphism both in CRF receptors and serotonin indices in the dorsal raphe and in the behavioral outcomes of early-life adversity. Early life stress increases risk for substance abuse in adulthood. Stress and drugs increase CRF which alters serotonin release in the brain. CRF2 receptor expression in the dorsal raphe is altered by early life stress. Resultant changes to serotonin output facilitates dopamine in the accumbens. CRF2-sertotonin-dopamine interactions may link early life stress with substance abuse.
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Key Words
- 5-HIAA, 5–Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
- BNST, Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
- CRF, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor
- CRF-BP, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Binding Protein
- CeA, Central Nucleus of the Amygdala
- Corticotropin-releasing factor
- Dorsal raphe nucleus
- Drug reward
- Early-life stress
- LC, Locus Coeruleus
- MDMA, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
- NAc, Nucleus Accumbens
- NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate
- PND, Postnatal Day
- Serotonin
- Sex differences
- TPH2, Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2
- VTA, Ventral Tegmental Area
- dRN, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
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Association between stress pathway gene (CRHR1⧹CRHBP) polymorphisms and heroin dependence. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 54:33-38. [PMID: 29853227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress could increase risk of heroin addiction and relapse. Genetic factors that associated with stress may be involved in this process. To explore the relationship between stress pathway gene (CRHR1⧹CRHBP) polymorphisms and heroin dependence, nine tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (CRHR1 rs12953076, rs4458044, rs242924, rs17689966; CRHBP rs1715751, rs3792738, rs32897, rs10062367, rs1875999) of stress related genes were genotyped by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay for 524 heroin-dependent patients who were abstinent and 489 normal controls. The patients were followed up for 5 years to determine whether relapse or not. Life stress was assessed by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at baseline and within 12 months just discharged. No differences were found in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles in nine loci of stress pathway genes between case and control groups (p > 0.05), but there were significant discrepancy in perceived stress scores in genotype distributions. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that CRHBP gene polymorphism rs3792738 had interactions with life stress during predicting the risk of heroin relapse. It was concluded that the predictive value of a genetic interaction with the stress axis for the risk of heroin relapse may be useful for future preventive and individualized therapeutic strategies.
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20
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Rosinger ZJ, Jacobskind JS, Park SG, Justice NJ, Zuloaga DG. Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 in the developing mouse forebrain: A novel sex difference revealed in the rostral periventricular hypothalamus. Neuroscience 2017; 361:167-178. [PMID: 28823817 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling through CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) regulates autonomic, endocrine and behavioral responses to stress and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several disorders including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Using a validated CRFR1 reporter mouse line (bacterial artificial chromosome identified by green fluorescence protein (BAC GFP-CRFR1)), we investigated the distribution of CRFR1 in the developing mouse forebrain. Distribution of CRFR1 was investigated at postnatal days (P) 0, 4, and 21 in male and female mice. CRFR1 increased with age in several regions including the medial amygdala, arcuate nucleus, paraventricular hypothalamus, medial septum, CA1 hippocampal area, and the lateral habenula. Regions showing decreased CRFR1 expression with increased age include the intermediate portion of the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and CA3 hippocampal area. We report a sexually dimorphic expression of CRFR1 within the rostral portion of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (AVPV/PeN), a region known to regulate ovulation, reproductive and maternal behaviors. Females had a greater number of CRFR1-GFP-ir cells at all time points in the AVPV/PeN and CRFR1-GFP-ir was nearly absent in males by P21. Overall, alterations in CRFR1-GFP-ir distribution based on age and sex may contribute to observed age- and sex-dependent differences in stress regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shannon G Park
- University at Albany, Department of Psychology, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Nicholas J Justice
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Damian G Zuloaga
- University at Albany, Department of Psychology, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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21
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Inda C, Armando NG, Dos Santos Claro PA, Silberstein S. Endocrinology and the brain: corticotropin-releasing hormone signaling. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:R99-R120. [PMID: 28710078 PMCID: PMC5551434 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a key player of basal and stress-activated responses in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and in extrahypothalamic circuits, where it functions as a neuromodulator to orchestrate humoral and behavioral adaptive responses to stress. This review describes molecular components and cellular mechanisms involved in CRH signaling downstream of its G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) CRHR1 and CRHR2 and summarizes recent findings that challenge the classical view of GPCR signaling and impact on our understanding of CRHRs function. Special emphasis is placed on recent studies of CRH signaling that revealed new mechanistic aspects of cAMP generation and ERK1/2 activation in physiologically relevant contexts of the neurohormone action. In addition, we present an overview of the pathophysiological role of the CRH system, which highlights the need for a precise definition of CRHRs signaling at molecular level to identify novel targets for pharmacological intervention in neuroendocrine tissues and specific brain areas involved in CRH-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Inda
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck SocietyBuenos Aires, Argentina
- DFBMCFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia G Armando
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck SocietyBuenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Dos Santos Claro
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck SocietyBuenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana Silberstein
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck SocietyBuenos Aires, Argentina
- DFBMCFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Curran MM, Sandman CA, Poggi Davis E, Glynn LM, Baram TZ. Abnormal dendritic maturation of developing cortical neurons exposed to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH): Insights into effects of prenatal adversity? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180311. [PMID: 28658297 PMCID: PMC5489219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) produced by the hypothalamus initiates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's stress response. CRH levels typically are undetectable in human plasma, but during pregnancy the primate placenta synthesizes and releases large amounts of CRH into both maternal and fetal circulations. Notably, placental CRH synthesis increases in response to maternal stress signals. There is evidence that human fetal exposure to high concentrations of placental CRH is associated with behavioral consequences during infancy and into childhood, however the direct effects on of the peptide on the human brain are unknown. In this study, we used a rodent model to test the plausibility that CRH has direct effects on the developing cortex. Because chronic exposure to CRH reduces dendritic branching in hippocampal neurons, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to CRH would provoke impoverishment of dendritic trees in cortical neurons. This might be reflected in humans as cortical thinning. We grew developing cortical neurons in primary cultures in the presence of graded concentrations of CRH. We then employed Sholl analyses to measure dendritic branching and total dendritic length of treated cells. A seven-day exposure to increasing levels of CRH led to a significant, dose-dependent impoverishment of the branching of pyramidal-like cortical neurons. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, rather than merely being a marker of prenatal stress, CRH directly decreases dendritic branching. Because dendrites comprise a large portion of cortical volume these findings might underlie reduced cortical thickness and could contribute to the behavioral consequences observed in children exposed to high levels of CRH in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M. Curran
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States of America
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
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23
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Alcántara-Alonso V, Panetta P, de Gortari P, Grammatopoulos DK. Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone As the Homeostatic Rheostat of Feto-Maternal Symbiosis and Developmental Programming In Utero and Neonatal Life. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:161. [PMID: 28744256 PMCID: PMC5504167 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A balanced interaction between the homeostatic mechanisms of mother and the developing organism during pregnancy and in early neonatal life is essential in order to ensure optimal fetal development, ability to respond to various external and internal challenges, protection from adverse programming, and safeguard maternal care availability after parturition. In the majority of pregnancies, this relationship is highly effective resulting in successful outcomes. However, in a number of pathological settings, perturbations of the maternal homeostasis disrupt this symbiosis and initiate adaptive responses with unpredictable outcomes for the fetus or even the neonate. This may lead to development of pathological phenotypes arising from developmental reprogramming involving interaction of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental-driven pathways, sometimes with acute consequences (e.g., growth impairment) and sometimes delayed (e.g., enhanced susceptibility to disease) that last well into adulthood. Most of these adaptive mechanisms are activated and controlled by hormones of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis under the influence of placental steroid and peptide hormones. In particular, the hypothalamic peptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a key role in feto-maternal communication by orchestrating and integrating a series of neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, and behavioral responses. CRH also regulates neural networks involved in maternal behavior and this determines efficiency of maternal care and neonate interactions. This review will summarize our current understanding of CRH actions during the perinatal period, focusing on the physiological roles for both mother and offspring and also how external challenges can alter CRH actions and potentially impact on fetus/neonate health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viridiana Alcántara-Alonso
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology, Department of Neurosciences Research, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pamela Panetta
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia de Gortari
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology, Department of Neurosciences Research, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Clinical Biochemistry, Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Service, UHCW NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos,
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24
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Nillni EA. The metabolic sensor Sirt1 and the hypothalamus: Interplay between peptide hormones and pro-hormone convertases. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 438:77-88. [PMID: 27614022 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The last decade had witnessed a tremendous progress in our understanding of the causes of metabolic diseases including obesity. Among the contributing factors regulating energy balance are nutrient sensors such as sirtuins. Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a NAD + - dependent deacetylase is affected by diet, environmental stress, and also plays a critical role in metabolic health by deacetylating proteins in many tissues, including liver, muscle, adipose tissue, heart, endothelium, and in the complexity of the hypothalamus. Because of its dependence on NAD+, Sirt1 also functions as a nutrient/redox sensor, and new novel data show a function of this enzyme in the maturation of hypothalamic peptide hormones controlling energy balance either through regulation of specific nuclear transcription factors or by regulating specific pro-hormone convertases (PCs) involved in the post-translational processing of pro-hormones. The post-translational processing mechanism of pro-hormones is critical in the pathogenesis of obesity as recently shown that metabolic and physiological triggers affect the biosynthesis and processing of many peptides hormones. Specific regulation of pro-hormone processing is likely another key step where final amounts of bioactive peptides can be tightly regulated. Different factors stimulate or inhibit pro-hormones biosynthesis in concert with an increase in the PCs involved in the maturation of bioactive hormones. Adding more complexity to the system, the new studies describe here suggest that Sirt1 could also regulate the fate of peptide hormone biosynthesis. The present review summarizes the recent progress in hypothalamic SIRT1 research with a particular emphasis on the tissue-specific control of neuropeptide hormone maturation. The series of studies done in mouse and rat models strongly advocate for the first time that a deacetylating enzyme could be a regulator in the maturation of peptide hormones and their processing enzymes. These discoveries are the culmination of the first in-depth understanding of the metabolic role of Sirt1 in the brain. It suggests that Sirt1 behaves differently in the brain than in organs such as the liver and pancreas, where the enzyme has been more commonly studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A Nillni
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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Involvement of CRFR 1 in the Basolateral Amygdala in the Immediate Fear Extinction Deficit. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0084-16. [PMID: 27844053 PMCID: PMC5093152 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0084-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several animal and clinical studies have highlighted the ineffectiveness of fear extinction sessions delivered shortly after trauma exposure. This phenomenon, termed the immediate extinction deficit, refers to situations in which extinction programs applied shortly after fear conditioning may result in the reduction of fear behaviors (in rodents, frequently measured as freezing responses to the conditioned cue) during extinction training, but failure to consolidate this reduction in the long term. The molecular mechanisms driving this immediate extinction resistance remain unclear. Here we present evidence for the involvement of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in male Wistar rats. Intra-BLA microinfusion of the CRFR1 antagonist NBI30775 enhances extinction recall, whereas administration of the CRF agonist CRF6–33 before delayed extinction disrupts recall of extinction. We link the immediate fear extinction deficit with dephosphorylation of GluA1 glutamate receptors at Ser845 and enhanced activity of the protein phosphatase calcineurin in the BLA. Their reversal after treatment with the CRFR1 antagonist indicates their dependence on CRFR1 actions. These findings can have important implications for the improvement of therapeutic approaches to trauma, as well as furthering our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear-related disorders.
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Lukkes JL, Norman KJ, Meda S, Andersen SL. Sex differences in the ontogeny of CRF receptors during adolescent development in the dorsal raphe nucleus and ventral tegmental area. Synapse 2016; 70:125-32. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.21882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L. Lukkes
- Laboratory for Developmental Neuropharmacology; McLean Hospital; Belmont Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Kevin J. Norman
- Laboratory for Developmental Neuropharmacology; McLean Hospital; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Shirisha Meda
- Laboratory for Developmental Neuropharmacology; McLean Hospital; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Susan L. Andersen
- Laboratory for Developmental Neuropharmacology; McLean Hospital; Belmont Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
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Toorie AM, Cyr NE, Steger JS, Beckman R, Farah G, Nillni EA. The Nutrient and Energy Sensor Sirt1 Regulates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis by Altering the Production of the Prohormone Convertase 2 (PC2) Essential in the Maturation of Corticotropin-releasing Hormone (CRH) from Its Prohormone in Male Rats. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:5844-5859. [PMID: 26755731 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.675264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the role of hypothalamic neuropeptides and hormones in energy balance is paramount in the search for approaches to mitigate the obese state. Increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity leads to increased levels of glucocorticoids (GC) that are known to regulate body weight. The axis initiates the production and release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Levels of active CRH peptide are dependent on the processing of its precursor pro-CRH by the action of two members of the family of prohormone convertases 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2). Here, we propose that the nutrient sensor sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) regulates the production of CRH post-translationally by affecting PC2. Data suggest that Sirt1 may alter the preproPC2 gene directly or via deacetylation of the transcription factor Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1). Data also suggest that Sirt1 may alter PC2 via a post-translational mechanism. Our results show that Sirt1 levels in the PVN increase in rats fed a high fat diet for 12 weeks. Furthermore, elevated Sirt1 increased PC2 levels, which in turn increased the production of active CRH and GC. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence supporting the hypothesis that PVN Sirt1 activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and basal GC levels by enhancing the production of CRH through an increase in the biosynthesis of PC2, which is essential in the maturation of CRH from its prohormone, pro-CRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika M Toorie
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903,; the Graduate Program in Pathobiology and
| | - Nicole E Cyr
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903,; the Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts 02357
| | - Jennifer S Steger
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - Ross Beckman
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - George Farah
- the Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts 02357
| | - Eduardo A Nillni
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903,; Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, and.
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Chen Y, Molet J, Gunn BG, Ressler K, Baram TZ. Diversity of Reporter Expression Patterns in Transgenic Mouse Lines Targeting Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Expressing Neurons. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4769-80. [PMID: 26402844 PMCID: PMC4655217 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic mice, including lines targeting corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF or CRH), have been extensively employed to study stress neurobiology. These powerful tools are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the localization and connectivity of CRH-expressing neurons, and the crucial roles of CRH in normal and pathological conditions. Accurate interpretation of studies using cell type-specific transgenic mice vitally depends on congruence between expression of the endogenous peptide and reporter. If reporter expression does not faithfully reproduce native gene expression, then effects of manipulating unintentionally targeted cells may be misattributed. Here, we studied CRH and reporter expression patterns in 3 adult transgenic mice: Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 (tdTomato mouse), Crfp3.0CreGFP, and Crh-GFP BAC. We employed the CRH antiserum generated by Vale after validating its specificity using CRH-null mice. We focused the analyses on stress-salient regions, including hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hippocampus. Expression patterns of endogenous CRH were consistent among wild-type and transgenic mice. In tdTomato mice, most CRH-expressing neurons coexpressed the reporter, yet the reporter identified a few non-CRH-expressing pyramidal-like cells in hippocampal CA1 and CA3. In Crfp3.0CreGFP mice, coexpression of CRH and the reporter was found in central amygdala and, less commonly, in other evaluated regions. In Crh-GFP BAC mice, the large majority of neurons expressed either CRH or reporter, with little overlap. These data highlight significant diversity in concordant expression of reporter and endogenous CRH among 3 available transgenic mice. These findings should be instrumental in interpreting important scientific findings emerging from the use of these potent neurobiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncai Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Jenny Molet
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Kerry Ressler
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Pediatrics (Y.C., B.G.G., T.Z.B.) and Anatomy/Neurobiology (Y.C., J.M., B.G.G., T.Z.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (K.R.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-4250
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Grone BP, Maruska KP. Divergent evolution of two corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) genes in teleost fishes. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:365. [PMID: 26528116 PMCID: PMC4602089 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome duplication, thought to have happened twice early in vertebrate evolution and a third time in teleost fishes, gives rise to gene paralogs that can evolve subfunctions or neofunctions via sequence and regulatory changes. To explore the evolution and functions of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), we searched sequenced teleost genomes for CRH paralogs. Our phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicate that two CRH genes, crha and crhb, evolved via duplication of crh1 early in the teleost lineage. We examined the expression of crha and crhb in two teleost species from different orders: an African cichlid, Burton's mouthbrooder, (Astatotilapia burtoni; Order Perciformes) and zebrafish (Danio rerio; Order Cypriniformes). Furthermore, we compared expression of the teleost crha and crhb genes with the crh1 gene of an outgroup to the teleost clade: the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). In situ hybridization for crha and crhb mRNA in brains and eyes revealed distinct expression patterns for crha in different teleost species. In the cichlid, crha mRNA was found in the retina but not in the brain. In zebrafish, however, crha mRNA was not found in the retina, but was detected in the brain, restricted to the ventral hypothalamus. Spotted gar crh1 was found in the retina as well as the brain, suggesting that the ancestor of teleost fishes likely had a crh1 gene expressed in both retina and brain. Thus, genome duplication may have freed crha from constraints, allowing it to evolve distinct sequences, expression patterns, and likely unique functions in different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Grone
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Michael Caudle W. This can't be stressed enough: The contribution of select environmental toxicants to disruption of the stress circuitry and response. Physiol Behav 2015; 166:65-75. [PMID: 26409212 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the limbic system through glucocorticoid signaling is imperative in initiating and regulating a suitable stress response following real or perceived threats. Dysfunction of these circuits that results in a persistent or inhibited glucocorticoid secretion can severely affect processing of stressful experiences and lead to risk for developing further psychiatric pathology. Exposure to toxic chemicals found in our environment, including pesticides, metals, and industrial compounds, have been shown to have significant impact on neurological health and disease. Indeed, studies have begun to identify the HPA axis and limbic system as potential targets of many of these environmental chemicals, suggesting a possible environmental risk for damage to the stress circuit and response to stressful stimuli. This review will focus on our current understanding of the impact exposure to environmental toxicants, including bisphenol A and lead, has on the synaptic physiology of the HPA axis and limbic system and how this contributes to an alteration in behavior output. Further, this discussion will provide a starting point to continue to couple novel toxicological and neurological approaches to elaborate our understanding of the influence of environmental chemicals on the stress response and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Michael Caudle
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA.
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31
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P7, a novel antagonist of corticotropin releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRFR1) screened from phage display library. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:200-4. [PMID: 25998380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in regulating the activities of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the presence of a variety of stressful stimuli via binding to its type 1 receptors (CRFR1). Despite that many peptidic or non-peptidic antagonists of CRFR1 have been developed to serve as therapeutic tools to CRF-related pathologies, none of them have been utilized clinically. Targeting the extracellular domain 1 (EC1) of CRFR1, the CRF-binding site, represents a new strategy to inhibit the function of the receptor. However, no such agents have been identified up to now. Herein, by using an 87-amino acid fragment corresponding to the EC1 region as the bait, we screened the binding polypeptides from a phage display (Ph.D.-12) peptide library. After 3-round biopanning, positive clones were selected and the polypeptides carried by them were identified. 5 polypeptides were found to bind with the target specifically. Among them, the P7 exhibited the highest affinity. By evaluating the cAMP accumulation in the CRFR1 or CRFR2-expressing HEK293 cells, we demonstrated that P7 blocking the function of CRFR1, but not CRFR2. In addition, we also found that P7 and CRF act on CRFR1 competitively. Taken together, we reveal that P7, a novel polypeptide identified from phage display library, inhibits the function of CRFR1 effectively and specifically by binding at its EC1 domain. The new polypeptide might provide a promising agent for diagnostic or therapeutic utilities in CRF-related disorders.
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32
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Grone BP, Maruska KP. A second corticotropin-releasing hormone gene (CRH2) is conserved across vertebrate classes and expressed in the hindbrain of a basal neopterygian fish, the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:1125-43. [PMID: 25521515 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the origins of the vertebrate stress-response system, we searched sequenced vertebrate genomes for genes resembling corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). We found that vertebrate genomes possess, in addition to CRH, another gene that resembles CRH in sequence and syntenic environment. This paralogous gene was previously identified only in the elephant shark (a holocephalan), but we find it also in marsupials, monotremes, lizards, turtles, birds, and fishes. We examined the relationship of this second vertebrate CRH gene, which we name CRH2, to CRH1 (previously known as CRH) and urocortin1/urotensin1 (UCN1/UTS1) in primitive fishes, teleosts, and tetrapods. The paralogs CRH1 and CRH2 likely evolved via duplication of CRH during a whole-genome duplication early in the vertebrate lineage. CRH2 was subsequently lost in both teleost fishes and eutherian mammals but retained in other lineages. To determine where CRH2 is expressed relative to CRH1 and UTS1, we used in situ hybridization on brain tissue from spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a neopterygian fish closely related to teleosts. In situ hybridization revealed widespread distribution of both crh1 and uts1 in the brain. Expression of crh2 was restricted to the putative secondary gustatory/secondary visceral nucleus, which also expressed calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha (calca), a marker of parabrachial nucleus in mammals. Thus, the evolutionary history of CRH2 includes restricted expression in the brain, sequence changes, and gene loss, likely reflecting release of selective constraints following whole-genome duplication. The discovery of CRH2 opens many new possibilities for understanding the diverse functions of the CRH family of peptides across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Grone
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94143
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Abstract
Research on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis has emerged as a vital area within the field of developmental psychopathology in the past 25 years. Extensive animal research has provided knowledge of the substrates and physiological mechanisms that guide development of stress reactivity and regulation using methods that are not feasible in humans. Recent advances in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the HPA axis in humans and its interactions with other stress-mediating systems, including accurate assessment of salivary cortisol, more sophisticated neuroimaging methods, and a variety of genetic analyses, have led to greater knowledge of how psychological and biological processes impact functioning. A growing body of research on HPA axis regulation and reactivity in relation to psychopathology has drawn increased focus on the prenatal period, infancy, and the pubertal transition as potentially sensitive periods of stress system development in children. Theories such as the allostatic load model have guided research by integrating multiple physiological systems and mechanisms by which stress can affect mental and physical health. However, almost none of the prominent theoretical models in stress physiology are truly developmental, and future work must incorporate how systems interact with the environment across the life span in normal and atypical development. Our theoretical advancement will depend on our ability to integrate biological and psychological models. Researchers are increasingly realizing the importance of communication across disciplinary boundaries in order to understand how experiences influence neurobehavioral development. It is important that knowledge gained over the past 25 years has been translated to prevention and treatment interventions, and we look forward to the dissemination of interventions that promote recovery from adversity.
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Mayer SE, Abelson JL, Lopez-Duran NL. Effortful control and context interact in shaping neuroendocrine stress responses during childhood. Horm Behav 2014; 66:457-65. [PMID: 25019964 PMCID: PMC4148048 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Trait and contextual factors can shape individual and group differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response to stress; but the ways in which these factors may interact with each other to modulate stress activity have rarely been examined. Here, we investigated whether the association between a temperamental self-regulatory trait - Effortful Control (EC) - and HPA axis stress response is moderated by type of laboratory stress in sixty-five children (35 boys). EC was measured at ages 3 and 6 using age-appropriate laboratory batteries as well as mother reports. HPA axis responses were measured at age 7 by randomly assigning children to one of two laboratory stress tasks (frustration vs. fear). Results indicated that EC interacted with stress context in predicting cortisol response. Specifically, lower EC was associated with greater cortisol response (steeper reactivity slopes) in the context of a frustration stressor but this was reversed in a fear context where lower EC was associated with flatter, more gradual activation. It is likely that different components of EC, such as emotion regulation and attention, differentially interact with the stress context. These types of effects and interactions need to be more thoroughly understood in order to meaningfully interpret cortisol reactivity data and better characterize the role of the HPA axis in human psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie E Mayer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, 2261 East Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - James L Abelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Rachel Upjohn Building, 4250 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nestor L Lopez-Duran
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, 2257 East Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Preferential loss of dorsal-hippocampus synapses underlies memory impairments provoked by short, multimodal stress. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:811-22. [PMID: 24589888 PMCID: PMC4074447 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive effects of stress are profound, yet it is unknown if the consequences of concurrent multiple stresses on learning and memory differ from those of a single stress of equal intensity and duration. We compared the effects on hippocampus-dependent memory of concurrent, hours-long light, loud noise, jostling and restraint (multimodal stress) with those of restraint or of loud noise alone. We then examined if differences in memory impairment following these two stress types might derive from their differential impact on hippocampal synapses, distinguishing dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Mice exposed to hours-long restraint or loud noise were modestly or minimally impaired in novel object recognition, whereas similar-duration multimodal stress provoked severe deficits. Differences in memory were not explained by differences in plasma corticosterone levels or numbers of Fos-labeled neurons in stress-sensitive hypothalamic neurons. However, although synapses in hippocampal CA3 were impacted by both restraint and multimodal stress, multimodal stress alone reduced synapse numbers severely in dorsal CA1, a region crucial for hippocampus-dependent memory. Ventral CA1 synapses were not significantly affected by either stress modality. Probing the basis of the preferential loss of dorsal synapses after multimodal stress, we found differential patterns of neuronal activation by the two stress types. Cross-correlation matrices, reflecting functional connectivity among activated regions, demonstrated that multimodal stress reduced hippocampal correlations with septum and thalamus and increased correlations with amygdala and BST. Thus, despite similar effects on plasma corticosterone and on hypothalamic stress-sensitive cells, multimodal and restraint stress differ in their activation of brain networks and in their impact on hippocampal synapses. Both of these processes might contribute to amplified memory impairments following short, multimodal stress.
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Hostinar CE, Sullivan RM, Gunnar MR. Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the social buffering of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: a review of animal models and human studies across development. Psychol Bull 2014; 140:256-282. [PMID: 23607429 PMCID: PMC3844011 DOI: 10.1037/a0032671 10.1037/a0032671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Discovering the stress-buffering effects of social relationships has been one of the major findings in psychobiology in the last century. However, an understanding of the underlying neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of this buffering is only beginning to emerge. An important avenue of this research concerns the neurocircuitry that can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present review is a translational effort aimed at integrating animal models and human studies of the social regulation of the HPA axis from infancy to adulthood, specifically focusing on the process that has been named social buffering. This process has been noted across species and consists of a dampened HPA axis stress response to threat or challenge that occurs with the presence or assistance of a conspecific. We describe aspects of the relevant underlying neurobiology when enough information exists and expose major gaps in our understanding across all domains of the literatures we aimed to integrate. We provide a working conceptual model focused on the role of oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal neural networks as 2 of the putative biological mediators of this process, and propose that the role of early experiences is critical in shaping later social buffering effects. This synthesis points to both general future directions and specific experiments that need to be conducted to build a more comprehensive model of the HPA social buffering effect across the life span that incorporates multiple levels of analysis: neuroendocrine, behavioral, and social.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan S. Kline Institute, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center
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Cope JL, Regev L, Chen Y, Korosi A, Rice CJ, Ji S, Rogge GA, Wood MA, Baram TZ. Differential contribution of CBP:CREB binding to corticotropin-releasing hormone expression in the infant and adult hypothalamus. Stress 2014; 17:39-50. [PMID: 23768074 PMCID: PMC3869921 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2013.806907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) contributes crucially to the regulation of central and peripheral responses to stress. Because of the importance of a finely tuned stress system, CRH expression is tightly regulated in an organ- and brain region-specific manner. Thus, in the hypothalamus, CRH is constitutively expressed and this expression is further enhanced by stress; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. The regulatory region of the crh gene contains several elements, including the cyclic-AMP response element (CRE), and the role of the CRE interaction with the cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in CRH expression has been a focus of intensive research. Notably, whereas thousands of genes contain a CRE, the functional regulation of gene expression by the CRE:CREB system is limited to ∼100 genes, and likely requires additional proteins. Here, we investigated the role of a member of the CREB complex, CREB binding protein (CBP), in basal and stress-induced CRH expression during development and in the adult. Using mice with a deficient CREB-binding site on CBP, we found that CBP:CREB interaction is necessary for normal basal CRH expression at the mRNA and protein level in the nine-day-old mouse, prior to onset of functional regulation of hypothalamic CRH expression by glucocorticoids. This interaction, which functions directly on crh or indirectly via regulation of other genes, was no longer required for maintenance of basal CRH expression levels in the adult. However, CBP:CREB binding contributed to stress-induced CRH expression in the adult, enabling rapid CRH synthesis in hypothalamus. CBP:CREB binding deficiency did not disrupt basal corticosterone plasma levels or acute stress-evoked corticosterone release. Because dysregulation of CRH expression occurs in stress-related disorders including depression, a full understanding of the complex regulation of this gene is important in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Cope
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Limor Regev
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Courtney J. Rice
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sung Ji
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - George A. Rogge
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Marcelo A. Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Beurel E, Nemeroff CB. Interaction of stress, corticotropin-releasing factor, arginine vasopressin and behaviour. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 18:67-80. [PMID: 24659554 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Stress mediates the activation of a variety of systems ranging from inflammatory to behavioral responses. In this review we focus on two neuropeptide systems, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), and their roles in regulating stress responses. Both peptides have been demonstrated to be involved in anxiogenic and depressive effects, actions mediated in part through their regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Because of the depressive effects of CRF and AVP, drugs modifying the stress-associated detrimental actions of CRF and AVP are under development, particularly drugs antagonizing CRF and AVP receptors for therapy in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Beurel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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Diamantopoulou A, Raftogianni A, Stamatakis A, Tzanoulinou S, Oitzl MS, Stylianopoulou F. Denial or receipt of expected reward through maternal contact during the neonatal period differentially affect the development of the rat amygdala and program its function in adulthood in a sex-dimorphic way. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1757-71. [PMID: 23490071 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Early experiences affect brain development and thus adult brain function and behavior. We employed a novel early experience model involving denial (DER) or receipt of expected reward (RER) through maternal contact in a T-maze. Exposure to the DER experience for the first time, on postnatal day 10 (PND10), was stressful for the pups, as assessed by increased corticosterone levels, and was accompanied by enhanced activation of the amygdala, as assessed by c-Fos immunohistochemistry. Re-exposure to the same experience on days 11-13 led to adaptation. Corticosterone levels of the RER pups did not differ on the first and last days of training (PND10 and 13 respectively), while on PND11 and 12 they were lower than those of the CTR. The RER experience did not lead to activation of the amygdala. Males and females exposed as neonates to the DER or RER experience, and controls were tested as adults in the open field task (OF), the elevated plus maze (EPM), and cued and contextual fear conditioning (FC). No group differences were found in the EPM, while in the OF, both male and female DER animals, showed increased rearings, compared to the controls. In the FC, the RER males had increased memory for both context and cued conditioned fear, than either the DER or CTR. On the other hand, the DER males, but not females showed an increased activation, as assessed by c-Fos expression, of the amygdala following fear conditioning. Our results show that the DER early experience programmed the function of the adult amygdala as to render it more sensitive to fearful stimuli. This programming by the DER early experience could be mediated through epigenetic modifications of histones leading to chromatin opening, as indicated by our results showing increased levels of phospho-acetyl-histone-3 in the amygdala of the DER males.
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Kratzer S, Mattusch C, Metzger MW, Dedic N, Noll-Hussong M, Kafitz KW, Eder M, Deussing JM, Holsboer F, Kochs E, Rammes G. Activation of CRH receptor type 1 expressed on glutamatergic neurons increases excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons by the modulation of voltage-gated ion channels. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:91. [PMID: 23882180 PMCID: PMC3715697 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays an important role in a substantial number of patients with stress-related mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression. CRH has been shown to increase neuronal excitability in the hippocampus, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The effects of CRH on neuronal excitability were investigated in acute hippocampal brain slices. Population spikes (PS) and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) were evoked by stimulating Schaffer-collaterals and recorded simultaneously from the somatic and dendritic region of CA1 pyramidal neurons. CRH was found to increase PS amplitudes (mean ± Standard error of the mean; 231.8 ± 31.2% of control; n = 10) while neither affecting fEPSPs (104.3 ± 4.2%; n = 10) nor long-term potentiation (LTP). However, when Schaffer-collaterals were excited via action potentials (APs) generated by stimulation of CA3 pyramidal neurons, CRH increased fEPSP amplitudes (119.8 ± 3.6%; n = 8) and the magnitude of LTP in the CA1 region. Experiments in slices from transgenic mice revealed that the effect on PS amplitude is mediated exclusively by CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) expressed on glutamatergic neurons. The effects of CRH on PS were dependent on phosphatase-2B, L- and T-type calcium channels and voltage-gated potassium channels but independent on intracellular Ca2+-elevation. In patch-clamp experiments, CRH increased the frequency and decay times of APs and decreased currents through A-type and delayed-rectifier potassium channels. These results suggest that CRH does not affect synaptic transmission per se, but modulates voltage-gated ion currents important for the generation of APs and hence elevates by this route overall neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kratzer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München Munich, Germany
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Hostinar CE, Sullivan RM, Gunnar MR. Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the social buffering of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: a review of animal models and human studies across development. Psychol Bull 2013; 140:256-82. [PMID: 23607429 DOI: 10.1037/a0032671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Discovering the stress-buffering effects of social relationships has been one of the major findings in psychobiology in the last century. However, an understanding of the underlying neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of this buffering is only beginning to emerge. An important avenue of this research concerns the neurocircuitry that can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present review is a translational effort aimed at integrating animal models and human studies of the social regulation of the HPA axis from infancy to adulthood, specifically focusing on the process that has been named social buffering. This process has been noted across species and consists of a dampened HPA axis stress response to threat or challenge that occurs with the presence or assistance of a conspecific. We describe aspects of the relevant underlying neurobiology when enough information exists and expose major gaps in our understanding across all domains of the literatures we aimed to integrate. We provide a working conceptual model focused on the role of oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal neural networks as 2 of the putative biological mediators of this process, and propose that the role of early experiences is critical in shaping later social buffering effects. This synthesis points to both general future directions and specific experiments that need to be conducted to build a more comprehensive model of the HPA social buffering effect across the life span that incorporates multiple levels of analysis: neuroendocrine, behavioral, and social.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan S. Kline Institute, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center
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Taborsky B, Tschirren L, Meunier C, Aubin-Horth N. Stable reprogramming of brain transcription profiles by the early social environment in a cooperatively breeding fish. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20122605. [PMID: 23269853 PMCID: PMC3574353 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult social behaviour can be persistently modified by early-life social experience. In rodents, such effects are induced by tactile maternal stimulation resulting in neuroendocrine modifications of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis involved in stress responsiveness. Whether similar long-term alterations can occur in the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis of poikilothermic vertebrates is unknown. We compared the expression of four genes of the HPI axis in adults of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher, which had been exposed to two early-life social treatments 1.5 years prior to brain sampling. Fish reared with parents and siblings had less brain expression of corticotropin-releasing factor and of the functional homologue of the mammalian glucocorticoid receptor (GR1) than individuals reared with same-age siblings only. Expression of the mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) did not differ between treatments, but the MR/GR1 expression ratio was markedly higher in fish reared with parents and siblings. Thus, we show here that early social experience can alter the programming of the stress axis in poikilothermic vertebrates, suggesting that this mechanism is deeply conserved within vertebrates. Moreover, we show for the first time that reprogramming of the stress axis of a vertebrate can be induced without tactile stimulation by parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
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43
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Cernaro V, Lacquaniti A, Lupica R, Buemi A, Trimboli D, Giorgianni G, Bolignano D, Buemi M. Relaxin: new pathophysiological aspects and pharmacological perspectives for an old protein. Med Res Rev 2013; 34:77-105. [PMID: 23401142 DOI: 10.1002/med.21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human relaxin-2 (hereafter simply defined as "relaxin") is a 6-kDa peptidic hormone best known for the physiological role played during pregnancy in the growth and differentiation of the reproductive tract and in the renal and systemic hemodynamic changes. This factor can also be involved in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension and heart failure, in the molecular pathways of fibrosis and cancer, and in angiogenesis and bone remodeling. It belongs to the relaxin peptide family, whose members comprehensively exert numerous effects through interaction with different types of receptors, classified as relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2, RXFP3, RXFP4). Research looks toward the in-depth examination and complete understanding of relaxin in its various pleiotropic actions. The intent is to evaluate the likelihood of employing this substance for therapeutic purposes, for instance in diseases where a deficit could be part of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, also avoiding any adverse effect. Relaxin is already being considered as a promising drug, especially in acute heart failure. A careful study of the different RXFPs and their receptors and the comprehension of all biological activities of these hormones will probably provide new drugs with a potential wide range of therapeutic applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cernaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98100, Italy
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44
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Wray CD. 17q21.31 microdeletion associated with infantile spasms. Eur J Med Genet 2012; 56:59-61. [PMID: 23123321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with 17q21.31 microdeletions frequently have neurologic abnormalities, especially seizures. This report is of a child with a deletion in this location who developed infantile spasms, a seizure type not specifically described in this syndrome. FISH analysis of parental blood metaphases demonstrated that the deletions occurred de novo. The deleted region encompasses the previously defined critical region for the 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, and includes the gene encoding for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1, a protein implicated in hyperexcitability, and potentially in infantile spasms. Treatment with ACTH led to spasm cessation, consistent with its expected repression of CRH levels, which should be augmented by CRHR1 deletion, although this response was transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter D Wray
- Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA.
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45
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REFERENCES. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5834.2011.00672.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Oberlander JG, Henderson LP. Corticotropin-releasing factor modulation of forebrain GABAergic transmission has a pivotal role in the expression of anabolic steroid-induced anxiety in the female mouse. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1483-99. [PMID: 22298120 PMCID: PMC3327853 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Increased anxiety is commonly observed in individuals who illicitly administer anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Behavioral effects of steroid abuse have become an increasing concern in adults and adolescents of both sexes. The dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBnST) has a critical role in the expression of diffuse anxiety and is a key site of action for the anxiogenic neuromodulator, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Here we demonstrate that chronic, but not acute, exposure of female mice during adolescence to AAS augments anxiety-like behaviors; effects that were blocked by central infusion of the CRF receptor type 1 antagonist, antalarmin. AAS treatment selectively increased action potential (AP) firing in neurons of the central amygdala (CeA) that project to the dlBnST, increased the frequency of GABA(A) receptor-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in dlBnST target neurons, and decreased both c-FOS immunoreactivity (IR) and AP frequency in these postsynaptic cells. Acute application of antalarmin abrogated the enhancement of GABAergic inhibition induced by chronic AAS exposure whereas application of CRF to brain slices of naïve mice mimicked the actions of this treatment. These results, in concert with previous data demonstrating that chronic AAS treatment results in enhanced levels of CRF mRNA in the CeA and increased CRF-IR in the dlBnST neuropil, are consistent with a mechanism in which the enhanced anxiety elicited by chronic AAS exposure involves augmented inhibitory activity of CeA afferents to the dlBnST and CRF-dependent enhancement of GABAergic inhibition in this brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Oberlander
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Leslie P Henderson
- Department of Physiology & Neurobiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA
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47
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Maras PM, Baram TZ. Sculpting the hippocampus from within: stress, spines, and CRH. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:315-24. [PMID: 22386641 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Learning and memory processes carried out within the hippocampus are influenced by stress in a complex manner, and the mechanisms by which stress modulates the physiology of the hippocampus are not fully understood. This review addresses how the production and release of the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) within the hippocampus during stress influences neuronal structure and hippocampal function. CRH functions in the contexts of acute and chronic stresses taking place during development, adulthood and aging. Current challenges are to uncover how the dynamic actions of CRH integrate with the well-established roles of adrenal-derived steroid stress hormones to shape the cognitive functions of the hippocampus in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela M Maras
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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48
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Seidel K, Poeggel G, Holetschka R, Helmeke C, Braun K. Paternal deprivation affects the development of corticotrophin-releasing factor-expressing neurones in prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus of the biparental Octodon degus. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:1166-76. [PMID: 21848809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the critical role of maternal care on the development of brain and behaviour of the offspring has been extensively studied, knowledge about the importance of paternal care is comparatively scarce. In biparental species, paternal care significantly contributes to a stimulating socio-emotional family environment, which most likely also includes protection from stressful events. In the biparental caviomorph rodent Octodon degus, we analysed the impact of paternal care on the development of neurones in prefrontal-limbic brain regions, which express corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF). CRF is a polypeptidergic hormone that is expressed and released by a neuronal subpopulation in the brain, and which not only is essential for regulating stress and emotionality, but also is critically involved in cognitive functions. At weaning age [postnatal day (P)21], paternal deprivation resulted in an elevated density of CRF-containing neurones in the orbitofrontal cortex and in the basolateral amygdala of male degus, whereas a reduced density of CRF-expressing neurones was measured in the dentate gyrus and stratum pyramidale of the hippocampal CA1 region at this age. With the exception of the CA1 region, the deprivation-induced changes were no longer evident in adulthood (P90), which suggests a transient change that, in later life, might be normalised by other socio-emotional experience. The central amygdala, characterised by dense clusters of CRF-immunopositive neuropil, and the precentral medial, anterior cingulate, infralimbic and prelimbic cortices, were not affected by paternal deprivation. Taken together, this is the first evidence that paternal care interferes with the developmental expression pattern of CRF-expressing interneurones in an age- and region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Seidel
- Institute of Biology, Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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49
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Taniguchi H, He M, Wu P, Kim S, Paik R, Sugino K, Kvitsiani D, Kvitsani D, Fu Y, Lu J, Lin Y, Miyoshi G, Shima Y, Fishell G, Nelson SB, Huang ZJ. A resource of Cre driver lines for genetic targeting of GABAergic neurons in cerebral cortex. Neuron 2011; 71:995-1013. [PMID: 21943598 PMCID: PMC3779648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1343] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A key obstacle to understanding neural circuits in the cerebral cortex is that of unraveling the diversity of GABAergic interneurons. This diversity poses general questions for neural circuit analysis: how are these interneuron cell types generated and assembled into stereotyped local circuits and how do they differentially contribute to circuit operations that underlie cortical functions ranging from perception to cognition? Using genetic engineering in mice, we have generated and characterized approximately 20 Cre and inducible CreER knockin driver lines that reliably target major classes and lineages of GABAergic neurons. More select populations are captured by intersection of Cre and Flp drivers. Genetic targeting allows reliable identification, monitoring, and manipulation of cortical GABAergic neurons, thereby enabling a systematic and comprehensive analysis from cell fate specification, migration, and connectivity, to their functions in network dynamics and behavior. As such, this approach will accelerate the study of GABAergic circuits throughout the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Taniguchi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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50
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Curley JP, Jensen CL, Mashoodh R, Champagne FA. Social influences on neurobiology and behavior: epigenetic effects during development. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:352-71. [PMID: 20650569 PMCID: PMC2980807 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The quality of the social environment can have profound influences on the development and activity of neural systems with implications for numerous behavioral and physiological responses, including the expression of emotionality. Though social experiences occurring early in development may be particularly influential on the developing brain, there is continued plasticity within these neural circuits amongst juveniles and into early adulthood. In this review, we explore the evidence derived from studies in rodents which illustrates the social modulation during development of neural systems, with a particular emphasis on those systems in which a long-term effect is observed. One possible explanation for the persistence of dynamic changes in these systems in response to the environment is the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, and here we discuss recent studies which support the role of these mechanisms in mediating the link between social experiences, gene expression, neurobiological changes, and behavioral variation. This literature raises critical questions about the interaction between neural systems, the concordance between neural and behavioral changes, sexual dimorphism in effects, the importance of considering individual differences in response to the social environment, and the potential of an epigenetic perspective in advancing our understanding of the pathways leading to variations in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Curley
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
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